ApexDelight

Nebo vs Apple Notes: Which is Better?

• apexdelight
• April 14, 2025April 14, 2025
• 0

When it comes to note-taking apps, two of the most popular choices for Apple device users are Nebo and Apple Notes. Both apps have their own set of features that cater to different types of users. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who simply needs to organize your thoughts, it’s important to understand the differences between these two apps in order to choose the one that best suits your needs. In this comparison, we’ll explore the features, usability, and overall performance of both Nebo and Apple Notes to help you make an informed decision.

Overview

Nebo:

• Nebo is a specialized note-taking app that emphasizes handwriting recognition. Developed by MyScript, Nebo is designed to help users take handwritten notes and then convert them into editable text. Nebo works particularly well with stylus-based input (such as the Apple Pencil), making it ideal for users who prefer writing by hand but want the advantages of a digital system, such as searchability and editing.
• Target Audience: Students, professionals, and anyone who prefers handwriting but wants the benefits of digital notes.

Apple Notes:

• Apple Notes is the built-in note-taking app on iOS and macOS devices. It offers a straightforward, easy-to-use interface and supports a range of content types, including text, images, checklists, audio, and sketches. Apple Notes is particularly known for its simple design and seamless integration with other Apple apps and devices. It’s free to use and syncs across all Apple devices through iCloud.
• Target Audience: Apple ecosystem users looking for a simple, no-frills note-taking app that works across all their devices.

Key Features Comparison

1. Handwriting Recognition

• Nebo: Nebo’s standout feature is its handwriting-to-text conversion. As you write, Nebo uses advanced AI-powered recognition to convert your handwritten notes into editable text in real-time. This makes it a fantastic tool for users who prefer taking handwritten notes but want the option to easily convert them to digital text later. Nebo supports structured notes, including bullet points, numbered lists, and even mathematical equations.
  • Pros:
    • Converts handwritten notes into editable digital text.
    • Supports mathematical equations and diagrams.
    • Real-time recognition ensures a smooth experience.
  • Cons:
    • The handwriting-to-text feature works best with legible handwriting, which may not suit everyone.
• Apple Notes: Apple Notes allows for handwritten notes using the Apple Pencil, but it doesn’t offer real-time handwriting-to-text conversion like Nebo. While you can draw and write freely in the app, converting those handwritten notes into editable text is not built-in. However, you can annotate your notes and add sketches to your content, making it useful for those who want to combine freeform writing with typed text.
  • Pros:
    • Supports handwriting and sketching.
    • Works well for annotations and quick notes.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks handwriting-to-text conversion.
    • No support for mathematical equations or advanced document structuring.

2. Organization and Layout

• Nebo: Nebo offers structured organization for notes. You can create notebooks, sections, and pages to keep your notes organized. It also allows for easy exporting of notes in formats like PDF, Word, and HTML, making it great for users who need to share or print their notes. However, while Nebo excels in structured note-taking, it may not be as flexible for users who want a more freeform approach to organizing their notes.
  • Pros:
    • Structured notebooks and sections.
    • Export options for PDF, Word, HTML.
    • Excellent for organized, formal notes.
  • Cons:
    • Less flexibility for freeform note-taking.
• Apple Notes: Apple Notes provides a simple and intuitive organizational system with folders and subfolders. It supports basic features like checklists and the ability to add attachments such as images, documents, or web links. One of the biggest advantages of Apple Notes is its syncing across devices using iCloud, so you can access your notes from any Apple device seamlessly.
  • Pros:
    • Simple folder-based organization.
    • Syncs across iCloud and works across Apple devices.
    • Quick access to notes on multiple devices.
  • Cons:
    • Limited organizational features compared to Nebo.

3. Multimedia Integration

• Nebo: Nebo does allow you to insert images, photos, and diagrams into your notes, but it’s primarily focused on handwritten and typed text. It does not have built-in support for audio recordings or video integration, making it less suitable for users who want to incorporate various media types into their notes.
  • Pros:
    • Supports images, photos, and diagrams.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks support for audio or video recordings.
    • Primarily focused on text-based notes.
• Apple Notes: Apple Notes is known for its multimedia versatility. You can easily add images, checklists, drawings, audio recordings, web links, and even scanned documents. This flexibility makes it ideal for users who need a simple, all-in-one solution for taking notes in various formats.
  • Pros:
    • Supports a wide range of multimedia, including audio, images, and drawings.
    • Ability to scan documents and include web links.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks advanced features for document structuring compared to Nebo.

4. Sync and Accessibility

• Nebo: Nebo syncs across devices, but it does so only if you have a premium account. The app is available on iOS, iPadOS, and Windows, but it is not as tightly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem as Apple Notes.
  • Pros:
    • Syncs across devices (iOS, iPadOS, Windows).
  • Cons:
    • Syncing is limited to premium users.
• Apple Notes: One of the biggest strengths of Apple Notes is its seamless integration across all Apple devices via iCloud. Whether you’re on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your notes sync automatically and are always accessible. This makes Apple Notes a highly accessible and convenient option for Apple users.
  • Pros:
    • Syncs seamlessly across Apple devices with iCloud.
    • Accessible from any Apple device.
  • Cons:
    • Limited to Apple’s ecosystem (not available on Android or Windows).

5. Pricing

• Nebo: Nebo offers a free version with basic features, but to access the full functionality, such as advanced handwriting-to-text and exporting options, you’ll need to purchase the premium version.
  • Pros:
    • Free version available.
    • One-time premium purchase for full features.
  • Cons:
    • Some features are behind a paywall.
• Apple Notes: Apple Notes is completely free to use, with no premium version required. It’s built into iOS and macOS, so users don’t have to pay extra for any of the app’s features. All the syncing and multimedia integration is included without any additional charges.
  • Pros:
    • Completely free to use.
    • No premium version or hidden charges.
  • Cons:
    • Limited to Apple ecosystem.

Conclusion

Choose Nebo if:

• You want to take handwritten notes and convert them into editable digital text using AI-powered recognition.
• You need structured notes and advanced export options (e.g., PDF, Word, HTML).
• You require handwriting recognition for professional or academic use and are okay with paying for the premium version.

Choose Apple Notes if:

• You want a free, simple, and versatile note-taking app that works seamlessly across all Apple devices.
• You need an app that supports a wide range of multimedia content, such as audio recordings, images, drawings, and scanned documents.
• You prefer a minimalist note-taking app with easy syncing across all your Apple devices.

In summary, if you’re looking for advanced handwriting recognition and structured note-taking, Nebo is the better choice. However, if you prefer a free and versatile app with seamless cross-device syncing in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Notes will likely meet all your note-taking needs.