Google Keep vs OneNote vs Samsung Notes: which note-taking app should you choose?

Choose Google Keep for quick shared notes and reminders, OneNote for structured multimedia notebooks and offline access, or Samsung Notes for handwriting and pen tools.

At a Glance

AppRatingInstallsPrice
4.71,000,000,000+Free
Microsoft OneNote: Save NotesMicrosoft Corporation
4.61,000,000,000+Free
Samsung NotesSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
4.81,000,000,000+Free
Advertisements

How We Compared Them

Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, and Samsung Notes are free Android productivity apps for capturing and organizing notes. All three support syncing across devices, and each can help with sharing or collaboration, but their strengths differ: Keep favors quick, simple notes; OneNote offers a fuller notebook structure; Samsung Notes emphasizes handwriting and pen tools.

This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and availability alongside their stated features and trade-offs, so you can decide which app fits your devices, note-taking style, and need for organization.

How we compared them

We compared the apps using their Google Play ratings, install counts, price, in-app purchases, and ad status, alongside their features and limitations. We also considered their intended use: quick notes and reminders, organized multimedia notebooks, or handwriting-focused note-taking.

The Google Play figures were read on November 11, 2026. This comparison does not rely on hands-on testing or measured performance.

Google Keep - Notes and lists

Google LLC

4.7Out of 5

quick notes, reminders, and lightweight collaboration

Get it onGoogle PlayDownload on theApp Store

Keep is the simplest fit for capturing an idea quickly, making a list, or setting a reminder. Its intuitive interface, voice notes, easy collaboration, and Google Workspace integration make it convenient for everyday notes shared across devices.

That simplicity comes with fewer tools for long or highly formatted documents. Keep has limited text formatting and export options, lacks advanced task management and note password protection, and some features may not work offline.

Rating
4.7
Installs
1,000,000,000+
Category
Productivity
Price
Free

Pros

  • Simple interface for fast notes and lists
  • Voice notes, reminders, and easy collaboration
  • Integrates with Google Workspace

Cons

  • Fewer formatting and task-management tools than OneNote
  • No note password protection and limited export options

Microsoft OneNote: Save Notes

Microsoft Corporation

4.6Out of 5

organized multimedia notes and offline access

Get it onGoogle PlayDownload on theApp Store

OneNote is the strongest choice here for building more organized notebooks with images and audio. Its integration with Microsoft Office apps, real-time collaboration, cross-platform availability, and offline access make it more capable than Keep for substantial notes and teamwork.

Its wider feature set can make the interface harder for new users, and it may feel resource-heavy on older devices. Full features require a Microsoft account, sync issues are occasionally reported, and export options are limited compared with some alternatives.

Rating
4.6
Installs
1,000,000,000+
Category
Productivity
Price
Free

Pros

  • Works closely with Microsoft Office apps
  • Supports images, audio, and real-time collaboration
  • Offers offline access to notes

Cons

  • More complex and potentially resource-heavy than Keep
  • Microsoft account needed for full features; sync issues are occasionally reported

Samsung Notes

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

4.8Out of 5

handwriting, stylus use, and multimedia notes

Get it onGoogle PlayDownload on theApp Store

Samsung Notes has the clearest advantage for handwriting: it offers multiple pen styles and colors as well as handwriting recognition. Its intuitive interface, multimedia notes, and synchronization across devices also make it a versatile choice for people who mix written and typed content.

Compared with OneNote, it offers less emphasis on extensive notebook organization and collaboration; compared with Keep, it brings more handwriting tools but can be more demanding on older devices. Export options and advanced text formatting are limited, some features require a Samsung account, and ads appear in the free version.

Rating
4.8
Installs
1,000,000,000+
Category
Productivity
Price
Free

Pros

  • Multiple pen styles and colors for handwriting
  • Handwriting recognition
  • Supports multimedia notes and device syncing

Cons

  • Limited export and advanced text-formatting options
  • Some features require a Samsung account, and ads appear in the free version

Our Picks

Advertisements

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is best for simple notes and reminders?

Google Keep is the most straightforward option for quick notes, lists, voice notes, and reminders, with easy collaboration and Google Workspace integration.

Which app supports offline note access?

OneNote is noted for offline access to notes. Google Keep may lack offline access for some features.

Which app is best for handwriting?

Samsung Notes is the strongest choice for handwriting, with a range of pen styles and colors and handwriting recognition.

Are Google Keep, OneNote, and Samsung Notes free?

All three are free on Google Play, with no in-app purchases. Google Keep and OneNote are marked as containing no ads; Samsung Notes has ads in its free version.

About This Comparison

This comparison is independent and for informational purposes only. We do not own, develop, or distribute Unlimiteds. All names, logos, and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Developer details are provided for reference; please contact the developer through the links listed on this page.