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Microsoft Journal vs Microsoft OneNote

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Microsoft Journal icon
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft OneNote icon
Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft Journal vs Microsoft OneNote: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Microsoft Journal Microsoft OneNote
Sugggest Score 32
User Rating ⭐ 3.7/5 (43)
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing free
Ease of Use 3.8/5
Features Rating 4.6/5
Value for Money 4.2/5
Customer Support 2.7/5

Product Overview

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Description: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Type: software

Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote

Description: Note-taking made seamless with Microsoft OneNote. Organize your thoughts, ideas, and tasks in a digital notebook that syncs across devices. Collaborate in real-time, capture multimedia notes, and stay productive wherever you go.

Type: software

Pricing: free

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal Features
  • Freeform inking with a stylus
  • Text typing
  • Inserting images and clippings
  • Basic note organization
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote Features
  • Note taking
  • Document organization
  • Collaboration
  • Cross-device syncing
  • Multimedia embedding
  • Searchable notes
  • Templates
  • Version history

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
Pros
  • Intuitive handwriting and sketching
  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Variety of pen and highlighter options
  • Easy to insert images and screenshots
Cons
  • Limited formatting options
  • No collaboration features
  • Windows-only
  • Discontinued by Microsoft
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Pros
  • Free and included with Microsoft 365
  • Intuitive interface
  • Powerful organization features
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Available across devices
  • Integrates with other Microsoft products
Cons
  • Formatting options limited compared to Word
  • No offline access without Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Limited customization options
  • Can be slow with large notebooks
  • No Linux version

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
  • Not listed
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
  • free

⭐ User Ratings

Microsoft Journal

No reviews yet

Microsoft OneNote
3.7/5

43 reviews

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