Ever been in a meeting when someone asks about a piece of research and suddenly it feels like it has vanished? It's the one you're sure was saved, maybe in a notes app, maybe in a desktop folder, maybe lost among the dozens of browser tabs left open "for later." By the time it's finally found, the conversation has already moved on.

And guess what? You're not the only one dealing with this.

Thus, we researched 30+ second brain apps used by knowledge workers, researchers, and creators and created a guide for people who wrestle with information overload and need a better way to capture, organize, and retrieve ideas. It compares traditional note-taking tools with visual-first workspaces, then matches each app to different thinking styles. Linear thinkers receive different recommendations than spatial or visual thinkers, because the right tool should adapt to the way the brain naturally works.

Read on to learn what makes a great second-brain app, how linear and spatial tools differ, and which options are likely to suit specific workflows. The aim is practical: find a tool that actually helps users stop hunting for lost notes and start getting work done.

TL;DR: Top Second Brain Apps

Quick reference for scanners:

Ready to find your perfect second brain app? Your visual workspace that actually works the way you think is waiting.

What Is a Second Brain?

A second brain is a digital system for capturing, organizing, and retrieving knowledge. Unlike traditional note-taking, it connects ideas through bidirectional links and visual relationships. Your brain stops being a filing cabinet and becomes what it's good at: creative thinking.

Key components of a second brain:

• Capture: Save ideas, insights, and resources worth remembering

• Organize: Structure information using systems like PARA or Zettelkasten

• Connect: Link related concepts with bidirectional links or visual relationships

• Retrieve: Search and surface relevant knowledge when needed

Think of it as a trusted place where you capture ideas, organize knowledge, and connect insights without relying on your brain to remember everything.

The term was coined by productivity expert Tiago Forte in his book "Building a Second Brain." But it's not just another note-taking app. It's a methodology for turning information you consume into knowledge you can actually use.

The CODE Method

Tiago Forte's second brain system follows four steps:

• Capture: Save ideas, insights, and resources worth remembering. If something resonates, capture it in under 60 seconds.

• Organize: Structure information using the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives). Keep it simple at first.

• Distill: Extract key insights and make knowledge actionable. Highlight what matters, skip the rest.

• Express: Create value by sharing and applying what you've learned. Your second brain is a creation engine, not just storage.

Second Brain vs. Traditional Note-Taking

Here's the critical difference:

Why You Need a Second Brain

Your brain is brilliant at creative thinking, problem-solving, and making connections. It's terrible at storing thousands of random facts and remembering where you saved that article three months ago.

A second brain system helps to:

• Reduces cognitive load so your brain can focus on creating instead of remembering

• Connects disparate ideas because innovation happens at intersections

• Builds compound knowledge that gets more valuable over time

• Enables faster decisions with accessible insights at your fingertips

The average person consumes massive amounts of information daily but retains only fragments. A second brain captures what matters and surfaces it when you need it.

The Problem with Information Overload (and Why Second Brains Solve It)

The numbers are staggering. Knowledge workers spend 88% of their workweek communicating across multiple channels. Teams lose valuable time every day just trying to locate important information spread across different tools.Here's what this looks like in practice:

You're working on a project and remember reading a perfect article about it last month. Was it in your bookmarks? Your notes app? That Slack conversation? The email you sent yourself? After 15 minutes of searching, you give up and start from scratch. Sounds familiar?

Traditional solutions fall short because folders create information silos. Search only works if you remember the exact keywords. Linear notes don't mirror how your brain actually thinks (spoiler: it's non-linear and associative).

How Second Brains Solve This

A proper second brain app gives you:

• Single source of truth for all knowledge (no more "which app did I save that in?")

• Bidirectional linking where notes reference each other automatically

• Visual graphs that show unexpected connections between ideas

• Smart search that finds concepts, not just keywords

• AI assistance for auto-organization and summarization (in modern tools)

Different Approaches for Different Thinkers

Not everyone thinks the same way. Second brain apps come in different flavors:

• Text and outline-based tools like Notion, Obsidian, and Logseq work great for linear thinkers who love hierarchies and structured notes.

• Visual and spatial tools like Kosmik, Heptabase, and Milanote suit people who think in diagrams, mind maps, and spatial relationships.

• Database-driven apps like Notion and Capacities appeal to those who want structured data with properties and filters.

• AI-enhanced options like Mem, Reflect, and Saner.AI automatically organize and surface relevant content.

The right approach depends on how your brain works.

How to Choose the Right Second Brain App for You

Not all brains think alike. Your ideal second brain app depends on your thinking style, primary use case, and technical comfort level.

Your Thinking Style

• Linear/Sequential Thinkers: If you love outlines, hierarchies, and structured notes, look at Notion, Workflowy, or Obsidian. You probably organize physical spaces with labeled containers and love a good spreadsheet.

• Visual/Spatial Thinkers: If you need to see how ideas connect spatially and prefer arranging things by proximity rather than folders, check out Kosmik, Heptabase, or Milanote. You probably think in diagrams and mind maps.

• Database Thinkers: If you like structured data with properties, tags, and filters, explore Notion or Capacities. You enjoy organizing information with metadata and multiple views.

Primary Use Case

• Research and academic work: You need bidirectional linking, PDF annotation, and citation management. Look at Heptabase, Obsidian, or Kosmik.

• Content creation and ideation: Visual boards and spatial organization help. Consider Kosmik, Milanote, or Notion with canvas mode.

• Project management with tasks: Integration with task systems matters. Try Notion, Amplenote, or Saner.AI.

• Personal journaling and reflection: Daily notes and templates are key. Check out Reflect, Logseq, or Obsidian.

• Team collaboration: Sharing, permissions, and real-time editing are essential. Notion, Milanote, or Kosmik work well for teams.

Technical Comfort Level

Be honest about your technical skills:

• Beginner-friendly: Notion, Google Keep, or Craft offer gentle learning curves.

• Intermediate: Capacities, Reflect, or Heptabase balance power with usability.

• Advanced/Technical: Obsidian and Logseq reward those comfortable with Markdown, plugins, and customization.

Essential Features Checklist

Your second brain app should include:

• Cross-device sync (desktop, mobile, web)

• Fast capture (quick note entry without friction)

• Flexible organization (folders, tags, or links)

• Powerful search (keyword and semantic)

• Import/export capabilities (data portability)

• Offline access

• Visual elements support (images, PDFs, embeds)

• AI assistance (optional but increasingly expected)

Privacy and Data Ownership

This matters more than many people realize:

• Local-first vs. cloud-based: Apps like Obsidian and Logseq store files on your device. Cloud apps like Notion and Mem store data on their servers.

• End-to-end encryption: Some apps (Reflect, Anytype) encrypt your data so even they can't read it.

• Data export: Can you get your data out easily? Plain text Markdown files (Obsidian, Logseq) are most portable.

Pricing Considerations

• Free tier limitations: Many free plans work fine for personal use (Obsidian, Logseq, Notion).

• When to pay: Consider paid plans for team collaboration, AI features, cloud sync, or when you're building a serious long-term system.

• Long-term cost: A $10/month app costs $120/year or $1,200 over a decade. Make sure the value justifies the investment.

Red Flags to Avoid

Watch out for:

• Overly complex setup that prevents actual use

• Vendor lock-in where you can't export data

• Missing mobile app or poor mobile experience

• Slow performance with large collections

• Lack of active development or updates

Start with one tool based on your thinking style. Give it 30 days of daily use before switching. Your perfect second brain is the one you'll actually use consistently.

Best Second Brain Apps (Ranked)

We researched 30+ second brain apps based on user reviews, feature sets, and real-world use cases. Each review includes specific features, honest pros and cons, current pricing, and who should use it.

The apps are organized by thinking style and use case, so you can jump straight to your category.

Visual and Spatial Second Brains

Kosmik: Best PKM for Visual Thinkers

Kosmik reimagines the second brain for visual and spatial thinkers. Instead of forcing ideas into linear documents or rigid hierarchies, Kosmik gives you an infinite canvas. You arrange notes, files, images, PDFs, and web content exactly how your brain sees connections.

It's built on the principle that knowledge isn't linear. Ideas cluster, branch, and connect in unexpected ways. Kosmik lets you work the way you think, making it perfect for researchers, designers, content creators, and anyone who needs to see the big picture while diving into details.

What sets Kosmik apart is its built-in browser, file handling, and true spatial freedom. You're not just linking notes. You're creating a visual knowledge landscape you can explore and navigate intuitively.

Key Features

• Infinite Canvas: Unlimited space to arrange and connect all your knowledge spatially

• Built-in Browser: Press 'W' to browse any website without leaving your workspace

• Visual File Integration: Native support for PDFs, images, videos, and documents right on your canvas

• Spatial Organization: Arrange ideas by proximity instead of folders (related items near each other)

• PDF Reader with OCR: Extract text from any PDF document automatically

• AI Auto-Tagging: Automatically categorizes content by colors, themes, and subjects

• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple team members work on the same canvas simultaneously with live cursors

Pros

• True visual thinking environment without forcing you into outlines

• Handles files natively without uploads or conversions

• Infinite canvas means you never run out of space

• Browser integration eliminates app-switching during research

• No learning curve for complex folder systems (just arrange things spatially)

• Cost-effective for teams at $11.99/user/month (yearly) with unlimited workspaces

• Fast, beautifully designed interface

• Active development with responsive community

Cons

• Different paradigm may require mental adjustment for traditional note-takers

• Best experienced on larger screens (though web version works on tablets)

• No native mobile phone app yet (desktop and web only)

• Collaboration features still maturing

Pricing

• Pro: $11.99/month (yearly) or $14.99/month (monthly) with unlimited workspaces, universes, items, file imports, and AI requests

• Ambassador: $16.99/month (yearly) or $20.99/month (monthly) with everything in Pro plus Figma plug-in, brand kits, fonts support, and dedicated Slack channel

• Enterprise: Custom pricing with team management, custom onboarding, and dedicated support

User Reviews

Kosmik has a 8.6/10 rating on Tool Finder based on 15+ reviews. Users praise the "very fast, beautifully designed macOS desktop app" and "brilliant, useful in-app browser features." Several reviewers note the browser is "faster than Arc, Chrome, Brave" and "useful for spatial research." The dedicated indie team receives high marks for being "extremely active" and "responsive to bugs."

What Makes Kosmik Different from Traditional Note Apps

Kosmik solves a problem most second brain apps ignore: not everyone thinks in outlines and hierarchies. If you're a visual thinker, traditional apps feel constraining. You want to see relationships, arrange things spatially, and work with multiple file types without constantly switching between tools.

Kosmik's approach mirrors natural spatial memory. We remember locations and visual arrangements better than file paths and folder names. When you organize research on an infinite canvas with sources, notes, and connections visible at once, your brain can actually make sense of complex topics.

The built-in browser is genuinely useful. Press 'W', browse to any site, and clip content directly to your canvas without switching apps. For researchers managing multiple sources or creatives building mood boards, this eliminates the friction that kills momentum in other tools.

That said, if you prefer text-based outlines or need advanced plugin customization, Obsidian or Logseq might be better fits.

Best For

• Visual and spatial thinkers who find traditional note apps constraining

• Researchers managing sources, notes, and connections simultaneously

• Designers and creative professionals building mood boards and idea collections

• Content creators organizing research and drafts spatially

• Small to medium teams (3-50 members) looking for affordable collaboration

• Anyone who thinks in diagrams, mind maps, and visual relationships

Heptabase: Best for Visual Research and Deep Thinking

Heptabase combines visual canvas-based thinking with traditional note-taking. It's designed for researchers, students, and deep thinkers who need to understand complex topics by visually mapping relationships between concepts. Cards (notes) can be arranged on whiteboards, connected with lines, and organized into nested structures.

Key Features

• Visual whiteboards for mapping ideas and concepts

• Card-based notes that can live on multiple boards

• Nested organization (cards within cards for hierarchies)

• PDF annotation and highlighting built-in

• Bidirectional linking and backlinks

• Daily journal for reflections

• Markdown formatting with multimedia support

Pros

• Excellent for academic research and learning complex subjects

• PDF annotation tools built-in for source management

• Beautiful, clean, intuitive interface

• Supports both visual and text-based thinking modes

• Responsive development team with regular updates

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than simple note apps

• Pricier than some alternatives at $8.99-11.99/month

• Limited collaboration features (primarily single-user)

• Mobile app functional but less powerful than desktop

• Some users report performance issues with larger projects

Pricing

• $8.99/month (billed annually) or $11.99/month (monthly billing)

• No free plan

• 14-day free trial available

User Reviews

Heptabase has an 4.6/5 rating on Producthunt

Best For

• Researchers and academics working with papers and sources

• Students learning complex subjects (science, philosophy, history)

• Visual learners who need to map concepts spatially

• Anyone building a Zettelkasten system with visual elements

Milanote: Best for Creative Visual Collaboration

Milanote is designed for creative professionals: designers, writers, marketers who need visual boards for collecting inspiration, mood boards, and project planning. It combines the flexibility of pinning things on a wall with the organization of a note app.

Key Features

• Flexible visual boards with drag-and-drop interface

• Templates for mood boards, brainstorming, and project planning

• Real-time collaboration tools for team projects

• Web Clipper for Chrome to save links, images, and videos instantly

• Cloud-based storage for images and files

• Task management and content organization

Pros

• Beautiful, intuitive interface that's easy to learn

• Great for design work and creative collaboration

• Strong team collaboration features with commenting

• Templates accelerate setup for common workflows

• Optimized for visual organization and inspiration collection

Cons

• Less suitable for heavy text-based note-taking

• Free plan very limited (100 notes/images cap)

• Not ideal for coding or technical documentation

• Limited export options compared to text-based tools

• Mobile apps (iOS and Android) less feature-rich than desktop

• Visual board display limited on mobile

Pricing

• Free: Up to 100 notes/images

• Pro: $9.99/month or $49/month for teams (up to 10 people)

User Reviews

Milanote has a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and 4.7/5 on Capterra (based on hundreds of reviews praising ease of use and visual organization).

Best For

• Designers building mood boards and collecting inspiration

• Writers organizing story elements and character notes

• Marketing teams planning campaigns visually

• Creative teams collaborating on visual projects

• Agencies and startups needing flexible project boards

Networked Thinking & PKM Tools

Obsidian: Best for Local-First, Markdown-Based Second Brain

Obsidian is the gold standard for power users who want complete control over their second brain. It stores all notes as plain text Markdown files on your computer (you own your data), supports bidirectional linking for networked thinking, and has a robust plugin ecosystem with 1,000+ community plugins to customize everything.

It's built around the Zettelkasten method of connecting atomic notes, making it perfect for building a true "network of thoughts" over time. The graph view visualizes how all your notes connect, revealing unexpected relationships.

Obsidian has a devoted community of PKM enthusiasts, researchers, and writers who've built elaborate knowledge systems. It's free for personal use, lightning fast, and works offline.

Key Features

• Local-first storage (Markdown files you own forever)

• Bidirectional linking and automatic backlinks

• Graph view to visualize note connections

• 1,000+ community plugins plus core plugins

• Daily notes and customizable templates

• Canvas mode for visual layouts

• Themes for interface customization

• End-to-end encrypted sync (paid add-on)

Pros

• Complete data ownership (plain text files on your device)

• Lightning fast, even with thousands of notes

• Extremely customizable with plugins and themes

• Strong community with extensive resources

• Graph view reveals hidden connections between ideas

• Works offline by design

• Free for personal use (no restrictions)

• High security with end-to-end encryption option

Cons

• Steeper learning curve (Markdown syntax required)

• Sync requires paid plan or DIY setup (iCloud, Dropbox)

• Mobile app less polished than desktop experience

• Requires time investment to set up properly

• Can be overwhelming for beginners

• No collaboration features (ideal for personal use only)

Pricing

• Personal use: Free (100% free with all features)

• Sync: $4/month (encrypted sync across devices)

• Publish: $8/month (publish notes as website)

User Reviews

Obsidian receives a 9.1/10 rating on Tool Finder with users praising its speed, customization through plugins, and local-first markdown storage.

Best For

• Writers and researchers building long-term knowledge systems

• Privacy-conscious users wanting local storage

• Power users comfortable with Markdown and customization

• Zettelkasten practitioners

• Anyone building a Tiago Forte-style second brain with PARA method

Logseq: Best Free, Open-Source Networked Notes

Logseq is an open-source alternative to Roam Research and Obsidian. It's built around outliner-style note-taking (everything is bullets) with bidirectional linking, daily journals, and knowledge graphs. Like Obsidian, files are stored locally in plain text (Markdown or Org-mode). It's completely free and includes features other apps charge for like whiteboards, flashcards, and PDF annotation.

Key Features

• Outliner-based structure (everything is bullets)

• Bidirectional linking and graph view

• Daily journal pages automatically created

• Whiteboards for visual thinking

• Flashcards with spaced repetition for learning

• PDF annotation built-in

• Plugin support for extensibility

• Local-first, privacy-focused storage

Pros

• Completely free and open-source (no paid tiers)

• Active development and growing community

• Built-in features (flashcards, whiteboards) others charge for

• Privacy-focused with local storage (all data on your device)

• Supports both Markdown and Org-mode

• Fast local-first note capture

• Powerful outlining capabilities

Cons

• Outliner format isn't for everyone (bullet-based structure)

• Mobile app still maturing compared to desktop

• Fewer plugins than Obsidian currently

• Learning curve for new users

• Occasional UI quirks reported

• Imperfect sync and mobile UX

Pricing

• Free and open-source (no costs, no limitations)

• Optional paid sync coming soon

User Reviews

Logseq has a 4.8/5 rating on Product Hunt with users praising it as a powerful open-source alternative that replaced Notion and Obsidian for many.

Best For

• Students building study systems with flashcards and spaced repetition

• Open-source enthusiasts who value transparency

• Users wanting Roam-like features without cost

• Daily journaling practitioners

• Privacy-conscious note-takers on a budget

Roam Research: Best for Serious Knowledge Workers

Roam Research pioneered the "networked thought" movement and remains a favorite among serious knowledge workers, researchers, and writers. It introduced bidirectional linking and daily notes to the mainstream. Roam's outliner structure and powerful block references make it unique, though its pricing is high compared to free alternatives like Logseq.

Key Features

• Outliner-based with bullet points

• Bidirectional linking between notes

• Daily notes workflow

• Block references (reuse content across notes)

• Graph view of connections

• Quick capture from anywhere

• Queries and filters for finding information

Pros

• Powerful for building interconnected knowledge systems

• Daily notes workflow is excellent

• Block references are unique and powerful

• Fast capture and retrieval

• Strong community of power users

• Directed graph system offers novel approach

Cons

• Expensive at $15/month with no free tier

• Steep learning curve for new users

• Interface can feel dated compared to modern apps

• Limited formatting options

• No offline access

• Slow performance with large datasets reported

• Mobile app lacks functionalities with unreliable sync

Pricing

• $15/month or $165/year

• "Believer" plan: $500 for 5 years ($8.33/month)

• 30-day free trial available

• No free tier

User Reviews

Roam Research is praised by PKM enthusiasts for pioneering bidirectional linking and block references, though its $15/month pricing is considered steep compared to free alternatives like Obsidian and Logseq.

Best For

• Serious researchers and academics willing to pay premium

• Writers building complex narrative structures

• Knowledge workers managing many interconnected projects

• Users already invested in Roam's ecosystem

• PKM enthusiasts who need block-level references

All-in-One Workspace Second Brains

Notion: Best All-in-One Second Brain Workspace

Notion is the Swiss Army knife of second brain apps. It combines notes, databases, wikis, tasks, calendars, and collaboration tools in one workspace. It's block-based, meaning everything (text, images, databases, embeds) is a building block you can arrange freely.

Notion is famous for flexibility and customization. You can build everything from simple note systems to elaborate PARA setups, project management dashboards, and content calendars. The learning curve is moderate, but thousands of free templates help you get started quickly.

It's ideal for users who want one tool for everything: notes, tasks, projects, wikis, and collaboration.

Key Features

• Block-based editor (everything is a draggable block)

• Databases (tables, kanban boards, galleries, calendars)

• Templates and massive template marketplace

• Collaboration and sharing with team workspaces

• Web clipper for saving articles

• Notion AI for summarization and writing help (add-on)

• Embeds for videos, tweets, files, and more

• Mobile apps for iOS and Android

Pros

• Extremely flexible (build any system you want)

• Beautiful, modern interface

• Strong collaboration features for teams

• Huge community and template library

• Free plan generous for personal use

• Integrates with many tools (Google Drive, Slack, etc.)

• Good mobile apps

• Real-time editing and commenting

Cons

• Can feel overwhelming (too many options)

• Requires internet for most features

• Performance can lag with large databases

• AI features require $10/month add-on

• Can become cluttered without discipline

• Offline access and mobile usability limited

• Steep learning curve (all-in-one = complexity)

Pricing

• Free: Personal use with generous limits (up to 10 guests)

• Plus: $10/month with team features unlocked

• Business: $15/user/month where teams truly scale (AI included)

• Notion AI: Included with Business/Enterprise plans; available as add-on for legacy users

User Reviews

Notion maintains a 4.2/5 rating on G2 with users praising flexibility, customization, and the free plan with essential features.

Best For

• Users wanting one app for notes, tasks, and projects

• Teams needing collaboration tools

• People who like building custom systems

• PARA method practitioners

• Content creators managing editorial calendars

• Project management and GTD users

Capacities: Best Object-Based Second Brain

Capacities introduces an "object-based" approach to note-taking. Instead of generic notes, you create typed objects (People, Books, Ideas, Meetings) with custom properties. This structure makes it easier to organize and query your knowledge. It also includes daily notes, AI features, and beautiful design.

Key Features

• Object types (custom note categories with properties)

• Daily notes and journal

• AI assistant for writing and summarization (included in Pro)

• Graph view for visualizing connections

• Templates and custom properties

• Web clipper for saving web content

• Markdown notes with backlinks

• Seamless sync across devices

Pros

• Intuitive structure (objects make sense logically)

• Beautiful, modern interface

• AI features included in Pro plan

• Fast and responsive performance

• Good mobile app

• Generous free plan

• Responsive founders who listen to feedback

• Object-based approach natural for linking ideas

Cons

• Still relatively new (maturing features)

• Limited customization compared to Obsidian/Notion

• Graph view less powerful than Obsidian

• Fewer integrations with other tools

• Mobile app still in beta

• Limited offline functionality

Pricing

• Free: Basic features (always free)

• Pro: $9.99/month or $96/year with unlimited features

• Believer: Same as Pro plus beta features

User Reviews

Capacities receives an 4.8/5 rating on Producthunt with users praising its intuitive structure, beautiful UI, and responsive development team.

Best For

• Users who want structure without complexity

• People tracking people, books, projects, and ideas

• Visual organizers who like clean interfaces

• Daily journal writers

• Anyone building a living knowledge base

• Users wanting to replace Notion or Obsidian with simpler alternative

Anytype: Best Privacy-Focused, Local-First Second Brain

Anytype is an open-source, local-first second brain app with end-to-end encryption. It's similar to Notion in flexibility but stores data on your device with peer-to-peer sync (no cloud servers). You create objects (like Capacities) and connect them in a knowledge graph. It's ideal for privacy-conscious users who want control over their data.

Key Features

• Local-first storage with end-to-end encryption

• Object-based organization (structured notes)

• Graph view for visualizing connections

• Offline-first functionality by design

• Open-source (community-driven development)

• Peer-to-peer sync (no cloud servers)

• On-device encryption (you're the only one with the key)

Pros

• Strong privacy (encrypted, local storage)

• No vendor lock-in (open-source)

• Free during beta

• Flexible structure like Notion

• Complete data ownership

• Works offline by design

• Highly customizable workflows

Cons

• Still in development (some rough edges)

• Smaller community than Notion/Obsidian

• Mobile app needs improvement

• Fewer templates available

• Learning curve for customization

• Interface takes time to adjust to

• Still has occasional bugs

Pricing

• Free during beta

• Paid plans coming (likely starting at $5/month)

• Open source pricing model

User Reviews

Anytype receives a 8.4/10 rating on Tool Finder reviews for privacy focus with users appreciating strong encryption and data ownership.

Best For

• Privacy-focused users who prioritize data control

• Open-source advocates

• Users wanting Notion-like flexibility with data ownership

• Those seeking balance between PKM and object-based notes

• Users who prioritize offline control

AI-Enhanced Second Brains

Mem: Best AI-Powered Second Brain for Quick Capture

Mem is built around AI and natural language. There are no folders: just capture notes, and Mem's AI organizes, surfaces connections, and answers questions based on your knowledge. Mem Chat lets you query your second brain conversationally. It's fast, minimal, and focused on reducing friction.

Key Features

• No folders (AI-driven organization)

• Mem Chat (ask questions, get answers from your notes)

• Smart search using natural language

• Calendar integration for meeting notes

• Collaborative workspaces

• Templates for common workflows

• AI automatically categorizes and links notes

• Voice memos processed by AI

Pros

• Extremely fast capture without manual organization

• AI surfaces forgotten notes automatically

• No manual filing needed

• Clean, distraction-free interface

• Mem 2.0 (October 2025) significantly improved speed and intelligence

• Dependable and responsive AI features

Cons

• Expensive at $12/month

• Less control over organization

• Mobile app still in development

• Smaller feature set compared to Notion

• Requires internet connection for full functionality

• Limited integrations with other tools

Pricing

• Free: Up to 25 new notes and 25 chat messages per month

• Mem Pro: $12/month with unlimited usage (launched October 2025)

User Reviews

Mem receives a 8.8/10 ratings on ToolFinder with users praising fast capture and AI organization capabilities.

Best For

• Busy professionals wanting automatic organization

• Users who hate manual filing systems

• Quick note-takers who capture on the go

• AI early adopters

• Students and creative thinkers

• Anyone wanting to reduce cognitive load

Reflect: Best for Networked Notes with Calendar Integration

Reflect combines networked notes (backlinks) with calendar integration and AI. It's designed for professionals who take meeting notes, journal daily, and want their calendar events automatically in their note system. AI helps summarize and rephrase content using GPT-4.

Key Features

• Backlinks and networked notes

• Calendar sync (Google, Outlook)

• AI assistant (GPT-4) for summarization

• End-to-end encryption for privacy

• Daily notes automatically created

• Voice transcription for quick capture

• Minimal design with powerful capabilities

• Excellent offline mode

Pros

• Beautiful, polished design

• Calendar integration seamless for meeting notes

• Strong privacy (encrypted)

• AI features included in price

• Fast and responsive

• Very easy to use

• Phenomenal performance

• Distraction-free environment for deep thinking

Cons

• No free tier ($10/month minimum)

• iOS/Mac only (no Android or Windows)

• Limited customization options

• No collaboration features

• Lacks smart chat feature like Mem

• Lacks database feature like Tana

• A bit costly for what it offers

Pricing

• $10/month (annual billing) or $15/month (monthly)

• 14-day free trial

• No free tier

User Reviews

Reflect receives a 4.8/5 rating on Product Hunt with users calling it minimalist, powerful, and beautifully designed with phenomenal performance.

Best For

• Professionals with many meetings needing integrated calendar

• iOS/Mac users exclusively

• Privacy-conscious users wanting AI features

• Daily journalers

• Those prioritizing distraction-free writing environment

Saner AI: Best AI Second Brain for ADHD and Task Management

Saner.AI is built for people with ADHD and busy professionals who need more than note storage: they need an assistant. It captures notes, emails, tasks, and Slack messages, then uses AI to organize, remind, and suggest next steps. It's like having a personal assistant for your brain.

Key Features

• AI inbox captures everything automatically

• Smart tags and automatic summaries

• Task assistant (turns notes into tasks automatically)

• Email and Slack integration

• Focus mode for distraction-free writing

• Searchable AI knowledge base

• Semantic search across notes, calendar, email, files

• Personal AI assistant (Skai) for planning and reminders

Pros

• ADHD-friendly (reduces overwhelm)

• AI does the organizing automatically

• Task automation (notes become tasks)

• Integrates communication tools (email, Slack)

• Consolidates notes, emails, tasks, calendars into one interface

• Enhances productivity for managing ADHD challenges

• Perfect for students, researchers, content creators, entrepreneurs

Cons

• Requires internet connection

• Newer product (still maturing)

• Limited customization compared to established tools

• AI quality depends on usage patterns

• Mobile performance has occasional bugs (2.4 rating on Google Play)

Pricing

• Free Plan: 30 AI requests per month, 100 notes

• Starter: $8/month

• Standard: $16/month with unlimited AI requests, unlimited notes, 100GB storage

User Reviews

Saner.AI has a 4.8/5 rating on Product Hunt based on 16 reviews, praising ADHD-friendly features and AI organization.

Best For

• ADHD users needing automatic organization

• Busy professionals juggling many inputs

• Task-focused users who want automation

• People wanting AI assistance for daily planning

• Students and researchers managing multiple projects

• Content creators and writers organizing ideas

Simple & Fast Second Brains

Craft: Best for Beautiful, Fast Note-Taking

Craft is designed for writers and professionals wanting beautiful, distraction-free note-taking with just enough organization. It has a clean interface, strong formatting, and feels fast. It includes daily notes, tasks, calendar integration, and AI features, all without overwhelming complexity.

Key Features

• Beautiful, minimal interface

• Rich formatting options

• Daily notes and task management

• Calendar integration (Calendar View)

• AI writing assistant (GPT-4 and Apple AI)

• Cross-device sync

• Collections for organizing notes

• Real-time collaboration

• Wide range of customizable templates

Pros

• Gorgeous design

• Fast and responsive

• Easy to use (no learning curve)

• AI included in Pro plan

• Good mobile apps

• Speedy iOS and macOS apps

• Minimalist design minimizes distractions

• Excellent for real-time collaboration

Cons

• Less powerful than Notion/Obsidian

• Limited customization

• Fewer integrations

• No offline mode on free plan

• Lacks advanced databases and deep automation

• Can be a bit pricey

Pricing

• Free plan: Basic features

• Pro: $5-7.99/month (Personal Pro plan, pricing varies by region)

User Reviews

Craft has a 9/10 rating on Tool Finder with users praising gorgeous design, speed, and ease of use.

Best For

• Writers wanting clean, distraction-free environment

• Professionals needing simple notes plus tasks

• Users tired of complex tools

• Apple ecosystem users (excellent iOS/Mac apps)

• Creating documents and managing tasks easily

Bear: Best for Apple Users (Mac, iPhone, iPad)

Bear is a beloved note app for Apple users exclusively. It's markdown-based, beautifully designed, and extremely fast. It uses tags instead of folders for organization and syncs across all Apple devices via iCloud. It's ideal for writers, bloggers, and anyone who values simplicity and aesthetics. Bear won the Apple Design Award in 2017.

Key Features

• Markdown editing with live preview (GitHub flavored)

• Tag-based organization (unique hashtag folders)

• Themes and customization (multiple dark modes)

• Fast search including speed of sync

• Apple ecosystem sync (iCloud syncing)

• Export to multiple formats

• Quick shortcuts for today's date

• Checkboxes support (filter for giant to-do)

Pros

• Beautiful, Apple-native design

• Extremely fast

• Simple and intuitive

• Great for writing

• Affordable compared to alternatives

• More visually pleasing than OneNote/Evernote

• Reliable iCloud syncing

• Speed of app and sync praised

Cons

• Apple-only (no Windows/Android)

• No collaboration features

• Limited structure (tags only, no folders)

• No bidirectional links

• No web-based interface

• Inaccessible for non-Apple users

Pricing

• Free: Basic features (restricted)

• Bear Pro: $2.99/month or $29.99/year

• Both include 14-day free trial

User Reviews

Bear receives high praise from Apple users with a 4.6/5 rating on G2, calling it beautiful, fast, and simple.

Best For

• Apple users (Mac, iPhone, iPad)

• Writers and bloggers

• Users wanting simple, fast notes

• Markdown fans

• Minimal note-taking enthusiasts

Workflowy: Best for Outliner-Based Thinking

Workflowy is an infinite outliner: everything is a bullet point that can be expanded or collapsed. It's simple but powerful for organizing thoughts, projects, and lists. You can zoom into any bullet to make it the focus. It's ideal for list-makers and linear thinkers.

Key Features

• Infinite nested bullets

• Zoom into any item to focus

• Tags and filters

• Kanban board view

• Fast search

• Mirrors (show same item in multiple places)

• Live copies feature (real-time mirroring)

• Customizable themes including dark mode

• Version history to track changes

Pros

• Simple and fast

• Great for outlines and lists

• No learning curve

• Free tier generous for limited use

• Works offline

• Clean, intuitive interface

• Streamlined, eliminates distractions

• High ease of use

Cons

• Outliner format isn't for everyone

• Limited formatting

• No images or rich media

• Basic compared to Notion

• Lacks advanced project management tools

• Monthly bullet cap is real issue on free plan

• Collaboration lacks real-time chat

Pricing

• Free: 100 bullets/month (capped)

• Pro: $4.99/month or $49/year (20% savings annually)

• Special: 50% discount for nonprofits

• Special: Free 1-year Pro for university students/faculty

User Reviews

Workflowy has a 4.5/5 rating on G2 with users praising simplicity and speed for outlining.

Best For

• Outliner fans

• List-makers and planners

• Writers drafting structured content

• Budget-conscious users

• Freelancers and small teams

• Brainstorming and tracking ideas without complexity

Traditional & Established Second Brains

Evernote: Best Traditional Note-Taking App

Evernote is the OG note-taking app, launched in 2008. It pioneered web clipping, document scanning, and cross-device sync. While newer apps have surpassed it in features, Evernote remains reliable, familiar, and capable. Recent updates include tasks, calendar integration, and AI features.

Key Features

• Web clipper (save articles and web pages)

• Document scanning

• Tags and notebooks

• Search including handwriting and PDFs (OCR)

• Tasks and reminders

• Calendar integration

• AI features (summarization, AI Note Cleanup)

• Customizable Home Dashboard

• Handwritten notes, audio notes, sticky notes support

Pros

• Mature and reliable platform

• Excellent web clipper (industry standard)

• Strong search (OCR for images)

• Good mobile apps

• Familiar to many users

• Intuitive interface

• Cross-device synchronization seamless

• Wide range of integrations

Cons

• Free plan very limited (50 notes, 2 devices, 60MB monthly uploads)

• Feels dated compared to modern apps

• Expensive pricing compared to competitors

• Less flexible than Notion

• Slow load times with large notebooks

• Continuous reminders to upgrade can be distracting

Pricing

• Free: Very limited (60 MB monthly uploads, 25 MB max note size, 2 devices max, 50 notes limit)

• Starter: $14.99/month with 10 GB monthly uploads, basic AI features

• Advanced: $24/month with 20 GB uploads, unlimited AI usage, advanced features

User Reviews

Evernote receives a 4.4/5 rating on G2 with users appreciating reliability and web clipper but criticizing limited free plan and pricing.

Best For

• Users already invested in Evernote

• Web clipping enthusiasts

• Traditional note-takers wanting reliability

• Those valuing mature, established platform

Microsoft OneNote: Best Free, Full-Featured Option

Microsoft OneNote is Microsoft's free note-taking app. It's generous, feature-rich, and integrates well with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive). It uses a notebook/section/page structure and supports free-form placement of content. It's ideal for Windows users and teams already on Microsoft.

Key Features

• Free-form canvas (place content anywhere)

• Notebooks, sections, pages structure

• Microsoft 365 integration (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive)

• Drawing and inking (on tablets)

• Audio recording

• Collaboration features

• Completely free, no need to pay a single cent

• 2025 new features: enhanced meeting integration, ink straightening, eye dropper, new pen types, AI Copilot

Pros

• Completely free (no limits on core features)

• Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft ecosystem

• Best-in-class for stylus input and handwritten notes

• Good for tablet inking (especially Surface devices)

• Reliable and mature

• Strong collaboration

• Deep AI integration with Copilot

• Full-featured cross-platform support

Cons

• Interface feels dated

• Less powerful than Notion/Obsidian

• Limited customization

• Sync can be slow

• Free version only 5GB cloud storage (shared across OneDrive/Microsoft 365)

• Lacks real-time AI transcription or summarization

Pricing

• Free with Microsoft account (no feature limits)

• Microsoft 365 subscription: $1.99+/month for more storage and Copilot AI

User Reviews

OneNote has a 4.5/5 rating on G2 with users praising it as completely free with excellent Microsoft integration.

Best For

• Windows users

• Teams on Microsoft 365

• Budget-conscious users needing free solution

• Tablet/pen users (especially Surface)

• Those valuing stylus input and handwriting

• Users wanting completely free solution

Honorable Mentions & Niche Options

Tana: Advanced Tag-Based PKM with Supertags

Tana offers an advanced, tag-based PKM system with "supertags" and AI. Great for power users wanting sophisticated structure. Supertags are a gamechanger: give notes a tag, add structured information via fields, use live searches to find later. Supertags instantly convert notes into tasks, projects, strategy documents, and customized categories.

Pricing: Free plan with only 5 Supertags (quite limiting), Plus $8/month, Pro $14/month

Best For: Power users wanting advanced structure, PKM enthusiasts, those who need sophisticated tagging systems

Amplenote: Notes + Tasks + Calendar for GTD

Amplenote combines notes, tasks, and calendar in one app. GTD-friendly with task scoring using the Eisenhower Matrix and "Good Life Algorithm." Four integrated modes: Jots, Notes, Tasks, Calendar.

Pricing: Personal (Free) with basic features, Pro $5.84/month (annual)

Best For: GTD (Getting Things Done) users, task-focused users needing notes integration, productivity enthusiasts

RemNote: Flashcards + Notes with Spaced Repetition

RemNote is an all-in-one learning tool combining note-taking, knowledge management, flashcards, and spaced repetition. Automatically creates flashcards from notes. Ideal for students and learners.

Pricing: Free with unlimited notes and flashcards, Pro $10/month (annual), Pro with AI $20/month

Best For: Students building study systems, learners using spaced repetition, anyone studying complex subjects, medical students, language learners

Google Keep: Ultra-Simple, Fast Capture

Google Keep offers ultra-simple, fast capture with color-coded notes and lists. Completely free with a Google account. Five capture methods: text notes, checklists, voice notes (auto-transcribe), image notes, drawing notes. Zero learning curve.

Pricing: Completely free (no premium versions)

Best For: Quick capture and simple lists, users wanting no learning curve, Google ecosystem users, budget-conscious users (100% free)

Notion Calendar (formerly Cron)

Notion Calendar is a productivity tool with built-in note-taking, task management, and seamless integration with your Notion workspace. It’s designed for people who plan their day visually and want their meetings, tasks, and notes connected in one place instead of scattered across apps.

Pricing: Completely free

Best For: visual planners who want a calendar-focused workflow, users who rely heavily on Notion, people who prefer their meetings, tasks, and notes connected in one place, and anyone who wants a clean, minimal scheduling tool.

Comparison Table: Second Brain Apps at a Glance

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the top second brain apps across key factors:

How to Build Your Second Brain: Getting Started

Choosing an app is just the first step. Here's how to actually build a second brain that works.

Step 1: Choose Your Methodology

PARA Method (Tiago Forte):

• Projects: Active projects with deadlines

• Areas: Ongoing responsibilities

• Resources: Topics of interest

• Archives: Completed or inactive items

CODE Workflow:

• Capture: Save everything worth remembering

• Organize: Sort into PARA or your system

• Distill: Extract key insights

• Express: Create something with your knowledge

Zettelkasten Method:

• Atomic notes (one idea per note)

• Bidirectional links between related ideas

• Literature notes (from sources)

• Permanent notes (your insights)

Choose what resonates. You don't need to follow any method perfectly. Mix and match.

Step 2: Set Up Your Capture System

Capture everywhere:

• Install web clipper browser extension

• Set up mobile app for quick notes

• Connect email or Slack if your app supports it

• Use voice memos for ideas on the go

What to capture:

Ideas and insights, articles and resources, meeting notes and action items, project plans and brainstorms, inspiration and examples, quotes and highlights.

Capture rule: If it takes less than 60 seconds, capture it. Don't filter yet, that comes later.

Step 3: Organize (But Don't Over-Organize)

Start simple:

• Create 4-6 main categories (Projects, Areas, Resources)

• Don't create sub-folders until you need them

• Use tags sparingly (3-5 main tags)

Visual apps: Use spatial zones instead of folders (proximity equals relationship). Tools like Kosmik let you organize by arranging items spatially.

Linked apps: Use backlinks instead of folders (relationships over hierarchy).

The 2-minute rule: If organizing takes more than 2 minutes, just tag it "to organize" and move on.

Step 4: Connect Ideas (The Magic Step)

This is where second brains become powerful:

• Link related notes together

• Add notes to multiple projects or areas

• Use visual connections or backlinks

• Review connections weekly

How to connect:

When writing a new note, ask: "What does this relate to?" Link to 2-3 existing notes. Add context: why are these connected?

Visual apps: Draw lines or group related items spatially.

Text apps: Use wiki-style links or tags.

Step 5: Review and Refine (Weekly Habit)

Weekly Review (15-30 minutes):

1. Process inbox and unorganized notes

2. Archive completed projects

3. Update active project notes

4. Connect new ideas to existing notes

5. Identify next actions

Monthly Review: Revisit Areas of Responsibility, update long-term goals, clean up tags and organization, identify emerging themes.

Step 6: Create from Your Second Brain

The output phase (Express):

Write articles from your notes, create presentations from research, make decisions using collected insights, share knowledge with others.

Your second brain is a creation engine, not just storage.

Examples:

• Content creators: Research to outline to draft (all from second brain)

• Researchers: Literature review to connections to paper structure

• Entrepreneurs: Market insights to strategy to presentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tool-hopping: Don't switch apps every month. Give each tool 3-6 months.

• Over-organizing: Spending more time organizing than creating is a trap.

• Perfectionism: Your system doesn't need to be perfect. Messy is okay.

• Capture without review: Capturing is useless if you never revisit notes.

• Copying others' systems: What works for someone else may not work for you. Experiment.

• No clear purpose: Know why you're building a second brain (research, writing, learning).

Second Brain Apps by Use Case

Different users need different tools. Here's what we recommend based on your specific use case.

For Students and Researchers

• Top picks: Heptabase, Obsidian, Logseq, Kosmik

• Why: Need to handle sources, citations, visual connections, and complex topic mapping

• Bonus features: PDF annotation, flashcards, graph views

For Writers and Content Creators

• Top picks: Kosmik, Craft, Notion, Obsidian

• Why: Need to organize research, outline drafts, manage content pipelines

• Bonus features: Distraction-free writing, version history, export options

For Entrepreneurs and Founders

• Top picks: Notion, Mem, Reflect, Kosmik

• Why: Juggling projects, ideas, meetings, strategy need all-in-one or smart organization

• Bonus features: AI assistance, task management, calendar integration

For Visual Thinkers and Designers

• Top picks: Kosmik, Heptabase, Milanote

• Why: Think spatially, need visual organization and freedom

• Bonus features: Infinite canvas, moodboarding, visual connections

For Privacy-Focused Users

• Top picks: Obsidian, Logseq, Anytype

• Why: Want local storage, encryption, and data ownership

• Bonus features: Open-source, local-first, plain text files

For ADHD and Neurodivergent Users

• Top picks: Saner.AI, Notion (with templates), Google Keep

• Why: Need automatic organization, reminders, low-friction capture

• Bonus features: AI organization, quick capture, visual clarity

For Teams and Collaboration

• Top picks: Notion, Milanote, Kosmik

• Why: Need sharing, commenting, permissions, and real-time collaboration

• Bonus features: Team workspaces, commenting, version history

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a second brain app and a regular note-taking app?

A note-taking app is for capturing information. A second brain app helps you connect, organize, and retrieve knowledge to think better and create more.

The key differences: Connection (second brain apps link related ideas with backlinks and visual connections), Retrieval (smart search and surfacing of relevant notes), Methodology (support for systems like PARA, Zettelkasten, CODE), Long-term thinking (built for building knowledge over years, not just jotting quick notes).

Think of it this way: A note app is a filing cabinet. A second brain is a living library with a librarian who knows exactly what you need.

Do I need to pay for a second brain app?

Not necessarily. Excellent free options exist:

Obsidian: Free for personal use (pay only for sync) Logseq: Completely free and open-source Notion: Free plan is generous for personal use OneNote: Completely free with Microsoft account Google Keep: Simple but free

When to pay: You need collaboration features for teams, you want AI assistance (summarization, smart search), you need cloud sync across devices, you're building a serious long-term system.

Most users can start free and upgrade only when they hit limitations.

How long does it take to set up a second brain?

Initial setup: 1-2 hours (choose app, set up basic structure) Functional system: 2-4 weeks of daily use Mature system: 3-6 months of consistent habits

Quick start approach:

• Week 1: Just capture everything

• Week 2-3: Start organizing into main categories

• Week 4+: Begin connecting ideas and creating from your notes

Don't aim for perfection on day one. Your system will evolve as you use it.

Can I use multiple second brain apps together?

Yes, many people use 2-3 apps for different purposes:

Common combinations:

• Notion (projects) plus Obsidian (long-term knowledge)

• Kosmik (research and visual) plus Notion (task management)

• Mem (quick capture) plus Obsidian (deep work)

• Evernote (web clipping) plus Roam (thinking)

The key: Have a clear division of responsibilities. Don't duplicate everything.

Warning: Using too many apps creates overhead. Start with one, add others only if there's a clear need.

What if I want to switch second brain apps later?

Most modern apps offer export features:

Markdown export: Universal format (Obsidian, Logseq, Notion) JSON or CSV export: For databases (Notion, Airtable) PDF export: Last resort (always works)

Best practices:

• Choose apps with good export options

• Store important notes in plain text or Markdown when possible

• Regularly back up your data

• Test export before committing fully

Apps with best portability: Obsidian, Logseq (plain text), Notion (Markdown export)

Apps with lock-in risk: Roam (expensive export), proprietary closed systems

Are AI features worth it in second brain apps?

AI can help with:

Smart search (find notes using concepts, not just keywords), summarization (long articles to key points), writing assistance (rephrasing, expanding ideas), auto-tagging and organization, surfacing related notes you forgot about.

Worth it if:

• You have hundreds or thousands of notes

• You struggle with manual organization

• You want conversational search ("What did I learn about X?")

Not essential if:

• You're just starting (manual works fine initially)

• You have a small note collection

• You prefer full control over organization

Apps with strong AI: Mem, Reflect, Capacities, Notion AI, Saner.AI

Which second brain app is best for the PARA method?

PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) works in most apps:

Best support:

• Notion: Database views perfect for PARA

• Obsidian: Folders or MOCs (Maps of Content) for PARA

• Capacities: Object types align with PARA

• Kosmik: Visual spatial zones for each PARA category

Implementation:

Create 4 main sections (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives), tag or folder-organize notes into these categories, move items from Projects to Archives when complete, review Areas monthly.

The app matters less than consistency. PARA is methodology, not tool-specific.

What's the best second brain app for Zettelkasten?

Top Zettelkasten apps:

• Obsidian: Most popular for Zettelkasten (bidirectional links, graph view)

• Logseq: Free alternative with similar features

• Roam Research: Originated networked notes for Zettelkasten

Key features needed: Bidirectional linking (wiki-style links), backlinks (see what links to current note), graph view (visualize connections), atomic notes (one idea per note).

Zettelkasten essentials: Fleeting notes (quick captures), literature notes (from sources), permanent notes (your insights), index notes (MOCs, Maps of Content).

Final Thoughts: Your Second Brain Awaits

The best second brain app is the one you'll actually use.

Don't get paralyzed by choice. Here's the truth: The app matters less than the habit of capturing, organizing, and connecting ideas consistently.

Our recommendation:

1. Start with one app based on your thinking style (visual thinkers try Kosmik, structured thinkers try Notion, control seekers try Obsidian)

2. Give it 30 days of consistent daily use

3. Capture first, organize later (don't let organizing prevent capturing)

4. Review weekly (spend 15 minutes connecting and refining)

5. Create something from your second brain monthly (article, presentation, decision)

For most people, we recommend:

Visual and spatial thinkers: Start with Kosmik (infinite canvas, visual freedom, built-in browser)

All-in-one seekers: Start with Notion (flexible, templates available)

Power users and control enthusiasts: Start with Obsidian (local storage, customizable)

Simplicity lovers: Start with Craft or Bear (beautiful, fast, easy)

The best second brain app feels like an extension of your mind, not a chore to maintain. Your second brain should reduce cognitive load, not add to it. If your system feels burdensome, simplify.

Get started with Kosmik and build your first visual research board today.