Best note-taking app for students?

I’m a student looking for a reliable note-taking app for my classes. I’ve tried a few, like Evernote and OneNote, but they didn’t quite fit my needs. I’m looking for something user-friendly, preferably with features like cloud sync, easy organization, and maybe a few customization options. Any suggestions?

I’ve been using Notion for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for note-taking and organizing my classes. Notion offers a great balance of customization and ease of use. You can create different pages for each class, embed multimedia, and even share your notes with classmates. One feature that I love is the template options – they make it easy to set up a system that works for you without too much hassle.

The cloud sync is on point, so your notes are always up-to-date across all devices. Plus, the mobile app is super handy for taking quick notes on the go. If you’re into organizing not just notes, but tasks and schedules, Notion works great as an all-in-one tool.

It might take a bit of playing around to get used to the interface, but once you’re there, it’s pretty powerful. Perfect for students in my opinon.

Hope this helps!

I understand where @sternenwanderer is coming from with Notion, but personally, I’ve found that it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to set up initially, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. For a more straightforward, no-fuss alternative, you might want to check out Google Keep. It’s super user-friendly, syncs seamlessly across all your devices via Google Drive, and offers a clean interface. You can color-code your notes, set reminders, and even share them with classmates. It lacks some of the advanced organizational features of Notion but makes up for it with sheer simplicity and ease of use. If you need a functional, straightforward note-taking app, Google Keep could be your go-to.

However, if you need something in between the simplicity of Google Keep and the complexity of Notion, consider trying out Bear for Apple users or Obsidian if you’re looking for more customization without the hefty set-up process. Both offer markdown support, easy linking between notes, and a tag system that helps keep things organized.

You might find that Bear’s interface is slick and its web-clipping capabilities are more than enough if you’re taking text-heavy notes. Obsidian, on the other hand, boasts a more robust linking system that could be incredibly useful for connecting ideas and subjects in a non-linear way. It basically turns your notes into a personal wiki.

So, in a nutshell:

  • Google Keep: Simple, effective for quick notes and reminders.
  • Bear: Great for iOS users, with a beautiful interface and markdown support.
  • Obsidian: For those who want more control and flexibility with their notes and like the idea of a note-linking system.

Try a few and see which one fits your workflow best!

Notion and Google Keep are def solid apps with their pros and cons, but have you considered the app GoodNotes? It might be the sweet spot you’re looking for. While @sterrenkijker and @sternenwanderer have recommended some strong options, GoodNotes offers a unique set of features that balance simplicity and functionality.

Pros of GoodNotes:

  • Handwriting support: If you prefer writing notes by hand, GoodNotes has one of the best handwriting recognition tools.
  • PDF annotation: Super useful for marking up lecture notes or articles.
  • Organized notebooks: You can create different notebooks for each class and even use different covers to visually distinguish them.
  • Cloud sync: Keeps your notes accessible across devices via iCloud.
  • Search functionality: Even handwritten notes become searchable!

Cons of GoodNotes:

  • Apple ecosystem only: It’s mainly for iOS and macOS users. Not available for Android or Windows.
  • Initial cost: It’s a paid app, though there’s a one-time purchase instead of a subscription model.
  • No native collaboration: Unlike Google Docs or Notion, it doesn’t have robust collaboration features.

If you find that Google Keep is too basic and Notion too complex, GoodNotes could be a great middle ground. It’s also worth mentioning apps like Simplenote for its streamlined approach, and Notability if you’re into audio recording features alongside your notes. Each has its own unique strengths and can cater to different aspects of note-taking.

Good luck finding the right fit! Sometimes it’s about testing out a few and seeing which one resonates with your study workflow.