Note-taking apps differ less in what they store and more in who controls the data.

Handwritten Notes offer significant advantages in a lot of use cases. They are fast, easy and distraction-free while also never running out of battery. Plus, you can format and arrange your notes however you like.

Why consider the swap

If you currently rely on Microsoft OneNote and want more control over data, lower long-term costs, or a privacy-friendly licensing model, Handwritten Notes covers most of the same ground.

What you trade off

Most privacy-friendly alternatives require more setup than their commercial counterparts and may lag on polish, mobile apps, or ecosystem integrations. Check the project’s documentation for current feature parity with Microsoft OneNote before committing.

Where to start

• Project page: Handwritten Notes
• Comparison reference: Microsoft OneNote

This recommendation is indexed from switching.software. Read their full project notes for the latest changes.