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Compare Microsoft OneNote and Notability

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At a Glance
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Star Rating
(1,837)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (43.5% of reviews)
Information
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Microsoft OneNote
Notability
Notability
Star Rating
(41)4.6 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (48.6% of reviews)
Information
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Notability
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
  • Users report that Microsoft OneNote excels in its integration with other Microsoft Office products, making it a preferred choice for those already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. Reviewers mention that features like "tagging" and "search functionality" are particularly robust, allowing for efficient organization and retrieval of notes.
  • Reviewers mention that Notability shines in its handwriting recognition and audio recording capabilities, which are highly praised by users who appreciate the ability to annotate notes while listening to lectures. Users say that the "audio sync" feature is a standout, allowing them to revisit specific moments in their recordings easily.
  • G2 users highlight that Microsoft OneNote offers a more flexible structure for organizing notes, with its "notebook" and "section" hierarchy. Users report that this flexibility is beneficial for managing large volumes of information, especially in enterprise settings.
  • Users on G2 indicate that Notability's user interface is more intuitive and visually appealing, making it easier for new users to get started. Reviewers mention that the "gesture support" for navigation is a significant advantage, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Reviewers say that Microsoft OneNote's collaboration features are superior, allowing multiple users to edit notes simultaneously. Users report that this is particularly useful for team projects and brainstorming sessions, where real-time updates are essential.
  • Users report that Notability's pricing model is more straightforward and appealing for small businesses and individual users, as it offers a one-time purchase rather than a subscription model. Reviewers mention that this makes it a more budget-friendly option for those who do not require extensive enterprise features.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Microsoft OneNote
No pricing available
Notability
No pricing available
Free Trial
Microsoft OneNote
No trial information available
Notability
No trial information available
Ratings
Meets Requirements
9.0
1,595
9.3
28
Ease of Use
8.9
1,600
9.3
27
Ease of Setup
9.0
144
Not enough data
Ease of Admin
8.9
132
Not enough data
Quality of Support
8.6
1,048
8.8
17
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.9
114
Not enough data
Product Direction (% positive)
8.3
1,572
8.6
25
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Notability
Notability
Microsoft OneNote and Notability are categorized as Note-Taking Software
Unique Categories
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote has no unique categories
Notability
Notability has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.8%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
29.7%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
43.5%
Notability
Notability
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
48.6%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
29.7%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
21.6%
Reviewers' Industry
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Information Technology and Services
10.8%
Computer Software
8.3%
Higher Education
5.7%
Education Management
5.0%
Hospital & Health Care
3.8%
Other
66.4%
Notability
Notability
Higher Education
18.9%
Education Management
13.5%
Hospital & Health Care
8.1%
Medical Practice
5.4%
Information Technology and Services
5.4%
Other
48.6%
Most Helpful Reviews
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Rogelio V.
RV
Rogelio V.
Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education

Notebook is a relatively easy to use software to take notes, jot down ideas, write a novel, or a list, or just about anything that needs to be written down. One of the features I like the most is the ability you have to set passwords for individual notes...

Most Helpful Critical Review
Verified User
G
Verified User in Writing and Editing

It seems more cumbersome than other similar apps like Evernote.

Notability
Notability
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Amanda R.
AR
Amanda R.
Verified User in Higher Education

I love that notability allows you to combine several different ways of altering a document -- writing with an Apple Pencil or other stylus and typing. There is also a highlight function. Changing how you alter documents is also really easy with the lasso...

Most Helpful Critical Review
MD
Mohan D.
Verified User

1. recent mac update has removed some features like ability to select multiple pages to move up and down in the notebook. 2. only single level folders

Alternatives
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote Alternatives
Google Workspace
Google Workspace
Add Google Workspace
Notion
Notion
Add Notion
Evernote
Evernote
Add Evernote
Otter.ai
Otter.ai
Add Otter.ai
Notability
Notability Alternatives
Notion
Notion
Add Notion
Evernote
Evernote
Add Evernote
Zoho Notebook
Zoho Notebook
Add Zoho Notebook
Bear
Bear
Add Bear
Discussions
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote Discussions
How do I save my one note and open it on a new computer?
3 comments
Jen L.
JL
Hi Janette, You don't have to ever "save" in OneNote, it saves AUTOMATICALLY! Which is one of it's best features to me. and then you just open your...Read more
Is there a way to give users edit permission t specific sections/pages within a OneNote document, or do permissions apply to the entire document only?
2 comments
Gregory F.
GF
OneNote is extremely customizable in terms of access/security options- as far as I’m aware, you can allow/password/restrict down to an individual page in...Read more
Is there a way to put photos into your notes?
2 comments
Arnissa B.
AB
You can also click and drag your screen shots into your notebook. Read more
Notability
Notability Discussions
Add to laptop
1 comment
Mohamed S.
MS
Notability is an app that works only on Apple devices. It does have an app for the computer - but it is only available on macOS. It is a paid app which...Read more
What does the notability app do?
1 comment
MD
Take notes with Apple Pencil that sync with computerRead more
Is notability free on iPad?
1 comment
Nigel D.
ND
I understand. If you have any other requests or need assistance, feel free to let me know!Read more