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Curio vs. Microsoft OneNote

Both let you place content freely on a page, but they aim at different users. OneNote is Microsoft’s free, cross-platform notebook that lives in OneDrive. Curio is a Mac-first project notebook where your canvas holds structured figures and your files stay local. Here’s the honest comparison.

What is Curio?

Curio is a native Mac notebook built around freeform idea spaces — canvases where notes, mind maps, lists, tables, kanban boards, images, and documents all live side by side. Your projects are files on your Mac, not pages in someone else’s cloud.

What is OneNote?

OneNote is Microsoft’s free digital notebook, organized into notebooks, sections, and pages. Its pages are loosely freeform — click anywhere to type, and add ink, images, and files. It runs across Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, and the web, storing notebooks in OneDrive, and it’s tightly woven into Microsoft 365.

Choose Curio if…

  • You want a Mac-first app built for depth, not a cross-platform port that lags behind the Windows version.
  • You want structured visual figures — mind maps, kanban boards, tables — not just floating text boxes on a page.
  • You manage real projects: tasks with dates, checklists, statuses, and a built-in Organizer to see it all.
  • You want your work in local files you control, instead of notebooks stored in OneDrive.
  • You want notes your way: rich text with real formatting, or Markdown with wikilinks and table formulas.
  • You want a CLI and MCP support, so AI agents can work alongside you.

Choose OneNote if…

  • You live in Microsoft 365 and want notes beside Word, Outlook, and Teams.
  • You need Windows and true cross-platform parity.
  • You share notebooks with a team or a class and co-author in real time.
  • You take handwritten notes with pen and ink across devices.
  • You want a capable notebook that’s completely free.

At a glance

Curio OneNote
Platform Native macOS app Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, web
Where your work lives Local files on your Mac OneDrive (Microsoft’s cloud)
Freeform canvas ✓ Structured figures ✓ Free-placed text
Built-in mind maps ✓ —
Kanban boards ✓ —
Microsoft 365 integration — ✓
Real-time team collaboration — ✓
Rich text & Markdown Both native, with wikilinks & table formulas Rich text (limited Markdown)
Works offline Always Yes
AI agent access CLI + MCP server —
Pricing Free 2-week trial, then one-time license or subscription Free

See your ideas, not just your notes

Curio has helped Mac users brainstorm, organize, and manage projects visually for over 25 years. Take the tour, or just try it — every feature is unlocked for 2 weeks.

Learn More About Curio or download the free 2-week trial
A Curio idea space with markdown notes, a mind map, images, and a kanban board arranged on a freeform canvas.

Microsoft, OneNote, Microsoft 365, and OneDrive are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Zengobi is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. This comparison reflects our honest understanding as of July 2026 — see microsoft.com for their current features and pricing. Spot something out of date? Let us know.