Apple Notes vs Novi Notes 1.1: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apple Notes and Novi Notes 1.1 comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Apple Notes wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan. Pick Novi Notes 1.1 if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Novi Notes 1.1 requires payment)
- • You want free with Apple devices
- • You want good for quick notes
Novi Notes 1.1
Your Mac's AI memory layer for local-first, privacy-focused note-taking.
Best for you if:
- • You want deep AI integration for note management and creation
- • You want strong emphasis on privacy and local data control
| At a Glance | Apple Notes | Novi Notes 1.1 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.1/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Apple Notes or Novi Notes 1.1?
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- You want a fully free tool (Novi Notes 1.1 requires payment)
- You want free with Apple devices
- You want good for quick notes
Choose Novi Notes 1.1 if
Your Mac's AI memory layer for local-first, privacy-focused note-taking.
- You want deep AI integration for note management and creation
- You want strong emphasis on privacy and local data control
| Feature | Apple Notes | Novi Notes 1.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 14 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Apple Notes itself is entirely free and incredibly generous, offering full functionality without any locked features.
Watch out
iCloud storage needed for large attachments
Strengths
- +Free with Apple devices
- +Good for quick notes
- +Decent scanning
- +Collaboration works
- +Fast sync
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Limited organization
- -No Markdown
- -Basic formatting
- -Export options limited
Key features
Novi Notes 1.1
Your Mac's AI memory layer for local-first, privacy-focused note-taking.
Strengths
- +Deep AI integration for note management and creation.
- +Strong emphasis on privacy and local data control.
- +One-time purchase model eliminates recurring costs.
- +Comprehensive features for various daily workflows.
- +Works completely offline.
Weaknesses
- -Only available for Mac users.
- -Specific AI models (Claude, Gemini, Codex) are mentioned, implying users might need to have access to these separately.
Key features
Pricing: Apple Notes vs Novi Notes 1.1
| Plan | Apple Notes | Novi Notes 1.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB | N/A |
| Tier 3 | 2.99 iCloud+ 200GB | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apple Notes pricing and Novi Notes 1.1 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apple Notes is free. Novi Notes 1.1 is paid.
Go with: Apple Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Apple Notes is rated 4.1/5. Novi Notes 1.1 has no ratings yet.
Go with: Apple Notes
Value user reviews?
Apple Notes: 14 reviews (4.1/5). Novi Notes 1.1: no ratings yet.
Go with: Apple Notes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apple Notes is free. Novi Notes 1.1 is paid. Go with Apple Notes if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Apple Notes is rated 4.1/5; Novi Notes 1.1 has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Novi Notes 1.1
- Choose if you want your Mac's AI memory layer for local-first, privacy-focused note-taking
The Bottom Line
Apple Notes wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Notes or Novi Notes 1.1 better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Apple Notes is free and Novi Notes 1.1 is paid.
What are Apple Notes and Novi Notes 1.1 used for?
Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users. Novi Notes 1.1: Your Mac's AI memory layer for local-first, privacy-focused note-taking..
What does Apple Notes cost vs Novi Notes 1.1?
Apple Notes is completely free. Novi Notes 1.1 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.