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Microsoft OneNote Alternatives for Windows

Looking for Microsoft OneNote alternatives? We've curated 34 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need Windows options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Evernote

Evernote

Freemium

Evernote is a popular cross-platform note-taking application designed to capture, organize, and manage your notes. It offers robust syncing capabilities across devices and includes features like web clipping, OCR for images, and integration with other services to streamline your productivity and information management.

Key Features

  • Seamless syncing across multiple platforms.
  • Powerful search function with OCR for images and PDFs.
  • Highly flexible organization using notebooks, stacks, and tags.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Seamless syncing across multiple platforms. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Google Keep

Google Keep is a versatile, cloud-based note-taking application that allows users to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and set reminders across various devices. Its intuitive interface and tight integration with the Google ecosystem make it an accessible tool for organizing information and staying productive.

Key Features

  • Free and easy to use with a Google account
  • Excellent cross-platform synchronization
  • Intuitive and clean user interface

vs Microsoft OneNote

Free and easy to use with a Google account compared to Microsoft OneNote
Notezilla

Notezilla

Commercial

Notezilla is a robust sticky notes application for Windows, offering a flexible and feature-rich way to capture, organize, and manage information. It provides a familiar sticky note interface with powerful capabilities like reminders, checklists, cloud sync, and collaboration features, making it ideal for personal and professional use.

Key Features

  • Feature-rich sticky note functionality beyond basic Windows notes.
  • Excellent organization options with folders and tags.
  • Powerful and flexible reminder system.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Feature-rich sticky note functionality beyond basic Windows notes. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Zim

Zim

Open Source

Zim is a powerful, open-source graphical text editor designed for maintaining a personal wiki or notebook. It allows users to organize notes, ideas, and various types of information in a hierarchical, interlinked structure, similar to a wiki.

Key Features

  • Data stored in plain text files for maximum portability and longevity.
  • Excellent for organizing notes and ideas in a hierarchical and interlinked structure.
  • Lightweight and performs well on various systems.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Data stored in plain text files for maximum portability and longevity. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Simplenote

Simplenote

Open Source

Simplenote is a minimalist note-taking application designed for speed and efficiency. It provides a clean interface across multiple platforms, focusing on text-based notes with robust synchronization and versioning capabilities. Ideal for capturing ideas quickly and accessing them anywhere.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast and responsive interface.
  • Reliable and fast synchronization across multiple platforms.
  • Excellent version history for notes.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Extremely fast and responsive interface. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Joplin

Joplin

Open Source

Joplin is a free and open-source note-taking and to-do application designed for users who value data ownership, privacy, and flexibility. It offers robust synchronization options, including cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Nextcloud, as well as WebDAV. With support for Markdown, powerful search capabilities, and cross-platform availability, Joplin is a versatile tool for organizing information and boosting productivity.

Key Features

  • Free and open-source with strong community support.
  • Excellent privacy features, including end-to-end encryption.
  • Flexible synchronization options with multiple services.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Free and open-source with strong community support. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Tomboy

Tomboy

Open Source

Tomboy is a free and open-source desktop note-taking application designed for simplicity and efficiency across Linux, Unix, Windows, and macOS. It utilizes a wiki-like interface for easy linking between notes and offers features like automatic linking, full-text search, and local storage, making it an accessible and reliable tool for organizing your thoughts and tasks.

Key Features

  • Simple and user-friendly interface.
  • Excellent wiki-like linking feature for connecting notes.
  • Notes stored locally, ensuring data privacy and offline access.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Simple and user-friendly interface. compared to Microsoft OneNote
CintaNotes

CintaNotes

Freemium

CintaNotes is a lightweight yet powerful note-taking application for Windows, excelling at capturing and organizing snippets of information quickly. Its focus on speed and hierarchical tagging makes it ideal for managing knowledge, research notes, and simple task lists effectively.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast and easy text capture using a global hotkey.
  • Powerful and flexible hierarchical tagging system for organization.
  • True portability, can run from a USB drive.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Extremely fast and easy text capture using a global hotkey. compared to Microsoft OneNote
NoteLedge

NoteLedge

Commercial

NoteLedge is a versatile note-taking application designed for capturing ideas, organizing information, and unleashing creativity across multiple platforms. It combines rich multimedia support with powerful organizational tools, making it ideal for students, professionals, and creatives alike.

Key Features

  • Excellent multimedia integration (audio, video, web clipping)
  • Robust handwriting and drawing tools with varied brush options
  • Flexible note organization with tags and notebooks

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent multimedia integration (audio, video, web clipping) compared to Microsoft OneNote
Flamory

Flamory

Free Personal

Flamory is a comprehensive capture tool for saving web pages and files directly from your screen, functioning as a visual search engine for your digital history. It seamlessly integrates with your web browser and Windows Explorer, allowing you to easily revisit and search past information.

Key Features

  • Automatic and passive capture of viewed content reduces manual effort.
  • Visual search capability offers an alternative and effective way to find information.
  • Full-text search indexes the content of saved web pages and documents.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Automatic and passive capture of viewed content reduces manual effort. compared to Microsoft OneNote
CherryTree

CherryTree

Open Source

CherryTree is a powerful, free, and open-source hierarchical note-taking application. It allows you to organize your thoughts, ideas, notes, and code snippets in a tree-like structure with rich text editing and syntax highlighting.

Key Features

  • Excellent hierarchical organization.
  • Supports both rich text and syntax highlighting.
  • Data is stored in a single file, easy to backup.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent hierarchical organization. compared to Microsoft OneNote
NixNote

NixNote

Open Source

NixNote is an open-source, cross-platform desktop client for Evernote, offering a familiar interface and offline access to your notes.

Key Features

  • Open-source and free to use.
  • Provides excellent offline access to notes.
  • Familiar interface for Evernote users.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Open-source and free to use. compared to Microsoft OneNote
KeyNote NF

KeyNote NF

Open Source

KeyNote NF is a versatile, open-source notebook application offering a tabbed interface, rich text editing, multi-level note organization, and robust encryption for secure information management.

Key Features

  • Excellent hierarchical structure for complex note organization.
  • Rich text formatting enhances note readability and visual appearance.
  • Strong encryption provides robust data security.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent hierarchical structure for complex note organization. compared to Microsoft OneNote
KeepNote

KeepNote

Open Source

KeepNote is a versatile note-taking application designed for organizing information in a hierarchical structure. Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS X, it features robust organization tools, including a tree-like outline, wiki-like linking, and support for embedded files and images. Although discontinued, its local storage and rich features make it a compelling tool for detailed note-taking and research.

Key Features

  • Excellent hierarchical organization for complex information.
  • Wiki-like linking facilitates building a connected knowledge base.
  • Supports rich text formatting and embedded files/images.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent hierarchical organization for complex information. compared to Microsoft OneNote
WizNote

WizNote

Freemium

WizNote is a feature-rich, cross-platform cloud-based note-taking application designed for individuals and teams. It offers robust tools for capturing, organizing, and sharing information, with a strong focus on productivity and knowledge management.

Key Features

  • Extensive feature set for note-taking and knowledge management.
  • Available on a wide range of platforms with reliable synchronization.
  • Powerful hierarchical folder structure and tagging for organization.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Extensive feature set for note-taking and knowledge management. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Quip

Quip

Commercial

Quip is a collaborative productivity suite combining document creation, spreadsheets, and chat into a single workspace. Designed for teams, it facilitates real-time collaboration, streamlining workflows and communication to enhance productivity across devices.

Key Features

  • Seamless real-time collaboration on documents and spreadsheets.
  • Integrated chat within documents keeps conversations contextual.
  • Excellent offline access and automatic syncing.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Seamless real-time collaboration on documents and spreadsheets. compared to Microsoft OneNote
xournal

xournal

Open Source

Xournal is a classic open-source application designed for digital note-taking, sketching, and PDF annotation, primarily using a stylus. It provides a simple yet effective environment for handwritten notes and document markup, offering support for various input methods including Wacom tablets.

Key Features

  • Excellent support for stylus and graphics tablets.
  • Efficient and lightweight, performs well on older hardware.
  • Effective PDF annotation capabilities.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent support for stylus and graphics tablets. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Piggydb

Piggydb

Open Source

Piggydb is an open-source web notebook application designed for building and managing knowledge bases, either individually or collaboratively. It emphasizes structured organization through hierarchical tagging and concept mapping.

Key Features

  • Open source and self-hostable for data control and privacy.
  • Powerful hierarchical tagging for deep organization.
  • Fragment-based structure encourages interconnected knowledge.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Open source and self-hostable for data control and privacy. compared to Microsoft OneNote
TreeSheets

TreeSheets

Open Source

TreeSheets is a hierarchical data organizer and note-taking application that utilizes a unique tree-like grid structure to manage information in a highly visual and flexible manner. It supports various data types and offers features for brainstorming, list management, and spreadsheet-like organization within a unified interface.

Key Features

  • Unique and flexible hierarchical grid structure.
  • Highly visual organization aids comprehension.
  • Excellent for brainstorming and creative processes.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Unique and flexible hierarchical grid structure. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Turtl

Turtl

Open Source

Turtl is a secure and private note-taking, bookmarking, and document storage application. It utilizes strong client-side encryption to ensure that only you and authorized collaborators can access your sensitive information, making it ideal for managing confidential projects and data.

Key Features

  • Strong client-side encryption ensures high level of data privacy.
  • Secure collaboration features for sensitive projects.
  • Seamless synchronization across multiple devices.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Strong client-side encryption ensures high level of data privacy. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a personal task management application designed to help users organize their daily tasks, set reminders, and manage to-do lists efficiently. Integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, it offers seamless synchronization across multiple devices, facilitating improved productivity for both personal and professional use.

Key Features

  • Seamless Cross-Device Synchronization
  • Intuitive and Clean User Interface
  • Deep Integration with Microsoft Outlook

vs Microsoft OneNote

Seamless Cross-Device Synchronization compared to Microsoft OneNote
Nimbus Note

Nimbus Note

Freemium

Nimbus Note is a versatile note-taking application and information organizer designed for capturing, managing, and sharing notes, documents, and multimedia content. It offers cross-platform sync, robust organization features like nested folders, and tools for web clipping and screen capture.

Key Features

  • Excellent cross-platform synchronization
  • Highly flexible and deep note organization with nested folders and tags
  • Strong support for embedding multimedia content

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent cross-platform synchronization compared to Microsoft OneNote
AllMyNotes Organizer

AllMyNotes Organizer is a comprehensive personal information manager and outliner for Windows. It allows users to securely store, organize, and retrieve diverse information in a single, encrypted file, utilizing a hierarchical tree structure for intuitive navigation and management of notes, documents, passwords, and more.

Key Features

  • Secure storage with encryption.
  • Flexible and deep hierarchical organization.
  • Rich text editor with various formatting options.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Secure storage with encryption. compared to Microsoft OneNote
TreeDBNotes

TreeDBNotes

Freemium

TreeDBNotes is a portable, Windows-based personal information manager and notetaking application that organizes information in a hierarchical tree structure. It allows users to store diverse data types, manage tasks, and secure sensitive information within a single file.

Key Features

  • Excellent hierarchical organization structure
  • Highly portable, runs from USB drive
  • Offline operation provides data control

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent hierarchical organization structure compared to Microsoft OneNote
Leanote

Leanote

Open Source

Leanote is a versatile self-hosted note-taking application that blends rich text editing with Markdown support. It offers seamless synchronization across multiple devices and features built-in blog publishing capabilities, making it a powerful tool for both personal information management and content creation.

Key Features

  • Self-hosting provides excellent data privacy and control.
  • Supports both rich text and Markdown editing.
  • Integrated blog publishing is a unique and useful feature.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Self-hosting provides excellent data privacy and control. compared to Microsoft OneNote
lumio

lumio

Free

Lumio is a versatile online platform designed for organizing, curating, and managing web content, notes, and knowledge. It offers a visual and hierarchical structure for storing information, making it ideal for researchers, students, and teams needing to collect and share digital resources efficiently.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive features for content organization and knowledge management.
  • Supports both individual and collaborative use cases.
  • Offers offline access to saved content.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Comprehensive features for content organization and knowledge management. compared to Microsoft OneNote
PNotes

PNotes

Open Source

PNotes is a lightweight, portable, and highly customizable sticky notes application designed for Windows. It allows users to create and manage digital sticky notes directly on their desktop, providing a convenient way to jot down reminders, ideas, and essential information without cluttering physical space. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set make it an excellent tool for personal organization and quick note-taking.

Key Features

  • Excellent portability, runs from USB with no installation required.
  • Comprehensive text formatting options for rich notes.
  • Powerful hierarchical structure for advanced note organization and knowledge management.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent portability, runs from USB with no installation required. compared to Microsoft OneNote
MyTetra

MyTetra

Open Source

MyTetra is a versatile, cross-platform information manager designed for collecting, organizing, and managing various types of data. It excels as a portable note-taking application, personal information manager, and notebook, offering a robust outliner and rich text editing capabilities.

Key Features

  • Excellent hierarchical organization with infinite depth.
  • Highly portable, runs from a local folder or drive.
  • Strong focus on data ownership and privacy with local storage and encryption.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Excellent hierarchical organization with infinite depth. compared to Microsoft OneNote
MemPad

MemPad

Free

MemPad is a highly portable and lightweight note-taking application designed for hierarchical organization of information. It offers a tree-like structure, enabling users to manage vast amounts of data efficiently. With features like strong encryption and offline capabilities, MemPad serves as an excellent tool for secure and private information management on the go.

Key Features

  • Exceptional portability, requiring no installation and runnable from a USB drive.
  • Robust hierarchical organization with infinite depth for complex data management.
  • Strong focus on privacy and security with local data storage and encryption.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Exceptional portability, requiring no installation and runnable from a USB drive. compared to Microsoft OneNote
myBase

myBase

Commercial

myBase is a powerful, free-form database and information manager designed to organize diverse types of information including text, web pages, documents, and multimedia files within a flexible hierarchical structure.

Key Features

  • Highly flexible and free-form data organization structure.
  • Supports embedding and linking a wide variety of file types.
  • Robust search capabilities including tag-based search.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Highly flexible and free-form data organization structure. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Notebooks

Notebooks

Commercial

Notebooks is a versatile application designed for comprehensive note-taking and task management. It offers a hierarchical structure for organizing diverse content, including text notes, rich documents, PDFs, and tasks, across multiple platforms with robust synchronization capabilities.

Key Features

  • Highly flexible and deep hierarchical organization system.
  • Supports a wide variety of content types beyond plain text.
  • seamlessly integrates note-taking and task management.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Highly flexible and deep hierarchical organization system. compared to Microsoft OneNote
ThinkComposer

ThinkComposer

Open Source

ThinkComposer is a highly flexible visual modeling tool designed for users to create rich, structured diagrams based on their specific domain knowledge. It facilitates the organization and visualization of complex information through various diagram types and hierarchical structures, enabling deep understanding and effective communication of ideas.

Key Features

  • Highly flexible and extensible through plugins
  • Supports rich content embedding within diagrams
  • Allows for infinitely deep hierarchical structures

vs Microsoft OneNote

Highly flexible and extensible through plugins compared to Microsoft OneNote
Trilium Notes

Trilium Notes

Open Source

Trilium Notes is a versatile, open-source personal knowledge base application designed for organizing notes in a hierarchical tree structure. It empowers users to manage information efficiently, from simple text notes to complex knowledge graphs, with robust features for tagging, search, and synchronization. Ideal for anyone seeking a powerful, customizable, and offline-first note-taking solution.

Key Features

  • Unmatched hierarchical organization with infinite depth.
  • Robust tagging system for flexible content categorization.
  • Strong privacy features including end-to-end encryption.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Unmatched hierarchical organization with infinite depth. compared to Microsoft OneNote
Elephant

Elephant

Open Source

Elephant is a portable, privacy-focused note-taking application featuring a classic, intuitive interface. It supports robust note organization, rich text formatting, markdown, and offline access. With capabilities like image insertion and secure cloud synchronization, Elephant is designed for users needing a reliable and versatile digital notebook.

Key Features

  • Strong emphasis on privacy and security with encryption and password protection.
  • Excellent portability, can be run from removable media.
  • Robust hierarchical organization with infinite depth.

vs Microsoft OneNote

Strong emphasis on privacy and security with encryption and password protection. compared to Microsoft OneNote

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