Another one of the bigger categories of the site. Note taking tools really overlap a lot with the Knowledge Management ones. However I tried to give this tag its own space. These are the various tools I found to be most relevant in the NoteTaking category!

#10 - Google/Apple Notes

I do hate that everyone tends to default to these. To be fair I have been using google keep when I'm traveling, but then I just merge it with my Obsidian vault. Most people tend to go on a similar journey. Starting off too simple (for me it was evernote), and then jumping to something like Notion or other.

Realizing they're wasting too much time on the complexity of it, then only to go back to the original simple note taking.

Personally I do not think this path is accurate, as you can be 10x more productive with an actual tool. However I do get that simplicity is key too.

#9 - Craft

What interests me is how simplified it is in comparison to how Notion sets itself as.

With these three key features intersecting in unique ways. However the calendar lacks enough functionality. Treating it more like how Acreom does, or even the Day Planner plugin in Obsidian. Simply a day view of tasks.

#8 - NotePlan

Honestly one of the tools I think has one of the most potential. Yet they're too small minded about being Apple only.

Lack of any update of value for ages, and stuck on iOS/Mac only. However it is the closest I've seen on the market to how I set up my Obsidian vault actually.

#7 - Constella

I've mentioned this one before as the "ADHD" note taking tool. As it allows you to organize your thoughts in a much more visual and wide spread way.

However to other people it might seem a bit too out there of a design choice.

#6 - Affine/AnyType/Appflowy

All three of these tools fall short of what they are trying to achieve. In my view they are all of equal value, and of equal features for the most part. AnyTypes obsession with overcomplicating terms like database with "sets" just sets them apart... in a bad way.

Affine has a great interface, but lacks enough features to make up for it.

Appflowy is the opposite has the features that you might be used to in Notion, but the interface just doesn't hold up.

#5 - Logseq

In my opinion this is a worse Obsidian. Pure and simple.

Lack of plugins, and even prolonged release of the "database version" only cements the placement on this list. While a lot of people think it is a bit more streamlined that OBSD, there are many ways it is not. I think for some more developer based minds, then it might be better. OBSD being more for creatives.

#4 - Tana

Tana is what Notion would be if the AI was a lot better. Also if it was a lot more exclusive. Even now that it is open to sign up for, there stills feels like there is this you have to be in the know to be in it feel.

The databases seem powerful, AI integration, and overall responsiveness too.

#3 - Notion

This tool became my "overrated" one for the category on my "tools that are overrated post", but that is simply because it got too big for its own good.

I'm happy that it reached success, and it changed the tool landscape for good.

The lego-like approach to building out your Notion is what drew me in too. Alas like everyone else however, you just spend all of your time rebuilding your system instead of locking down and using it.

#2 - Reflect Notes

One of the first smart note takers on the market to include AI, and many online features. However the price lock turned many people away. Just as like with Roam Research.

Over many different iterations however it seems that their tool is that of Tana's level as well. Or maybe vice versa?

A lot of people have really enjoyed using this one in particular, which is why it is ranked so high.

#1 - Obsidian

Maybe I'm biased, but this is my post after all. This is the best tool on the market.

I've literally looked at every PKM/Note Taking/Productivity organizer on the internet. Scoured to find the replacement I needed for Notion or Obsidian, and yet none of them could do better for me. Being able to set up my OBSD the way I have it is already some of the best UI I could need. From a calendar to filetree, etc.

While I need more project management from Bases, and I don't have a calendar app built in still which is brutal. Overall it is quickly becoming my all in one tool, especially with the web browser in it.

Find the right tool for YOU:

The PolyTools Database
The Polymath’s Toolkit for all things Digital Renaissance. From content repurposing to automation and personal knowledge management! This is the database for the PolyTools brand.
Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator

This is a link to a page that has the database within, and you can sort by tag for notetaking tools if you need to look around!