Head-to-head · Note-Taking Apps
Microsoft OneNote vs 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
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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 | ||
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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
- Microsoft OneNote vs Notion
- Microsoft OneNote vs Evernote
- Microsoft OneNote vs Goodnotes
- Microsoft OneNote vs Notability
- Microsoft OneNote vs Joplin
- Microsoft OneNote vs Obsidian
- Evernote vs Zoho Notebook
- Goodnotes vs Zoho Notebook
All Note-Taking apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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