GoodNotes Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to GoodNotes for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative is Obsidian, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to GoodNotes and many of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to GoodNotes are Microsoft OneNote, Xournal++, xournal and MyScript Nebo.

filter to find the best alternatives

GoodNotes alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools, but if you're looking for Digital Painting Tools or Whiteboards you can filter on that. Other popular filters include iPad + Free and Kindle Fire + Free. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to GoodNotes.
GoodNotes iconGoodNotes
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  • ...

Easily take notes on mobile devices, annotate PDFs, and organize in folders. Handwritten notes are searchable and sync across devices with iCloud.

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GoodNotes alternatives page was last updated Mar 31, 2025
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  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     979 likes
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    Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.

    108 Obsidian alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1

    Top Obsidian Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Local Storage
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Graph view
    5.  Bidirectional links
    6.  Mind Mapping
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Backlink

    Obsidian VS GoodNotes

     

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to GoodNotes.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to GoodNotes.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryGoodNotes is also Freemium and Proprietary
  2. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1140 likes
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    Comprehensive digital notebook offering organizers, shared notes, multi-device syncing, and optical character recognition, plus cloud-based data management for efficient information handling and accessibility.

    100 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    Top Microsoft OneNote Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Visual Organization
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Text formatting
    6.  Insert images
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Support for styluses
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Pressure Sensitivity
    12.  Multiple Account support

    Microsoft OneNote VS GoodNotes

     
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Top Positive Comment
    Evan Tanner
    Aug 18, 2024
    0

    Perfect for everything- iPad and mobile apps are free

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Oct 22, 2024
    0

    OneNote for Android does not have as much functionality, especially for journaling. The Android app does not have any template function, which is one of my main needs. OneNote for iOS, Windows, and Mac has this, but the Android app is very behind.

    Most Recent Comment
    Jonathan Jewell
    Positive •Jan 7, 2023
    0

    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?!?!

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    GoodNotes Icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    • Some users think Microsoft OneNote is a great GoodNotes alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft OneNote is the most popular Web-based alternative to GoodNotes.

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryGoodNotes is also Freemium and Proprietary
  4. Xournal++ icon

    Xournal++

     171 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.

    50 Xournal++ alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Xournal++ screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  PDF annotation
    3.  Support for styluses
    4.  Handwriting
    5.  Export to PDF
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  LaTeX Math
    8.  Pen Support
    9.  Pressure Sensitivity
    10.  Freehand Writing
    11.  Multi layer drawing
    12.  Ad-free

    Xournal++ VS GoodNotes

     
    Comments about Xournal++ as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Most Recent Comment
    violoncello
    Positive •Dec 31, 2020
    3

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

    LinuxDoge
    Positive •Nov 7, 2022
    0

    cross platform, not invasive

    Guest
    Positive •Sep 2, 2022
    0

    OSS alternative with many great features.

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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
  5. xournal icon

    xournal

     73 likes
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    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.

    49 xournal alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    xournal screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    It hasn't been updated since 2017, but there is an active fork Xournal++ icon Xournal++

    xournal Features

    1.  PDF annotation
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  Edit PDF
    4.  Support for styluses
    5.  Drawing Tablet Support
    6.  Sketching

    xournal VS GoodNotes

     
  6. MyScript Nebo icon

    MyScript Nebo

     20 likes
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    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...

    13 MyScript Nebo alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    MyScript Nebo screenshot 1

    MyScript Nebo Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Handwriting recognition
    4.  Handwriting
    5.  Export to HTML
    6.  Notebook

    MyScript Nebo VS GoodNotes

     
    Comments about MyScript Nebo as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Guest
    Positive •Apr 29, 2022
    0

    Smooth interface, handwriting recognition, high quality pdf export, cloud sync with gdrivd and dropbox

    Guest
    Negative •Mar 15, 2019
    0

    Nothing is like Goodnotes!

    GoodNotes Icon
    MyScript Nebo icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MyScript Nebo is a great GoodNotes alternative.

    • MyScript Nebo is the most popular commercial alternative to GoodNotes.

    • MyScript Nebo is Paid and ProprietaryGoodNotes is Freemium and Proprietary
  7. Rnote icon

    Rnote

     32 likes
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    Rnote aims to be a simple but functional note taking application for freehand drawing or annotating pictures or documents. It eventually should be able to import / export various media file formats.

    19 Rnote alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • AT flagAustria
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Rnote screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  PDF annotation
    3.  Support for styluses
    4.  No registration required
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Pressure Sensitivity
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  WYSIWYG Support
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Infinite canvas
    12.  Shape Tools

    Rnote VS GoodNotes

     
  9. FiiNote icon

    FiiNote

     9 likes
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    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.

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CN flagChina

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    FiiNote screenshot 1

    FiiNote Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Smart auto-align

    FiiNote VS GoodNotes

     
    Comments about FiiNote as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Guest
    Negative •Feb 17, 2019
    5

    Did not like the way it handles manuscript summaries.

    RemovedUser
    Negative •Jul 23, 2022
    0

    More a text recognition app than handwrite note app

    GoodNotes Icon
    FiiNote icon

    • Most users think FiiNote is a great GoodNotes alternative.

    • FiiNote is Freemium and ProprietaryGoodNotes is also Freemium and Proprietary
  10. Linwood Butterfly icon

    Linwood Butterfly

     35 likes
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    Butterfly is a note-taking app where your ideas come first. You can paint, add texts, and export them easily on every device. This app works on android, windows, linux, and in the web.

    41 Linwood Butterfly alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • AltStore
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Linwood Butterfly screenshot 1
    Linwood Butterfly screenshot 2
    Linwood Butterfly screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Distraction-free
    3.  Privacy focused
    4.  Support for Themes
    5.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Handwritten Notes
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Real time collaboration
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  Decentralized
    10.  End-to-End Encryption
    11.  Portable
    12.  Handwriting

    Linwood Butterfly VS GoodNotes

     

    • Linwood Butterfly is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to GoodNotes.

    • Linwood Butterfly is Free and Open SourceGoodNotes is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Linwood Butterfly is Lightweight and DecentralizedGoodNotes is not according to our users
  11. OpenBoard Whiteboard icon

    OpenBoard Whiteboard

     61 likes
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    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.

    89 OpenBoard Whiteboard alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    OpenBoard Whiteboard screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Educational

    Features

    1.  Interactive Whiteboard
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  Fullscreen support
    4.  Freeform notes
    5.  Pressure Sensitivity
    6.  Pencil
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Real time collaboration
    10.  Handwriting
    11.  Dual screen support
    12.  Export to PDF

    OpenBoard Whiteboard VS GoodNotes

     
  12. Saber icon

    Saber

     23 likes
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    A (work-in-progress) cross-platform libre notes app. Please note that this app is still in early stages and not ready to trust with your notes yet.

    24 Saber alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Saber screenshot 1
    Saber screenshot 2
    Saber screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Distraction-free
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  Support for styluses
    4. Nextcloud icon  Nextcloud integration
    5.  Cloud Sync
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Pressure Sensitivity
    9.  No registration required
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Palm Rejection

    Saber VS GoodNotes

     
    Comments about Saber as an Alternative to GoodNotes
    Guest
    Positive •Jan 7, 2025
    0

    It is the only somewhat good open-source alternative to Goodnotes & Notability. I know it is currently missing a lot of features found in Goodnotes, but in the future it could become a real competitor, so give it a try.

    GoodNotes Icon
    Saber icon
    • Saber is Free and Open SourceGoodNotes is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Saber is Privacy focused and LightweightGoodNotes is not according to our users
10 of 22 GoodNotes alternatives