Have you noticed how the best ideas always come when you’re in the middle of something? You could be in the middle of a meeting or finalizing a project when an idea strikes—a solution that could be turned into a valuable app for users everywhere.
Just the other day, while brainstorming with our development team, I realized how much untapped potential there is in something as simple as note-taking. These fleeting ideas are too important to lose, and that’s where note-taking apps come in.
For busy professionals or entrepreneurs, these apps act like a second brain—capturing thoughts, ideas, and tasks when you’re on the go.
Now, imagine building an app that’s more than just functional. An app that allows users to capture ideas, sync them across platforms, and effortlessly convert them into action. It’s no wonder that cross-platform note-taking apps have grown into essential tools, not just for productivity but as a prime example of what’s possible with the right app idea.
Drawing from our experience in mobile and web development, I’ve explored the top cross-platform note-taking apps of 2024. These apps don’t just solve problems—they showcase what’s possible when functionality meets user needs. If you’re looking to build your next app, these examples could be just what you need for inspiration.
Quick Comparison of the Best Cross-Platform Note-Taking Apps for 2024
| App | Key Strengths | Common Challenges | Best For |
| Notion | Flexible, database-driven notes, collaboration | Steep learning curve, performance issues on mobile | Teams, project management |
| Evernote | Web clipper, powerful search, cross-device sync | Pricey premium features, interface clutter | Research, long-term note storage |
| Joplin | Open-source, encryption, markdown support | Clunky interface, limited collaboration | Privacy-focused users, developers |
| Simplenote | Lightweight, free, fast sync | No rich formatting, lacks advanced features | Minimalists, quick note-taking |
| Bear | Beautiful design, markdown, hashtags for organizing | Apple-only, subscription for sync | Writers, designers |
| ClickUp | All-in-one platform, real-time collaboration | Steep learning curve, mobile app limitations | Teams, businesses |
| Microsoft OneNote | Deep Microsoft integration, inking support | Clunky interface, sync delays | Office suite users, students |
| Obsidian | Local-first storage, backlinking, plugin system | No built-in sync, learning curve | Knowledge management, researchers |
| Krisp | AI noise cancellation, voice notes | Not a traditional note-taking app, no offline mode | Voice note-takers, professionals |
Best Cross-Platform Note Taking Apps for 2024
With the note-taking app market projected to grow from $576 million in 2023 to $2.26 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 16.4%, it’s clear that the demand for these apps is accelerating.
The rise of digitalization, remote work, and distance learning has driven this surge, making note-taking apps more essential than ever. With this growth in mind, let’s take a look at which apps are leading the way in 2024.
1. Notion: The Ultimate Workspace for Notes and Beyond
Notion isn’t just a place to jot down quick thoughts—it’s a full-fledged workspace. Think of it as a platform where note-taking, project management, and collaboration all blend together. Whether you’re a startup founder or leading a development team, Notion gives you the flexibility to organize your work in a way that fits your needs. It’s a blank canvas with endless potential.
Key Features That Set Notion Apart:
- Blocks for Everything: Notion’s block-based design lets you turn your notes into anything you want—whether it’s a checklist, embedded video, or a whole project management board. Flexibility is its strong suit.
- Database-driven Notes: Notes aren’t just static pages. You can turn them into live databases where your content interacts dynamically. It’s great for tracking tasks, creating lists, or keeping track of resources.
- Cross-Workspace Linking: One unique feature is the ability to link notes and data across different workspaces. This is a game-changer if you manage multiple projects or teams. You can pull relevant data into one place without any duplication.
- Offline Capabilities: You can work offline, and once you’re back online, everything syncs automatically. But, as users often point out, the offline mode isn’t flawless (more on that in a bit).
- Permissions Control: You can share an entire workspace or specific pages with your team, and fine-tune permissions to make sure sensitive data stays private. It’s a must-have for teams collaborating on different parts of a project.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Steep Learning Curve: As flexible as Notion is, this flexibility comes with a downside. Users often struggle with the overwhelming number of features when they first start. The learning curve can feel steep, especially if you just want something simple like a basic notes app.
- Performance Issues in Large Workspaces: If you’re managing a big project with lots of pages or databases, you’ll notice that Notion starts to slow down. Users frequently report lag when switching between complex pages, especially on mobile.
- Offline Mode is Limited: Yes, you can use Notion offline, but many users report that syncing can get tricky. Changes made offline don’t always sync properly when you reconnect, which can lead to versioning issues. It’s a pain point for those who work in and out of connectivity.
- No Advanced Automations: While Notion has some task management capabilities, it doesn’t support advanced automation natively. Users looking for streamlined workflows often find themselves needing third-party integrations, which can complicate things.
2. Evernote: The Veteran That’s Still Relevant
Evernote has been around forever (since 2008), and for a lot of people, it was their first digital note-taking app. It’s one of the most recognizable names in this space. But it’s not just about nostalgia—Evernote has continued to evolve (without us using that word!) and still holds a solid place for both personal and business use.
Key Features That Keep Evernote in the Game:
- Web Clipper: Evernote’s famous for its Web Clipper. You can clip articles, web pages, and even PDF files, storing everything in your Evernote app for later. For those constantly researching, it’s a killer feature.
- Tagging and Notebooks: Evernote organizes your notes into notebooks and lets you tag entries, making everything easy to find. It’s perfect for those who like to keep things ultra-organized.
- Cross-Device Sync: You can start typing up a meeting note on your phone and pick it up on your laptop without missing a beat. It’s reliable across platforms, which is critical for note-taking apps.
- In-App Search: One of Evernote’s hidden gems is its robust search feature, which even works inside PDFs and images. Great for those of us who need to find that “one document” quickly.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Pricey for Premium Features: Over time, Evernote has become pricey. Many users feel that the premium features (which you need to access offline notes, larger storage, etc.) aren’t worth the subscription cost. There’s a lot of free competition now that users are leaning toward.
- Interface Overload: Evernote’s interface can feel cluttered, especially for new users. While it’s packed with features, many users find the design overwhelming when they’re just looking for a simple place to store notes.
- Sync Issues: Some users have reported syncing problems, where notes from one device don’t show up properly on another. Given how much Evernote relies on its cross-device functionality, this is a common frustration.
- Falling Behind on Innovation: While Evernote still holds a solid spot, some users feel that it’s not keeping up with newer apps that offer more customization or advanced features. Its development pace has slowed compared to its competitors.
3. Joplin: The Open-Source Option
Joplin is another best cross platform note taking app among users who value privacy and control over their data. It’s an open-source note-taking app that supports Markdown, making it a top choice for developers and tech enthusiasts. You can store notes locally or sync them across devices using services like Dropbox or Nextcloud.
Key Features That Make Joplin Stand Out:
- Markdown Support: Joplin lets you write notes using Markdown, which is ideal for users who want a clean, lightweight writing experience without extra formatting.
- Encryption: Joplin supports end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your notes stay private and secure. This is a major draw for users concerned about data privacy.
- Offline Access: Joplin’s offline capabilities are solid. You can write, edit, and organize notes without needing an internet connection, which is perfect for users working in low-connectivity environments.
- Plugin System: The ability to add plugins is a unique feature that sets Joplin apart. From calendars to kanban boards, the plugin ecosystem allows for extra customization, something not every app offers.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Clunky Interface: Joplin’s interface, while functional, can feel clunky and outdated compared to more polished apps like Notion or Evernote. Users looking for a sleek, modern experience might find Joplin’s design lacking.
- Limited Collaboration: One of the biggest gaps is the lack of built-in collaboration features. For teams or businesses looking to share and work on notes together, Joplin falls short.
- Complex Setup for Syncing: While you can sync notes using third-party services like Dropbox or Nextcloud, setting this up isn’t straightforward for non-technical users. The manual setup process is often cited as a frustration.
- No Real-Time Collaboration: Unlike apps like Notion, Joplin doesn’t support real-time collaboration, making it less ideal for teams needing to work together on notes or projects.
Creating a seamless user experience across platforms is key to an app’s success. If you’re curious about the process behind it, check out our UX Design Process Guide for a deeper dive into what makes cross-platform apps shine.
4. Simplenote: The Minimalist’s Dream
Simplenote is exactly what the name suggests—a simple, clean, no-frills note-taking app. It’s designed for people who want a fast, lightweight way to jot down ideas without worrying about extra features. It syncs across devices and has a super clean interface, making it perfect for distraction-free note-taking.
Key Features That Keep Simplenote on Top:
- Super Lightweight: Unlike many other note-taking apps that come packed with features you might not need, Simplenote is minimal and fast. You won’t find any unnecessary bloat.
- Tagging System: Simplenote makes it easy to organize notes with a simple tagging system, ensuring that your notes stay organized without extra effort.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Simplenote syncs instantly across all your devices, whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Completely Free: Simplenote is completely free to use without any premium version, making it a great option for those who don’t want to pay for note-taking apps.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- No Rich Text Formatting: While Simplenote’s minimalist interface is appealing, it also means users don’t have access to rich text formatting like bold, italics, or hyperlinks. This can be limiting for people who want more than plain text.
- Lack of Advanced Features: For users looking for features like task management, file attachments, or collaboration, Simplenote might feel too bare-bones. It’s great for jotting down quick notes, but it doesn’t go beyond that.
- No Encryption: Unlike apps like Joplin, Simplenote doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption. For users who value privacy, this might be a deal-breaker.
- No Offline Access on Some Platforms: While Simplenote works offline on mobile, some users have reported issues with offline access on desktop versions, which can be frustrating for those who frequently work in areas with limited connectivity.
5. Bear: The Beautifully Designed Note-Taker
Bear has a reputation for being one of the best-designed note-taking apps out there. Its elegant interface and markdown support make it popular among writers, developers, and designers. Bear strikes a perfect balance between minimalism and functionality.
Key Features That Make Bear Stand Out:
- Beautiful Interface: Bear’s design is sleek and modern. The app’s UI is intuitive, and everything just feels right in place. It’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing apps in the note-taking world.
- Markdown Support: Bear supports Markdown, which makes it ideal for developers and writers who prefer lightweight formatting.
- Cross-Device Sync: Bear syncs across all Apple devices using iCloud, allowing users to access their notes from any iOS or macOS device.
- Hashtags for Organization: Instead of folders, Bear uses hashtags, allowing users to organize and cross-reference notes in a unique way. This keeps things flexible and clutter-free.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Apple-Only Ecosystem: Bear is only available on iOS and macOS. This is a major limitation for users who need cross-platform compatibility with Windows or Android devices. Many users love Bear but are frustrated by its limited reach.
- Subscription for Sync: Bear’s free version is great, but syncing between devices requires a paid subscription. Some users feel the price is too steep for the limited features compared to competitors like Notion or Evernote.
- No Collaboration Features: Unlike apps like Notion, Bear doesn’t support team collaboration. It’s mainly for individual use, which can be a deal-breaker for users looking to share and work on notes together in real-time.
6. ClickUp: More Than Just Notes
ClickUp is not just a note-taking app—it’s an all-in-one productivity platform designed for teams. While note-taking is just one of its many features, its integration with task management, project tracking, and collaboration tools makes it a strong choice for businesses.
Key Features That Make ClickUp a Top Choice:
- All-in-One Platform: ClickUp allows users to manage tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate on notes all in one place. This makes it great for businesses looking for an integrated tool that goes beyond simple note-taking.
- Highly Customizable: Users can customize their workspace with different views (list, board, calendar) and organize notes in a way that suits their workflow.
- Real-Time Collaboration: ClickUp shines when it comes to collaboration. Teams can work together on notes, leave comments, and assign tasks in real-time.
- Powerful Search: The in-app search is robust, making it easy to find notes, tasks, or documents quickly.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Steep Learning Curve: With all its powerful features, ClickUp can feel overwhelming for new users. Many people find it takes time to learn and customize ClickUp to their needs.
- Too Feature-Rich for Basic Note-Taking: While ClickUp’s wide array of tools is a plus for some, users who just want a simple note-taking experience might feel it’s overkill.
- Performance Issues: Some users report that ClickUp’s performance can lag, especially when working with large teams or complex projects. Load times can be slow, which can disrupt workflows.
- Mobile App Limitations: While the desktop version of ClickUp is powerful, some users have reported that the mobile app isn’t as feature-rich or intuitive, leading to a less seamless experience on the go.
7. Microsoft OneNote: The Reliable Heavyweight
Microsoft OneNote is one of the most established players in the note-taking world. It’s a go-to tool for businesses and individuals alike, offering robust features for organizing and sharing notes across platforms. As part of the Microsoft Office suite, it integrates seamlessly with other Office tools.
Key Features That Keep OneNote on Top:
- Deep Integration with Microsoft Tools: OneNote integrates perfectly with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Office apps, making it ideal for professionals working within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Free with Ample Features: OneNote is free to use, and it offers a wide range of features even without a premium plan. You can organize your notes into notebooks, sections, and pages, just like a physical notebook.
- Cross-Platform Sync: OneNote works across all major platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, making it versatile for users who switch between devices.
- Inking Support: OneNote offers some of the best handwriting support among note-taking apps. Users can write or draw directly onto their notes using a stylus, which is perfect for tablet users.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Clunky Interface: OneNote’s interface can feel outdated compared to newer apps like Notion or Bear. Many users report that the design feels cluttered and can be overwhelming.
- Syncing Delays: While OneNote is generally reliable, some users experience delays when syncing notes across devices. This can be frustrating when you need immediate access to notes across platforms.
- Limited Advanced Features: Compared to apps like Notion or ClickUp, OneNote lacks advanced features like task management or database functionality. It’s great for note-taking but falls short for users who want an all-in-one solution.
- Storage Limits: OneNote’s free plan comes with storage limits tied to your OneDrive account. Users who rely heavily on multimedia (images, audio, video) may find themselves needing to pay for extra storage.
Identifying gaps in the current market gives you the perfect opportunity to create something better. If you’re ready to start building, take a look at our step-by-step guide to Developing Your Own Software.
8. Obsidian: A Knowledge Base in Your Pocket
Obsidian is more than just a note-taking app—it’s a knowledge management system. Built on a local folder of Markdown files, Obsidian gives users control over their data while offering features that help build interlinked notes and ideas, making it great for researchers and deep thinkers.
Key Features That Make Obsidian Stand Out:
- Local-First Storage: Obsidian saves all your notes locally, meaning you don’t rely on the cloud. This is ideal for users who want full control over their data.
- Backlinking for Knowledge Building: One of Obsidian’s standout features is its backlinking system. It automatically creates connections between related notes, helping users build a web of ideas or knowledge base.
- Markdown-Based: Obsidian uses Markdown, giving users a lightweight, distraction-free way to write. The app is fast and clean.
- Plugin Ecosystem: Obsidian’s plugin system allows users to extend the app’s functionality in many ways, from kanban boards to tables and calendars.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- No Built-In Sync: Unlike apps that sync seamlessly across devices, Obsidian requires third-party solutions (or Obsidian Sync) to keep notes synced between devices. This adds complexity for users who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Learning Curve: Obsidian’s focus on building a knowledge base through backlinks can be overwhelming for new users. Those unfamiliar with Markdown or knowledge management systems often find themselves lost in the beginning.
- Not Ideal for Collaboration: Obsidian is more suited for individual use rather than team collaboration. It lacks real-time collaboration features, which can be a deal-breaker for users looking to share notes.
- No Mobile-Friendly UI: While Obsidian is available on mobile, some users find the mobile UI less intuitive compared to desktop, leading to a less optimal experience on the go.
9. Krisp: Not Your Typical Note-Taking App
While Krisp is best known for its noise-canceling technology, it’s worth mentioning as an innovative tool for those who take voice notes. Krisp integrates with a variety of apps and platforms, helping users record crystal-clear voice notes, free from background noise.
Key Features That Set Krisp Apart:
- Noise-Canceling for Voice Notes: Krisp uses AI to cancel out background noise during voice recordings, making it perfect for users who rely on audio notes or conduct interviews in less-than-ideal environments.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Krisp works with apps like Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet, allowing you to record and transcribe meetings or notes in real time.
- Crystal-Clear Recordings: The app’s main strength is its ability to deliver high-quality audio recordings, even in noisy environments. It’s perfect for professionals who need to take voice notes on the go.
Common Challenges & Gaps Users Face:
- Not a Traditional Note-Taking App: While Krisp excels at voice note-taking, it lacks the traditional note-taking features (text, organization) found in apps like Notion or Evernote. Users looking for an all-in-one solution won’t find it here.
- Limited Free Version: Krisp offers a free version, but it’s quite limited in terms of recording time and features. To unlock its full potential, users need to opt for a paid subscription.
- No Offline Mode: Krisp requires an internet connection to process its AI noise cancellation, meaning users who frequently need offline access won’t be able to use it effectively.
Turning Gaps Into Opportunities: How to Stand Out in the Note-Taking App Market
With the growing demand for note-taking apps, many decision-makers wonder: How do I stand out in such a competitive market? With so many options available, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking that every great idea has already been developed. But here’s the thing—each app we reviewed has its own gaps, and these gaps represent opportunities for innovation.
As a business leader, you might be asking:
- How can I create an app that’s simpler to use but still powerful?
- Can I make something that works flawlessly across all platforms, without the syncing headaches users face?
- Is there a way to merge customization, collaboration, and ease of use into one app?
The good news is, the gaps we’ve highlighted—whether it’s the steep learning curves, syncing issues, or limited collaboration tools—are precisely the areas where you can fill in the gaps. By focusing on solving these common pain points, you can create the best cross-platform note-taking app that not only stands out but delivers exactly what users are missing today.
Whether it’s simplifying complex features, offering seamless offline access, or providing true collaboration across all devices, the opportunity is yours to seize.
Turning an Awesome App Idea into Reality Requires the Right Team
After exploring the best cross-platform note-taking apps and the gaps they leave behind, it’s clear: a brilliant app idea isn’t enough on its own. You need to execute it flawlessly across devices. Whether it’s creating a seamless user experience or ensuring your app stands out by filling the gaps we identified, the right partner makes all the difference.
Here’s how Codewave can help you build an app that ticks all the boxes:
- Mobile App Development: We specialize in creating cross-platform apps that work effortlessly on iOS and Android. Using Flutter and React Native, we build apps that sync seamlessly across devices, just like the top note-taking apps you’ve seen—but with even more focus on user needs.
- UI/UX Design: For cross-platform apps to succeed, design matters. We ensure that your app looks great and feels intuitive, no matter where your users access it. Whether it’s jotting down notes or managing large data sets, we make sure the experience is smooth and consistent.
- Idea to Product: If you’ve got an app idea but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. From concept to execution, we’ll help you create an app that stands out from the crowd by addressing the real pain points users face.
- Digital Transformation: As we’ve seen with today’s top apps, staying relevant requires more than just building something that works—it’s about evolving with user demands. Our digital transformation services ensure that your app is scalable and ready for the future.
- Custom Software Development: Every app is different, and we know one size doesn’t fit all. With custom software development, we tailor your app to fit your unique business requirements, ensuring a solution that truly works for you.
Ready to Build the Next Great Cross-Platform App?Let’s turn your app idea into something users will love. With Codewave, you get the expertise to fill the gaps and create an app that stands out. Contact us today!
