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Five Best Learning & Note-taking Apps Reviewed: Installation, Features, Pros & Cons
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore five popular learning and note-taking applications that help students, researchers, and knowledge workers capture and organize information efficiently. Each app’s installation process, core features, advantages, and disadvantages will be covered in detail. Official download links are provided for easy access.
1. Notion
Installation
- Windows & macOS: Download from https://www.notion.so/desktop
- Mobile (iOS/Android): Available in respective app stores
- Web version: Accessible at https://www.notion.so (no installation needed)
Simply download the installer from the official site, run it, and sign up or log in with your account.
Core Features
- All-in-one workspace: Combines notes, docs, databases, tasks, and calendars.
- Blocks system: Create and customize pages using text, images, tables, checklists, embeds, code snippets, and more.
- Collaboration: Real-time multi-user editing, comments, mentions, and shared workspaces.
- Templates: Hundreds of pre-built templates for study planners, flashcards, project management.
- Web clipper: Save web pages and snippets directly into your workspace.
- Cross-platform sync: Seamless data syncing across devices.
Pros
- Highly flexible and customizable workspace.
- Excellent team collaboration tools.
- Strong integration with other apps (Slack, Google Drive, etc.).
- Rich media embedding capabilities.
Cons
- Free plan limits team collaboration features and file uploads.
- Can have a learning curve for new users due to many features.
- Offline mode is limited compared to desktop apps.
2. Obsidian
Installation
- Windows/macOS/Linux: Download from https://obsidian.md/
- Installation is straightforward: download installer, run it, and start with a local vault (folder).
- Mobile apps available on iOS and Android stores.
Core Features
- Local Markdown-based notes: All data stored locally in plain text files.
- Bidirectional linking: Create rich networks of linked notes with backlinks and graph view.
- Plugins & community themes: Extend functionality (calendar, kanban boards, task management).
- Offline-first: Work fully offline with instant access to all notes.
- Encryption & sync: Optional paid sync service for cloud sync and mobile apps.
Pros
- Full data ownership with local storage.
- Powerful knowledge graph visualization.
- Highly customizable with community plugins.
- Fast and lightweight.
Cons
- No native cloud sync on free plan.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with Markdown or linking.
- Mobile app is relatively new, still evolving.
3. Joplin
Installation
- Windows/macOS/Linux: Download installers at https://joplinapp.org/
- Mobile: Available on iOS and Android.
- Setup: Download and run the installer; import/export supported; can sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, or file system.
Core Features
- Open-source note-taking app with Markdown support.
- Notebook organization: Hierarchical notebooks and tags.
- End-to-end encryption: Secure syncing across devices.
- Web clipper: Save web pages directly from browsers.
- Offline access: Fully functional offline.
- Rich text editor & code syntax highlighting.
Pros
- Free and open-source with active community support.
- Secure encryption for privacy.
- Cross-platform with easy sync options.
- Lightweight and fast.
Cons
- UI is less polished than commercial alternatives.
- Sync setup may be complex for novice users.
- Collaboration features limited (mostly single-user focus).
4. Evernote
Installation
- Windows/macOS: Download at https://evernote.com/download
- Mobile: Available on app stores.
- Web: Accessible online, no install needed.
Core Features
- Robust note-taking with rich text, images, audio, and attachments.
- Powerful search: Search inside PDFs, images (OCR), and attachments.
- Notebooks & tags: Organize content efficiently.
- Web clipper: Save articles, screenshots, and PDFs.
- Collaboration: Share notebooks and notes with others.
- Integrations: Works with Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Pros
- Excellent search capabilities, including text in images.
- Mature and polished UI.
- Strong support for multimedia notes.
- Good syncing and backup reliability.
Cons
- Free plan is quite limited (monthly upload cap, device sync limits).
- Subscription plans can be pricey.
- Less customizable than Notion or Obsidian.
5. Microsoft OneNote
Installation
- Windows: Included in Microsoft Office or download from Microsoft
- macOS: Available in Mac App Store.
- Mobile: iOS and Android apps available.
- Web: Available as part of Office 365 online.
Core Features
- Notebook metaphor with sections and pages.
- Ink support: Write/draw with stylus or finger on touchscreens.
- Multimedia support: Insert audio, video, files, and screenshots.
- Powerful search: Across all notebooks, including handwritten notes.
- Collaboration: Share notebooks and real-time co-authoring.
- Integration: Tight integration with other Microsoft Office apps and services.
Pros
- Free to use with Microsoft account.
- Great for handwritten notes and sketching.
- Excellent for Windows users in Office ecosystem.
- Supports multi-user editing well.
Cons
- Sync issues reported by some users.
- Interface can feel cluttered and complex.
- Less Markdown support; more focused on rich text.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Notion | Obsidian | Joplin | Evernote | OneNote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Win/Mac/Web/Mobile | Win/Mac/Linux/Mobile | Win/Mac/Linux/Mobile | Win/Mac/Web/Mobile | Win/Mac/Web/Mobile |
| Storage | Cloud-based | Local (cloud optional) | Local/cloud | Cloud | Cloud |
| Markdown support | Partial | Full | Full | Limited | Limited |
| Collaboration | Yes | Limited (plugins) | No (mostly single-user) | Yes | Yes |
| Offline access | Limited | Full | Full | Limited | Full |
| Encryption | Server-side | Local/Sync paid | End-to-end | Server-side | Server-side |
| Price | Free+Paid plans | Free+Paid sync | Free | Free+Paid plans | Free |
Conclusion
- Notion is perfect if you want a versatile, all-in-one workspace with strong collaboration features and don’t mind cloud dependence.
- Obsidian is ideal for knowledge workers who want complete local control, bidirectional linking, and advanced note networks.
- Joplin is the best open-source, privacy-focused choice with offline and encryption support.
- Evernote offers polished experience and powerful search for users who want a mature, multimedia-friendly tool.
- OneNote excels for users invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, especially with handwritten note-taking.