ADHD Note Taking Apps: We Tested The Best 7 in 2025

The 7 Best Note-Taking Apps for People With ADHD

Ever start writing notes… and never see them again?

If you have ADHD, you probably know the drill:

• You scribble something on a sticky note, never find it again.
• You open three different apps and forget which one had the “real” notes.
• Your brain says “I’ll remember this later” - and later never comes.

Messy notebooks, scattered docs, and forgotten reminders aren’t laziness - they’re how ADHD brains naturally work. The problem is that most note-taking tools weren’t built for us

That’s why this guide covers the best ADHD note-taking apps - with ADHD-friendly features like reminders, voice capture, AI summaries, and automatic organization.

By the end, you’ll know:

• What makes a great ADHD note-taking app
• The top tools worth trying (and what each is best at)
• Tips to pick the right one without overwhelm

What Makes a Great ADHD Note-Taking App?

Not every app that “takes notes” is ADHD-friendly. Here’s what really matters:

ADHD Challenges

• Forgetfulness → Notes get lost or never reviewed
• Overwhelm → Too many folders/tags = shut down
• Context switching → Jumping between apps or tabs kills focus
• Working memory gaps → Hard to recall what you just wrote

Key Features That Help

• Quick capture (voice, text, camera) before the thought disappears
• Reminders & notifications so notes don’t vanish into the void
• AI summaries & search to cut through information overload

• Simple organization (tags, folders, or automatic sorting)
• Cross-platform sync so notes are wherever you are

How I Tested These Note-Taking Apps

I’ve spent time using these apps while working. I looked for:

• Ease of capturing thoughts quickly
• How well they reduce overwhelm
• Whether ADHD-friendly features (like reminders, AI, or visual layouts) actually help
• Price vs. value (many ADHDers bounce if setup feels like a job)

Comparison Table: Best ADHD Note-Taking Apps

1. Saner.AI

Saner.AI is a personal AI note-taking app designed to help you think clearly - especially when your brain feels scattered. Built by ADHDers, it turns your messy notes, to-dos, emails, and tasks into a calm, organized day. Instead of forcing structure, it lets you work how your brain naturally works - then organizes things for you behind the scenes.

Key features

• Natural Language Search: Ask the AI, “What did I say about the Q4 hiring plan?” and it finds relevant notes - even across multiple documents.

• Smart AI Workspace: Take notes, write down ideas, or vent- and Saner turns them into tasks, reminders, and organized knowledge
• Natural Talk-to-Task Conversion: Just write in your own words (“Ugh I need to reply to Jake and finish that stupid pitch deck”), and it’ll create structured to-dos with follow-up times.

• Auto-Tagging: No need to manually sort your thoughts. Saner links related ideas and themes for you.
• Browser Extension: Clip web pages, emails, or random thoughts while browsing, then come back to them later in Saner.

What I liked

• I love how Saner doesn’t force me to be organized upfront. I can just dump thoughts - then it magically pulls structure out of chaos.
• The “Talk to Task” feature is a game-changer. It feels like my brain finally has a translator.
• Search actually works. I don’t need to remember where I wrote something - just what I was thinking.

• It’s the first tool where I want to write things down because it helps me make sense of my own mess.

Cons

•  Requires internet access for full functionality.

Pricing

• Free 
• Starter: Monthly at $8/month, Annually at $6/month (with early user discount)
• Standard: Monthly at $16/month, Annually at $12/month (with early user discount)

Suitable for

• ADHD-prone entrepreneurs, professionals, and researchers who want a flexible, AI-powered note-taking space that turns chaos into clarity.

Saner.AI Reviews

How to start

• Go to saner.ai, sign up with your email or Google account, and try dumping your thoughts in a note.

The top AI Note-taking app for people with ADHD

Try Saner.AI for free

2. Apple Notes

Apple Notes is the built-in note-taking app for Apple devices - and while it may look simple, it packs a surprising punch of good features. If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, it's one of the fastest and easiest ways to capture thoughts before they disappear.

Key features

• Quick Capture: Open from lock screen, Siri, or Control Center — jot down ideas fast
• Folders & Smart Tags: Organize notes into folders or auto-categorize with hashtags
• Checklists: Add simple to-do lists inside any note
• Handwriting & Drawing: Use Apple Pencil (iPad) to scribble, doodle, or sketch ideas
• Audio Notes: Record voice memos directly in a note (via iOS shortcuts or third-party)

What I liked

• The instant capture is a game-changer. If something’s on your mind, you can write it down in 2 seconds from anywhere. No load time, no decision fatigue.
• It’s completely free and built-in, which removes one more barrier to getting started.

What I disliked

• It’s great for brain-dumps and small tasks, but not built for complex workflows or task management. No scheduling, reminders, or AI features.
• Cross-platform support is missing — there’s no Android or Windows version, so you're locked into the Apple ecosystem.
• No built-in calendar, task, or AI assistant for advanced workflows

Pricing

• Completely free on all Apple devices.

Suitable for

• Great for individuals who want instant, distraction-free note-taking and already use Apple devices.

How to start

• Just open the Notes app on your Apple device.

Apple Notes reviews (source)

3. Craft

Craft is a visually polished note-taking app designed for people who think in outlines, visuals, and structure - great for minds that crave clarity but often drown in chaos.

Key features

• Visually engaging editor with nested pages, rich formatting, and clean structure
• Daily Notes for capturing quick thoughts, tasks, and ideas
• Task management with due dates, reminders, and a unified inbox
• Calendar view and Apple Reminders sync for managing your day

What I liked

• I like how simple and calm the writing environment feels
• The visual layout makes notes feel rewarding
• Daily Notes + Calendar combo is great for planning the day without switching tools

What I disliked

• Tasks are pretty basic—no subtasks, priorities, or complex project views
• No Android app yet, which limits accessibility for some users
• I wish search worked better for images or PDFs unless you add text
• You don't have an AI assistant to manage work like with Saner.AI

Pricing

• Free plan with core features
• Pro plan at $10/month or $96/year

Suitable for:
Visual thinkers and ADHD-prone users who want a calm, elegant space to take notes, track ideas

How to start:
Go to craft.do, sign up for free, and start with Daily Notes or a blank doc

Craft review (source)

4. Obsidian

Obsidian is a local-first note-taking app that turns your thoughts into a network of linked ideas. It’s built around Markdown files stored directly on your device, so you own your notes and can fully customize how everything works - good for ADHD minds that crave flexibility and visual thinking.

Key features

• Local-first Markdown vaults: notes are stored as simple .md files you can edit with any text editor
• Graph view: visualize how your notes connect, which helps ADHD minds stay oriented and motivated
• Canvas & spatial layouts: arrange ideas visually like a whiteboard
• Plugin ecosystem: 1,000+ community plugins for task management, spaced repetition, kanban, and more

What I liked

• It’s endlessly customizable. You can start with simple notes, then slowly build a second brain around how you think
• The offline-first model gives peace of mind
• It’s fast.

What I disliked

• Getting started can feel overwhelming - there’s a bit of a learning curve, especially with plugins
• Sync across devices isn’t free, and without it, mobile workflows can feel clunky
• There are no native task reminders or ADHD-specific features
• It can be easy to over-customize and get distracted by tweaking your setup.
• Don't have an AI assistant built in

Pricing

• Free plan with all core features
• Sync plan: $5/month
• Sync + Publish plan: $10/month

Suitable for
Tinkerers, visual thinkers, and ADHD users who want a fully customizable note-taking system that grows with them

How to start
Download the app from obsidian.md, create a vault, and start writing

Obsidian review (source)

5. AmpleNote

AmpleNote is a flexible note-taking app that blends tasks, calendars, and writing into one distraction-free space. It’s designed for people who want to capture ideas quickly

Key features

• Combine notes and tasks in a single view so you don’t lose track of context
• Smart task scoring to prioritize to-dos by urgency, importance, and effort
• Daily Jots to quickly capture ideas, tasks, or journals each day
• Built-in calendar that syncs with Google or Outlook for real-time task scheduling

What I liked

• Publishing a note with one click is surprisingly handy for sharing thoughts or lightweight blogs
• The mobile app works offline, so you can brain-dump anytime and sync later
• Linking between notes feels natural

What I disliked

• The interface takes some getting used to - lots of power-user features that can overwhelm new users
• The design feels a bit dated, especially compared to flashier apps
• Mobile sync isn’t perfect
• You don't have an AI assistant for notes, tasks, and calendar like with Saner.AI

Pricing

• Free plan with basic notes and tasks
• Pro plan: around $6/month
• Unlimited plan: around $10/month
• Founder plan: around $20/month

Suitable for

• Great for writers and solo professionals who want a calm, structured space where their ideas, tasks, and schedules live together.

How to start

• Head to AmpleNote, create a free account, and try the Daily Jot

Amplenote review (source)

6. Reflect

Reflect.app is a fast, minimalist note-taking app that helps you think clearly, capture ideas effortlessly, and connect your thoughts with AI-powered support. Designed with speed and focus in mind, it’s especially useful for ADHD brains who want to reduce mental friction and make their notes actually usable.

Key features

• Daily Notes: A rolling journal that helps you capture thoughts in the moment without needing to create new pages manually
• Bi-directional Linking: Automatically connects related ideas to make it easier to find things later and follow your thought process
• Graph View: Visualizes how your notes relate, great for seeing the big picture or sparking unexpected connections
• End-to-End Encryption: Everything is encrypted by default

What I liked

• It’s fast
• The voice dictation is good
• Backlinking and the graph view are quite helpful

What I disliked

• No Android app yet. If you’re not on iOS or Mac, you’re stuck with the web version.
• It’s not built for managing complex projects - there’s no timeline, dependencies, or advanced task views.
• You don't have a comprehensive AI assistant like Saner.AI
• There’s no free tier, just a 14-day trial.

Pricing

• 14-day free trial
• $10/month billed annually

Suitable for
Writers who want a note-taking app that feels intuitive and fast

How to start
Go to reflect.app, start your free trial, and test out the daily note, voice capture

7. Notion

Notion is a flexible all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, wikis, databases, and calendars. Its block-based system lets you design your own workflows - whether you need structure, visual cues, or a clean place to brain-dump without friction.

Key features

• Customizable block-based pages that support text, toggles, tasks, databases, and embeds
• AI features to summarize notes, extract tasks, brainstorm, and rewrite text
• Built-in templates to help you get started faster
• Multi-platform support: use on web, desktop, iOS, and Android

What I liked

• I like how visual and flexible it is
• The community templates are a huge help.
• Notion AI is great for turning long notes into summaries

What I disliked

• The freedom can feel like too much sometimes - it’s easy to get stuck tweaking your system

• There’s a learning curve if you’re not used to building things from scratch
• The AI isn’t an assistant yet like with Saner.AI. You can’t just “talk” to your Second Brain like you would with ChatGPT.

Pricing

• Free plan
• Plus plan: $10/user/month (billed annually)
• Business plan: $20/user/month (billed annually)

Suitable for
People with ADHD who want an all-in-one productivity tool they can fully customize to fit their thinking style.

How to start
Head to notion.com and create a free account.

Notion reviews (source)

Conclusion

ADHD doesn’t mean you’re “bad” at note-taking - it just means you need tools that match how your brain works. The right app can be the difference between scribbles that never resurface and a system that actually supports you.

Here’s the quick recap:

• Want simple and free? → Saner.AI, Apple Notes
• Need ADHD-specific AI help? → Saner.AI
• Prefer notes + tasks in one place? → Saner.AI, Amplenote
• Crave calm minimalism? → Saner.AI, Reflect
• Love to build your own system? → Notion
• Deep diver/knowledge nerd? → Obsidian

👉 My advice: don’t try them all at once. Pick one or two, stick with them for a week, and see if they actually reduce stress instead of adding more.

At the end of the day, the “best ADHD note-taking app” is the one you’ll actually use - and the one that makes you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

Your notes should be a safety net, not another source of chaos. Start small, keep it simple, and let the right app support your brain instead of fighting it.

Stay on top of your work and life with the ADHD Note App

Try Saner.AI for free

Frequently Asked Questions - Best ADHD Note-Taking Apps

1. What makes a note-taking app ADHD-friendly?
Great ADHD note-taking apps help reduce overwhelm, forgetfulness, and context switching. The best ones:

• Capture thoughts quickly (via voice, keyboard, or AI)
• Organize automatically, so you don’t need to tag or file
• Turn chaos into clarity - converting notes into tasks, summaries, or reminders
• Are distraction-free and easy to use without steep learning curves

Apps like Saner.AI and Apple Notes stand out for their simplicity and speed.

2. What are the best ADHD note-taking apps right now?
Based on real use cases, these are top ADHD-friendly apps:

• Saner.AI – All-in-one AI workspace that turns rants into reminders, notes into tasks
• Apple Notes – Lightweight, fast, built-in, and great for quick capture
• Craft – Visual structure with daily notes and backlinking
• Ample Note – Prioritized tasks embedded in your notes
• Reflect – Private, journaling-style note app with backlinks and daily review
• Notion – Customizable system for advanced workflows (can be too much for some ADHD users)
• Obsidian – Powerful for linking ideas with markdown + plugins (best for technical ADHD brains)

3. Which ADHD note-taking app is best for messy thinkers?
Saner.AI is purpose-built for messy minds. It’s designed by ADHDers and does the heavy lifting for you:

• Turns voice rants or brain dumps into tasks

• Automatically organizes your notes
• Helps you search for ideas, even if you forgot what you wrote
• No setup needed - just start typing or talking

4. Is there a free ADHD-friendly note-taking app?
Yes! Many of the best apps offer generous free plans:

• Saner.AI – Free plan includes AI reminders, natural language task capture, and smart search
• Apple Notes – Free for all iOS/macOS users
• Obsidian – Free for personal use
• Notion – Free plan includes unlimited pages and blocks

5. Can these apps help me turn notes into tasks?
Absolutely. This is especially helpful for ADHD users who forget follow-ups.

• Saner.AI – Convert notes, voice, and emails into tasks with AI

• Ample Note – Notes and tasks are tightly integrated
• Notion + database – Custom task management if you’re willing to build
• Obsidian + plugins – Markdown + task tracking options

6. What if I don’t remember what I wrote last week?
ADHD brains are prone to forgetfulness. That’s why smart search is essential:

• Saner.AI – Understands what you meant, not just what you typed

7. Which ADHD note app is best for iPhone?
Here’s a quick look:

• Apple Notes – Native, quick, and syncs across devices
• Saner.AI – iOS is ready to use
• Notion – Works, but can feel slow or overwhelming on small screens

8. I hate organizing. Which app organizes for me?
If tagging, sorting, or building databases drives you nuts, use:

• Saner.AI – No tags needed. It understands your notes and auto-sorts tasks + reminders

• Reflect – Simple, date-based organization
• Apple Notes – Fast capture, minimal structure

9. What’s the most visual ADHD note-taking app?
If you’re a visual learner:

• Notion – Visual blocks and embeds (can be too much if not tamed)
• Saner.AI – Clean, minimal UI with visual daily views and reminders

11. Can ADHD note apps help with task paralysis?
Yes. The right app helps you break things down:

• Saner.AI – Converts ideas into next steps and pings you at the right time
• Ample Note – Priority-based task system
• Notion – Use templates to plan projects and break down big tasks

12. Can I use voice to capture notes or tasks?
If you think faster than you type:

• Saner.AI – Yes. Dictate and it turns your voice into structured notes, tasks

• Apple Notes – Voice-to-text through iOS
• Notion – Voice input with keyboard tools, but limited native support
• Reflect – Supports dictation via iOS voice input

13. I want to journal and reflect. What’s best?

• Reflect – Specifically built for journaling and daily reviews
• Saner.AI – Supports morning dumps and turns them into reminders
• Obsidian – Great for digital journaling with structure

14. Which app works best for ADHD professionals?
For work and team collaboration:

• Saner.AI – Combines calendar, tasks, and notes in one space
• Notion – Great for structured projects with teams
• Obsidian – Solo work system with strong linking features
• Craft – Good for writing, docs, and clean sharing

15. Can ADHD note-taking apps actually boost productivity?
Yes - when they match your brain’s needs. Good ADHD-friendly apps:

• Remove friction and let you capture fast
• Remind you of what matters without needing perfect systems
• Reduce context switching
• Turn mental chaos into visible steps

Saner.AI, in particular, is designed around these principles.