GoodNotes Alternatives

GoodNotes is described as 'for iPhone and iPad is a notetaking app with the theme of "digital paper." It's usable for all your handwritten notes and formerly paper-based information. Take handwritten notes in digital, multi-media notebooks or annotate PDF, PowerPoint, and Word' and is a popular Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to GoodNotes for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Android, iPad and iPhone. The best alternative is NoteLedge, which is free. Other great apps like GoodNotes are Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, xournal and Xournal++.

GoodNotes alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Digital Painting Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of GoodNotes.

This page was last updated

GoodNotes

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Mac
iPhone
iPad

GoodNotes for iPhone and iPad is a notetaking app with the theme of "digital paper." It's usable for all your...

Learn more about GoodNotes

NoteLedge
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
iPad
361 alternatives to NoteLedge
Capture inspiration from Pinterest, YouTube or web pages, organize ideas in one place and add your notes. Make mood boards or quick sketches to visualize and present ideas!.
Suggest and vote on features
NoteLedge Features
1. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with NoteLedge.
2. Handwritten NotesNoteLedge supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. PortableNoteLedge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. Video ImportYou can import external video material into NoteLedge.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Drag and Drop
Sync on many devices
Multi-choice brushes
Tag based
Better formatting
Stickers
Apple Pencil support
Note organization
Live Screen Recording
Export to PDF
NoteLedge vs GoodNotes opinions
Almost everyone thinks NoteLedge is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
GEMINIQUEENKDS
I like NoteEdge bc I always write down everything, so this is great
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
because it is also like goodnotes
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
The resolution is terrible, like everything I write is pixelly and it throws me off...
Top negative comment•
0

emperorenderman777
Probably my favorite, really versatile!
Positive comment•
-7

blarticuspaul
cloud capabilities and super simple to use
Positive comment•
3

Show more comments ▾
5 of 6 comments
Microsoft OneNote
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Windows S
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
474 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook application that gives people one place to gather notes and information. It also offers shared notebooks, syncing between multiple computers and devices via Windows...
Suggest and vote on features
Microsoft OneNote Features
1. Handwritten NotesMicrosoft OneNote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Microsoft OneNote.
3. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Microsoft OneNote.
4. Works OfflineMicrosoft OneNote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. Pressure SensitivityMicrosoft OneNote can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
7. Dark ModeMicrosoft OneNote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. SubtasksMicrosoft OneNote allows you to create and manage tasks inside of a parent-main task.
9. WYSIWYG SupportMicrosoft OneNote integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Visual Organization
Text formatting
Insert images
Unicode Math Support
Support for styluses
Sketching
Unlimited Canvas Area
Real-time sync
Linking capability
Freehand Writing
Microsoft OneNote vs GoodNotes opinions
This alternative is disputed. Microsoft OneNote is still a legitimate alternative to GoodNotes, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
jonathanjewell
Basically winning because Microsoft Office overall is so ubiquitous. Has a long way to go with the emergence of alternatives like Zettlr, Roam and Obsidian, but still, an excellent tool in itself and where it is up to now. But seriously, why have to install OneNote for Desktop and for Office if you are running it on desktop Windows OS and you own Office too - and not having all the functionality of both in either?!?!
Positive comment•
0

Guest
one note insistence on sign in bothersome. Force feeding cloud concept when all evidence indicates that centralized storage invites hack attacks
Negative comment•
-1

Guest
Your scope is too wide. The only thing they have in common is the ability to take notes, which really covers thousands of apps. This does not take into account the primary functions of GoodNotes. OneNote is an alternative to EverNote.
Negative comment•
0
Google Keep
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear
333 alternatives to Google Keep
Google Keep has several features including color coding notes, inserting images, creating lists, geo-fencing, shareable notes, and search by color.
Suggest and vote on features
Google Keep Features
1. Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeGoogle Keep supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. RemindersGoogle Keep allows you to set reminders for tasks, events or actions, based on parameters of time, place or condition.
6. Sync with Google CalendarGoogle Keep can be synchronized with Google Calendar
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Google Keep simultaneously.
Sync on many devices
Visual Organization
Share notes
Web-Based
Multiplatform
Photo notes
Tagging
Html parsing
Real-time sync
Integrated Search
Google Keep vs GoodNotes opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
emersongazzoli
It doesn't compose complex noten in one note together like goodnotes. It is very far from similar.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Only simple text notes, no pdf import, export, bad pen support, etc. This is not an alternative to Goodnotes
Negative comment•
0

ZetiX
Google Keep is just just for simple and quick notes.
Negative comment•
0

VaiTon
Google Keep is made to take simple notes, while GoodNotes is made to write virtual notebook full of notes, as one would do in class.
Negative comment•
0
xournal
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Journaling App
Windows
Linux
49 alternatives to xournal
Xournal is an application for notetaking, sketching, keeping a journal using a stylus. It is free software (GNU GPL) and runs on Linux (recent distributions), Windows and other GTK+/Gnome platforms.
Suggest and vote on features
xournal Features
1. PDF annotationxournal support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
2. Handwritten Notesxournal supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. Drawing Tablet Supportxournal supports the use of external drawing tablets as input devices.
Edit PDF
Support for styluses
Sketching
Discontinued
It hasn't been updated since 2017, but there is an active fork Xournal++

xournal vs GoodNotes opinions
Most users think xournal is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
Xournal++
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
37 alternatives to Xournal++
Xournal++ (a fork of Xournal) is a handwriting Notetaking software with PDF annotation support. Written in C++ with platform independent GTK, supporting Linux, e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Suse, macOS and Windows 10. Supports Pen input like Wacom Tablets.
Suggest and vote on features
Xournal++ Features
1. Handwritten NotesXournal++ supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. PDF annotationXournal++ support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
3. Works OfflineXournal++ can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Pressure SensitivityXournal++ can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
5. Support for LaTeXXournal++ supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Ad-freeXournal++ doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. PortableXournal++ can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Support for styluses
Handwriting
Export to PDF
LaTeX Math
Pen Support
Multi layer drawing
Audio with notes
Highlighter
Freehand Writing
Auto-saving
Xournal++ vs GoodNotes opinions
Most users think Xournal++ is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
violoncello
It allows you to store your notes wherever you want and doesn't force you to use whatever cloud synchronisation
Positive comment•
3

LinuxDoge
cross platform, not invasive
Positive comment•
0

Guest
OSS alternative with many great features.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Pen works with cursive but not so well with print.
Negative comment•
1
MyScript Nebo
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Windows
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
10 alternatives to MyScript Nebo
Powered by the highly acclaimed MyScript Interactive Ink, Nebo® is the ultimate way to take notes. Designed specifically for iPad Pro and modern Windows devices in conjunction with advanced writing styluses like Apple Pencil, it lets you easily hand write, draw, edit and...
Suggest and vote on features
MyScript Nebo Features
1. Handwritten NotesMyScript Nebo supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
Handwriting recognition
Export to HTML
Notebook
MyScript Nebo vs GoodNotes opinions
Almost everyone thinks MyScript Nebo is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
Guest
Smooth interface, handwriting recognition, high quality pdf export, cloud sync with gdrivd and dropbox
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Nothing is like Goodnotes!
Negative comment•
1
FiiNote
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Windows
Online
Android
Android Tablet
245 alternatives to FiiNote
FiiNote is the most convenient note app for android.

The app is compatible with Android 2.0 ~ Android 4.3(and later). It is designed for both Phone and Pad.

Feature list: 1, Unique hybrid model for combined handwriting and keyboard. 2, Text,paint,voice,photo,video...Note everyt.
Suggest and vote on features
FiiNote Features
1. Handwritten NotesFiiNote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineFiiNote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Smart auto-align
FiiNote vs GoodNotes opinions
Most users think FiiNote is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
emersongazzoli
More a text recognition app than handwrite note app
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Did not like the way it handles manuscript summaries.
Negative comment•
5
Squid
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Vector Graphic App
PDF Editor
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
Kindle Fire
18 alternatives to Squid
Take handwritten notes naturally on your Android tablet, phone, or Chromebook supporting Android apps! With Squid you can write just like you would on paper using an active pen, passive stylus, or your finger.
Suggest and vote on features
Squid Features
1. PDF annotationSquid support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
2. Handwritten NotesSquid supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. Combine PDFCombine, merge and arrange PDF files into one document.
Infinite canvas
Import pdf files
Export to PDF
Handwriting
Squid vs GoodNotes opinions
Most users think Squid is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
OpenBoard
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Whiteboard
Note-taking Tool
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
59 alternatives to OpenBoard
OpenBoard is a cross-platform (Linux / Windows / macOS) interactive whiteboard application. It is currently maintained by the Education Department (DIP) of the Canton of Geneva in Switzerland.
Suggest and vote on features
OpenBoard Features
1. Handwritten NotesOpenBoard supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Pressure SensitivityOpenBoard can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
3. Ad-freeOpenBoard doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeOpenBoard supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in OpenBoard simultaneously.
Interactive Whiteboard
Fullscreen support
Grease Pencil
Shared whiteboard
Freeform notes
Export to PDF
Pencil
Handwriting
Dual screen support
Integrated Web Browser
Notability
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Audio Recorder
PDF Editor
Mac
iPhone
iPad
56 alternatives to Notability
Notability is the first truly integrated note-taking app for iOS. Standing on a framework that automatically links notes with audio recordings, Notability supports all of your note-taking needs -- handwriting, PDF annotation, word processing, and more work together seamlessly...
Suggest and vote on features
Notability Features
1. Handwritten NotesNotability supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
Apple Pencil support
Sketching
Sync with iCloud
Edit PDF
Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
Integrated Search
Notebook
Handwriting recognition
Multiple languages
Pen Support
Notability vs GoodNotes opinions
Most users think Notability is a great alternative to GoodNotes.
emersongazzoli
It is a post-it like app. No handwriting.
Negative comment•
0