As the name suggests, Simplenote is a simple note-taking app with bare-essentials in place. It is open-source and was developed by the same team that brought us WordPress. Get Simplenote Microsoft developed OneNote is one of the most feature-rich note-taking apps and offers a variety of ways to take notes. Get OneNote Let’s begin.
1. User Interface
Simplenote comes with a clean UI where you won’t even see a toolbar at the top. Simplenote doesn’t need a formatting toolbar as it supports markdown syntax. There is just a sidebar where you can view all your notes and a search bar at the top. There are a few options on the right to manage the note in question. OneNote UI, on the other hand, is a little busy but still pretty easy to use. There are a lot of formatting options that we will explore below. OneNote follows a hierarchy system where you can create notes under sections which are then saved under NoteBooks. Just like a physical diary. Both apps allow hiding the sidebar to provide a distraction-free writing experience.
2. Where Simplenote Shines
Simplenote is light, quick, and easy to use. A fast way to do a braindump or write an entire essay using markdown. It’s clutter-free and a boon for writers who like working with markdown syntax. You can format anyway and everything in Simplenote as you do in OneNote. The only difference is how it is done. Just hit the preview button to see the result in real-time. Enabling the dark mode with the sidebar hidden under Focus Mode helps in the writing process. Simplenote was designed with a clear purpose, objective, and audience in mind — it succeeds at achieving it beautifully.
3. Where OneNote Shines
OneNote takes a different approach. There is a full-fledged toolbar where you can format text, create tables, manage fonts, and a lot more. It has its perks. Like you can highlight text in different colors or choose from several icons/tags to denote importance instead of just using a checkbox as in Simplenote. OneNote can record notes in different formats like text, audio, images, and handwriting and drawing. There are separate toolbars with even more options for drawing. OneNote will solve simple and complex mathematical equations for you automatically. Just input the formula with numbers in the correct format and press = to get results. There is a dedicated Equation menu with complex formulas ready to use. OneNote is versatile, and that’s why it is popular among note-takers who simply want more from their note app.
4. What Else They Have to Offer
Both Simplenote and OneNote support distraction-free writing and dark mode. Simplenote has a History button where you can view older versions of note and restore the same if need be. OneNote has a Recent edits tab where you can view notes that were recently edited by you or team/family members. You cannot restore an older version of note in OneNote though. While OneNote has a better note management system using notebooks, sections, and tags, Simplenote only offers tags. Both have a powerful search function. OneNote integrates deeply with other Microsoft apps. You can create/edit sticky notes on OneNote mobile app and work with it on the Windows 10 desktop standalone app. There are plans to integrate Teams and To-Do app in 2020. There is no support for third-party apps on either. You can even translate entire pages or notes inside OneNote with the click of a button. Finally, you can share and collaborate on notes in both OneNote and Simplenote.
5. Platform and Pricing
Simplenote is open-source and completely free with no ads or strings attached. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There is also a web app. OneNote is available on all four platforms except Linux right now. It comes in two flavors right now, and they are both free. The Office 365 subscription offers a Researcher feature for OneNote that will let you search Bing for quotes, references, and other materials right inside OneNote.
Simplicity vs. Versatility
The choice between Simplenote and OneNote is that of simplicity and versatility. Whether you want a quick and easy way to write and take notes or be creative and take notes in a variety of formats with plenty of options. There is a note-taking app for everyone out there. Test drive both and pick the one that suits you best. Next up: Impressed with just how much OneNote can do? Check out this in-depth comparison between OneNote and Notion to learn how much more Notion can handle for you.
