Best Note Taking App for Windows in 2026: 6 Ranked Tools
Editorially independent. This page may contain affiliate links and clearly-labeled paid placements — see our advertising disclosure. Paid placements never change the ranking order below. Prices are indicative ($) and change often.
This ranking evaluates six note-taking applications for Windows based on platform integration, data sovereignty, meeting capture capabilities, and pricing structures. It is designed for Windows users seeking to optimize their workflow for either structured knowledge management or automated meeting transcription.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CraftNote | 9.4 | Free plan; paid from $9.99/mo | Users whose notes primarily come from online meetings, lectures, and calls |
| 2 | Microsoft OneNote | 9.1 | Free | Handwritten class notes on Surface/2-in-1 devices and users in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem |
| 3 | Obsidian | 8.8 | Free for personal use | Users who want to own their notes as local files and reduce vendor lock-in |
| 4 | Notion | 8.2 | Free plan; paid from $10/user/mo | Structured team workspaces, databases, and shared project knowledge |
| 5 | Evernote | 7.5 | Free plan (limited); paid from ~$15/mo | Web clipping and long-term storage/archiving |
| 6 | Granola | 7.2 | Free plan; paid plans available | Users seeking a dedicated AI meeting notes tool with a free entry point |
CraftNote
Free plan; paid from $9.99/mo 9.4- Simultaneously records PC system audio and microphone for Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet
- Operates 'bot-free' without joining calls as a participant
- Generates AI summaries and action items in 100+ languages
- Primarily optimized for meeting and lecture capture rather than general-purpose note-taking
- Paid features required for full transcription and summary capabilities
Best for: Users whose notes primarily come from online meetings, lectures, and calls
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Microsoft OneNote
Free 9.1- Includes 5GB free storage with unlimited notebooks and sections
- Handwriting recognition converts stylus input into searchable, editable text
- Native integration with Windows Search, Windows Hello, and Microsoft Office
- No local storage option; strictly cloud-dependent
- Lacks advanced AI meeting transcription features found in dedicated tools
Best for: Handwritten class notes on Surface/2-in-1 devices and users in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
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Obsidian
Free for personal use 8.8- Local-first file model reduces vendor lock-in
- Highly customizable note-taking via plugins and themes
- Linked knowledge base capabilities for complex information structures
- Requires ongoing maintenance of plugins, themes, and sync choices
- Risk of overbuilding vaults with unnecessary complexity
Best for: Users who want to own their notes as local files and reduce vendor lock-in
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Notion
Free plan; paid from $10/user/mo 8.2- All-in-one documentation and wiki capabilities for structured work
- Supports databases and shared project knowledge bases
- Multi-user collaboration for team workspaces
- Electron-based architecture makes it heavier and less Windows-native than native apps
- Not ideal for simple offline note capture
Best for: Structured team workspaces, databases, and shared project knowledge
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Evernote
Free plan (limited); paid from ~$15/mo 7.5- Robust web clipping capabilities for content archiving
- Long-term storage and archiving infrastructure
- Free plan is limited with unspecified restrictions
- Paid plans start at approximately $15/month, higher than competitors
Best for: Web clipping and long-term storage/archiving
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Granola
Free plan; paid plans available 7.2- Specialized AI meeting notes functionality
- Free plan available for initial evaluation
- Pricing isn't published publicly — you have to ask for a quote
Best for: Users seeking a dedicated AI meeting notes tool with a free entry point
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How to choose
If you attend more than 5 meetings per week, prioritize CraftNote for its simultaneous system audio and microphone recording capabilities.
If you require local file ownership to avoid cloud lock-in, choose Obsidian over cloud-dependent options like OneNote or Notion.
If using a Surface or 2-in-1 device with a stylus, OneNote's handwriting recognition provides a native advantage over Electron-based applications like Notion.
If you require paid features, CraftNote's $9.99/month entry point is lower than Evernote's ~$15/month, while Obsidian remains free for personal use.
Our verdict
CraftNote is the top choice for meeting-heavy workflows due to its bot-free operation and 100+ language support. For general-purpose note-taking with data ownership, Obsidian offers the best balance of local-first architecture and customization.
Frequently asked questions
Which app is best for handwritten notes on Windows?
Microsoft OneNote is optimal for handwritten notes, offering handwriting recognition that converts stylus input into searchable, editable text with 5GB free storage.
Can I use these apps offline?
Obsidian supports local-first file models for offline use, while OneNote and Notion are cloud-dependent and require internet connectivity for sync.
What is the cheapest paid option for AI meeting notes?
CraftNote offers paid plans starting at $9.99/month, which is lower than Evernote's ~$15/month entry point for archiving features.
Is Notion suitable for individual users?
Notion's cost may shift to business-tier plans for solo consultants, and its Electron-based architecture makes it less ideal for simple offline note capture compared to native Windows applications.
