Compare software

Microsoft OneNoteApple Notes
Free

Free to use on the web.

 Free

Free, bundled with macOS and iOS.

Web macOS, iOS
  • Freeform pages with notebooks and sections
  • Web clipping and collaboration on shared notebooks
  • Comes preinstalled and free on every Apple device
  • OCR lets you search text inside scanned images and photos
  • Notes are stored in Microsoft's cloud
  • Closed source and tied to the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Tied to the Apple ecosystem with no native Windows or Android app
  • Lacks the structured databases and linking found in dedicated knowledge-base apps
Web application Downloadable app
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 23, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.