Microsoft OneNote Review:
based on real mystery shopping

A*Help Score: 50/100
🔥 published December 17, 2024 - updated December 23, 2024

Quick Overview

Finding decent note-keeping software is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are a lot of options available, but almost all platforms have at least one or two significant flaws. Today we’ve reviewed the Microsoft OneNote tool—is it adequate enough for regular use? Well, OneNote is a decent solution and especially convenient for Microsoft users. The platform really shines in several aspects, but, of course, we highlighted some issues too.

The Good
  • Part of the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Amazing editor
  • Free after registration
The Bad
  • Not the most comfortable design
  • No premade templates

TOP services Our verdict AHelp Score 🔥 Updated January 2025
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Best note-taking tool 95/100 Read review
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Craft
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Bear
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Milanote
Advanced customization 85/100 Read review

 

Microsoft OneNote Review

Value for Money 10/20 ⭐⭐: What the Tool Has to Offer

Is Microsoft OneNote worth your time? Well, it is a free app, and everyone can at least give it a try! Let’s explore the main features OneNote has to offer.

On the plus side, OneNote is completely free to use after registration, with no credit card required. This makes it an attractive choice for anyone who’s looking for a no-cost solution for organizing their notes. The lack of a paywall is a huge benefit for students, professionals, and anyone who just needs a reliable place to store their ideas without worrying about subscriptions or hidden fees.

One area where OneNote falls short is in offering templates for specific types of projects. Unlike some other note-taking tools, OneNote doesn’t have pre-made templates for things like project planning, meeting agendas, or goal tracking. Instead, OneNote provides a blank canvas for you to begin with, which may be acceptable for some users but may feel restrictive if you require structure. If you like designing your own layout, this won’t be a problem, but templates are stylish, convenient, and especially good at overcoming the fear of a blank page. 

However, the editor itself is amazing, and it is a real standout feature. OneNote gives you a lot of customization options when it comes to creating your notes. You can easily style your notes as a paper sheet or choose from a variety of different fonts, color markers, and other tools to make them visually appealing.

Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist look or a more colorful, creative vibe, OneNote has the flexibility to match your style. The editor makes it simple to organize your thoughts and ideas in a way that is both functional and fun.

10/10
Free to use
0/10
Available Templates

Overall Experience 40/80 ⭐⭐: How Easy to Use is OneNote

So, OneNote has decent chances to become your note keeper, but what about cross-device sync or the simplicity of the interface? 

The cloud securely stores all your notes, ensuring constant accessibility regardless of your location or device. You can start jotting down ideas on your phone and pick up right where you left off on your computer. It’s a major convenience for those who need quick, simple access to their notes at all times.

Talking about UI… We are referring to the classic Microsoft “square” design, which we believe is not optimal. In our opinion, such design is not only difficult to navigate and locate necessary features, but it also lacks aesthetic appeal.

Microsoft OneNote Review

Thanks to the advanced editor, you can create everything in one note: charts, tables, notes, and more. However, due to the lack of pre-made templates, you will need to spend time in order to tailor each note to your exact needs.

10/20
Cross-sync
10/30
Universality
20/30
Works with text, pics, videos

The Verdict on OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a solid option for anyone looking to store and manage their notes across multiple devices, especially convenient for Microsoft users. Whether you’re using a laptop, phone, or tablet, OneNote has you covered with its seamless cross-device sync. However, there are some significant drawbacks: UX can feel overwhelming and unnecessary, and there are no pre-made templates to transform your notes into calendars, concepts, or organizers in a few clicks.OneNote is a handy tool for managing notes across devices, but the design could definitely use some improvement to make navigation smoother. If you’re someone who loves customizing your notes and doesn’t mind starting from a blank page, OneNote’s editor is an absolute gem. While it may not be the best option for those seeking ready-to-go templates, its cloud syncing, flexibility, and free price tag make it a solid choice for note-keeping on the go. Therefore, OneNote can be considered a decent note-keeping app due to its average 50/100 AHelp score; however, expect a slight learning curve when you first start!

FAQ

Is OneNote a good program?

OneNote covers basic note taking needs, but for more advanced users it might not be as convenient. There are no available templates and the platform practically works the same as Word. So it wouldn’t be our first choice, but if you aren’t looking for something elaborate, OneNote will do just fine.

Which is better, OneNote or Evernote?

Evernote scored 80/100 pts on our A*Help score, while OneNote got only 50 pts. So Evernote is a better tool in our book.

What are the disadvantages of Microsoft OneNote?

Some users say that they struggle with finding the needed notes via word search. It also doesn’t have the best user interface, compared to some competitors, and no premade templates to use. There have also been reports of faulty syncing between devices, where the notes didn’t fully load.

Is OneNote completely free?

Although a part of Microsoft Office family, you don’t need to pay to use OneNote fully. So yes, it is completely free.

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