Free Notability AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools and other similar apps like Notability

The best free alternative to Notability is Notesnook, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Notability and many of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Notability are Microsoft OneNote, Butterfly, Zoho Notebook and Saber: Handwritten Notes.

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Notability alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or PDF Editors.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Notability.
Notability iconNotability
  52
  • ...

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...

More about Notability
More about Notability
Notability alternatives page was last updated Jul 21, 2024
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  1. Notesnook icon
    Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     109 likes
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    Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.

    234 Notesnook alternatives
    Notesnook screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    Notesnook screenshot 1
    Notesnook screenshot 2
    +6
    Notesnook screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  No Tracking

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Note organization
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  Web Clipper
    9.  Reminders
    10.  Two-factor Authentication
    11.  Unlimited storage
    12.  Encrypted Backup
    13.  Automatic Backup
    14.  WYSIWYG Support
    15.  Distraction-free
    16.  Hierarchical Structure
    Notesnook iconNotability Icon

    Notesnook VS Notability

    Is Notesnook a good alternative to Notability?
     
    Comments about Notesnook as an Alternative to Notability
     
    themrsecret

    Does not allow handwritten notes

    Negative comment •Dec 13, 2023
    0
    Notability Icon
    Notesnook icon

    • Notesnook is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Notability.

    • Notesnook is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Notability.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceNotability is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedNotability is not according to our users
  2. Microsoft OneNote icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1131 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.

    83 Microsoft OneNote alternatives
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 2
    +4
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Visual Organization
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Text formatting
    6.  Insert images
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  Support for styluses
    9.  Unicode Math Support
    10.  Sketching
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Knowledge Management
    13.  Pressure Sensitivity
    14.  Embedded media
    15.  Notebook
    16.  Real-time sync
    17.  Linking capability
    18.  Unlimited Canvas Area
    19.  Multiple Account support
    20.  Data export/import
    21.  Freehand Writing
    Microsoft OneNote iconNotability Icon

    Microsoft OneNote VS Notability

    Is Microsoft OneNote a good alternative to Notability?
     
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to Notability
     
       
    Guest

    Same draw and text anywhere functionality. It also supports PDF annotation and sync backup.

    Top positive comment •Feb 7, 2018
    2
    Guest

    too simple and halfbaked on android

    Top negative comment •Mar 9, 2020
    10
    Guest

    Onenote is not so intuitive. Its just awkward. And i dont know this yet but would bet you need good internet access to use it. Notability was easy first use if i remember right. Who are those clowns and why dont they have an android version yet???!!!!

    Negative comment •Mar 24, 2022
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 8 comments
    Notability Icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

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

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryNotability is also Freemium and Proprietary
  4. Butterfly icon
    Butterfly icon

    Butterfly

     23 likes
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    Butterfly is a note 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.

    40 Butterfly alternatives
    Butterfly screenshot 1
    Butterfly screenshot 2
    +3
    Butterfly screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  No registration required
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Privacy focused
    6.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Distraction-free
    5.  Portable
    6.  Cloud Sync
    7.  PDF annotation
    8.  Handwriting
    9.  Built-in Note Taker
    Butterfly iconNotability Icon

    Butterfly VS Notability

    Is Butterfly a good alternative to Notability?
     

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

    • Butterfly is Free and Open SourceNotability is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Butterfly is Privacy focused and LightweightNotability is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zoho Notebook icon

    Zoho Notebook

    Online Notebook application: Zoho Notebook lets you combine text, images, audio, video, RSS feeds, documents and much more. Online Collaboration: You can share a single image or selection of text from a page rather than the whole...

    https://www.zoho.com
    Learn More
  6. Zoho Notebook icon
    Zoho Notebook icon

    Zoho Notebook

     88 likes
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    Online Notebook application: Zoho Notebook lets you combine text, images, audio, video, RSS feeds, documents and much more. Online Collaboration: You can share a single image or selection of text from a page rather than the whole document, giving the author absolute control over...

    324 Zoho Notebook alternatives
    Zoho Notebook screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Apple Watch
    Zoho Notebook screenshot 1
    Zoho Notebook screenshot 2
    +1
    Zoho Notebook screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Audio with notes
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Two-factor Authentication
    6.  Handwriting recognition
    7.  Outline organization
    8.  Notebook
    Zoho Notebook iconNotability Icon

    Zoho Notebook VS Notability

    Is Zoho Notebook a good alternative to Notability?
     
    Comments about Zoho Notebook as an Alternative to Notability
     
    Guest

    Notability is very focused on handwritten notes and sketches. Zoho Notebook is way off in this comparison

    Negative comment •Jun 8, 2019
    2
    Notability Icon
    Zoho Notebook icon

    • Some users think Zoho Notebook is a great Notability alternative, some don't.

    • Zoho Notebook is Free Personal and ProprietaryNotability is Freemium and Proprietary
  7. Saber: Handwritten Notes icon
    Saber: Handwritten Notes icon

    Saber: Handwritten Notes

     18 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: Handwritten Notes alternatives
    Saber: Handwritten Notes screenshot 1
    Saber: Handwritten Notes screenshot 2
    +1
    Saber: Handwritten Notes screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    • Mac
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  Nextcloud integration
    4.  Support for styluses
    5.  Cloud Sync
    6.  Palm Rejection
    Saber: Handwritten Notes iconNotability Icon

    Saber: Handwritten Notes VS Notability

    Is this a good alternative to Notability?
     
    Comments about Saber: Handwritten Notes as an Alternative to Notability
     
    Guest

    I tried it and it was the most similar so far that I have tried with no in-app purchases. I also haven’t seen any ads so far. I’m not sure how many features it has yet, but it is very simple and effective.

    Positive comment •Sep 11, 2023
    0
    Notability Icon
    Saber: Handwritten Notes icon
    • Saber: Handwritten Notes is Free and Open SourceNotability is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Saber: Handwritten Notes is Privacy focusedNotability is not according to our users
  8. GoodNotes icon
    GoodNotes icon

    GoodNotes

     76 likes
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    GoodNotes 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...

    58 GoodNotes alternatives
    GoodNotes screenshot 1
    GoodNotes screenshot 2
    +3
    GoodNotes screenshot 3

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Online

    Top GoodNotes Features

    1.  Document Management
    2.  PDF annotation
    3.  Handwriting
    4.  Pressure Sensitivity
    5.  Integrated Search
    6.  Apple Pencil support
    7.  Handwritten Notes
    8.  OCR
    9.  Support for Gestures
    10.  Handwriting recognition
    11.  Folders
    12.  Freehand Writing
    13.  Drag and Drop
    GoodNotes iconNotability Icon

    GoodNotes VS Notability

    Is GoodNotes a good alternative to Notability?
     
    Comments about GoodNotes as an Alternative to Notability
     
    Guest

    There is no ability to record. Also, they have discontinued support for previous versions and forced users to upgrade without notice. I bought GoodNotes 4 and it stopped working within 3 months. Notability also has issues, and there is no dependable note taking app at the moment. OneNote seems good, but can't record while taking notes at the same time, unless using separate apps, and it has a clunky interface.

    Negative comment •Mar 4, 2020
    3
    Guest

    Because you can do almost anything that notibility allows you to do.

    Positive comment •May 4, 2020
    1
    Notability Icon
    GoodNotes icon

    • Most users think GoodNotes is a great Notability alternative.

    • GoodNotes is Freemium and ProprietaryNotability is also Freemium and Proprietary
  10. Twos icon
    Twos icon

    Twos

     14 likes
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    An app and website to simply remember things.

    36 Twos alternatives
    Twos screenshot 1
    Twos screenshot 2
    Twos screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Reminders
    2.  Pomodoro Timer
    3.  Cloud Sync
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Subtasks
    6.  Calendar Sync
    7.  Recurring Tasks
    8.  Calendar Integration
    9.  Full-Text Search
    10.  Distraction-free
    11.  Multiple Account support
    12.  Sync with Google Calendar
    13.  Calendar View
    14.  Web Clipper
    15.  Hierarchical Structure
    16.  Tagging
    17.  Google Calendar integration
    Twos iconNotability Icon

    Twos VS Notability

    Is Twos a good alternative to Notability?
     
  11. Squid icon
    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.

    21 Squid alternatives
    Squid screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • Kindle Fire
    Squid screenshot 1
    Squid screenshot 2
    +4
    Squid screenshot 3

    Squid Features

    1.  PDF annotation
    2.  Handwritten Notes
    3.  Combine PDF
    4.  Infinite canvas
    5.  Import pdf files
    6.  Export to PDF
    7.  Handwriting
    Squid iconNotability Icon

    Squid VS Notability

    Is Squid a good alternative to Notability?
     
  12. Notes icon
    Notes icon

    Notes

     36 likes
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    Use Notes to capture a quick thought, create checklists, sketch ideas, and more. And with iCloud, you can keep your notes up to date across all your devices.

    115 Notes alternatives
    Notes screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Notes screenshot 1
    Notes screenshot 2
    +2
    Notes screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  No registration required
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Real time collaboration
    3.  Cloud Sync
    4.  Full-Text Search
    5.  Sync with iCloud
    6.  Handwritten Notes
    7.  Spell Checking
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  Distraction-free
    10.  Pressure Sensitivity
    11.  Support for MarkDown
    12.  Tagging
    13.  Private notes
    14.  Local Storage
    15.  Outliner
    Notes iconNotability Icon

    Notes VS Notability

    Is Notes a good alternative to Notability?
     
  13. Passfindr icon
    Passfindr icon

    Passfindr

     10 likes
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    Passfindr is a web based premium Personal knowledge base, Password manager and Bookmark manager application to securely store passwords and other sensitive information in a virtual vault locked with individual master passwords.

    39 Passfindr alternatives
    Passfindr screenshot 1
    Passfindr screenshot 2
    +9
    Passfindr screenshot 3

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Bookmark Organization
    2.  Encrypted Notes
    3.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    4.  Password Generator
    5.  Built-in Note Taker
    Passfindr iconNotability Icon

    Passfindr VS Notability

    Is Passfindr a good alternative to Notability?
     
  14. myReach icon
    myReach icon

    myReach

     5 likes
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    myReach is an App that works like a second brain... It keeps all your things (notes, websites, documents, contacts, etc.) at your fingertips, connected & easily reachable.

    9 myReach alternatives
    myReach screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Reminders
    2.  OCR
    3.  File Tagging
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  AES-256 Encryption
    6.  Goal Tracking
    7.  Kanban Board
    8.  Unlimited storage
    9.  Bookmarks
    10.  Zettelkasten note method
    myReach iconNotability Icon

    myReach VS Notability

    Is myReach a good alternative to Notability?
     
  15. scrutch icon
    scrutch icon

    scrutch

     5 likes
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    End-to-encrypted, laser-focussed yet elegant editor. No registration, no login, no ads, no tracking, no hassle. Just write. In private or together with others.

    288 scrutch alternatives
    scrutch screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Privacy focused
    6.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Real time collaboration
    5.  Full-Text Search
    6.  Distraction-free
    7.  Distraction-free Writing
    8.  Share notes
    9.  Progressive Web App
    10.  Collaborative writing
    11.  Encrypted Notes
    12.  Public Links
    scrutch iconNotability Icon

    scrutch VS Notability

    Is scrutch a good alternative to Notability?
     
12 of 41 Notability alternatives