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Head-to-head · Note-Taking Apps

Microsoft OneNote vs Zoho Notebook

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft OneNote #1 in Note-Taking Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit site
Zoho Notebook #7 in Note-Taking Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Zoho Notebook

Microsoft OneNote leads on 1 check, Zoho Notebook on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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-taking apps: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Microsoft OneNote leads on storage limit: 5 GB versus 0.5 GB.

Microsoft OneNote is the better fit for microsoft-focused users and collaborative teams. Zoho Notebook is the better fit for users wanting free notes with broad integrations.

  • Microsoft OneNote fits best

    Microsoft-focused users and collaborative teams

  • Zoho Notebook fits best

    Users wanting free notes with broad integrations

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Microsoft OneNote 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Zoho Notebook 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.5
Ranking #1 in Note-Taking Apps #7 in Note-Taking Apps
Best for Microsoft-focused users and collaborative teams Users wanting free notes with broad integrations
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $99.99/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Docs Email, Community, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 10 integrations 17 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft OneNote 3/3 · Zoho Notebook 3/3
Offline access ✓ ✓
Note sharing ✓ ✓
Real-time collaboration ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms web, windows, macos, ios, android web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android
Storage limit 5 GB (best) 0.5 GB
Integrations OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Graph, Zapier, Salesforce, Trello, Basecamp, Wufoo, Twitter, Feedly Samsung Devices, IFTTT, Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Zapier, Zoho Mail, Zoho Meeting, Zoho Connect, Zoho Cliq, Zoho Projects, Zoho Flow, Zoho Scanner, Integrately, Zoho CRM, Bigin
Our review
Pros
  • Supports text, handwriting, drawings, media, OCR, and voice transcription
  • Offline editing, real-time co-authoring, and permission-based notebook sharing
  • Integrates with Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Office apps
  • Free plan includes varied note cards, scanning, reminders, and offline access
  • Works across web, desktop, mobile, and Chrome
  • Connects with Zoho apps, Zapier, IFTTT, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
Cons
  • Copilot and desktop features depend on eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions
  • Notebook storage is limited to 2 GB when saved in OneDrive or SharePoint
  • The broad feature set may feel more structured than a lightweight notes app
  • Free plan provides 2 GB of cloud storage per personal user
  • Simultaneous editing of one notecard is not supported
  • Advanced storage, OCR, Noteboards, and co-owner access require paid tiers
Our verdict

Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking application for individuals, students, teachers, and teams. Its notebook, section, and page structure supports typed text, handwriting, drawings, images, links, lists, audio, and video. Notes can…

Read the review →

Zoho Notebook is a cross-platform note-taking app for individuals, students, researchers, and teams. Its card-based structure supports text, checklists, audio, photos, sketches, files, and smart content, while notebooks, tags, collections,…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft OneNoteNote-Taking Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. Zoho NotebookNote-Taking Apps 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft OneNote — where it wins

    • Supports text, handwriting, drawings, media, OCR, and voice transcription
    • Offline editing, real-time co-authoring, and permission-based notebook sharing
    • Integrates with Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Office apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Copilot and desktop features depend on eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions
    • Notebook storage is limited to 2 GB when saved in OneDrive or SharePoint
    • The broad feature set may feel more structured than a lightweight notes app
  • Zoho Notebook — where it wins

    • Free plan includes varied note cards, scanning, reminders, and offline access
    • Works across web, desktop, mobile, and Chrome
    • Connects with Zoho apps, Zapier, IFTTT, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan provides 2 GB of cloud storage per personal user
    • Simultaneous editing of one notecard is not supported
    • Advanced storage, OCR, Noteboards, and co-owner access require paid tiers
  • Microsoft OneNote9.3/10 · Free plan

    A broad, collaborative note system with strong Microsoft integration and a capable free option.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Zoho Notebook8.5/10 · Free plan

    A flexible free note-taking app with broad platforms, integrations, and content types.

    Visit Zoho NotebookFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update