The Best Note-Taking App for Surface Devices in 2024

Imagine this: You’re in a meeting, and the speaker just dropped a golden nugget of wisdom. You scramble to write it down on your Surface device, but the default note-taking app just isn’t cutting it. Your notes are disorganized, the stylus lags, and you can't sync your notes across devices seamlessly. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to level up your note-taking game.

In 2024, the competition among note-taking apps has never been fiercer. With the rise of hybrid work and the increasing reliance on digital tools, having the best app to capture and organize your ideas is essential. For Surface users, the stakes are even higher. The Surface Pen and touchscreen capabilities offer a unique experience that should be complemented by an app that can truly harness the power of this hardware. But which app is truly the best? Let’s dive into the top contenders.

1. OneNote: The Powerhouse

When it comes to Surface devices, OneNote is often the go-to choice. As part of the Microsoft Office Suite, it’s deeply integrated with Windows 10 and 11, making it a natural fit for Surface users. What makes OneNote stand out? For starters, it’s designed to work seamlessly with the Surface Pen. You can jot down notes, sketch diagrams, and even convert handwritten notes into text.

OneNote’s organizational capabilities are unmatched. You can create notebooks, sections, and pages, and the search functionality is incredibly robust. Plus, it syncs across all your devices via OneDrive, so your notes are always with you, whether you’re on your Surface, smartphone, or another computer.

However, OneNote isn’t perfect. Some users find the interface a bit cluttered, and while it’s powerful, it can be overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler note-taking experience.

2. Notability: The Creative’s Dream

Notability has long been a favorite among Apple users, but its recent expansion to Windows has made it a serious contender for Surface users as well. This app shines when it comes to combining text, images, and handwritten notes in a single document. If you’re someone who likes to doodle or annotate PDFs, Notability is hard to beat.

The app’s audio recording feature is another standout. You can record lectures or meetings and sync the audio with your notes. This feature is incredibly useful for students and professionals alike. The app also offers a smooth, lag-free experience when using the Surface Pen, making it ideal for creatives who need precision.

On the downside, Notability’s Windows version is still catching up to its iOS counterpart in terms of features. Additionally, it’s a paid app, which might be a drawback for those looking for a free solution.

3. Evernote: The Cross-Platform King

Evernote has been a staple in the note-taking world for years, and for good reason. Its cross-platform compatibility is second to none, making it an excellent choice if you use a variety of devices. Evernote allows you to create notes, to-do lists, and even manage projects with its powerful organizational tools.

For Surface users, Evernote’s web clipping feature is a major plus. You can easily clip articles, PDFs, and images from the web and save them directly to your notes. The Surface Pen integration is smooth, though not as advanced as in OneNote or Notability.

Evernote’s biggest strength is also its biggest weakness: its complexity. The app is packed with features, which can be overwhelming for new users. Additionally, many of its best features are locked behind a paywall.

4. GoodNotes: The Minimalist’s Choice

GoodNotes is another app that made its name on iOS before branching out to Windows. This app is perfect for users who appreciate a clean, minimalist interface. With GoodNotes, you can easily create handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and organize your notes into folders.

One of GoodNotes’ standout features is its handwriting recognition. The app can convert your scribbles into searchable text, making it easy to find specific notes later on. The Surface Pen experience is smooth and responsive, and the app’s simplicity is a breath of fresh air for users who find OneNote and Evernote too complicated.

However, GoodNotes is a paid app, and it lacks some of the advanced features found in other apps like OneNote or Evernote. Additionally, it’s still a relatively new player in the Windows ecosystem, so it may lack the polish of more established apps.

5. Nebo: The Innovator

Nebo is a lesser-known app, but it’s quickly gaining a following among Surface users. What sets Nebo apart is its focus on handwriting. The app is designed to work seamlessly with the Surface Pen, and it offers one of the best handwriting recognition features on the market. You can write, draw, and even solve math equations, and Nebo will convert your handwriting into digital text or diagrams.

Nebo also supports multi-device syncing, so you can access your notes across all your devices. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, and the app’s focus on handwriting makes it ideal for users who prefer writing to typing.

The main drawback of Nebo is its limited organizational features. While it’s great for taking notes, it lacks the robust organizational tools found in apps like OneNote or Evernote. Additionally, some users may find its focus on handwriting to be too niche.

Conclusion: Which App Is Right for You?

The best note-taking app for your Surface device ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a powerful, all-in-one solution, OneNote is hard to beat. It’s deeply integrated with Windows, offers a wealth of features, and is free to use if you have a Microsoft account.

For creatives and those who prefer a more visual approach, Notability and GoodNotes are excellent choices. Notability’s audio syncing and multimedia capabilities make it ideal for students and professionals, while GoodNotes’ clean interface and handwriting recognition are perfect for minimalist users.

Evernote remains a top choice for those who value cross-platform compatibility and powerful organizational tools, while Nebo is a must-try for anyone who prefers handwriting over typing.

No matter which app you choose, the key is to find one that complements your workflow and enhances your productivity. The right note-taking app can transform your Surface device into a powerful tool for capturing, organizing, and sharing your ideas.

In the end, the best app is the one that works best for you. So, experiment with these options, take them for a test drive, and find the one that makes your note-taking experience as seamless and efficient as possible.