Microsoft 365 vs OneNote

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Our analysts compared Microsoft 365 vs OneNote based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Collaboration Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools designed to enhance efficiency and collaboration across various industries. It integrates applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with cloud services such as OneDrive and Teams, facilitating seamless communication and data sharing. This software is particularly well-suited for businesses of all sizes, educational institutions, and non-profits, offering tailored solutions to meet diverse operational needs.

One of the standout benefits of Microsoft 365 is its robust security features, ensuring data protection and compliance. Additionally, its AI-driven insights and automation capabilities streamline workflows, saving time and reducing manual effort. Users appreciate the intuitive interface and the ability to access documents and applications from any device, enhancing flexibility and productivity.

Compared to similar products, Microsoft 365 is often praised for its comprehensive feature set and integration capabilities. Pricing varies based on the plan selected, with options for monthly or annual payments. For precise pricing tailored to specific requirements, contacting SelectHub for a quote is recommended.

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Microsoft OneNote is a versatile software designed for comprehensive note-taking and task management. It allows users to create, organize, and share notes across various devices seamlessly. The platform is particularly well-suited for students, educators, and professionals in industries such as education, business, and research, where detailed note-taking and collaboration are essential. OneNote's unique benefits include its ability to integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, support for multimedia content, and robust organizational tools like notebooks, sections, and pages.

Popular features include handwriting recognition, audio recording, and real-time collaboration, making it a powerful tool for capturing and sharing information. Users often appreciate its intuitive interface and the flexibility it offers in structuring notes. Compared to similar products, OneNote stands out for its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and its extensive feature set. Pricing details can vary, so it's advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs.

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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Microsoft 365 enables real-time collaboration on documents with colleagues, improving teamwork and productivity.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrates smoothly with other Microsoft services like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, creating a unified work environment.
  • Remote Accessibility: Access your files and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring flexibility and continuity of work.
  • Automatic Updates: Receive the latest features and security updates automatically, reducing the need for manual maintenance and ensuring compliance.
  • Advanced Security: Benefit from built-in security features such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption to protect sensitive information.
  • Scalability: Easily scale your subscription to match the growth of your business, adding or removing users as needed without hassle.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduce upfront costs with a subscription-based model, allowing for predictable budgeting and financial planning.
  • Comprehensive Support: Access 24/7 support and extensive online resources to resolve issues quickly and keep your operations running smoothly.
  • Enhanced Communication: Utilize tools like Microsoft Teams for video conferencing, chat, and file sharing, streamlining communication within your organization.
  • Data Backup and Recovery: Benefit from robust data backup and recovery options, minimizing the risk of data loss and ensuring business continuity.
  • Customizable Solutions: Tailor Microsoft 365 applications to meet specific business needs with customizable templates and workflows.
  • Improved Productivity: Leverage tools like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to enhance daily productivity and streamline routine tasks.
  • AI and Analytics: Utilize AI-driven insights and analytics to make informed decisions and optimize business processes.
  • Compliance Management: Stay compliant with industry regulations through built-in compliance tools and regular audits.
  • Mobility: Use mobile apps to stay productive on the go, ensuring that work can continue seamlessly from any device.
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  • Seamless Organization: OneNote allows users to create notebooks, sections, and pages, making it easy to categorize and locate notes efficiently.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit the same notebook simultaneously, facilitating teamwork and reducing the need for back-and-forth emails.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: OneNote is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, ensuring your notes are accessible from any device.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: OneNote integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications like Outlook and Teams, streamlining workflow and enhancing productivity.
  • Rich Media Support: Users can embed images, audio recordings, videos, and even handwritten notes, making it a versatile tool for capturing diverse types of information.
  • Advanced Search Functionality: OneNote's powerful search feature allows users to find text within images, handwritten notes, and audio recordings, saving time and effort.
  • Tagging and To-Do Lists: Users can tag notes with custom labels and create to-do lists, helping to prioritize tasks and manage projects effectively.
  • Offline Access: Notes can be accessed and edited offline, ensuring productivity even without an internet connection.
  • Security and Privacy: OneNote offers password protection for individual sections, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
  • Freeform Canvas: The flexible page layout allows users to place text, images, and other elements anywhere on the page, fostering creativity and personalized note-taking.
  • Handwriting Recognition: OneNote can convert handwritten notes into typed text, making it easier to digitize and organize handwritten information.
  • Version History: Users can view and restore previous versions of their notes, providing a safety net against accidental deletions or changes.
  • Customizable Templates: OneNote offers a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as meeting minutes or project plans, helping users get started quickly.
  • Audio and Video Recording: Users can record meetings or lectures directly within OneNote, capturing important details that might be missed in written notes.
  • Ink-to-Text Conversion: The software can convert digital ink into text, making it easier to edit and format handwritten notes.
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  • Cloud Storage: OneDrive offers 1 TB of cloud storage per user, enabling seamless access to files from any device.
  • Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams integrates chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, fostering real-time collaboration.
  • Office Suite: Access to premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, ensuring comprehensive productivity tools.
  • Security Features: Advanced threat protection and data loss prevention safeguard sensitive information.
  • AI-Powered Insights: Tools like MyAnalytics and Power BI provide data-driven insights to enhance productivity and decision-making.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Mobile apps for iOS and Android allow users to work on the go with full functionality.
  • Regular Updates: Continuous updates ensure users have the latest features and security improvements without additional costs.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with other Microsoft services like Azure and Dynamics 365, as well as third-party applications.
  • Customizable Workflows: Power Automate enables the creation of automated workflows between apps and services to streamline tasks.
  • Shared Calendars: Outlook's shared calendar feature simplifies scheduling and coordination among team members.
  • Document Co-Authoring: Multiple users can simultaneously edit documents in real-time, enhancing collaborative efforts.
  • Task Management: Microsoft Planner and To Do help organize tasks and projects, ensuring efficient task tracking and completion.
  • Compliance Solutions: Built-in compliance tools help organizations meet regulatory requirements and manage data governance.
  • Communication Tools: Yammer provides a social networking platform for enterprise communication and community building.
  • Scalability: Flexible subscription plans cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
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  • Notebook Organization: OneNote allows users to create multiple notebooks, each containing sections and pages, making it easy to organize notes by topic or project.
  • Handwriting Recognition: The software can convert handwritten notes into typed text, which is particularly useful for users who prefer writing by hand.
  • Multimedia Integration: Users can embed images, audio recordings, and videos directly into their notes, enhancing the richness of the content.
  • Tagging System: OneNote offers a variety of tags such as "To-Do," "Important," and "Question," which help in categorizing and prioritizing information.
  • Collaboration Tools: Multiple users can edit the same notebook simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and collaborative work.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: OneNote is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and through a web browser, ensuring accessibility from virtually any device.
  • Search Functionality: The robust search feature allows users to quickly find specific text, tags, or even words within images and handwritten notes.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office: OneNote seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook, facilitating a cohesive workflow.
  • Templates: The software provides a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as meeting minutes, project plans, and to-do lists, to streamline note-taking.
  • Ink-to-Text Conversion: Users can draw or write with a stylus, and OneNote will convert these ink strokes into digital text or shapes.
  • Audio and Video Recording: OneNote allows users to record audio and video directly within a note, which is useful for capturing lectures or meetings.
  • Page Versions: The software keeps a history of page versions, allowing users to revert to previous versions if needed.
  • Customizable Tags: In addition to built-in tags, users can create custom tags to suit their specific needs.
  • Offline Access: Notes can be accessed and edited offline, with changes syncing automatically once an internet connection is re-established.
  • Math Equation Support: OneNote can solve math equations and even graph them, making it a valuable tool for students and professionals in technical fields.
  • Task Integration: Users can create tasks in OneNote that sync with Microsoft Outlook, ensuring that important to-dos are not overlooked.
  • PDF Annotation: OneNote allows users to import PDFs and annotate them directly within the application.
  • Clipper Tool: The OneNote Web Clipper extension enables users to save web pages, articles, and images directly to their notebooks.
  • Sticky Notes Integration: OneNote integrates with Sticky Notes, allowing users to jot down quick notes that sync across devices.
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Product Ranking

#23

among all
Collaboration Software

#35

among all
Collaboration Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 28098 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 2709 reviews
91%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft 365 has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 28098 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

91%
of users recommend this product

OneNote has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 2709 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.6 (5175)
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4.6 (1793)
4.6 (13723)
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4.6 (2295)
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4.3 (6905)
4.4 (916)

Awards

Microsoft 365 stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

OneNote stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Anywhere Access: Microsoft 365 allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection, letting you access files, emails, and core applications like Excel and Word.
Seamless Teamwork: Features like OneDrive and Teams enhance real-time collaboration by allowing effortless file sharing and simplifying group projects.
Always Up-to-Date: Microsoft 365's subscription model ensures you always have the latest versions of all applications, including the newest features and security updates.
AI-Powered Assistance: Features like Copilot provide intelligent assistance within applications, such as suggesting edits in Word or formulas in Excel, boosting productivity.
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Flexible Organization: OneNote's structure mirrors a physical notebook, with notebooks containing sections and pages, allowing for granular organization of projects and ideas.
Seamless Syncing: OneNote effortlessly syncs across various devices, ensuring accessibility to your notes whether you are at your desk or on the go.
Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same OneNote document concurrently, fostering teamwork and streamlining workflows.
Multimedia Integration: Beyond text, OneNote allows the integration of images, audio recordings, and even handwritten notes, catering to diverse learning and working styles.
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Cost of Subscription: While there are different tiers available, the subscription-based model means recurring costs for businesses, which can be significant for large organizations or those with tight budgets.
Feature Overload: Microsoft 365 is packed with features, but this can be overwhelming for some users, particularly those who only need basic functionality. The sheer number of options can lead to a steeper learning curve and slower adoption.
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Installation and Syncing Hiccups: Some users have encountered occasional issues with OneNote's installation process and syncing functionality, leading to potential disruptions in workflow.
Polarizing UI Changes: Recent updates to the OneNote user interface have been met with mixed reviews, with some users finding the changes less intuitive than the previous design.
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Is Microsoft 365 the right choice for boosting productivity in 2024? User reviews from the past year paint a largely positive picture of this software suite, highlighting its comprehensive set of tools and seamless integration as standout features. Imagine effortlessly moving between Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, all the while collaborating with colleagues in real-time through Teams – Microsoft 365 makes this a reality. Users rave about the time-saving AI features like Copilot, which feels like having a virtual assistant for drafting documents and analyzing data. However, some users find the sheer number of features overwhelming, suggesting a steeper learning curve for those less familiar with Microsoft's ecosystem. While the user-friendly interface receives praise, navigating the extensive menu options can initially feel like exploring a labyrinth. Compared to more streamlined competitors like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 might feel like a behemoth, especially for individual users or smaller teams with simpler needs. Security and compliance features are a major plus, making it a top contender for businesses handling sensitive data. Ultimately, Microsoft 365 is best suited for businesses and individuals who demand a powerful and feature-rich productivity suite. Its robust collaboration tools, AI-powered assistance, and top-notch security make it a wise investment for those seeking to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. However, users seeking a simpler, more intuitive experience might find other options more appealing.

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Is Microsoft OneNote really worth taking note of, or is it just another note-taking app lost in the shuffle? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag, but one thing is clear: OneNote's generous free plan and robust features make it a strong contender in the note-taking arena. Users consistently praise its versatility in handling various media types, like seamlessly integrating graphs, pictures, and even audio recordings into notes. This flexibility sets it apart from more restrictive competitors like Evernote, which often lock such features behind paywalls. However, OneNote's interface is a common point of contention. Some users find it less intuitive than rivals like Evernote, particularly when navigating through extensive notes. This clunkiness can be a hurdle for those seeking a streamlined, minimalist experience. Another drawback is the limited local storage option available only on Windows, a potential dealbreaker for users prioritizing offline access on other operating systems. Despite these drawbacks, OneNote shines with its comprehensive organizational tools. Users appreciate the ability to structure notes into a hierarchy of pages, sections, and subsections, making it a breeze to manage even the most unwieldy amounts of information. This granular control, coupled with seamless cross-device syncing and tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, makes OneNote a compelling choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a powerful, free-to-use note-taking solution.

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