12 Apps ComparedSeptember 2025

Best Note Taking Apps for iOS - AI-Powered Solutions 2025

These iOS note-taking apps excel with AI integration, seamless collaboration, and versatile features for various needs. They are selected for their innovation, user ratings, and real-world utility in 2025.

Best Note Taking Apps for iOS - AI-Powered Solutions 2025

Our Top Pick

The best note taking app for iOS

#1
Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF icon

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF

Adobe Inc.

4.7
553,197 ratings

Why It's #1

  • Adobe AI Assistant
  • PDF Spaces for collaboration
  • Advanced annotation tools

About Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF

Major new update: The new Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant makes it easier than ever to do more with PDFs. โ€ข Work across multiple files in one place with PDF Spaces. Collaborate, store, and use AI Assistant across files โ€ข Use voice or text prompts with AI Assistant chatbot โ€ข Ask questions and get cited answers about details in your document, including charts, graphs, and tables with Figures Q&A โ€ข Easily share the responses you get โ€ข Try voice support to ask queries and have answers read aloud. โ€ข Use new Hands-free to keep the conversation flowing with voice only โ€ข Instantly generate summaries from your PDFs with Generative AI Summaries โ€ข Get content for emails, text, study notes, blogs, and more [Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant is a paid feature*, free for a limited time] The worldโ€™s most trusted PDF reader, PDF editor, and PDF maker with more than 635 million installs. View, share, annotate, add comments, and sign documents - all in one app. You can store your files online and read documents anywhere. Get your 7-day free trial and try all the features of Acrobat Reader. Paid features: Edit PDFs โ€ข With our PDF editor, edit text and images directly in your PDF (mobile only) โ€ข Fix typos or add paragraphs with the PDF editor โ€ข Easily add, delete, or rotate any image โ€ข Use this PDF signer and PDF viewer to get your docs just right Recognize text โ€ข Optical Character Recognition (OCR) turns scanned PDFs into searchable, editable text to use in other formats Merge & organize PDFs with PDF Converter โ€ข Split or combine multiple files into one PDF with PDF converter โ€ข Use the PDF editor to insert, delete, rotate, crop & reorder pages in your PDF file Create, convert & export PDFs โ€ข Easily convert to PDF from any file type including Microsoft, Google Docs, and images โ€ข Export and convert PDFs to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or various image files โ€ข Convert web pages to PDFs Compress & highly secure PDFs โ€ข Compress PDF files for easy saving and sharing โ€ข Password Protect PDF documents Have your PDF read aloud โ€ข Listen to your PDFs on the go, great for reading support โ€ข Choose free voices or upgrade for high-quality options Subscribe now to access all these features and use Acrobat across mobile and web platforms. Free-to-use features: PDF signer: Fill & Sign Adobe Fill & Sign is free & available in Acrobat Reader. A form filler and PDF signer that lets you fill, sign, and send Liquid mode in the optimal PDF viewer โ€ข Get the best PDF reading experience with this PDF viewer โ€ข Search, navigate & adjust font size or spacing to fit your screen Share PDFs & collaborate โ€ข Share files for commenting or viewing, tag others with @mention, and manage all comments in one place โ€ข Receive activity notifications for shared files Annotate PDFs โ€ข Add sticky notes, comments, and highlight text Store & manage files โ€ข Link online storage accounts like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive โ€ข Star files to quickly open important documents Connect the PDF viewer and reader to Google Drive โ€ข A PDF creator that lets you edit, compress, and export Google Drive files with a subscription Work with scanned documents โ€ข Access scanned PDFs from Adobe Scan in Acrobat to fill, sign, and share The Acrobat Reader mobile app is designed to work with customers who have Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) enabled. *An Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant add-on plan is available to Acrobat Individual customers. iOS 16 or above required. Terms & Conditions: Your use of this application is governed by the Adobe General Terms of Use http://www.adobe.com/go/terms_linkfree_en and the Adobe Privacy Policy http://www.adobe.com/go/privacy_policy_linkfree_en Do not sell or share my personal information www.adobe.com/go/ca-rights-linkfree

Overview

These iOS note-taking apps excel with AI integration, seamless collaboration, and versatile features for various needs. They are selected for their innovation, user ratings, and real-world utility in 2025.

Students, professionals, and creatives benefit from apps that enhance productivity, organization, and accessibility through advanced tools like AI assistance and voice transcription.

We evaluated based on features, user reviews, pricing, ease of use, and unique capabilities such as AI integration and cross-platform compatibility.

Why Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF is Our #1 Pick

Key Reasons:

Advanced AI Assistant for PDF manipulation

Seamless collaboration with PDF Spaces

High user rating and free access

Standout Features:

AI-powered editing tools

Multi-file management

Real-time collaboration

"Users praise its ease of use and powerful PDF handling capabilities, making it indispensable for document workflows."

- What users love most

Our Recommendations

Best Overall

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF

It combines AI power, collaboration, and free access, making it versatile for most users.

๐Ÿ’š Best Free

Microsoft OneNote

Offers extensive features at no cost with reliable sync and organization tools.

๐Ÿ’Ž Best Premium

Notability: Smarter AI Notes

Worth the investment for its advanced AI and seamless user experience.

Easiest to Use

Sticky Notes App & Remind Note

Its simple interface and intuitive design make it perfect for beginners.

Most Innovative

TLDL: AI Note Taker

Pushes boundaries with automated note-taking from audio, though use with caution.

The 12 Best note taking Apps

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF icon
1

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit PDF

by Adobe Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(553,197 reviews)Free
Best for:Professionals handling documents and collaborative projects

Pros:

  • Free with robust features
  • Excellent AI integration
  • Cross-device sync

Cons:

  • Can be resource-intensive
  • Limited to PDF-focused use
Key Features:Adobe AI Assistant, PDF Spaces for collaboration, Advanced annotation tools

The top choice for PDF-centric note-taking with cutting-edge AI features.

Write 2 Lite - Note Taking & Writing icon
2

Write 2 Lite - Note Taking & Writing

by Daniel V.Wโ˜…3.2/5(33 reviews)Free
Best for:Casual users and writers focusing on text-based notes

Pros:

  • Free and ad-supported
  • Markdown support
  • Simple interface

Cons:

  • Lower rating indicates bugs
  • Limited advanced features
Key Features:Markdown editing, Lightweight design, Basic organization tools

A solid free option for markdown enthusiasts seeking a lightweight writing experience.

Flow: Note Taking, Drawing Pad icon
3

Flow: Note Taking, Drawing Pad

by Bonoboโ˜…4.1/5(7,062 reviews)Free
Best for:Artists, designers, and visual thinkers

Pros:

  • Realistic ink simulation
  • Apple Pencil optimized
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • May lack text-heavy features
  • Not suited for all note types
Key Features:Realistic drawing tools, Seamless Apple Pencil integration, Aesthetically pleasing design

Ideal for artists and creatives with realistic drawing tools and a beautiful interface.

Notes Writer - Note Taking icon
4

Notes Writer - Note Taking

by Kairoos Solutions SLโ˜…4.5/5(6,813 reviews)Free
Best for:Students, educators, and professionals requiring detailed annotations

Pros:

  • High rating
  • PDF editing included
  • Versatile for various users

Cons:

  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Might have a learning curve
Key Features:PDF annotation tools, Multi-format support, Organization features

A powerful all-in-one app perfect for students and professionals needing PDF annotation.

Sticky Notes App & Remind Note icon
5

Sticky Notes App & Remind Note

by Epiphany Labsโ˜…4.4/5(5,767 reviews)Free
Best for:Users needing basic to-do lists and quick notes

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Free with ads
  • Good for simple lists

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Ads can be intrusive
Key Features:Sticky note interface, Reminder integration, Simple task management

Great for quick reminders and task management with a sticky note metaphor.

Notability: Smarter AI Notes icon
6

Notability: Smarter AI Notes

by Ginger Labsโ˜…4.8/5(421,474 reviews)Free
Best for:General users and students seeking intelligent note organization

Pros:

  • High user rating
  • AI features
  • Free download

Cons:

  • In-app purchases for full features
  • Can be pricey for premium
Key Features:AI-powered organization, Handwriting recognition, Cloud sync

Award-winning and loved for its AI enhancements and ease of use in note-taking.

Microsoft OneNote icon
7

Microsoft OneNote

by Microsoft Corporationโ˜…4.7/5(991,280 reviews)Free
Best for:Business users and teams using Microsoft products

Pros:

  • Free and feature-rich
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Integrates with Office apps

Cons:

  • Can feel bloated
  • Requires Microsoft account
Key Features:Seamless Office integration, Collaborative notebooks, Powerful search

Excellent for cross-platform users needing robust organization and integration with Microsoft ecosystem.

Notes+ : Notes for Pencil icon
8

Notes+ : Notes for Pencil

by SINGFISH PTE. LTD.โ˜…4.7/5(1,993 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who value customization and AI-driven features

Pros:

  • High rating
  • Free templates
  • AI assistance

Cons:

  • Might have subscription models
  • Could be overwhelming
Key Features:AI note simplification, Extensive template library, Pencil optimization

Revolutionizes digital note-taking with AI tools and a wide range of free templates.

Evernote - Notes Organizer icon
9

Evernote - Notes Organizer

by Evernote Corporationโ˜…4.4/5(71,586 reviews)Free
Best for:Users needing comprehensive organization across devices

Pros:

  • Long-standing reputation
  • Good sync capabilities
  • Free tier available

Cons:

  • Premium features costly
  • Can be slow at times
Key Features:Web clipper, Note tagging system, Cross-device sync

A classic choice for organizing notes, to-dos, and schedules with reliable sync.

Otter Transcribe Voice Notes icon
10

Otter Transcribe Voice Notes

by Otter.ai, Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(45,844 reviews)Free
Best for:Students, professionals, and individuals with hearing needs

Pros:

  • Excellent transcription accuracy
  • Free to use
  • Helpful for hearing impaired

Cons:

  • Privacy concerns with recordings
  • Subscription for advanced features
Key Features:Real-time transcription, Meeting summaries, Slide capture

Unbeatable for real-time voice transcription, making it essential for meetings and accessibility.

User Sentiment: Users love its accuracy and life-changing impact, especially for accessibility, though some note deletion issues.
Freenotes: AI Notes Taking icon
11

Freenotes: AI Notes Taking

by Free Notes (Hangzhou) Ltd.โ˜…4.8/5(38,370 reviews)Free
Best for:Students and learners seeking a digital paper alternative

Pros:

  • High rating
  • Realistic pen feel
  • Free with AI tools

Cons:

  • May have limited language support
  • Newer app with less track record
Key Features:Realistic handwriting simulation, AI study aids, Paperless learning tools

Offers a paper-like writing experience with AI enhancements for efficient studying.

TLDL: AI Note Taker icon
12

TLDL: AI Note Taker

by Catch Social, Inc.โ˜…4.8/5(4,720 reviews)Free
Best for:Students and busy individuals needing automated notes

Pros:

  • High rating for functionality
  • Great for students
  • AI automation

Cons:

  • Billing problems reported
  • Privacy risks with subscriptions
Key Features:AI-generated notes from audio, Course management, Accessibility features

A cutting-edge app for students that automates note-taking from recordings, despite some billing issues.

User Sentiment: Praised for its note-taking aid and support for visually impaired users, but criticized for unauthorized charges.

Comparison Insights

Key Differences

Apps vary from PDF-focused (Adobe) to voice-based (Otter) and drawing-oriented (Flow). Some prioritize collaboration, while others excel in automation.

How to Choose

Consider your primary use case: documents, voice notes, or drawings. Evaluate AI features, pricing, and user ratings for the best fit.

Common Limitations

Many apps struggle with cross-platform sync without subscriptions, and AI features may require internet connectivity. Privacy concerns exist with voice and data handling.

Emerging Trends

Increased use of AI for summarization and transcription, better integration with hardware like Apple Pencil, and a shift towards freemium models.

Key Insights

AI integration is a major trend, with apps like Adobe Acrobat and Otter leading. Free options abound, but premium features often enhance productivity. User reviews highlight accessibility and ease of use as critical factors.

Buying Guide

Essential Features

  • โ€ขAI assistance for efficiency
  • โ€ขCross-device synchronization
  • โ€ขUser-friendly interface

Nice to Have

  • โ€ขVoice transcription capabilities
  • โ€ขDrawing and annotation tools
  • โ€ขCollaborative features

โš ๏ธ Red Flags

  • โ€ขHidden subscription costs
  • โ€ขPoor user reviews regarding billing
  • โ€ขLimited offline functionality

Pricing Expectations

Most apps are free with optional paid tiers ranging from $2-10/month for advanced features like unlimited storage or AI tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best note-taking app for students?

Apps like TLDL and Notes+ are ideal for students due to AI note-taking and template support, but always check for accessibility and cost.

How do I choose between free and paid note-taking apps?

Start with free versions for basic needs; upgrade to paid if you require advanced AI, collaboration, or ad-free experiences.

What's the learning curve like for these apps?

Most are user-friendly, but apps with extensive features like Adobe Acrobat or OneNote may take time to master fully.

Conclusion

The top iOS note-taking apps in 2025 leverage AI for enhanced productivity, with options for every user from students to professionals. Key trends include voice transcription and collaborative tools.

After careful comparison, the key differentiators in this category are: Apps vary from PDF-focused (Adobe) to voice-based (Otter) and drawing-oriented (Flow). Some prioritize collaboration, while others excel in automation.

Our Final Recommendation

Choose based on your primary need: Adobe Acrobat for PDFs, Otter for voice, or Flow for drawing, ensuring to consider user reviews and pricing.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

What We're Hoping to See in the Future

Expect more AI integration, improved accessibility features, and tighter ecosystem integrations in upcoming updates.

Current Trends: Increased use of AI for summarization and transcription, better integration with hardware like Apple Pencil, and a shift towards freemium models.

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Top iOS Note Apps 2025: AI Features & Reviews