Tutors, students, and professionals who wish to plan, create, and save critical information frequently use the note-taking tool GoodNotes. Annotating PDF files, daily calendars, ebooks, and lecture notes are just a few of the features offered by the program. Math formulae, graphs, and mind maps are all simple to write down.
Not only that. GoodNotes 5 contains handwriting features that make note-taking enjoyable and simple, and users can import files. When GoodNotes was first introduced in 2011, it was made to work with iOS devices. It was successful in drawing millions of users.
However, the business earlier this year unveiled GoodNotes templates for Android users, which is still in testing. There aren’t many users of the Android version at the moment. The fact that the version is still being developed is one explanation. Once more, users who want access to sophisticated features and an unlimited number of notebooks may find the $8.99 one-time fee to be a nuisance. It makes sense to look at other GoodNotes alternatives that function on Android while waiting for a stable version of GoodNotes to be released for Android.
Another strong contender among the top GoodNotes vs notability rivals is Notability, created by Ginger Labs, Inc. Notability offers a variety of features that make it a popular choice for many users, with a concentration on students and professionals. Comparatively, to notability vs GoodNotes, Notability (website) offers a free plan with minimal features, but you must pay $12.99 a year to access premium features. It’s accessible on the Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Both the Amazing 2 and the Supernote are e-ink tablets specifically designed for taking notes, and they can both be thought of as alternatives to the iPad + GoodNotes.
15 Best GoodNotes Alternatives for Note-Taking In 2023:
1. Bear
For iOS and Mac users, there is a straightforward, understated GoodNotes substitute called Bear. It supports Markdown for simple text formatting and lets you tag notes for the organisation. Bear is a well-rounded choice for artistic work because it additionally supports inline pictures. The app offers a free version with minimal features and is accessible on both iOS and Mac devices.
What we liked: Bear stands out for its simple, clear UI and effective search features, which make it simple for users to find and manage their notes. For $1.49 a month or $14.99 a year, you may upgrade to Bear Pro to access more sophisticated features like device syncing. Bear was listed among the best note-taking applications for Mac by our team as well. Bear does not, however, support voice recording or handwriting recognition, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
2. Google Keep
A cross-platform, free note-taking program called Google Keep is great for making fast notes, to-do lists, and reminders. It can be accessed by a variety of users because it is available on Android, iOS, and the web. You may make notes that are color-coded, include photographs, and even record voice with Google Keep.
The app is user-friendly and incorporates Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets among other Google services. With this integration, it is simple to import/export notes between apps and collaborate on notes with others. However, more sophisticated features like handwriting recognition and PDF annotation are missing from Google Keep, which may be crucial for some users. Moreover, take a look at these 15 top e-ink tablets for reading, taking notes, and annotating.
3. Apple Notes
The default note-taking application for iOS and Mac devices is called Apple Notes. It supports typing notes, checklists, and attachments in addition to handwritten notes made with the Apple Pencil. Apple Notes is a great option for individuals searching for a simple note-taking program because of its clear, user-friendly interface. Using it on iOS and Mac devices is free.
What we liked: Despite Apple Notes’ lack of some sophisticated features like audio recording and PDF annotation, Apple users may find it appealing due to its simplicity and easy connection with other Apple products. Its restriction to Apple devices, however, makes it less accessible to users of other platforms.
4. Microsoft OneNote
A feature-rich note-taking app for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac is called Microsoft OneNote. With sections, pages, and the option to arrange notes hierarchically, OneNote provides a digital notebook experience. OneNote is a good competitor for people looking for a GoodNotes substitute because it enables handwritten notes, audio recording, and PDF annotation. You need a Microsoft account to use the software, which syncs notes across devices and is free. Due to its extensive feature set and compatibility with multiple platforms, OneNote is a well-liked option for users searching for an
5. Notability
Cool Unlike GoodNotes, Notability has a user interface that is clear, uncomplicated, and easy to use. The left sidebar of the program opens with your subjects (folders), and the right side displays the notes inside those subjects as either a list or a grid. Additionally, Notability provides dividers that serve as foldable toggles to keep your workplace organized. The Notability Gallery is another place where you may interact with other users, get fresh templates, and share your notes.
While Notability’s sidebar enables superior navigation across the program, GoodNotes allows limitless nesting folders for full organization. Although the note-taking, audio recording, and sticker insertion tools in both applications are comparable, there are significant differences in pricing and structure that could persuade users to choose one app over the other.
6. Squid
Squid is a potent substitute for GoodNotes, especially for Chrome OS and Android users. On your Android tablet, phone, or Chromebook, you can take handwritten notes, sketch, and annotate PDFs using this simple handwriting app. Squid is a well-liked option among students, professors, and professionals due to its outstanding range of features, including limitless scrolling for fluid note-taking, the capacity to import and annotate PDF files, and a selection tool for simple note organization.
Squid’s support for personalized paper templates and note organization into digital notebooks makes it one of the program’s major features. Whether they’re taking conference notes or scribbling out a design concept, this level of customization makes it simple for users to modify the app to match their unique needs. Squid also provides pressure sensitivity and palm rejection for a comfortable writing experience and fluid, natural handwriting.
Squid is a great alternative for people who use Android and Chrome OS devices, but it’s not available for iOS, Mac, or Windows users. The program is available in both a free and a paid version, with the paid version offering extra features including cloud sync, PDF output, and sophisticated tools.
7. NoteLedge
The creative community is catered to by the flexible GoodNotes substitute NoteLedge, which is available for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. NoteLedge is ideal for a wide range of projects and jobs since it allows you to clip web content, take handwritten notes, and add multimedia components to your notes.
One of NoteLedge’s important features is its support for cloud sync, which guarantees that your notes are always available and current across all of your devices. It is simple to identify and manage your notes effectively because of advanced note organization features like labels, folders, and a hierarchical structure.
What we loved was that NoteLedge has a freemium business strategy, with premium features accessible for a one-time cost or a subscription. For those searching for a complete GoodNotes substitute, NoteLedge is a great option because of its extensive feature set and cross-platform compatibility.
8. WorkFlowy
A distinctive GoodNotes substitute called WorkFlowy focuses on streamlining the note-taking procedure. The main benefit of this program, which runs on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, is its effective organizing and outlining functionality. This program is easy to use for users who wish to make lists, plan tasks, or take meeting notes in a structured and organized manner.
What we liked: WorkFlowy’s user-friendly design enables users to effortlessly expand or collapse sections as needed and build nested lists. It is a fantastic option for individuals who require a streamlined, effective note-taking experience due to its organization-focused design. A monthly or yearly membership is required to access the premium features, which are accessible on a freemium basis. It is a compelling GoodNotes substitute because of its distinctive note-taking methodology and cross-platform interoperability.
9. Notion
A strong and flexible GoodNotes substitute, Notion provides a full-featured workspace for note-taking, project management, and collaboration. The notion is the best option for people and teams searching for an all-in-one solution to manage their work and ideas. It is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
The adaptability and customizability of Notion are its strongest points. To handle notes, tasks, and projects, users can build pages, databases, and boards. ThiNotion gives users the ability to create visually appealing notes and documents thanks to its extensive formatting options and support for multimedia material.
Notion stands out for enabling real-time collaboration, which makes it a popular option for teams and enterprises. Notion ensures efficient communication and team organization because of its strong authorization system and seamless connection with other collaborative tools. With a freemium business strategy, Notion offers premium features for its personal, team, and enterprise plans. The notion is the best option for users looking for a comprehensive, strong, and customized GoodNotes substitute.
10. Penultimate
This Penultimate is an easy-to-use handwriting tool made by Evernote with iPad users in mind. Penultimate is a great option for users who desire a plain, fuss-free experience as a GoodNotes substitute because it provides a simplified approach to handwritten notes.
The UI of Penultimate is intended to resemble the sensation of writing on paper, and the program’s seamless Apple Pencil integration guarantees fluid, natural handwriting. Penultimate gives users the ability to efficiently organize their notes thanks to its support for some paper templates and the capacity to build digital notebooks.
Penultimate’s integration with Evernote is one of its standout features; it enables users to sync their notes and access them from various devices. Penultimate is a fantastic option for current Evernote users searching for handwriting software because of its connectivity. This Penultimate is free to use, but a paid subscription to Evernote Premium unlocks more features. Penultimate is a strong GoodNotes substitute for iPad users since it is a straightforward and user-friendly app.
11. WizNote
WizNote is a feature-rich note-taking app for users of several platforms. Image of the wisdom note app on an iPhone, perfect for writing handwritten outlines in Markdown With a wealth of features and support for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux, WizNote is a strong GoodNotes substitute. WizNote is ideal for students, instructors, and professionals searching for a comprehensive note-taking solution because of its extensive variety of tools and features.
Support for handwritten notes, to-do lists, meeting notes, and multimedia content are a few of WizNote’s standout features. Additionally, the software provides sophisticated organizational features, enabling users to make folders and categories for effective note management.
What we liked: Real-time collaboration support is one of WizNote’s major features, making it a great option for teams and businesses. Within the app, users can exchange notes, work together on papers, and interact with team members. With a monthly or yearly subscription, premium features of WizNote are made available. WizNote is a great candidate for users looking for a flexible and feature-rich GoodNotes replacement because of its large range of tools and features and multi-platform compatibility.
12. Evernote
A well-liked note-taking tool called Evernote is accessible on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS gadgets. You may make notes, to-do lists, and even web content clips in Evernote for later use. The program is a flexible choice for users with different needs because it enables typed notes, photos, and audio recordings.
Basic features like writing notes and synchronizing across two devices are available in Evernote’s free version. You may upgrade to Evernote Premium for $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year for more sophisticated features like offline access and collaboration tools. Even though both handwritten notes and PDF annotation aren’t supported natively by Evernote, it does enable connectivity with third-party tools like Skitch and Penultimate that can give these features.
13. Nebo
Nebo is a note-taking program made especially for gadgets with active styluses, such as the Surface Pen or the Apple Pencil. It is a flexible solution for users on various platforms since it is available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. The distinguishing quality of Nebo is its sophisticated handwriting recognition technology, which enables the effortless conversion of handwritten notes into digital text.
Nebo is a great option for both professionals and students because it allows diagrams, sketches, and mathematical formulae. There is no need for a membership; the app is $9.99. Although Nebo excels at handwriting recognition and stylus support, some users might find it restrictive since it lacks features like audio recording and real-time collaboration.
14. Zoho Notebook
A cross-platform note-taking program with a lot of features, Zoho Notebook is free. It has an attractive user interface. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS mobile devices. Typed notes, handwritten notes, photos, audio recordings, and even online clippings are all supported by Zoho Notebook.
The program stands out for its distinctive card-based user interface, which makes it simple for users to generate various types of notes. Users can also organize cards into notebooks and change the colors and covers of the notebooks to personalize their appearance. For users who have already invested in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Notebook’s connectivity with other Zoho products like Zoho Mail and Zoho Docs makes it a compelling choice.
15. Standard Notes
Standard Notes is an iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux-compatible GoodNotes substitute that focuses on privacy. The main goal of this app is to give you a private and safe place to store your notes, protecting your information from prying eyes. For taking notes, Standard Notes has a simple, clean interface that supports Markdown formatting. End-to-end encryption provided by the app guarantees the security of your notes, and automated cloud syncing keeps them current across devices.
Devices running Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android may all use Standard Notes. The program has a basic, free open-source version as well as an “Extended” membership that unlocks extra features including extensions, automated backups, and unique themes. Standard Notes is a great GoodNotes substitute for users who prioritize privacy and security.
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Final Words:
While each of the aforementioned apps is a fantastic choice and provides something distinctive, Google Keep stands out and appeals to a larger audience. It’s ideal for family and friend communication as well as for students and independent contractors.
You get value for your money with Google Keep, which also makes sure that your work is synchronized across all of your devices and increases productivity and time management. Additionally, you are always informed when on the go thanks to its consistent calendar reminders.