5 Best AI Tools for Note-taking : Uni Student Guide

Let’s face it, trying to take perfect notes during a lecture is a struggle most students know all too well. You’re listening, scribbling, trying to keep up, and before you know it, you’ve missed a key point. That’s where an AI tools for note-taking can seriously change the game.

With 2025’s line-up of note-taking apps, students now have access to tools that don’t just transcribe what’s said but actually help process, summarise, and organise the information in a way that makes revision smoother and less stressful.

Whether you’re a local student attending online lectures in your student accommodation or an international student navigating classes in your second language, there’s an AI tools for note-taking that’s built to support how you study best.

Why Use an AI Tool for Note-taking?

AI note-taking software isn’t just a digital notepad. These tools have evolved into full-on study partners that assist with everything from capturing lecture content in real-time to creating summary sheets and flashcards for revision.

They save time. Instead of trying to write every word, you can focus on understanding the material while the AI takes care of the rest.
They offer accuracy. These tools pick up what’s said even when you miss it, helping you fill in gaps or clarify complex explanations.

They improve accessibility. Many AI tools now cater to different learning needs, whether that’s visual learners, non-native English speakers, or students with processing differences.

They help you stay organised. With smart syncing and categorisation, all your content is stored in one place, ready to access whenever you need it.

Otter.ai

Otter remains one of the most reliable AI tools for note-taking in lecture settings. It transcribes lectures live, highlights key sections, and lets you insert slides or images directly into your notes.

It works across multiple devices and syncs effortlessly with platforms like Zoom, Dropbox, and Google Meet. If you’re someone who learns best by listening and revisiting conversations later, Otter’s searchable transcripts and keyword tagging will make a huge difference.

Notion AI

Notion has always been a favourite for organisation lovers, but its AI features take it to a new level. While it doesn’t transcribe audio, it does turn scattered thoughts into clean, structured documents.

It can generate summaries, timelines, reading lists, and even essay outlines from rough bullet points. If you’re someone who wants everything -tasks, notes, projects in one place, Notion AI is the tool to explore. It’s also handy for collaborative group work or long-term research projects.

Fireflies.ai

Fireflies is another powerful AI tools for note-taking, especially for students who attend lots of virtual classes or study groups. It records sessions, transcribes everything, and allows you to search by topic or speaker.

You can revisit exact moments in a recorded conversation with timestamped transcripts. It’s especially useful when revising for exams or reviewing group discussions. The downside is that it’s mainly geared toward online use, so it’s not suitable for in-person lectures unless you record them.

Tactiq

Tactiq focuses on transcribing Google Meet calls and is a great option if most of your classes are held on that platform. It highlights key takeaways as the conversation happens and stores everything in your Google Drive or Notion space.

It works best for virtual collaboration, whether that’s peer tutoring, group assignments, or online seminars. It also supports other platforms like Zoom, making it an ideal companion

Scribewave

Scribewave is a versatile transcription tool designed to support students in multilingual and diverse academic environments. It transcribes audio recordings into clear, well-formatted text across more than 90 languages, complete with speaker labels and proper punctuation.

While it doesn’t offer real-time transcription or deep integration with productivity apps, it excels in post-lecture processing, especially useful for students reviewing recorded sessions. Its strength lies in accessibility for international learners or those attending lectures in a second language.

With both free and paid plans available, Scribewave is a practical choice for inclusive, accurate transcription without overcomplicating the notetaking process.

Choosing the Right AI Tool for Note-taking

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to picking the best AI tools for note-taking. It depends on your learning habits, the kind of classes you attend, and whether you’re studying remotely or on campus.

If you prefer audio-heavy notes or live recordings, tools like Otter and Fireflies are strong choices. For more structured, written organisation, Notion offer deep customisation. If you rely heavily on Google Meet, Tactiq is tailored for you.

Make the Most of Your Tools

To really benefit from an AI tools for note-taking, think about how you can integrate it into your existing study habits. Record your lectures (with permission), regularly review and refine the AI-generated content, and combine tools if needed.

You might use one app for recording and another for organising. The best approach is one that supports how you learn, not the other way around.

The right AI tools for note-taking can completely reshape how you engage with your coursework. It gives you space to listen, think, and focus without falling behind on documentation. More than just capturing words, it helps you make sense of them.

Whether you’re just starting university or going to start your dissertation, this kind of support can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to study smarter not just harder, now’s the time to try one out and see how it fits into your routine.