# Best Note-Taking Software - Page 8 *By [Neeraja Prakash](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/neeraja-prakash)* Note-taking software enables users to take down notes or thoughts in a text format. These tools are similar to [document creation software](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/document-creation) but are intended for short-form documents. Many note-taking management solutions will provide helpful functionality such as list creation and the ability to cross off entries or checkboxes. Other tools simulate a physical pen and paper and allow users to write out their notes as opposed to typing them. The [best note-taking software](https://learn.g2.com/best-note-taking-apps) provides an easily accessible space for users to quickly write down their thoughts, plans, or other information. These spaces are intended to be personal and less formal, allowing users to focus on the key information they need to remember rather than its format. While some collaboration software like [employee intranet software](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/employee-intranet) will offer a note-taking feature in their product, most note-taking management options are standalone tools. These versions of the software often provide integration with other tools like [internal communications software](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/internal-communications) or [calendar software](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/calendar). This allows users to easily share notes with teammates, if necessary, or align notes with specific dates or engagements. To qualify for inclusion in the Note-Taking Management category, a product must: - Create editable, text-based documents - Allow users to create and store multiple notes - Provide limited functionality for lists, such as entry cross-off or check boxes - Offer collaborative note-taking tools or note sharing ## How Many Note-Taking Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 148 ### Category Stats (May 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.39/5 (↓0.01 vs Apr 2026) - **New Reviews This Quarter**: 1,236 - **Buyer Segments**: Small-Business 61% │ Mid-Market 32% │ Enterprise 7% - **Top Trending Product**: Mentalyc (+0.05) *Last updated: May 31, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Note-Taking Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 97,300+ Authentic Reviews - 148+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Note-Taking Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [CoRecruit (formerly Quil)](https://www.g2.com/products/corecruit-formerly-quil/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Notion](https://www.g2.com/products/notion/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Fathom Fathom is the #1-rated AI meeting partner that captures what matters and turns every conversation into clear, actionable outcomes. It surfaces decisions, makes every meeting searchable, and syncs insights directly into CRM and productivity tools – eliminating manual work. Named to G2’s 2026 Best Software Awards Top 100, and recognized by HubSpot as its 2025 Most Used App of the Year, Fathom is trusted by hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide to help individuals stay focused, teams stay aligned, and organizations move faster. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=paid_promo&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=652&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=156120&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=652&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fnote-taking-software%3Fpage%3D10%26source%3Dsearch&secure%5Btoken%5D=9341a88e8543ebc69949cef3cf93dcc39bae6cd5275724fe53c6198cfefe4b5d&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Ffathom.video%2Fpricing&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos) --- ## What Is Note-Taking Software? [Collaboration & Productivity Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/collaboration-productivity) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Note-Taking Software? - [Task Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/task-management-software) - [AI Writing Assistants](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-writing-assistant) - [AI Meeting Assistants Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-meeting-assistants) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Note-Taking Software? ### What You Should Know About Note-Taking Software ### What is Note-Taking Software? Note-taking software is very straightforward. These no-nonsense applications allow users to quickly document and access informally recorded information. Additionally, note-taking apps are very versatile and give the user plenty of freedom to decide how to use the application. These software options are often used for business-focused tasks such as to-do lists but have many personal applications as well, such as grocery list management. Note-taking software aims to be readily available when users need to quickly jot down or pull up information, so many offer convenient mobile apps that sync with their desktop counterparts. For business-geared note-taking apps, collaborative features tend to be highlighted as well, and users can share their notes with teammates. **Key Benefits of Note-Taking Software** - Fewer instances of forgotten meetings, dates, or information - Dedicated space for brainstorming - Informal information-sharing and collaboration with teammates - Collect all important notes in one application ### Why Use Note-Taking Software? **Convenience —** Opening up a dedicated document creation program can feel like overkill when all you need to do is jot down a quick note or reminder. Note-taking apps provide the same type of text-based platform to record information but are typically low fidelity. They offer only the basic features a user needs for taking notes. **Informality —** Since these spaces are less formal, users can focus on the substance of the information they need to remember rather than its format. Many note-taking management applications are intended for individual use and don’t have to be shared, so users feel more inclined to use shorthand. **Consolidation and organization —** Physical sticky notes can be convenient, but they’re also easily lost. If a sticky note with an important phone number is left at work, it is what it is. A note-taking app can be as easy as throwing a digital sticky note onto your laptop for yourself later. Most, if not all, note-taking solutions sync across all devices, putting all your notes in one place wherever you need them. ### Who Uses Note-Taking Software? Notes are universally helpful whether you’re at home making a grocery list or at work recording important dates. The beauty of note-taking apps is that they’re helpful to almost everyone regardless of industry profession. Most note-taking management tools are very general and can be applied to any profession. However, others are built for particular professions, such as health care or engineering, and will provide integrations with the popular software solutions in a given space. ### Kinds of Note-Taking Software Note-taking software is notably straightforward, and there’s little variation in terms of overall features between products. Many notepads are standalone applications, but some [collaboration and productivity software](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/collaboration-productivity) options will offer a notepad within their product as well. **Notepad —** The vast majority of note-taking apps will function like a notepad, where users can quickly type their thoughts. While most notepad apps use text as their input, others will allow the users to write or scribble using their fingers and a touch screen. **Sticky Notes —** Some note-taking tools function like digital sticky notes for your computer or phone. The app will allow users to drag and drop a sticky note onto their home screen that can be edited, moved, or deleted at any time. ### Note-Taking Software Features While note-taking apps are straightforward in what they offer, they can differ substantially from product to product. One of the main distinctions between products is their organizing principle. Some popular organizational systems include tags, sections, notebooks, and association trees. Picking an organizational system that makes sense to you and your use case is the best way to narrow down potential software solutions. Other notable note-taking app features can include the following: **Syncing —** Allows users to create and open notes from multiple devices via file sync. **Search —** Enables users to search through their notes by title, content, or tagging methodology. **Hyperlinking —** Users can add hyperlinks within their notes to external websites. **Printing —** Notes can be printed out physically within the application. **Image Insertion —** Images can be attached and inserted into notes. **List Creation —** Notes can be formatted as lists and may allow users to cross off items. ### Software and Services Related to Note-Taking Software [**Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) Software**](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/electronic-lab-notebook-eln) **—** Electronic lab notebook (ELN) software functions similarly to a regular digital notebook but is explicitly intended for researchers and scientists. They include features tailored to lab work, like data management, LIMS integrations, and compliance considerations. [**Document Creation**](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/document-creation) **—** Document creation tools are similar to note-taking management software at face value. Both allow users to create and save text-based documents, often providing printing and sharing features as well. However, note-taking apps are intended for less formal records, while document creation software is often used for more official documentation.