Good Note Apps for iPad: Which One to Pick?

Choosing the right note-taking app for iPad depends on your main needs: handwriting, organisation, or using the app on different platforms.

Here are some good options:

Apple Notes is free, pre-installed, and easy to use. It works well with other Apple devices and is suitable for basic notes, checklists, and sharing between your devices. While it is not as advanced as some other apps, it is reliable for daily tasks.

• Pre-installed and simple to set up.
• Works well with Apple Pencil.
• Syncs with iCloud devices.
• Ideal if you want something quick and easy.

GoodNotes combines handwriting, drawing, and annotating documents. It is useful for students, professionals, and daily planning. You can create different notebooks and organise notes with folders. The free version lets you use up to three notebooks; a paid version gives you more features.

• Good for handwriting notes.
• Organises notes using folders and tags.
• A practical choice for students.
• One-time purchase, no ongoing subscription.

Notability is simple to use and focuses on handwritten notes with the option to record audio. It is helpful for lectures and meetings, and note templates help keep things organised. Some features are only available with a paid subscription, but a free version exists.

• Combines handwriting and audio recording.
• Useful for meetings and lectures.
• Allows quick sketches and highlighting.
• Subscription-based.

Evernote is a long-standing app known for advanced sorting and managing large collections of notes. It is ideal for people who need to store many different materials and keep their notes synced and backed up. Some features require a paid plan.

• Strong for text, files, and web clippings.
• Good for managing complex projects.
• More for typing and storing documents than for handwriting.

While taking notes for study or work, you’ll often need to quickly translate a word, phrase, or even an entire paragraph from a foreign language source. This is where a companion tool like Mate Translate becomes invaluable.

This app, available for iOS, macOS, and as a browser extension, instantly translates text between 200+ languages right within the window you’re working in. This means no more app-switching or workflow interruptions. You can quickly translate a webpage, email, or even text within your note-taking app.

Why is this useful for you?

• For Students: Instantly translate terms or quotes in study materials without leaving GoodNotes or Notability.
• For Professionals: Work with foreign documentation and sources, getting translations on the fly.
• For Everyone: Enhance your notes by adding accurate translations of key information.

In short, Apple Notes covers most basic needs. If you take handwritten notes daily, GoodNotes or Notability are better. And if your work or study involves foreign languages, the Mate Translate app will be a priceless addition to your toolkit, letting you work faster and without interruptions.