Apple Notes vs Microsoft OneNote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apple Notes and Microsoft OneNote 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 is our overall pick for note-taking workflows. Pick Microsoft OneNote if you need a fully free option.
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:
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • Free digital notebook from Microsoft
- • Great for visual and handwritten notes
| At a Glance |  Apple Notes | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose Apple Notes or Microsoft OneNote?
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- Free with Apple devices
- Good for quick notes
- Decent scanning
Choose Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- Completely free
- Great handwriting/tablet support
- Deep Microsoft integration
| Feature | Apple Notes | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 14 reviews | ★4.6/5 3,799 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
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
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Great handwriting/tablet support
- +Deep Microsoft integration
- +Unlimited storage (with M365)
- +Good for visual thinkers
Weaknesses
- -Can feel cluttered
- -Sync issues occasionally
- -Less structured than Notion
- -Microsoft account required
Key features
Pricing: Apple Notes vs Microsoft OneNote
| Plan | Apple Notes | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 |
| 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 Microsoft OneNote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Apple Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Apple Notes: 4.1/5 (14 reviews). Microsoft OneNote: 4.6/5 (3,799 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Value user reviews?
Apple Notes: 14 reviews (4.1/5). Microsoft OneNote: 3,799 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft OneNote is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft OneNote
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (3,799 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Apple Notes is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Notes or Microsoft OneNote better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Apple Notes and Microsoft OneNote used for?
Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users. Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything.
What does Apple Notes cost vs Microsoft OneNote?
Apple Notes is completely free. Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.