Best Android notes apps

Android has a lot of apps, and probably now even more apps than the App Store, but what Android devices do not have is a built-in note taking application, in contrast with the iPhone.

You decide whether that is for the better or worse, and while no notes apps comes pre-loaded on Android device, the Google Play catalog has a ton of options for you to choose from.

But when it comes to those apps, there goes the cliche that Evernote is the be-all end-all app on Android, and you don’t need anything else. And while it’s true that Evernote has built a very robust note app and online sync platform, it does come with some limitations, and a hefty price tag for the full features like offline access to notes.

In reality, there are a lot of cheaper, simpler and often just different note-taking applications that are definitely worth your attention. If that’s what you are looking for, the Android notes apps picks should serve you well.

Best Android notes apps

1. Catch Notes

Catch Notes is probably the second most popular Android note taking application after Evernote, and if you don’t feel like paying the price for using Evernote, this is a worthy alternative.

We love the snappy, simple and pretty interface of Catch and you can really tell the developer has focused on really creating an intuitive note-taking app. Catch also comes with an awesome widget for quick access. You get audio and camera notes, along with reminders and all sorts of attachments.

2. Evernote

Evernote is easily the most popular Android note taking application, with probably the most robust platform behind it, but the fact that the app does require you to register with the service to use it and that it requires online access at all times to access your notes (you have to pay to access them offline) could be a show-stopper for those who value simplicity in a notes app.

If you are not after simple, though, Evernote is definitely worth checking out. With it you can take notes, grab photos, make to-do lists and record voice reminders, which you can all then access from virtually any device you can think of.

3. ColorNote - Free

Built around the simple idea of separating your notes by color, ColorNote comes with a very useful sticky note widget for your home screen.

Being free, it does not seek much sophistication, but does check all bases with calendar schedule support, online sync, reminders, and rich sharing options.

4. GNotes - Free

Simple and completely free (you don’t need to pay to view and edit your notes offline!), GNotes syncs effortlessly with your Gmail account so you never lose a note. With an unsophisticated minimalistic interface, this app is quick and easy to use.

It does have all the options you’d expect - audio notes, handwritten notes, images, video and not just that but all sorts of attachments. You can organize your notes in folders, and when you sync with Gmail it all appears under a conveniently separated Notes section.

5. Google Drive - Free

While technically Google Drive is not a notes application, that’s exactly what we end up using it for.

Drive is extremely robust as it basically is a full office package supporting online collaboration. Downside is it does not have the reminders and audio/visual cues you’d expect of a notes app, but if you are all about text, you’ll enjoy using a single app instead of separating your workflow between another notes app and a document editor. Google Drive also allows you to cache documents for offline use with no charge.