The tools available on Google Docs exceed any note-taking app so far. This makes it incredibly convenient to work on group projects efficiently. For starters, anyone with a Gmail account can create a document and share and collaborate with others in real-time. However, I speak from personal experience when I say it is one of the best apps for students to take notes. Technically, Google Docs is a word processor and therefore it shouldn’t be on this list.

Typora is free at the time of writing this list but it would cost $9/license when it goes out of beta. However, my favorite part is the focus mode and typewriter mode that add to the minimalism of the app and improves focus.Īlong with that, there are five different themes, an outline panel, export options, and a file organizer. Even though it looks bare, the app has all the markdown features that would allow you to create comprehensive notes.

Typora addresses that by offering a minimal note-taking experience on Windows, Linux, and Mac. The most distracting part while taking notes on a computer is the computer itself with its packed toolbar and the usual unnecessary buttons that no one wants. Bear is free to use and comes with a subscription that costs $1.49/month which gives you access to themes, sync between all devices, and advanced export options. The app also lets you export the notes as a PDF, Word doc, or HTML which is a useful feature to have. Unlike Apple Notes, Bear displays useful information such as word count, read time, paragraphs, modification date, etc. As the app uses standard markdown shortcuts, you can quickly create detailed notes using lists, headings, strikethrough, links, quotes, checklists, etc. Bear is a beautiful note-taking app that gives you the power of markdown on your fingertips. While Standard Notes checks a lot of boxes, it is certainly an overkill for most students as they usually need an app that gets the job done, effectively. Get Standard Notes (free, in-app purchases) 2. Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. The subscription costs $9.99 per month but much less if you go for a 5-year plan. Paying for a subscription gets you 10 different editors, custom themes, and automated backups.

You can start using the note-taking app for free and enjoy most of the features. Standard Notes is primarily made for macOS but you can find the apps for Android, iOS, and Windows as well. Standard Notes provides E2E encryption, cloud backups, heightened security, and access on unlimited devices.

Best note taking app