Note-taking tools
Notes, docs and wikis. 5 tools we track, checked .
Short answer page: What's the best note-taking tool?
Ranked by fit for solo businesses: tools we profile in depth first, then those used in our research notes, then the rest. Affiliate status never changes the order.
- 1
Notion
Pick this if you want client portals, templates and wikis.
Docs, wikis and databases in one workspace, with AI built in.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then $10 per seat/mo (billing period not stated) · Difficulty 2/5
- 2
Obsidian
Pick this if you want a private second brain.
Local-first Markdown notes with links and plugins.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · Difficulty 2/5
- 3
Google Docs
Pick this if you want drafting and client review.
Free online word processor with real-time collaboration.
Free · Free plan: Yes
- 4
Evernote
Pick this if you want clipping and finding notes.
Long-standing note-taking app with web clipping and search.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes
- 5
Mem
Pick this if you want notes without folders.
AI notes app that organizes notes for you.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes
Side-by-side
| Tool | Pricing model | Free plan | Starting price | Difficulty | Output rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notion | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then $10 per seat/mo (billing period not stated) | 2/5 | Not a content generator | Client portals, templates and wikis |
| Obsidian | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | 2/5 | – | A private second brain |
| Google Docs | Free | Yes | Free | – | – | Drafting and client review |
| Evernote | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | – | – | Clipping and finding notes |
| Mem | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | – | – | Notes without folders |
"Starting price" is shown only for tools we profile in depth, where we read the official pricing page on . For the others, check the official site.