IT Pro is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Microsoft OneNote for Android and iPad review

With mobile versions of OneNote now available for both Android and iPad, tablet users have an easy way to access their desktop notes and clippings when on the move. As Julian Prokaza discovers though, one of these apps is not like the other.

OneNote mobile apps compared

Of the two tablet apps, OneNote for iPad is by far the better looking and the easiest to use. The app's interface bears little resemblance to that of OneNote for Windows, but it does take full advantage of the iPad's larger screen and isn't simply a scaled-up version of the iPhone app.

Notebooks are shown either as a pop-up list when the iPad is in portrait mode, or as a permanent left-hand sidebar in landscape. Tapping a notebook then opens its sections alongside, then tapping a section reveals its pages and sub-pages.

Microsoft OneNote for Android and iOS

OneNote for iPad bears little resemblance to the Windows application, but is good-looking and very easy to use.

OneNote for Windows leaves all other notebooks, sections and pages in view when a particular page is being edited, the iOS app just show the pages and sub pages. This keeps the limited-resolution screen free from clutter and makes for a simpler user experience, but it does mean that lots of tapping is required to navigate up and down the notebook's hierarchical structure just to look at pages in other sections and notebooks.

Microsoft OneNote for Android and iOS

Both mobile apps reproduce most synced desktop content very accurately, but inked notes are not supported.

OneNote for Android, on the other hand, is simply the smartphone app write large and its simple interface looks particularly utilitarian on a tablet.

Microsoft OneNote for Android and iOS

OneNote for Android is extremely utilitarian and lacks the user-friendly design of the iPad app.

Featured Resources

IT best practices for accelerating the journey to carbon neutrality

Considerations and pragmatic solutions for IT executives driving sustainable IT

Free Download

The Total Economic Impact™ of IBM Spectrum Virtualize

Cost savings and business benefits enabled by storage built with IBMSpectrum Virtualize

Free download

Using application migration and modernisation to supercharge business agility and resiliency

Modernisation can propel your digital transformation to the next generation

Free Download

The strategic CFO

Why finance transformation propels business value

Free Download

Recommended

Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (2021) review: A giant leap for Apple silicon
tablets

Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (2021) review: A giant leap for Apple silicon

30 Sep 2022

Most Popular

The big PSTN switch off: What’s happening between now and 2025?
Sponsored

The big PSTN switch off: What’s happening between now and 2025?

13 Mar 2023
Pension Protection Fund confirms employee data exposed in GoAnywhere breach
ransomware

Pension Protection Fund confirms employee data exposed in GoAnywhere breach

24 Mar 2023
Online Safety Bill: Why is Ofcom being thrown under the bus?
Policy & legislation

Online Safety Bill: Why is Ofcom being thrown under the bus?

24 Mar 2023