Good Note Taking Apps for Mac – 7 Best Picks 2025

In today’s digital age, note-taking has become an essential skill, especially for people who like to keep their ideas, tasks and daily chores organized. I think if you are looking for good note taking apps for Mac, then you want to take your workflow to the next level. Imagine if you had an app that lets you organize every note without wasting time, syncs with iPhone, and makes it easy for you to search. I have tested quite a few apps myself, and this article is based on those experiences.

Let's now take a detailed look at which apps are best for Mac users, and what are their pros and cons.

1. Apple Notes – Perfect Starting Point for Mac Users

If you use a Mac, Apple Notes is the first app you should try. It's free, built-in, and syncs with every device you have via iCloud. I think this is a great choice for beginners as its interface is simple.

• Pros: 

Simple UI, hand-drawn notes, folders.

• Cons: 

Limited features for advanced users.

You will notice that Apple Notes is perfect for people who don’t want to bother with too many features and just want a reliable note system. It is first on the list because it works seamlessly with the Mac ecosystem.

2. Notion – All-in-One Workspace for Creatives

Notion is a very versatile app where you can use it not only for notes but also for tasks, databases and planning. I have tried Notion myself, and I think if you are a creative, this app will give you a chance to manage everything in one place.

• With drag-and-drop blocks, templates and sharing options, it’s also perfect for professional teams.

• Imagine how easy life is when you can have your notes and project planning all in one place.

Notion is for people who like to organize everything on one platform, and it definitely deserves the top spot in the category of good note taking apps for Mac.

3. Evernote – Classic Yet Powerful

Evernote is an old app, but it still offers some really powerful features. I think if you like notebooks, tags and web clipping, Evernote is your best friend.

• Sync is available on every platform, be it Windows or Android.

PDF and audio attachments are also available for notes..•.

Evernote's biggest strength is its tag system which makes search easy. If you are a professional and want all your notes to be organized properly, then this is a must-try.

4. Bear - Minimalist Note-Taking for Writers

Bear's minimalist interface is a dream come true for writers and bloggers. I myself used Bear when I needed a distraction-free environment for writing.

• With Markdown support, it gives you the feel of professional writing.

• You can divide notes into categories using hashtags.

If you're taking notes for your next blog or book on a MacBook, imagine Bear's clean design will inspire you to write. It should definitely be on the shortlist of good note taking apps for Mac.

5. OneNote – Free and Feature-Packed

Microsoft OneNote is a free app that's a gem for students and professionals alike.

• With section-based notebooks and hand-drawing, it takes note-taking to the next level.

• I've used OneNote for college projects, and honestly, its organizational system is unmatched.

You will notice that OneNote is extremely powerful without costing you a penny. If you need multi-platform support, this app is a solid option.

6. Simplenote – Fast and Focused

Simplenote is for those who just want to write notes without unnecessary features.

• Lightweight app that syncs instantly across devices.

• I think this app is very useful for students who just want to write lecture notes and reminders.

Simplenote is the ideal companion for those who prefer quick and uncomplicated tasks. This is also a must add to the list when we talk about good note taking apps for Mac.

7. Obsidian – Knowledge Management for Power Users

Obsidian is a unique app for those who want to make their notes an interconnected knowledge base.

• With a Markdown-based linking system, you can connect each note like a graph.

• Imagine how much clarity you can get if all your ideas are connected like a web.

This app is for power users who want to make their notes a long-term resource yes.

8. Zoho Notebook – Visual Note-Taking Experience

The interface of Zoho Notebook is colorful and visually appealing.

• I think if you like design and visuals, this app will attract you.

• Each note feels like a “card” that inspires your creative side.

Zoho Notebook is for those who want productivity along with aesthetics.

To understand the difference between web tools and apps, check out the article Web Apps vs Web Pages: Top 7 Clear Differences.

Personal Experience with Mac Note-Taking Apps

I have personally used Apple Notes and Notion the most, and I think both are best for their different use cases. Apple Notes is perfect for simple tasks, while Notion is unbeatable for projects and creative workflows. You should choose according to your requirement, but honestly, all these apps are one of a kind.

If you need more productivity tips and best app recommendations, check out our Good Note Taking Apps for Mac guide on TechEaselyBlog. Here you will also get the latest tech tools and earning tricks.

FAQs – Accordion-Ready

Q1: Are free note-taking apps enough on Mac?

Yes, if you want simple note-taking then free options like Apple Notes and Simplenote are enough.

Q2: Which is the best app for students?

OneNote is best for students as it has section-based organization and free availability.

Q3: Can I use Bear or Obsidian for free?

Bear has a free version but advanced sync requires a paid plan. Obsidian is mostly free with optional add-ons.

Q4: Which is the best app for writers?

Bear and Obsidian are top recommendations for writers due to Markdown and distraction-free writing environment.

Q5: Do these apps sync with Android?

Apart from Apple Notes, other apps like Evernote, Notion, and OneNote also sync with Android.