I have used Google Keep for quick grocery lists, relied on OneNote for complex project planning, and even paid for Evernote, hoping for the perfect all-in-one system.
Like many of you, I have spent years jumping between them. I felt frustrated as Keep is too basic, OneNote is slow and cluttered, and Evernote is either too expensive or buggy.
I was convinced that the ideal note-taking app doesn’t exist on Android, and I must choose between simplicity and power.
After testing dozens of lesser-known apps, I finally found an app called Hypernotes that delivers on the promise, and I can surely say it is the upgrade you have been waiting for.
Bi-directional linking
When I first started using Hypernotes on my Android, the two features that immediately made me drop Evernote and Google Keep were its unique Outline style notes and the Bi-directional linking.
These two elements don’t just organize my thoughts; they actively help me think.
For example, when I was outlining my post for an upcoming trip to Japan, I started a note called Japan Trip 2026 and used the header block Tokyo Itinerary as the next line.
Underneath, I can add a bullet list with relevant details. The best part is, I can collapse the entire Tokyo Itinerary section when I’m working on the Kyoto Itinerary. This lets me focus on one idea without the massive scrolling required in a typical note app.
Another neat feature is bi-directional linking, where I can link relevant notes and switch between them in no time. This feature is available on Evernote as well, but the implementation feels better in Hypernotes.
Support for graph views
This is where Hypernotes separates itself from the simple file structures of OneNote and Keep.
It factors in all those bi-directional links I have added in my notebook and renders them visually. The idea is to create a map of my knowledge. If you have used Obsidian, you will feel right at home with knowledge graphs in Hypernotes.
These graphs are best experienced on the desktop, but I’m glad to see a similar implementation on a small screen.
Every note I have written, from a travel itinerary to a single quote, is a node on the graph. The lines connecting them represent the bi-directional links. It’s the closest I have ever come to seeing my own brain at work on a phone screen.
One of the biggest issues with OneNote was the lack of built-in task management. I had to rely on external apps like TickTick to get the job done.
For example, when I’m drafting a travel plan, I can switch to the Tasks tab and add all the relevant to-dos for the upcoming trip. Just like the desktop, I can fill in all the relevant details like due date, reminder, attachments, notes, and even tags.
It’s right up there with dedicated task management apps out there.
This tight integration means I can outline, plan, collaborate, and track progress all from one central app.
Support for daily notes
Before Hypernotes, my daily capture was a mess. My quick thoughts in Google Keep quickly became overwhelming, and anything more substantial felt too heavy for OneNote.
Hypernotes solved this problem with a dedicated Daily Notes feature that acts as a perfect, low-friction entry point for all my day-to-day happenings.
The concept is simple: with one tap (or a shortcut on the desktop), I instantly get a fresh note with today’s date. I don’t have to create it, name it, or store it in a specific notebook.
As a personal log, it’s invaluable. Throughout the day, whether I’m on my Android phone or tablet, I jot down anything that needs remembering. This keeps my main project notes clean and ensures nothing is lost.
A generous free plan
Hypernotes comes with a personal free plan that doesn’t feel restrictive (unlike Evernote). It’s practically a full license for the average user.
I can create up to two notebooks, 10,000 notes, files worth 600MB, and add 200 comments per month. That’s quite a solid offering from the company.
With other apps, I felt pressured to upgrade almost immediately to unlock basic functionality. With Hypernotes, I get a full-powered core experience for free. Anyone can test it out before committing to one of the paid plans.
Beyond the big three
Ultimately, the best note-taking app is the one you actually use. To me, Hypernotes feels like a breath of fresh air.
Whether you are a power user drowning in OneNote notebooks or a casual user constantly hitting the limits of Google Keep, I urge you to give this a try.
Still, it’s far from perfect. I would love to see UI and UX improvements on Android so that it’s easy for new users to get familiar with the core concept.
If Hypernotes doesn’t work for you, UpNote is another note-taking app worth checking out.
