Best Note Taking Apps for iOS - September 2025
These apps excel with advanced AI integration, seamless cross-device sync, and intuitive interfaces, making note-taking more efficient and personalized than ever.
Our Top Pick
The best note taking app for iOS
About TLDL: AI Note Taker
Your classes are Too Long Didn't Listen? Meet TLDL: Your Ultimate Study Companion! Never miss a word in class again! With TLDL, you can record your classes and let TLDL AI take notes for you. Designed specifically for students, TLDL transforms the way you learn, making studying stress-free, efficient, and tailored to your needs. * Record Your Classes: Capture every lecture effortlessly. With support for 100+ languages, TLDL ensures you never miss a detail, no matter the subject or language. * Instant Class Notes: Get comprehensive and accurate notes immediately after class. TLDL's AI highlights key points, creates flashcards, quizzes, and summaries, making revision a breeze. * Replay & Review: Never forget a class again! Replay your lectures with ease, allowing you to revisit important concepts and ensure you fully understand the material. * Focus & Stress-Free Learning: TLDL is designed to help you stay focused in class. No need to worry about taking notes; our AI does it for you, so you can concentrate on listening and participating. * ADHD & Dyslexia Friendly: Tailored for students with ADHD and Dyslexia, TLDL helps you stay organized and retain information better. Our app breaks down complex information into manageable chunks, making it easier to understand and remember. Share with Classmates: Collaborate effortlessly. Share notes, highlights, and summaries with your classmates, helping everyone stay on top of their studies. All-in-One Study Tool: Whether you need highlights, flashcards, quizzes, or Q&A sections, TLDL provides all the tools you need to ace your exams and assignments. Why TLDL? Save Time: No more frantic note-taking. Focus on understanding the material while TLDL captures every word. Maximize Studying: Get detailed study guides in seconds. Perfect for last-minute revisions and exam prep. Never Miss Class: If you can't attend, get the notes from your classmates. TLDL ensures you always have access to the information you need. Boost Focus: Ideal for students with ADHD, TLDL helps you stay on track and engaged during lectures. Stress-Free Learning: Reduce anxiety around note-taking and focus on learning. TLDL takes care of the details so you can excel in your studies. Join Thousands of Students Transforming Their Learning Experience with TLDL! Download TLDL today and make studying smarter, not harder. Achieve your academic goals with less stress and more success. TLDL – Record, Learn, Succeed. ---------------------------------------- Privacy Policy: https://tldl.club/privacy Terms of use: https://tldl.club/terms
Overview
These apps excel with advanced AI integration, seamless cross-device sync, and intuitive interfaces, making note-taking more efficient and personalized than ever.
Essential for students, professionals, and creatives who need to capture ideas, organize tasks, and enhance learning on iOS devices.
We evaluated ease of use, AI capabilities, feature set, pricing, user ratings, and integration with iOS ecosystems.
Why TLDL: AI Note Taker is Our #1 Pick
Key Reasons:
Highest user rating for AI automation
Free with comprehensive features
Designed specifically for educational use
Standout Features:
Real-time class recording with AI summarization
User-friendly interface for students
Free access to core functionalities
"Users consistently praise its ability to accurately transcribe lectures and save time, making it a game-changer for study sessions."
- What users love most
Our Recommendations
Best Overall
TLDL: AI Note Taker
It offers the highest rating, innovative AI for automatic note-taking, and is free, making it the top choice for most users in 2025.
💚 Best Free
Microsoft OneNote
Provides extensive features at no cost, including collaboration and organization, without requiring a subscription for basic use.
💎 Best Premium
Notability: Smarter AI Notes
Worth paying for its advanced AI tools and premium features that enhance productivity for power users.
Easiest to Use
Sticky Notes App & Remind Note
Its simple, intuitive interface makes it perfect for beginners or those needing quick, hassle-free note management.
Most Innovative
TLDL: AI Note Taker
Pioneers AI-driven automatic note transcription, setting a new standard for efficiency in educational and professional settings.
The 11 Best note taking Apps
TLDL: AI Note Taker
Pros:
- AI-driven note generation reduces manual effort
- Free to use with no hidden costs
- High accuracy in voice-to-text conversion
Cons:
- Limited utility outside academic or meeting settings
- Requires internet for full AI functionality
Revolutionizes learning with AI-powered automatic note transcription from audio recordings.
Freenotes: AI Notes Taking
Pros:
- Authentic pen stroke feel mimics paper writing
- AI features boost study efficiency
- Completely free with no ads
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for non-handwriting users
- Less focus on voice or text-based inputs
Combines realistic handwriting simulation with AI tools to enhance paperless learning experiences.
Notability: Smarter AI Notes
Pros:
- AI-enhanced note categorization
- Free download with robust features
- Seamless sync across Apple devices
Cons:
- Premium features require subscription
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to feature depth
Award-winning app that integrates AI for smarter note organization and multimedia support.
Otter Transcribe Voice Notes
Pros:
- Accurate real-time transcription
- Free basic plan with decent limits
- Integrates with calendar and slides
Cons:
- Heavy data usage for audio processing
- Less effective for non-voice note-taking
Specializes in real-time voice transcription, making it ideal for meetings and interviews.
Microsoft OneNote
Pros:
- Free with extensive feature set
- Excellent for collaborative work
- Strong organizational tools with sections and pages
Cons:
- Can feel clunky on iOS compared to native apps
- AI features are less advanced than specialized apps
Powerful cross-platform note organizer with deep integration into Microsoft ecosystems.
Notes+ : Notes for Pencil
Pros:
- Free with no restrictions for basic use
- AI tools for note enhancement
- Wide variety of templates
Cons:
- UI can be less intuitive than competitors
- Limited voice or text input options
Focuses on pencil-based note-taking with AI tools to simplify learning and organization.
Notes Writer - Note Taking
Pros:
- Free with powerful annotation tools
- Good for students and professionals
- Supports multiple file formats
Cons:
- AI capabilities are basic compared to leaders
- Can be slow with large documents
All-in-one app for writing, annotating, and PDF editing with solid organizational features.
Evernote - Notes Organizer
Pros:
- Free basic plan with good features
- Strong organizational capabilities
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- Premium features are expensive
- AI integration is not as advanced as newer apps
Long-standing organizer that syncs notes, tasks, and schedules across devices.
Sticky Notes App & Remind Note
Pros:
- Free and easy to use
- Great for quick task management
- Over 1.5 million downloads show popularity
Cons:
- Lacks advanced AI or organizational features
- Not ideal for complex note-taking
Simple and effective for quick notes, to-do lists, and reminders with a sticky note metaphor.
Flow: Note Taking, Drawing Pad
Pros:
- Free with beautiful drawing tools
- Realistic ink simulation
- Good for artistic note-taking
Cons:
- Limited to drawing and basic notes
- No AI features for text or voice
Focuses on drawing and sketching with realistic ink, ideal for creatives and journaling.
Write 2 Lite - Note Taking & Writing
Pros:
- Free and simple for text notes
- Markdown support for writers
- Lightweight and fast
Cons:
- Lowest rating among the apps
- No AI or multimedia features
- Limited organizational tools
A basic markdown editor for typing notes, but lacks the advanced features of top apps.
Comparison Insights
Key Differences
Apps differ in input methods (e.g., Otter for voice, Flow for drawing), AI sophistication (TLDL leads in automation), and target audiences (students vs. professionals).
How to Choose
Consider your primary use case (e.g., audio notes, handwriting), need for AI, budget for premium features, and device compatibility.
Common Limitations
Most apps struggle with offline AI functionality, have subscription models for advanced features, and may not integrate well with non-Apple ecosystems.
Emerging Trends
Increased use of generative AI for content creation, better real-time collaboration, and enhanced privacy features in response to data concerns.
Key Insights
AI is now central to note-taking apps, with features like transcription and summarization; free apps dominate the market but often have premium tiers; specialization varies from voice to handwriting to organization.
Buying Guide
Essential Features
- •AI note assistance for automation
- •Cross-device sync
- •User-friendly interface
Nice to Have
- •Handwriting support with Apple Pencil
- •Voice transcription capabilities
- •Template libraries for different use cases
⚠️ Red Flags
- •Low user ratings indicating poor performance
- •Lack of recent updates suggesting abandonment
- •Hidden costs or aggressive ads
Pricing Expectations
Most apps are free with optional subscriptions ranging from $5 to $15 per month for advanced AI, storage, or ad-free experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these note-taking apps offline?
Yes, most support offline use for basic note-taking, but AI features like transcription or summarization typically require an internet connection.
How do I choose between free and paid versions of these apps?
Start with the free version to assess your needs; upgrade to paid if you require more AI capabilities, additional storage, or advanced organizational tools.
What is the learning curve like for these apps?
It varies: apps like Sticky Notes are very easy, while AI-powered ones like TLDL may take some time to master but offer greater long-term benefits.
Conclusion
The best note-taking apps in 2025 leverage AI to transform how we capture and organize information, with options tailored to different user needs and preferences.
After careful comparison, the key differentiators in this category are: Apps differ in input methods (e.g., Otter for voice, Flow for drawing), AI sophistication (TLDL leads in automation), and target audiences (students vs. professionals).
Our Final Recommendation
Choose TLDL for AI automation in education, OneNote for free collaboration, or Notability for premium features, based on your specific use case.
What We're Hoping to See in the Future
Expect continued AI advancements, better integration with wearable devices, and more personalized note-taking experiences in the coming years.
Current Trends: Increased use of generative AI for content creation, better real-time collaboration, and enhanced privacy features in response to data concerns.