Staying organized in 2025 means having the right tools at your fingertips. For students, professionals, and casual users alike, a good note-taking app can make a big difference. Whether you’re trying to plan your day, jot down class notes, or organize work tasks, your iPhone or iPad is the perfect tool—as long as you have the right app.
If you’re looking for the top iOS note-taking apps 2025 has to offer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best iPhone apps for taking notes, including both paid and free note-taking apps for iPad 2025. It includes powerful features, ease of use, pricing, and who each app is best suited for. Let’s dive in.
1. Apple Notes
Apple Notes comes pre-installed on all iOS devices. It’s simple, fast, and works—no setup required.
Why it’s one of the best iPhone apps for taking notes:
- Syncs across all Apple devices
- Supports checklists, handwriting, and scans
- You can lock notes for privacy
- New features in iOS 18 include smart folders and improved search
Price: Free
Best for: iPhone users looking for a built-in tool that just works
2. Notability
Notability is a top choice for students and professionals who take handwritten notes.
Key features:
- Split-screen mode for multitasking
- Audio recording notes that sync with written notes
- Annotate PDFs directly
- Supports Apple Pencil
Price: Free with upgraded features through a $14.99/year subscription
Best for: Students, writers, and digital artists using iPads
3. GoodNotes 6
GoodNotes is a smooth and powerful app for handwritten notes and documents.
What makes it stand out:
- Handwriting recognition
- PDF import and annotation
- Digital planners and templates
- Great for math, sketching, or visual planning
Price: Free version available; full access for $9.99 one-time fee
Best for: iPad users with Apple Pencil looking for detailed handwriting support
4. Microsoft OneNote
OneNote works well across all platforms, not just on iOS. It’s especially useful for business users or those in Microsoft environments.
Highlights:
- Notebooks, sections, and pages for deep organization
- Share notes or collaborate in real-time
- Great for teams and workplace use
- Integrates with Microsoft 365
Price: Free with optional Office 365 subscription
Best for: Office users, project planners, and work teams
5. Evernote
Evernote has been a top productivity app for years, and it continues strong in 2025.
Why it’s reliable:
- Web clipping for saving online content
- Document scanning
- Tasks, calendars, and note templates
- Works across iOS, Android, and desktop
Price: Free basic plan; Premium plan starts at $14.99/month (source)
Best for: Professionals who balance notes, to-dos, and schedules
6. Bear
Bear is simple but beautifully designed. Ideal for writers and bloggers.
What users love:
- Easy-to-use markdown editor
- Tag-based organization
- Focus mode for distraction-free writing
- Good privacy features
Price: Free with Bear Pro starting at $2.99/month or $29.99/year
Best for: Writers, journaling, and simple note needs with a clean layout
7. Noteshelf
Noteshelf is popular among iPad users for its natural handwriting experience.
Standout features:
- Smooth Apple Pencil support
- Record audio while writing notes
- Annotates PDFs
- Syncs with cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive
Price: $9.99 one-time purchase
Best for: Students or professionals who take both typed and handwritten notes
8. Simplenote
Don’t need a lot of bells and whistles? Simplenote might be the one for you.
Best things about it:
- Lightweight and fast
- Syncs across all devices
- Focus on text only
- Tagging and version control
Price: Completely free
Best for: Writers, coders, and minimalists who value speed and clarity
9. Zoho Notebook
Zoho’s Notebook delivers an attractive design and big features for free.
Features worth noting:
- Smart cards for different types of content
- Voice notes, checklist notes, and photo notes
- Easy sync and backup
- Completely ad-free with no premium tier
Price: Free
Best for: Users who want a beautiful, full-featured app without spending
10. Nebo
Nebo is built for serious note-takers who work a lot with handwriting and diagrams.
Why advanced users pick Nebo:
- Converts handwritten math equations
- Diagrams and sketch support
- Works well with styluses
- Can export notes in various file formats
Price: Free with in-app purchases for advanced features
Best for: Technical users, engineers, and students
iOS Note-Taking App Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the top iOS note-taking apps for 2025:
| App Name | Price | Apple Pencil Support | Cloud Sync | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Notes | Free | Yes | iCloud | Everyone, casual note-takers |
| Notability | Free + $14.99/year | Yes | iCloud, Dropbox | Students, pros |
| GoodNotes 6 | $9.99 (one-time) | Yes | iCloud | Artists, students, planners |
| OneNote | Free | No | Microsoft 365 | Office users, teams |
| Evernote | Free + $14.99/month | No | Cloud-based | Professionals, researchers |
| Bear | Free + $2.99/month | No | iCloud | Writers, bloggers |
| Noteshelf | $9.99 (one-time) | Yes | Cloud services | Professionals, handwritten notes |
| Simplenote | Free | No | Cloud | Minimalists |
| Zoho Notebook | Free | Basic | iCloud | Personal and casual users |
| Nebo | Free + IAP | Yes | Cloud | Tech users, academics |
Choosing the Right App for You
When picking from the top iOS note-taking apps 2025 offers, think about what you really need:
- Do you prefer typing or handwriting?
- Do you need to sync notes with your work or school tools?
- Will you be scanning docs or adding charts?
- Do you want free or are you open to paid subscriptions?
Choosing one of the best iPhone apps for taking notes depends on how you work. For quick to-do lists, Apple Notes or Zoho are great. If you’re at school and need to sync audio, Notability is a great fit. Writers might go with Bear.
Trending Features in 2025
Note-taking apps in 2025 are smarter and more powerful than ever:
- AI-powered search: Find text inside images or handwriting
- Smart folders: Auto-organize notes by tags or content
- Real-time sync: Updates appear almost instantly on all devices
- Multi-format support: Many now handle PDFs, images, voice, and web clippings together
According to Statista, over 143 million people in the U.S. use tablets as of 2025. With more devices in hand, the demand for powerful productivity apps for iOS 2025 continues to grow fast.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to free note-taking apps for iPad 2025 or other iOS tools. The good news? No matter your work style, there’s an app that’ll fit your needs perfectly.
Try out a few, see what matches your rhythm, and make note-taking fun and productive again. Want handwritten notes? Try GoodNotes or Notability. Need syncing with Microsoft? Go with OneNote. Looking for an all-in-one tool? Evernote has you covered.
Got a favorite that didn’t make our list? Share it in the comments and let others know what works best for you.
For more app breakdowns, productivity reviews, and iOS tips, bookmark this blog. Your iPhone or iPad has more potential than ever—use the right tools to get the most out of it.