GoodNotes AlternativesOnly apps categorised as PDF Readers

The best PDF Reader alternative to GoodNotes is Xournal++, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to GoodNotes and six of them are PDF Readers so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting PDF Reader alternatives to GoodNotes are Squid, Notability, Flexcil and CollaNote.

filter to find the best alternatives

GoodNotes alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools, but if you're looking for PDF Readers or PDF Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Windows, Open Source, Android, Linux, Kindle Fire, Free and Kindle Fire + Free. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to GoodNotes.
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Alternatives list

  1. Xournal++ icon

    Xournal++

     183 likes
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    Handwritten note-taking and PDF annotation using pen input and pressure sensitivity, shape drawing, customizable toolbar layouts, image insertion, audio recording, multi-language options, LaTeX integration, and complete export in PDF or PNG formats across all platforms.

    55 Xournal++ alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Xournal++ screenshot 1
     
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    4
    18
    Comments about Xournal++ as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    violoncello
    Positive
    3

    It allows you to store your notes wherever you want and doesn't force you to use whatever cloud synchronisation

    LinuxDoge
    Positive
    0

    cross platform, not invasive

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    OSS alternative with many great features.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    GoodNotes Icon
    Xournal++ icon

    • Most users think Xournal++ is a great GoodNotes alternative.

    • Xournal++ is the most popular Open Source alternative to GoodNotes.

    • Xournal++ is Free and Open SourceGoodNotes is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Xournal++ is Privacy focused and LightweightGoodNotes is not according to our users
  2. Squid icon

    Squid

     19 likes
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    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.

    23 Squid alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • Kindle Fire
    Squid screenshot 1
     
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    35
  4. Notability icon

    Notability

     52 likes
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    Truly integrated iOS app combining handwriting, PDF annotation, and text for seamless note-taking. Auto Sync backs up notes. Customize themes, library, and toolbars for a personalized experience with robust features.

    54 Notability alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Notability screenshot 1
    Notability screenshot 2
    Notability screenshot 3
     
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    1
    20
    Comments about Notability as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    RemovedUser
    Negative
    0

    It is a post-it like app. No handwriting.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GoodNotes Icon
    Notability icon

    • Most users think Notability is a great GoodNotes alternative.

    • Notability is Freemium and ProprietaryGoodNotes is also Freemium and Proprietary
  5. Flexcil icon

    Flexcil

     12 likes
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    PDF annotation, reading and management.

    25 Flexcil alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Flexcil screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Flexcil as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    best for android until 2021

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GoodNotes Icon
    Flexcil icon
    • Flexcil is Freemium and ProprietaryGoodNotes is also Freemium and Proprietary
  6. CollaNote icon

    CollaNote

     6 likes
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    All-in-one solution for note-taking, PDF annotation, digital planning, and journaling with 25 pens and brushes, AI shape detection, real-time collaboration, Smart Dark Mode, ASMR sound, audio recording, password protection, over 150 templates, and syncing options.

    34 CollaNote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    CollaNote screenshot 1
     

  7. MrWriter_PDF

     1 like
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    Notetaking and blackboard replacement application. Inspired by Xournal. Written in C++/Qt for Linux / Windows. It has the ability to annotate PDF files and has a few other options (e.g. markdown support).

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    1
    Comments about MrWriter_PDF as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Ian Dorfman
    Positive
    0

    Though it is not available on iOS, this application supports handwritten notetaking as well as PDF annotation. This makes it an alternative based on featureset.

    GoodNotes Icon
    • MrWriter_PDF is Free and Open SourceGoodNotes is Freemium and Proprietary
6 of 6 GoodNotes alternatives