Microsoft OneNote vs Apple Notes: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft OneNote and Apple Notes 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:
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • Free digital notebook from Microsoft
- • Great for visual and handwritten notes
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
| At a Glance |  Apple Notes | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.1/5 |
Choose Microsoft OneNote or Apple Notes?
Choose Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- Completely free
- Great handwriting/tablet support
- Deep Microsoft integration
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- Free with Apple devices
- Good for quick notes
- Decent scanning
| Feature | Microsoft OneNote | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 3,799 reviews | ★4.1/5 14 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Microsoft OneNote vs Apple Notes
| Plan | Microsoft OneNote | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB |
| Tier 3 | N/A | 2.99 iCloud+ 200GB |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft OneNote pricing and Apple Notes pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft OneNote: 4.6/5 (3,799 reviews). Apple Notes: 4.1/5 (14 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Value user reviews?
Microsoft OneNote: 3,799 reviews (4.6/5). Apple Notes: 14 reviews (4.1/5).
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 Microsoft OneNote or Apple Notes better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Microsoft OneNote and Apple Notes used for?
Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything. Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users.
What does Microsoft OneNote cost vs Apple Notes?
Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Apple Notes is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.