Top Tools for Taking Online Notes

Effective note-taking is a cornerstone of academic success, and in 2025, students have access to a wide range of digital tools that make this process easier and more efficient. Whether you’re attending online classes, watching educational videos, or reviewing course materials, the right note-taking tool can help you organize information, stay focused, and enhance retention.

Digital note-taking apps offer more than just a space to write—they include formatting tools, media embedding, organization features, and cross-device syncing that help students stay prepared and productive. By choosing the right tool, students can improve memory, clarify concepts, and streamline their academic workflow.

Here are some of the best free and freemium tools for taking online notes:

1. Microsoft OneNote – A versatile and powerful tool that mimics the structure of a physical notebook. With support for typed text, handwriting, audio recording, and file attachments, OneNote is ideal for organizing class notes into subjects and topics. It syncs across devices and integrates well with Microsoft Office and Teams. OneNote also allows users to share notebooks for collaboration, annotate documents, and insert mathematical equations using the built-in math tool.
2. Notion – A flexible all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and more. Notion allows students to create customized layouts for subjects, insert tables and checklists, and embed videos or links. Its intuitive interface and rich formatting tools make it great for both structured and creative note-taking. Users can create academic dashboards, track study progress, and link concepts across multiple pages using the relational database feature.
3. Google Docs – An accessible and collaborative option for real-time note-taking. Students can share documents, leave comments, and collaborate with peers on group notes. Google Docs is perfect for writing lecture summaries, outlining assignments, and keeping class notes organized in the cloud. Integrated with Google Drive, it also ensures automatic saving and version control.
4. Evernote (Basic Plan) – Known for its clean interface and organizational features, Evernote lets students capture notes, web clips, voice memos, and images in one place. Notes can be categorized using tags and notebooks, and the mobile app makes reviewing on the go easy. Students can also scan handwritten notes and turn them into searchable text.
5. Zoho Notebook – A visually engaging tool that allows students to create different types of note cards—text, checklist, audio, sketch, and file. It supports drag-and-drop organization and syncs across devices. Zoho Notebook also supports handwritten notes, PDF annotation, and cloud backups, making it a versatile tool for diverse academic tasks.
6. Simplenote – A distraction-free, minimalist note-taking app for fast and focused work. With real-time syncing, version history, and tagging, Simplenote is perfect for capturing quick thoughts or creating study checklists without the clutter. It’s ideal for learners who prefer straightforward, text-based notes.
7. Obsidian – A markdown-based note-taking tool designed for students who value linking ideas. Obsidian allows learners to build a knowledge graph by interconnecting notes, which is great for deep study, essay planning, or research projects. It also supports community plugins and themes for enhanced customization.
8. Joplin – An open-source note-taking tool that supports Markdown, encryption, and offline access. Joplin is ideal for privacy-focused students who want full control over their notes and data. It supports attachments, task management, and synchronization with cloud services such as Dropbox and OneDrive.
9. Turtl – A secure note-taking app with end-to-end encryption. Turtl allows students to store research notes, bookmarks, and ideas in a safe environment. It’s a great tool for organizing sensitive academic content, offering tagging, filtering, and collaborative options while maintaining strong privacy controls.
10. Nimbus Note – A feature-rich tool that supports text, audio, video, screenshots, and task management. It’s ideal for students who like combining multimedia elements in their notes or who are building detailed study databases. Nimbus also includes templates, web clipper, and annotation tools that are perfect for organizing lectures and supplemental content.
11. GoodNotes (Free version available) – While traditionally known as an iPad app, GoodNotes now supports cross-platform access for students who prefer handwritten notes. It’s highly favored by visual and kinesthetic learners and includes templates, document import, and shape recognition.
12. Whink – A lesser-known but efficient note-taking app for students using tablets. It supports drawing, typing, PDF annotation, and voice recording in a clean interface designed for educational use.

Tips for Effective Online Note-Taking:

• Organize notes by subject or module using folders or tags to keep content easily searchable.
• Use bullet points, headers, and highlights to emphasize key concepts and make notes skimmable.
• Incorporate visuals like charts, screenshots, and embedded videos to aid comprehension.
• Sync your notes across devices to ensure you have access to materials anytime, anywhere.
• Revisit and revise notes regularly to reinforce memory and track your understanding.
• Combine your note-taking tool with a task manager to stay on top of deadlines and study plans.

Digital note-taking is more than just typing on a screen. When used strategically, it enhances critical thinking, boosts organization, and supports long-term learning. With these tools, students can take clearer notes, collaborate more easily, and stay focused throughout their educational journey.