Should I use Apple Notes or a third-party app?
When Apple Notes is enough
Apple Notes is free, fast, and deeply integrated with iOS and macOS. It supports typed notes, handwriting, scanning, checklists, tables, and locking notes with a password. It syncs via iCloud, so your notes are available on all your Apple devices. For many users, it's all they need.
If you primarily use Apple devices and don't require advanced features like databases or Markdown, Apple Notes is a solid choice. It's also excellent for quick capture with Siri or the Share Sheet.
- Pros: Free, seamless sync, handwriting, scanning, locking.
- Cons: No native Windows/Android app, limited formatting, no Markdown.
- Best for: Apple-only users with basic note-taking needs.
When to consider a third-party app
If you use multiple platforms (Windows, Android, web), Apple Notes won't work well. Third-party apps like OneNote, Notion, Evernote, or Obsidian offer cross-platform sync and advanced features. They may also provide better organization, like tags, databases, or backlinks.
If you need Markdown, plain-text files, or local storage, apps like Obsidian or Bear are better. If you collaborate with others, Notion or Google Keep might be more suitable. Consider your workflow: do you need to link notes, manage projects, or clip web content?
- Cross-platform: OneNote, Notion, Evernote, Google Keep.
- Markdown/local-first: Obsidian, Bear, Joplin.
- Collaboration: Notion, Google Keep, OneNote.
- Web clipping: Evernote, Notion, OneNote.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Apple Notes is too basic; it has grown powerful and suits many users.
- Forgetting that Apple Notes is not available on non-Apple devices, which can be a dealbreaker.
- Overlooking that third-party apps may have subscription costs or privacy trade-offs.
