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Best free note-taking apps (2026)
Ranked on value, showing only apps with a genuinely usable free tier.
Same public formula as every ranking — just reweighted to emphasize Value (price vs features) for free. How we score →
Top pick for free
Obsidian
72
SoftwareScore for free
A local-first markdown knowledge base with a huge plugin ecosystem — unmatched on data ownership, lighter on real-time collaboration.
Because free weigh Value (price vs features), Feature depth, Data ownership / privacy most heavily, Obsidian comes out on top for this use.
See Obsidian → Runners-up for free
2
Apple Notes
Free
Apple's free built-in notes app — instantly usable and reliable across Apple devices, limited beyond the ecosystem.
72
for free
3
Notion
Free · $10/mo · ★4.7 (2.8k)
An all-in-one workspace where notes, databases, and wikis live as flexible blocks — powerful and collaborative, with a learning curve and cloud lock-in.
72
for free
4
OneNote
Free · ★4.6 (2.0k)
Microsoft's free-form digital notebook — generous, flexible, and free, especially inside the Microsoft 365 world.
70
for free
5
Google Keep
Free · ★4.7 (2.5M)
Google's free sticky-note app — dead simple and synced everywhere, but light on structure and depth.
69
for free