Apple Notes
The free notes app built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac, synced through iCloud.
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- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
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About Apple Notes
Apple Notes comes preinstalled on iPhone, iPad and Mac and syncs through iCloud, so for many Apple users it is the default place for shopping lists, quick thoughts and scanned documents. Over the years it has picked up a lot beyond plain text: checklists, tables, folders, tags and smart folders, document scanning, sketches with Apple Pencil, locked notes, shared notes and folders, audio recording with live transcripts, and inline maths that solves expressions as you type. It costs nothing beyond the iCloud storage you may already pay for, and the free iCloud tier is enough for most text notes. The trade-offs are the walled garden and the limited structure. There are no apps for Windows or Android, only the iCloud.com website, export options are basic, and there are no backlinks, templates or plugins for people who want a real knowledge base. It suits Apple users who want fast, reliable notes with no setup.
Best for: Apple users who want quick, reliable notes that sync with no setup or extra cost.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free and preinstalled on Apple devices
- Scanning, sketching, audio transcripts and inline maths
- Shared notes and folders for family or small groups
- Fast, reliable iCloud sync
Why people leave
- No Windows or Android apps, only iCloud.com in a browser
- Weak export and no Markdown files
- No backlinks, templates or plugins
Top Apple Notes alternatives
See all 6- 1
Bear80.3Still Apple-only, but adds Markdown, tags and a nicer writing experience.
- 2
Obsidian73.3Local Markdown files with backlinks and plugins when notes outgrow simple folders.
- 3
Craft70.3A polished Apple-first app with richer documents and sharing, plus Windows and web.
- 4
Google Keep62.6Similar quick-capture notes that also work on Android and Windows via the web.
- 5
Simplenote57.2Free, plain-text notes that sync to every platform, including Windows and Linux.
Why people left Apple Notes
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Apple Notes: common questions
Is Apple Notes free?
Yes, Apple Notes is free to use.
Is Apple Notes open source?
No, Apple Notes is not open source.
What platforms does Apple Notes run on?
Apple Notes is available for macOS, iOS and Web.
What are the best alternatives to Apple Notes?
The highest-ranked Apple Notes alternatives right now are Bear, Obsidian and Craft. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.