Why Google Keep Remains My Go-To Note-Taking App

Shubham Yewale, an experienced writer with a decade-long career in consumer technology and software, recently revisited his note-taking habits. He's been using Google Keep for years but wondered if other apps could offer more features for free.

Yewale tried five alternative note-taking apps: OneNote, Zoho Notebook, Simplenote, Obsidian, and Joplin. He prioritized ease of access across devices, no subscription, and simplicity. Each app had its strengths, but he noticed the little things that Keep got right for him.

For everyday use, Yewale values Google Keep's ability to capture thoughts quickly without requiring organization upfront. OneNote's notebooks and sections appealed to him for more involved work, but he rarely needs that level of structure when jotting down passing ideas.

Keep's labeling, coloring, and pinning features also won him over. Labels group similar ideas, while colors distinguish them, and pins make frequently accessed notes easily accessible. Zoho Notebook's similar features were tempting, but it lacked the convenience of access through a Google account.

Simplenote's inability to support attachments was a major drawback for Yewale. He often includes images and audio in his notes as reminders of what prompted an idea. Obsidian and Joplin demonstrated the importance of easy access across devices, but their syncing requirements were less convenient than Keep's.

Ultimately, Yewale found that Google Keep met his needs for everyday note-taking, providing a seamless experience with no subscription required.