Modern tablets are more advanced than ever before, and they offer a range of benefits that are difficult to ignore. As luck would have it, we’ve gone ahead and found the best tablet options for quick, easy, and affordable note-taking. It is ideal for students, professionals, and hobbyists who want to create aesthetically appealing notes, conduct research, and take advantage of all the entertainment options available to them. The Liquid Retina display guarantees color realism and the LiDAR scanner allows you to create visual notes.
This stylus features tilt and pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and unbeatable precision, but it doesn’t quite have the tension, drag, and friction that you would expect from a pencil. As well as being affordable, the iPad Air works with the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil, so you can still take real-time notes with a responsive stylus. It also has processing power similar to a desktop computer, guaranteeing a seamless experience with minimal lag. It is one of the best iPads for note-taking because it offers up to 10 hours of battery life, Liquid Retina display, and all the best apps from the Apple store. This all-in-one paper-like product features a magnetic matte screen protector, two ballpoint Apple Pencil tip replacements, and a protective storage folder. Unlike other products that only swap the Pencil tip or the screen texture, we’ve crafted unmatched realism by combining a custom Apple Pencil tip and a nanotexture screen protector. Ditch the slip: On its own, the iPad’s glass screen is a slippery surface that creates an inconsistent drag on your Apple Pencil. On its own, the iPad’s glass screen is a slippery surface that creates an inconsistent drag on your Apple Pencil.
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a brilliant option for people who want to switch between handwritten and typed notes. The tablet only weighs 1.19 lbs, which makes it even better for note-takers who have to travel to work, seminars, and coffee shops. Only available with a low-power Central Processing Unit (CPU), so graphics and complicated programs will lag It is fitted with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, a 2K OLED screen, and Dolby Atmosphere-enhanced quad speakers.
The standard stylus has over 4,000 levels of tilt and pressure detection, which makes taking notes easy peasy. To push your note-taking to the next level, you can purchase the Lenovo P11 Pro tablet, which comes with two illustration apps called Bamboo Paper and Squid.
Kindle Scribe is an e-reader and a note-taking tablet, which is perfect for students and professionals. The screen is 10.2 inches, which is a little bit on the smaller side, but it is the largest Amazon e-reader to date. When you choose the Premium Pen, you can highlight sentences, create sticky notes, and make bullet journals, to-do lists, and documents. However, it is important to know that Kindle Scribe does not feature handwriting-to-text conversion or any tools for illustration.
The Best Tablets for Taking Notes for School and Work On Sale During Cyber Monday
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. While shorthand and cursive are handy skills when it comes to hastily jotting ideas, there’s no denying that technology can offer the best of both digital and analog worlds when it comes to note-taking. More than just a glorified smartphone, the best tablets for taking notes also work with a stylus so you can quickly write things down, keep everything organized on a hard drive or cloud, and search through everything later — which is why they’re perfect for high schoolers, college students, professionals and digital nomads.
Whether you’re also using it for reading, web browsing, checking emails, watching videos and playing games in addition to writing, compiling lists or drawing.
Whether you’re also using it for reading, web browsing, checking emails, watching videos and playing games in addition to writing, compiling lists or drawing. Many devices also allow you to expand storage with an SD or microSD card, and today’s tech means you’ll also get decent front and back cameras for quickly snapping photos (like that whiteboard before it’s erased) and video calling. Many devices also allow you to expand storage with an SD or microSD card, and today’s tech means you’ll also get decent front and back cameras for quickly snapping photos (like that whiteboard before it’s erased) and video calling. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best tablets for note-taking at school or work, from the latest Apple and Microsoft releases to options for Android users. And right now, a handful of the top note-taking tablets on our list are on sale during Black Friday at Amazon, Apple, Samsung and Microsoft, including the latest iPad Air and the iPad Pro (which comes with a $100 Apple gift card when you shop through Monday), the Galaxy Tab and the new Surface Pro 9.
Keep reading below for some of the best note-taking tablets to consider for every budget along with the top Black Friday deals to shop all weekend. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro features 5G and 6E connectivity and a vibrant Liquid Retina display with XDR for color-faithful viewing, while 12MP cameras and a LiDAR scanner (which can “mesh” objects and spaces) let you take visual notes or stunning HDR photos alike. The tech giant’s built-in Notes app can recognize and index your handwriting, making it easier to search what you’ve jotted down.
At $230 and up, the price is hard to beat, and the new model is now compatible with Amazon’s stylus and Bluetooth keyboard case. The keyboard has 15 pre-programmed shortcut keys (including two customizable ones) for using the split-screen feature and opening programs, plus trackpad gestures for quick navigation. The battery life also gets a major upgrade and promises up to 14 hours of gaming, listening to music or Audible books, browsing the web, reading, watching Twitch streams and more. And of course, Alexa is at the ready for you to add items to your Amazon shopping cart, turn on smart lights and set reminders, among many other voice commands. The standard Pro 9 is great for anyone who wants to multi-task, create documents and take notes via pen, camera or voice. The i5 CPUs are a good option for those who want versatility on a budget, while the more powerful i7 processor is ideal for users who want to play casual games or edit photos and videos. Gamers, editors and photographers will want to go with the 5G option, which supports cloud gaming, offers fast file transfers and charging via USB-C and features AI-enhanced camera effects. It’s worth noting that the extra cost of accessories puts the tablet at essentially the same price as a traditional laptop, but with touchscreen capabilities. Galaxy Tab S9 is one of the best tablets for Android users who want a display and speed that rivals the iPad.
If you want maximum screen quality and size, the tablet is available with an OLED display in the 12.4-inch S9+ (from $1,000) or the 14.6-inch S9 Ultra (from $1,200 at Samsung with eligible trade-in). Students, gamers and movie lovers alike can thank the 120Hz refresh rate and the incredibly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that handles multitasking with ease. The impressive battery life, DeX (which offers a PC-like experience with mouse, keyboard and monitor integration), Microsoft 365 and speedy Wi-Fi 6E compatibility round out this powerful device with productivity in mind.
The S9 tablet comes with the S Pen, which now has nine-millisecond latency for quick responsiveness, so you can take notes right after unboxing. You can use the included stylus to control presentations, and your files and content can be synced with other compatible Samsung devices.
If you prefer the functionality of a laptop without the extra weight, the tablet can be expanded with Samsung’s Bluetooth book cover keyboard also acts as a screen protector. For entertainment, the tablet boasts an edge-to-edge display and Dolby Atmos surround sound on quad speakers for a cinematic viewing experience on the go. Courtesy of Walmart $649.99 $749.00 13% off The 2022 Apple iPad Air weighs in at just one pound, making it one of the best lightweight tablets for taking notes. The fifth-gen model works with the second-gen Pencil, which offers a responsive writing and drawing experience. Powered by an M1 8-core CPU chip and Neural Engine (which promises up to 60 percent faster performance), the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen has a 120Hz refresh rate that makes it a breeze to quickly jot down notes or doodle without any lag. Amazon BEST BUDGET APPLE TABLET $349.00 $449.00 22% off There are plenty of cheap tablets for note-taking that offer basic functionality, but Apple’s 2022 iPad offers a major upgrade with a new A14 Bionic chip, larger screen, longer battery life, better cameras and more.
The 10th-gen tablet is 20 percent faster than the 2021 model, allowing users to seamlessly switch between taking notes, browsing the web or playing games.
Apple also swapped the Lightning connector for the industry standard USB-C, and the graphics boast a 10 percent improvement over last year’s device. screen features Apple’s TrueTone technology (which automatically adjusts to the color temperature of the room), making it easier on your eyes whether you’re taking notes in a giant lecture hall or outdoors. $249) so you can write down your thoughts on the Scribble note-taking app, mark up PDFs and screenshots, highlight items, convert your handwriting into text, sketch illustrations and design logos.
If you plan on catching up on your favorite movies and TV shows, the Liquid Retina display promises vibrant details and colors, and the tablet weighs about one pound, making it a travel-friendly option for mobile entertainment. 64GB or 256GB Cameras 12MP wide rear / 12MP landscape ultra-wide front with Center Stage / LiDAR scanner
12MP wide rear / 12MP landscape ultra-wide front with Center Stage / LiDAR scanner Security Touch ID Compatible with the Precision Pen 2 ($60, sold separately), this family-friendly tablet is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 2K OLED screen, so it delivers seamless graphics on a vibrant 400-nit display.
Speaking of portable entertainment, the Dolby Atmos-enhanced quad speakers round out your on-the-go experience. The stylus has 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt detection — so artists and note-takers alike can get an accurate writing or drawing experience — and you can upgrade to the 2023 P11 Pro (from $300) that comes with Bamboo Paper and Squid illustration apps.
Whether you’re a college student or an executive, you can easily jot your thoughts on OneNote, write papers on Word and organize your files, among other productivity tasks. 64GB or 128GB; microSD card slot expandable up to 256GB Cameras 13MP auto-focus rear / 8MP fixed-focus front
Clocking in at just 1.2 pounds, the Surface Go 3 isn’t going to replace your desktop computer or laptop — but it’s one of the best note-taking tablets for anyone seeking a lightweight device that can also handle lighter tasks such as answering emails, streaming videos and browsing the internet. As far as writing things down, the tablet is equipped with the latest version of Microsoft’s OneNote app, which lets you create and edit Word documents, convert your handwriting to text, search notes and more. With the Surface Pen, you can also take notes on web pages using Microsoft Edge and even write reminders to yourself directly into Cortana. This is also one of the best tablets for younger students, as the unit also comes with Kids Mode, which lets parents set usage limits and control access to certain content and apps.
For entertainment, the crystal-clear TFT LCD display and dual Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers offer a vibrant and engaging viewing experience (the 3.5mm headphone jack lets you plug in, too), and you can also use the unit as a hotspot or share content to other devices. When charging, the tablet screen displays your calendar, the weather or your music, so you can stay productive even when the unit is docked. Amazon MOST PORTABLE NOTE-TAKING TABLET $399.99 $499.00 20% off The sixth-gen iPad Mini is expected to get an upgrade in early 2024, according to Macworl. It’s compatible with the second-gen Apple Pencil, has a Liquid Retina screen size of 8.3 inches and weighs under one pound, making it one of the best travel-friendly note-taking tablets that’s also powerful enough to edit and watch content, play games and snap photos. The combination of the A15 Bionic chip and battery life lets you play or work for up to 10 hours. Rounding out the sixth-gen iPad Mini’s features are 12MP front and back camera and 4K video recording. Eco-minded users will like that the tablet is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure, rare earth elements in the speaker and magnets and tin in the main logic board. At 10.2 inches with a 300ppi glare-free display and 35 LED lights, the screen is the largest and brightest in Amazon’s e-reader lineup. Similar to Amazon’s other e-readers, the front light adjusts automatically and you can customize the display’s warmth and text size.
ReMarkable BEST E-INK TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES Prefer the feel of paper but want the perks of technology without digital distractions? At just .2 inches thick, the e-paper device is the thinnest tablet out there, and the 8GB internal storage can accommodate about 100,000 pages. The device also works on 5G, and you can sync files between ReMarkable’s apps for Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows 7 and newer.
The size of standard printer paper, the 36-page erasable notebook uses a specially-coated dot grid surface that tracks what you write using the included Pilot FiXion pen. Connect it to Rocketbook’s free iOS or Android app to scan and save each page to your preferred destination (including Google Drive, iCloud, Evernote, Dropbox, email and more), then erase the pages with a microfiber cloth (included) to clear your notebook.
Perspectives: iPad vs. paper notes
I launch Notability, grip my Apple Pencil in my hand and refocus my attention back on the lecture, refreshed and ready to take notes again. In biology class, I sit ready and prepared to learn with my notebook open to a fresh new page and my pencil sharpened to a perfect point. I launch Notability, grip my Apple Pencil in my hand and refocus my attention back on the lecture, refreshed and ready to take notes again. By using an iPad to take notes, you don’t need to bring six different notebooks for six different subjects, so your back doesn’t break every time you pick your backpack up. Lastly, while paper notes might help you with memorization in the short term, the iPad’s ability to add in neat drawings and diagrams could do much more. A 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that visual learning and explanations improve spatial ability as well as understanding.
How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil — 3 very simple ways
For some, it’s a total computer replacement, while others use it to watch video, read books and game. Another popular use of Apple’s iPad is using it to replace a tablet of paper and a pen, or a sketchbook and a pencil.
There are a few different ways you can jot down your latest idea or quickly draw an example of what you want to create on the iPad. I’ll include a list of which iPad model uses which version of the Apple Pencil at the bottom of this post.
To copy your handwritten notes into text, long press on the first word until it’s highlighted. How to take notes from the lock screen This is a hidden feature that I admit I forget about all too often.
A blank note page will then open, ready for you to start writing or sketching. Quick Notes lives as a popup that slides out of the bottom-right corner of the screen, letting you add links to whatever Safari page you’re currently on, or you can begin writing with your Apple Pencil and save it for future access. Trigger Quick Notes by swiping towards the middle of the screen from the bottom-right corner. Not only is it available on your iPad, but if you own a Mac or use an iPhone, your notes will sync between all of your Apple devices using your iCloud account.
There’s something intimate about writing notes on paper instead of a screen that helps me, personally, with retaining information. And it never fails, whenever I need to access a specific note from a meeting, my notebook is missing or is in my office when I’m nowhere near it.
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But I’ve been hearing a lot of praise about note-taking with the iPad and it makes me wonder if it really is worth it to get one for college.
The Best App for Taking Handwritten Notes on an iPad – The Sweet Setup
When the iPad was first announced, its notebook-like shape (and name) seemed to make this type of use inevitable, but it’s only been in recent years with the release of the Apple Pencil that handwriting on the platform has been allowed to shine. With handwriting being the focus instead of keyboard-based text entry, drawings and doodles can take shape, margins can be utilized, and the tools as a whole are completely different. These apps can come especially in handy for certain use cases such as students taking lecture notes, those committed to keeping a journal, and anyone who appreciates the art of putting pen to paper.
By joining the Sweet Setup community you’ll also get access to our other guides, early previews to big new reviews and workflow articles we are working on, weekly roundups of our best content, and more. We consider quick updates to support new screen sizes essential; after all, if you’ve gone out of your way to take notes using the Apple Pencil, you’re most likely the type who’s also an early adopter. It’s been well-documented: handwriting greatly improves the learning process and it’s easier to commit things to memory if you write them down.
When the iPad debuted in 2010, it promised to eliminate the need to carry textbooks and notebooks, and seemed like an easy fit to take the place of the 15-inch MacBook Pro (at least for study purposes). However, the handwriting component of learning was lost, as the original iPad only really had external keyboard support as its primary input method.
iOS Safari has improved over the years as well, increasingly supporting more and more types of webinar delivery methods and online student portals. On the left, a textbook, quickly searched and easily annotated, and on the right, a digital piece of paper ready for all sorts of pens, highlighters, shapes, and jotting. Simply put, if you’re a student today, either of our top two handwriting note-taking apps are must-have purchases from the day you unbox your new iPad. GoodNotes’ latest update has created a user-interface perfect for those looking to move their notes into the digital space.
Once you’re in a notebook, instead of seeing a blinking cursor like a traditional text notes app, you’ll be ready to start writing with the Apple Pencil. The majority of these papers have both a landscape and portrait orientation, as well as an option to use it in either a white or yellow color. This is a killer feature in our book, and one that we’ve used quite a bit after discovering the versatility of adding our own paper templates to the app. There are three types of pens alongside a highlighter, and each of the tools is highly customizable in terms of both size and color.
This is handy for a variety of reasons: taking notes on top of a class’s lecture outline, using a digital yearly planner, creating your own custom paper template, the list goes on and on. And, as mentioned above, the ability to import a PDF as a custom paper type is a powerful feature that really extends the usefulness of the app as far as your imagination and resourcefulness can carry you.
If writing in dim lighting is important to you, Notability not only offers a dark version of its UI, but also allows you to set the paper to black and the ink to white. For the creative note-takers, photos and gifs can be added to each document, as well as web clips, stickies, and custom shapes or figures. Notes also receives a first-party perk on iPads: Tapping the lock screen with a Pencil automatically opens a new sheet.
Evernote sync may be handy for some, but a limited set of features and inconsistent updates (the last one being over a full year ago) means that this app has seen better days. Though this is a very interesting premise, the conversion doesn’t always work flawlessly, and the extremely specific use-case is too narrow to call it the best app in the category. Though possible to use as a handwriting app, Paper works better as a sketching tool, and thus didn’t make the cut.
But the lack of search, a limited amount of tools, and a focus on annotating PDFs means that this app stays in the runner up category. It’s clear that with the right combination of app and Pencil, the iPad is now an exceptional note-taking tool for those who prefer to write by hand.
13 Best Notetaking Apps for iPad for 2023
While there’s no “correct” way to write your notes, one of the things you’ll have to decide early on is whether you should handwrite or type them. While keyboarding is more efficient, for many notetakers, notes created in this way simply lack the sticking power that comes with using traditional methods. With that in mind, most of the apps below are designed for handwriting your digital notes using your iPad and your Apple Pencil. Creating effective notes has been proven to enhance recall and improve study sessions, resulting in greater academic success.
Multi-note support gives users the ability to open two notes and arrange them in the app for comparison or multitasking. The new Pencil tool provides the app with added versatility, allowing users to draw and sketch. By combining multitasking tools and technologies like handwriting recognition and math conversion, Notability makes it easier than ever to take notes during classes, meetings, conferences, and everything in between. If you’re looking for an awesome app that doesn’t require an up-front cash investment, Notability is a great option to consider. Multi-note support allows you to easily compare and work on multiple documents at one time. make it simple to create and save your favorite tool colors for fast and easy reuse.
Math conversion (premium only) allows you to convert handwritten calculations into common mathematical expressions. Pencil Tool allows for drawing and sketching, with pressure sensitivity and tilt-activated shading.
No iCloud syncing or backups on the free plan creates some risk for notetakers who don’t upgrade. (resets monthly) means that hardcore notetakers could find themselves unable to continue taking notes without an upgrade. Limited organizational tools force users into a style of note-keeping that may feel restricted or insufficient. This is a fundamental difference from a tool like Notability or Apple Notes, where your ability to organize is somewhat constrained by the software.
The app offers a powerful search function, onboard handwriting recognition, AI-powered tools, and much more. While there aren’t a ton of cons to Goodnotes, the lack of a favorites toolbar is a common feature that is (sadly) missing here. Lack of a favorites toolbar means that you’ll need to reformat your tools each time you select or change them. While the app saves some settings, like pen width and color, resetting your tools still feels more involved than it should be.
Pricing: Limited free plan available; $9.99/year subscription or $29.99 one-time purchase from the App Store for the full version. Limited free plan available; $9.99/year subscription or $29.99 one-time purchase from the App Store for the full version.
Originally, it was a mobile version of the Notes app that has been (and continues to be) a staple on the Mac operating system. Apple Notes is also one of the few notetaking apps that is set up to create tables and interactive checklists.
It also treats PDFs and other imported files as attachments instead of integrating them into your notes, meaning that editing is limited to annotation and markup. Will enable other options for recognized text, like scheduling events or calling phone numbers directly from the Notes app. Will enable other options for recognized text, like scheduling events or calling phone numbers directly from the Notes app. While it’s possible to do this with a little work if you want to back up your notes to Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. While it’s possible to do this with a little work if you want to back up your notes to Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Unlike traditional notetaking apps, which offer a blank page for you to jot down notes, LiquidText is more of a study and research tool designed to help you parse PDFs and other documents.
#caption#With LiquidText, you’ll be able to draw connections between nodes on your mindmap, access multiple documents simultaneously, and compile research in a free-form workspace. #alt#A screenshot picturing the LiquidText interface, including a written article on the left, along with a window allowing for the selection of multiple documents.
As you gather data from your document, you can consolidate it into groups, draw lines and make connections between those details, and much more.
While this approach to notetaking is more research-based, it’s definitely a game-changer for anyone looking to parse documents for key details and insights, as LiquidText offers a battery of tools that you won’t find in most other apps. Infinite workspace allows for a tidy collection of excerpts, comments, and handwritten notes. Adding multiple documents to a single workspace allows users to create projects centered around a theme or idea and assists in consolidating associated research.
allows users to create projects centered around a theme or idea and assists in consolidating associated research. Ability to squeeze and expand documents during research makes critical details much easier to parse and compare.
The second of the two research tools on our list, MarginNote is similar to LiquidText (featured above) in how it functions and operates. MarginNote opens your document into a digital workspace where you can highlight and annotate PDFs or select excerpts from the text.
#caption#MarginNote provides clean, clear connection lines for your mind map, allows for handwritten notes, and much more. #alt#A screenshot picturing the MarginNote 3 interface, including a written article on the right and a mind map of notes and excerpts on the left.
One of the key differentiators in MarginNotes is that much of the mind-mapping generation can be done in a way that looks clean and crisp, with straight lines and blocks that feel sharp and organized. Auto Add to MindMap tool allows you to organize excerpts without a ton of dragging and dropping.
Where apps like Goodnotes and Notability emphasize (and mostly stick to) the idea of handwritten notes, Nebo tries to marry the concept of handwriting and text together within its notebooks. All Document pages are lined sheets, and users have the option to write using an Apple Pencil or a keyboard.
While you can keep the text in a handwritten format, Nebo gives you a clear indication that it understood what you wrote. With the free version, you’ll just have access to the basics, including a limited number of notebooks that you can create.
However, you can get a dictionary, convert PDFs, and share your content out in various formats by purchasing the appropriate upgrade pack for a relatively low cost. It’s also worth pointing out that Nebo is cross-platform compatible, which makes it unique for users who are looking for one of the best iPad note apps that can exist outside of the Apple ecosystem.
Combining handwriting and typed text is an interesting concept that is hinted at in other apps, but Nebo really takes ownership of this feature. Lack of templates, layouts, and other custom formats that you see in apps like Goodnotes, Notability, or Noteshelf.
The app provides a rock-solid notetaking experience with simple and intuitive tools that look good and feel great to use. Inside the notetaking interface, you’ll find a vast array of pen types and brushes, as well as a few extra goodies. #caption#In CollaNote, pressure sensitivity is enabled by default, so your text will shrink and grow as you write based on how hard you press your Apple Pencil against the screen. #alt#A screenshot of the CollaNote interface featuring a combination of handwritten and typed text.
Just like Apple Notes and Notability, CollaNote actively distinguishes between a pen and a pencil, both of which provide a completely different writing experience.
Even though CollaNote currently lacks some of the features you’d see in more mature apps, it’s well on its way to becoming a major player in the notetaking space.
Collaboration features make it easy to work with other notetakers to generate a group or shared note. With the exception of PDFs, media files reside within a note and are not imported as standalone objects.
While this app does back up to iCloud, it currently offers no platform compatibility with Mac, Windows, or Android. While this app does back up to iCloud, it currently offers no platform compatibility with Mac, Windows, or Android.
You’ll find all the tools you need to take great notes on your Apple, Android, or Windows devices.
The interface provides a streamlined experience that’s easy to navigate, with plenty of customization features — from page templates and notebook covers to different pen types and the colors and sizing of your tools.
When you need to write smaller text or you want a closeup of your existing notes, the Zoom Box makes it easy to do. #caption#Noteshelf offers a variety of pen types so you can stylize and customize your notes in your own way.
#alt#A screenshot picturing the pen interface and three example lines at varying thicknesses of the ball, fountain, felt, and pencil styles. Advanced customization options, such as a variety of page templates, notebook covers, and tools, allow you to get creative with your notes. such as a variety of page templates, notebook covers, and tools, allow you to get creative with your notes.
The home dashboard is fully customizable (with an Evernote Premium Plan), so you can organize all your information in a way that makes the most sense for you. Evernote offers a rigid notetaking structure that makes it easy to get your thoughts on the page. Formatting is similar to Word or Google Docs, which doesn’t offer a lot of flexibility, but it does keep your notes neat and tidy.
You’ll have to enter Sketch Mode to draw or write, and once you’re finished, Evernote converts your work into an image to add to your note. With cross-platform compatibility and the ability to sync across devices in real time, Evernote can help you create the ultimate task management and productivity system.
Structured formatting feels familiar thanks to its similarity to word-processing programs and also keeps your notes neat and organized. Ability to connect to Calendar and add reminders to your task lists is locked behind a subscription.
Only being able to sync two devices on the free plan means you’ll have to pick what platforms you prefer if you don’t want to pay for a subscription. Wildly popular and completely free, OneNote is the go-to app for tens of thousands of users interested in taking effective notes. Like Evernote, this app is geared more toward keyboard-based notetaking, but its handwriting component works beautifully and doesn’t make you switch modes or move to a different section to write. You’ll just hit the Draw tab at the top of the screen to access your writing tools. OneNote also includes features like a Math Assistant and audio recording that are great for students and a web clipper to capture content from the internet and video recording, which is completely unique to this app (Desktop or Windows app only). Its onboard organization tools make it a great option for storage, especially for users already integrated with other Microsoft products like OneDrive, Word, Excel, etc. Similar to both Evernote and OneNote, Zoho Notebook is available on a variety of platforms and seamlessly syncs across your devices using its own cloud service. You can change the background color on every note, making it easier to visually differentiate between topics.
On top of that, Zoho Notebook offers different Card types (Checklist, Audio, Sketch, and more) to match your notetaking needs. But, you can password protect your notes, share, and collaborate with others in real time, which are excellent features in any notetaking app.
Smart Cards automatically format saved content, keeping these notes nice and neat.
Lack of search capabilities in the free version can make it difficult to find your notes, especially if you have a lot of them. Limited notecard sizes and storage on the free version mean that if you plan to take a lot of notes, you’ll need to upgrade. Limited tools for handwriting and customization for typed text make it more difficult to get creative with your notes. #caption#Penbook has over 1,000 customization options for your notes, including page templates for any topic. #alt#Image of the note creation page in the Penbook app showcasing all the different customization options.
While the tools are pretty basic (Pen, Pencil, Highlighter), you can change the line thickness and color on each, and you can even customize or use hex codes to get the perfect shade.
While the app does offer a user manual, it’s pretty long and involved, and there aren’t any video tutorials or quick guides to help you get going. Pre-made “Editions” help you skip the Notebook creation process so you can get right to taking notes. Live Paper automatically fills in the date and time when you create new pages, which can be handy for schedules, journals, and more.
ZoomNotes provides an infinite whiteboard, making it a great choice for visual notetakers. It’s practically endless, making it easy to sketch out your thoughts and ideas without worrying about running out of room. When you zoom in to get a better look or make adjustments or additions to your notes, the full view stays on your screen off to the right, allowing you to see the bigger picture while you work. #alt#A screenshot from ZoomNotes showing the different types of sub-documents available, such as a sticky note.
ZoomNotes goes the extra mile by adding linked sound recording, unlimited paper sizes/styles, Bookmarks, and more. It’s easy to completely customize your notes, especially with eight different pen types and unlimited color options. Infinite canvas provides endless room to write, draw, or sketch your notes and ideas. Incredible zoom range makes taking visual notes like mind mapping or sketchnoting super easy. makes taking visual notes like mind mapping or sketchnoting super easy. Limited tools on the free version make it hard to customize your notes the way you’d like. Pricing: ZoomNotes Lite is free; $10.99 one-time purchase for the full version on the App Store. ZoomNotes Lite is free; $10.99 one-time purchase for the full version on the App Store.
This is a notetaking tool that uses your calendar as a way to tie your note to a fixed point in time. Notes are attached to projects and can be assigned to a specific date so that you regularly refer back to them. This is a notetaking tool that uses your calendar as a way to tie your note to a fixed point in time.
Notes are attached to projects and can be assigned to a specific date so that you regularly refer back to them.
While Freeform is the perfect app to get creative and express yourself visually, you may want to stick to Apple Notes or one of the others mentioned for serious notetaking. While Freeform is the perfect app to get creative and express yourself visually, you may want to stick to Apple Notes or one of the others mentioned for serious notetaking.
Compared to other apps on our list, Penultimate lacks several major features, but its connection to Evernote makes it worth a mention. Compared to other apps on our list, Penultimate lacks several major features, but its connection to Evernote makes it worth a mention.
While you can use other notetaking apps to create mind maps, ThinkSpace is specifically designed to help you manage this task. #alt#Image of an iPad with a drawing of the word “hello” on it, laying on a lined sheet of paper with an Apple Pencil.
Without a doubt, having the right app can make the difference between success and failure when studying for the next exam or jotting down quick notes in a meeting. If you’re planning to use the Apple Pencil or a similar stylus to take notes on your iPad, don’t forget to pick up a Paperlike so that you can improve your notetaking experience.
Paperlike transforms your screen from slippery glass into something that feels just like a real notepad or notebook so that you can scribble and jot notes with ease.
The Best Tablets for Taking Notes for School and Work On Sale During Cyber Monday
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. While shorthand and cursive are handy skills when it comes to hastily jotting ideas, there’s no denying that technology can offer the best of both digital and analog worlds when it comes to note-taking. More than just a glorified smartphone, the best tablets for taking notes also work with a stylus so you can quickly write things down, keep everything organized on a hard drive or cloud, and search through everything later — which is why they’re perfect for high schoolers, college students, professionals and digital nomads. Whether you’re also using it for reading, web browsing, checking emails, watching videos and playing games in addition to writing, compiling lists or drawing.
Whether you’re also using it for reading, web browsing, checking emails, watching videos and playing games in addition to writing, compiling lists or drawing. Many devices also allow you to expand storage with an SD or microSD card, and today’s tech means you’ll also get decent front and back cameras for quickly snapping photos (like that whiteboard before it’s erased) and video calling.
Many devices also allow you to expand storage with an SD or microSD card, and today’s tech means you’ll also get decent front and back cameras for quickly snapping photos (like that whiteboard before it’s erased) and video calling. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best tablets for note-taking at school or work, from the latest Apple and Microsoft releases to options for Android users. And right now, a handful of the top note-taking tablets on our list are on sale during Black Friday at Amazon, Apple, Samsung and Microsoft, including the latest iPad Air and the iPad Pro (which comes with a $100 Apple gift card when you shop through Monday), the Galaxy Tab and the new Surface Pro 9. Keep reading below for some of the best note-taking tablets to consider for every budget along with the top Black Friday deals to shop all weekend. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro features 5G and 6E connectivity and a vibrant Liquid Retina display with XDR for color-faithful viewing, while 12MP cameras and a LiDAR scanner (which can “mesh” objects and spaces) let you take visual notes or stunning HDR photos alike. The tech giant’s built-in Notes app can recognize and index your handwriting, making it easier to search what you’ve jotted down.
At $230 and up, the price is hard to beat, and the new model is now compatible with Amazon’s stylus and Bluetooth keyboard case. The keyboard has 15 pre-programmed shortcut keys (including two customizable ones) for using the split-screen feature and opening programs, plus trackpad gestures for quick navigation.
The battery life also gets a major upgrade and promises up to 14 hours of gaming, listening to music or Audible books, browsing the web, reading, watching Twitch streams and more. And of course, Alexa is at the ready for you to add items to your Amazon shopping cart, turn on smart lights and set reminders, among many other voice commands. The standard Pro 9 is great for anyone who wants to multi-task, create documents and take notes via pen, camera or voice. The i5 CPUs are a good option for those who want versatility on a budget, while the more powerful i7 processor is ideal for users who want to play casual games or edit photos and videos. Gamers, editors and photographers will want to go with the 5G option, which supports cloud gaming, offers fast file transfers and charging via USB-C and features AI-enhanced camera effects. It’s worth noting that the extra cost of accessories puts the tablet at essentially the same price as a traditional laptop, but with touchscreen capabilities.
Galaxy Tab S9 is one of the best tablets for Android users who want a display and speed that rivals the iPad. If you want maximum screen quality and size, the tablet is available with an OLED display in the 12.4-inch S9+ (from $1,000) or the 14.6-inch S9 Ultra (from $1,200 at Samsung with eligible trade-in).
Students, gamers and movie lovers alike can thank the 120Hz refresh rate and the incredibly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that handles multitasking with ease. The impressive battery life, DeX (which offers a PC-like experience with mouse, keyboard and monitor integration), Microsoft 365 and speedy Wi-Fi 6E compatibility round out this powerful device with productivity in mind.
The S9 tablet comes with the S Pen, which now has nine-millisecond latency for quick responsiveness, so you can take notes right after unboxing. You can use the included stylus to control presentations, and your files and content can be synced with other compatible Samsung devices. If you prefer the functionality of a laptop without the extra weight, the tablet can be expanded with Samsung’s Bluetooth book cover keyboard also acts as a screen protector. For entertainment, the tablet boasts an edge-to-edge display and Dolby Atmos surround sound on quad speakers for a cinematic viewing experience on the go. Courtesy of Walmart $649.99 $749.00 13% off The 2022 Apple iPad Air weighs in at just one pound, making it one of the best lightweight tablets for taking notes. The fifth-gen model works with the second-gen Pencil, which offers a responsive writing and drawing experience. Powered by an M1 8-core CPU chip and Neural Engine (which promises up to 60 percent faster performance), the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen has a 120Hz refresh rate that makes it a breeze to quickly jot down notes or doodle without any lag. Amazon BEST BUDGET APPLE TABLET $349.00 $449.00 22% off There are plenty of cheap tablets for note-taking that offer basic functionality, but Apple’s 2022 iPad offers a major upgrade with a new A14 Bionic chip, larger screen, longer battery life, better cameras and more.
The 10th-gen tablet is 20 percent faster than the 2021 model, allowing users to seamlessly switch between taking notes, browsing the web or playing games. Apple also swapped the Lightning connector for the industry standard USB-C, and the graphics boast a 10 percent improvement over last year’s device. screen features Apple’s TrueTone technology (which automatically adjusts to the color temperature of the room), making it easier on your eyes whether you’re taking notes in a giant lecture hall or outdoors. $249) so you can write down your thoughts on the Scribble note-taking app, mark up PDFs and screenshots, highlight items, convert your handwriting into text, sketch illustrations and design logos.
If you plan on catching up on your favorite movies and TV shows, the Liquid Retina display promises vibrant details and colors, and the tablet weighs about one pound, making it a travel-friendly option for mobile entertainment. 64GB or 256GB Cameras 12MP wide rear / 12MP landscape ultra-wide front with Center Stage / LiDAR scanner 12MP wide rear / 12MP landscape ultra-wide front with Center Stage / LiDAR scanner Security Touch ID Compatible with the Precision Pen 2 ($60, sold separately), this family-friendly tablet is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 2K OLED screen, so it delivers seamless graphics on a vibrant 400-nit display.
Speaking of portable entertainment, the Dolby Atmos-enhanced quad speakers round out your on-the-go experience. The stylus has 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt detection — so artists and note-takers alike can get an accurate writing or drawing experience — and you can upgrade to the 2023 P11 Pro (from $300) that comes with Bamboo Paper and Squid illustration apps.
Whether you’re a college student or an executive, you can easily jot your thoughts on OneNote, write papers on Word and organize your files, among other productivity tasks. 64GB or 128GB; microSD card slot expandable up to 256GB Cameras 13MP auto-focus rear / 8MP fixed-focus front Clocking in at just 1.2 pounds, the Surface Go 3 isn’t going to replace your desktop computer or laptop — but it’s one of the best note-taking tablets for anyone seeking a lightweight device that can also handle lighter tasks such as answering emails, streaming videos and browsing the internet.
As far as writing things down, the tablet is equipped with the latest version of Microsoft’s OneNote app, which lets you create and edit Word documents, convert your handwriting to text, search notes and more. With the Surface Pen, you can also take notes on web pages using Microsoft Edge and even write reminders to yourself directly into Cortana. This is also one of the best tablets for younger students, as the unit also comes with Kids Mode, which lets parents set usage limits and control access to certain content and apps.
For entertainment, the crystal-clear TFT LCD display and dual Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers offer a vibrant and engaging viewing experience (the 3.5mm headphone jack lets you plug in, too), and you can also use the unit as a hotspot or share content to other devices. When charging, the tablet screen displays your calendar, the weather or your music, so you can stay productive even when the unit is docked.
Amazon MOST PORTABLE NOTE-TAKING TABLET $399.99 $499.00 20% off The sixth-gen iPad Mini is expected to get an upgrade in early 2024, according to Macworl. It’s compatible with the second-gen Apple Pencil, has a Liquid Retina screen size of 8.3 inches and weighs under one pound, making it one of the best travel-friendly note-taking tablets that’s also powerful enough to edit and watch content, play games and snap photos.
The combination of the A15 Bionic chip and battery life lets you play or work for up to 10 hours. Rounding out the sixth-gen iPad Mini’s features are 12MP front and back camera and 4K video recording.
Eco-minded users will like that the tablet is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure, rare earth elements in the speaker and magnets and tin in the main logic board. At 10.2 inches with a 300ppi glare-free display and 35 LED lights, the screen is the largest and brightest in Amazon’s e-reader lineup.
Similar to Amazon’s other e-readers, the front light adjusts automatically and you can customize the display’s warmth and text size. ReMarkable BEST E-INK TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES Prefer the feel of paper but want the perks of technology without digital distractions? At just .2 inches thick, the e-paper device is the thinnest tablet out there, and the 8GB internal storage can accommodate about 100,000 pages. The device also works on 5G, and you can sync files between ReMarkable’s apps for Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows 7 and newer.
The size of standard printer paper, the 36-page erasable notebook uses a specially-coated dot grid surface that tracks what you write using the included Pilot FiXion pen. Connect it to Rocketbook’s free iOS or Android app to scan and save each page to your preferred destination (including Google Drive, iCloud, Evernote, Dropbox, email and more), then erase the pages with a microfiber cloth (included) to clear your notebook.
How to Take Notes on the iPad
Maybe you’re starting a new school year, or looking to upgrade from your plain paper notebooks. In any case, we put together this guide to help you navigate the world of digital notes. While all iPads are going to give you a great note-taking experience, here are some recommendations for how to choose: To be honest, all 4 models of the iPad will offer a superb note-taking experience.
They key differences will come down to which note-taking app you use, and the Apple Pencil you choose. We think the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil gives you a better overall note-taking experience. The Apple Pencil 2 magnetically attaches to the side of your iPad, and automatically charges. The Pencil 1 on the other hand charges by plugging into the iPad’s lightning port, which is a bit awkward. A matte screen protector will give just enough friction to mimic the feeling of your pen on paper. However, many matte screen protectors will also decrease the crispness of the iPad’s display. Surprisingly, a thicker pen can make wobbly strokes look smoother. Try increasing the thickness of your strokes, and you might be surprised by how much nicer your handwritten notes turn out.
Note-taking apps like GoodNotes will allow you to import templates to write on, including planners, bullet journal spreads, and already come with over 100 default templates for you to choose from (plus an in-app shop to get more). Cornell notes are the best note-taking method for students because they are easily skimmable and easy to review. After you’re finished, take some time to summarize the whole page in the bottom section. When it comes to meeting minutes, the most important thing to record is the next step or actionables. The summary at the bottom of Cornell notes works as a clear callout section for the outcome of the meeting. Take a blank page and note your thoughts freely in bubbles.
Draw lines between related things and watch your ideas fill the page and take shape. The best part is that you don’t need full sentences, and can simply write down words or ideas as they come.
Comparison charts make things easier to understand, because they allow you to compare different items against the same criteria. This is great for comparing iPad models, hotel prices, or even which university to go to. The outline method of note-taking is an effective way to organize or plan projects. By breaking down your plan into a hierarchical structure, you can see the big picture or goals, the details, and the steps that support it.
On top of these features, GoodNotes is known for having some of the best writing and ink experiences of the iPad note-taking apps available. Tip: If you’re using GoodNotes, you can record audio alongside your handwritten or typed notes. That way, in addition to your own notes, you can also listen to the full context of whatever you’re recording to fall back on.
GoodNotes won Apple’s 2022 best iPad app of the year award.
With synced notes you can access your documents on any device and keep them up-to-date automatically. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, and tap on your name at the top of the screen.
Tap on iCloud, and make sure the toggle switch next to GoodNotes (or whatever note-taking app you’re using) is turned on. On your iPad, repeat steps 2 and 3 to make sure Notes is turned on. If you don’t want to take up your iCloud storage, you can backup your notes to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive (although it isn’t a true sync).
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