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Head-to-head · Note And Writing Apps

Microsoft OneNote vs Google Keep

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft OneNote #1 in Note And Writing Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit site
Google Keep #5 in Note And Writing Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Google Keep

Microsoft OneNote leads on 0 checks, Google Keep on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft OneNote · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

Microsoft OneNote scores higher on our rubric for note and writing apps: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

Microsoft OneNote is the better fit for microsoft users needing a versatile notebook. Google Keep is the better fit for free, lightweight notes and shared checklists.

  • Microsoft OneNote fits best

    Microsoft users needing a versatile notebook

  • Google Keep fits best

    Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft OneNote 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Google Keep 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #1 in Note And Writing Apps #5 in Note And Writing Apps
Best for Microsoft users needing a versatile notebook Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $99.99/yr Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Docs Email, Community, Docs
Integrations 10 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft OneNote 1/4 · Google Keep 1/4
Offline access ✓ ✓
Markdown support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Live collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cross-device sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms web, windows, macos, ios, android web, ios, android, chrome_extension
Our review
Pros
  • Capture typed notes, sketches, audio, photos, video, and documents.
  • Edit offline and sync changes after reconnecting.
  • Share notebooks with view or edit permissions and co-author in real time.
  • Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings
  • Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting
  • Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing
Cons
  • Paid options are Microsoft 365 or Office bundles, not note-only plans.
  • The 5 GB shared Microsoft account storage may constrain free use.
  • The listed support channel is documentation, rather than direct support.
  • Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives
  • Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization
  • List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows
Our verdict

Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook for collecting and organizing notes, ideas, sketches, audio, photos, video, and documents. Its notebook, section, and page structure suits people who want a flexible place for both written notes and…

Read the review →

Google Keep brings quick note capture and shared checklists to the web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension. It suits people who want to jot down text, make lists, save photos or drawings, and record audio without paying for a standalone…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft OneNoteNote And Writing Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. Google KeepNote And Writing Apps 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft OneNote — where it wins

    • Capture typed notes, sketches, audio, photos, video, and documents.
    • Edit offline and sync changes after reconnecting.
    • Share notebooks with view or edit permissions and co-author in real time.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid options are Microsoft 365 or Office bundles, not note-only plans.
    • The 5 GB shared Microsoft account storage may constrain free use.
    • The listed support channel is documentation, rather than direct support.

  • Google Keep — where it wins

    • Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings
    • Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting
    • Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing

    Where it doesn't

    • Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives
    • Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization
    • List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows
  • Microsoft OneNote9.3/10 · Free plan

    A versatile notebook with offline editing, collaboration, and broad Microsoft integration.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Google Keep8.9/10 · Free plan

    A free, lightweight way to capture notes and share checklists across devices.

    Visit Google KeepFull verdict →

More comparisons

All note and writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update