Microsoft OneNote vs Simplenote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft OneNote and Simplenote 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: Microsoft OneNote is our overall pick for note-taking workflows. Pick Simplenote 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
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Best for you if:
- • Syncs notes across all devices automatically and in real-time.
- • Offers a simple, distraction-free interface for note-taking.
| At a Glance |  Simplenote | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
Choose Microsoft OneNote or Simplenote?
Choose Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- Completely free
- Great handwriting/tablet support
- Deep Microsoft integration
Choose Simplenote if
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
- Completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- Available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
- Simple and intuitive interface, promoting a distraction-free experience
| Feature | Microsoft OneNote | Simplenote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 3,799 reviews | ★4.2/5 54 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
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Strengths
- +Completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- +Available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
- +Simple and intuitive interface, promoting a distraction-free experience
- +Instant synchronization ensures notes are always up-to-date everywhere
- +Robust version history allows recovery of past note states
Weaknesses
- -Lacks advanced formatting options beyond Markdown
- -May be too simplistic for users requiring rich text editing or complex organization features
- -No explicit mention of offline access capabilities, though implied by local apps
Key features
Pricing: Microsoft OneNote vs Simplenote
| Plan | Microsoft OneNote | Simplenote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft OneNote pricing and Simplenote 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). Simplenote: 4.2/5 (54 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Value user reviews?
Microsoft OneNote: 3,799 reviews (4.6/5). Simplenote: 54 reviews (4.2/5).
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 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft OneNote
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (3,799 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Simplenote
- Choose if you want the simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices
The Bottom Line
Microsoft OneNote is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft OneNote or Simplenote better?
Microsoft OneNote is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Microsoft OneNote and Simplenote used for?
Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything. Simplenote: The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices..
What does Microsoft OneNote cost vs Simplenote?
Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Simplenote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.