Microsoft OneNote review
Free digital notebook with freeform pages and inking
- Microsoft
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Web
Does it deserve #9?
The verdict
Microsoft OneNote works like a digital binder: notebooks, sections and pages where you can type, draw, paste and handwrite anywhere on the canvas. Pen support is excellent, it can search text inside images, and it is free on every major platform. Copilot features come with Microsoft 365. The downsides are a dated feel, occasional sync conflicts, and freeform pages that get messy. Ideal for students and pen-and-tablet users.
- Freeform pages you can write anywhere
- Handwriting and pen support
- Text search inside images
- Notebooks, sections and pages
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Free on every major platform
- Excellent handwriting and stylus support
- Works well with Microsoft 365 and Teams
What could be better
- Sync can be slow and occasionally conflicts
- Interface and organization feel dated
Students and tablet users who take handwritten or mixed-media notes
you want structured, linkable notes or easy Markdown export
Questions about Microsoft OneNote
Is Microsoft OneNote free?
Yes, OneNote is free on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and the web with a Microsoft account. Notes are stored in OneDrive, so a Microsoft 365 subscription gives you more space plus Copilot features.
Can OneNote recognize handwriting?
Yes, on supported devices OneNote can convert handwriting to typed text, and it can search handwritten notes and text inside images.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft OneNote?
The closest alternatives are Evernote, Notion and Obsidian. See all of them ranked on our Microsoft OneNote alternatives page.
Where does Microsoft OneNote rank?
Microsoft OneNote ranks #9 of 10 in our Productivity & Notes ranking, with an overall score of 8.1 out of 10.