Software SignalStart comparing

Microsoft OneNote

Freeform notebooks for typing and handwriting

Profile reviewed 17 Sept 2026 · Documentation comparison checked on 17 September 2026. Official product pages and help articles were read live. No hands-on app trial or speed benchmark was performed. Recommendations are editorial deductions from the documented workflow and constraints.

Compare Microsoft OneNoteVisit official website (opens in a new tab)

Where it fits

OneNote suits notes that do not fit neatly into a text document: lecture pages with handwriting, meeting sketches and mixed visual material. Supported apps are free, with some premium features and extra storage supplied through Microsoft subscriptions. Notebook sync is built around OneDrive or organizational storage rather than a folder of portable Markdown files. Platform differences matter, especially for handwriting conversion and export. Windows OneNote is also a different product from the older OneNote for Windows 10 app. For a Microsoft household or workplace, existing storage and account access may matter more than buying a separate notes subscription.

Consider it for

Know the limits

Prices & plans

Published prices keep their original currency and billing terms. Taxes, promotions and checkout prices can differ.

Microsoft OneNote

OneNote

Free

Supported apps are free

AvailabilityGlobal; availability varies

Microsoft account storage applies. Some premium features require a separate subscription.

Source

Microsoft 365 Personal

USD 99.99/year

Annual subscription with automatic renewal

AvailabilityUnited States

Suite bundle for one person with 1 TB cloud storage. This is not a mandatory OneNote fee.

Source

Microsoft 365 Family

USD 129.99/year

Annual subscription with automatic renewal

AvailabilityUnited States

Suite bundle for up to six people; listed AI benefits are for the subscription owner.

Source

Features and practical details

10 features

Documented differences. An unverified answer means we do not have enough evidence.

Platforms

Microsoft OneNote

Supported apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with a web version.

Vendor documentedSource

Offline use

Microsoft OneNote

OneNote keeps local notebook copies for offline editing and synchronizes changes later.

Vendor documentedSource

Collaboration

Microsoft OneNote

Shared notebooks synchronize edits between collaborators through OneNote.

Vendor documentedSource

Export

Microsoft OneNote

Web notebook export supports personal OneDrive accounts, not work or school OneDrive or SharePoint.

Vendor documentedSource

Project portability

Microsoft OneNote

The documented web notebook importer is deprecated. Exported notebooks can be opened in Windows OneNote.

Vendor documentedSource

Free plan limits

Microsoft OneNote

Supported OneNote versions are free; optional subscriptions unlock premium features.

Vendor documentedSource

Handwriting

Microsoft OneNote

Windows supports ink-to-text conversion. This particular conversion is not offered in OneNote for the web.

Vendor documentedSource

Image text

Microsoft OneNote

Mac OCR uses Microsoft online services and results may take 24–48 hours.

Vendor documentedSource

AI features

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft 365 Personal lists OneNote with Copilot; Family AI benefits are limited to the subscription owner.

Vendor documentedSource

Windows app choice

Microsoft OneNote

Use the current OneNote app; OneNote for Windows 10 reached its documented support endpoint in October 2025.

Vendor documentedSource
Feature comparison
FeatureMicrosoft OneNote
Platforms

Supported apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with a web version.

Vendor documentedSource
Offline use

OneNote keeps local notebook copies for offline editing and synchronizes changes later.

Vendor documentedSource
Collaboration

Shared notebooks synchronize edits between collaborators through OneNote.

Vendor documentedSource
Export

Web notebook export supports personal OneDrive accounts, not work or school OneDrive or SharePoint.

Vendor documentedSource
Project portability

The documented web notebook importer is deprecated. Exported notebooks can be opened in Windows OneNote.

Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits

Supported OneNote versions are free; optional subscriptions unlock premium features.

Vendor documentedSource
Handwriting

Windows supports ink-to-text conversion. This particular conversion is not offered in OneNote for the web.

Vendor documentedSource
Image text

Mac OCR uses Microsoft online services and results may take 24–48 hours.

Vendor documentedSource
AI features

Microsoft 365 Personal lists OneNote with Copilot; Family AI benefits are limited to the subscription owner.

Vendor documentedSource
Windows app choice

Use the current OneNote app; OneNote for Windows 10 reached its documented support endpoint in October 2025.

Vendor documentedSource

Compare the alternatives

Evernote vs OneNote: captured archive or handwritten notebook?

Note-taking · Shortlist OneNote for handwriting and a free supported notebook app. Shortlist Evernote for an established capture workflow that earns its recurring price. Check your actual device and migration route before deciding: exporting and handwriting conversion are not identical across platforms.

Sources for this profile