Exploring GoodNotes alternatives unveils a world of digital note-taking solutions tailored to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you seek enhanced features or different platform compatibilities, this guide offers valuable insights. Dive in to discover the perfect note-taking app for you—read on to the end for our comprehensive analysis.
Part 1. Top 10 GoodNotes Alternatives (Free & Paid)
This curated list is designed to provide an insightful overview of apps in the market, addressing a range of user requirements and preferences.
#1 UPDF
UPDF is a PDF editor and note-taking app. It emerges as a versatile GoodNotes alternative, especially appealing for iPad users seeking a seamless note-taking experience. This app stands out with its ability to annotate PDFs, highlight text, and insert comments directly on documents. For users on the go, UPDF's compatibility across four platforms—including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows—ensures your notes are accessible wherever you are. Download it for a free trial now.
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Key features include an intuitive interface that enhances productivity and creativity in note-taking. UPDF has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on G2, reflecting its reliability and user satisfaction. The app offers a free version, which, while comprehensive, applies watermarks when saving notes as documents. To remove these limitations, UPDF provides a paid version starting at $29.99 per year, to cater to users requiring more advanced features without restrictions.
Pros:
- Pros include its multi-platform compatibility and robust annotation tools, making it an excellent choice for diverse users.
- Except for taking text notes, you can also add stickers, sticky notes, stamps and many other notes with its annotation tools.
- You can manage these annotations through its comment list, including share and export.
- Being integrated with AI, it makes reading text content easier, especially when you are taking notes on obscure documents.
Cons:
- However, the main drawback is the watermark feature in the free version, which may not suit all users' needs.
Consider giving UPDF a try if you're looking for a comprehensive, cross-platform note-taking solution. Download it and explore further and find the right plan for your requirements.
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#2 Notion
Notion offers a highly flexible workspace that caters to both individual users and teams. Notion's standout features include customizable templates, a drag-and-drop interface, and collaborative tools that enhance productivity. Users can create and share notes, build knowledge bases, and manage tasks with ease. Its G2 rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars reflects strong user satisfaction.
Notion operates on a freemium pricing model, with the free version offering ample functionality for individual users. Paid plans provide additional features like unlimited file uploads and advanced permissions, starting from $8 per user per month for teams.
Pros:
- Pros of Notion include its extensive customization options, robust collaboration features, and the ability to integrate with other apps.
Cons:
- However, its cons lie in the learning curve associated with its wide array of features and potentially overwhelming options for new users.
#3 Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is favored for its integration within the Microsoft ecosystem. Key features include a freeform canvas for note-taking, the ability to insert multimedia elements, and handwriting recognition, particularly beneficial for iPad users with stylus support. G2 ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars affirm OneNote's effectiveness as a versatile note-taking app. OneNote is free to use, offering substantial value without any financial commitment.
Pros:
- Pros of OneNote include its robust integration with Microsoft Office, extensive organizational tools, and no-cost access.
Cons:
- However, its cons are the potential complexity for new users and occasional syncing issues across devices.
#4 Notability
Notability is especially popular among iPad users for its smooth note-taking and sketching capabilities. Notability's key features include the ability to annotate PDFs, record audio while taking notes, and a wide range of writing and drawing tools. Its integration with iCloud ensures that notes are synchronized across all devices, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. G2 ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars highlight Notability's user-friendly interface and the quality of its handwriting recognition. The app is available for a one-time purchase, priced at $8.99, which includes all basic features. Additional premium features can be accessed through a subscription model.
Pros:
- Pros of Notability are its intuitive design, excellent handwriting and sketching tools, and audio recording capabilities, making it a top choice for interactive note-taking.
Cons:
- However, the cons include the cost of premium features for users who require more than the basic functionalities and the limited availability outside the iOS ecosystem.
#5 Linwood Butterfly
Butterfly is a relatively new player in the note-taking app landscape, offering a unique approach that prioritizes simplicity and visual organization. Key features that set Butterfly apart include its visually oriented interface, easy-to-use diagramming tools for creating flowcharts and mind maps, and seamless syncing across devices. While specific G2 ratings may not be available due to its novelty, early adopters praise its user-friendly design and flexibility.
Butterfly operates on a freemium model, with basic features available for free and premium features unlocked with a subscription. Pricing details are tailored to provide options for both individual users and teams, ensuring accessibility to its broad range of functionalities.
Pros:
- Pros of Butterfly include its emphasis on visual organization, making it particularly appealing to visual learners, and its cross-platform compatibility.
Cons:
- Cons may include a limited feature set compared to more established apps and a potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with diagram-based note-taking.
#6 Einote
Einote stands out for its clean interface and simple functionality, making it an excellent choice for those who want to focus on taking notes without the clutter of excessive features. Key features of Einote include streamlined note organization, customizable pen tools for handwriting and drawing, and the ability to insert images and PDFs into notes. While specific G2 ratings might not be available, user feedback highlights its ease of use and effectiveness for basic note-taking needs. Pricing for Einote is straightforward, offering a free version with basic functionality and a paid subscription starting at $50 per year that unlocks additional features like cloud syncing and advanced editing tools.
Pros:
- Pros of Einote include its user-friendly interface, which is ideal for quickly capturing notes and ideas. The app's focus on essential note-taking features reduces complexity and learning time.
Cons:
- However, its cons may include limited functionality compared to more comprehensive note-taking apps and the lack of advanced collaboration tools.
#7 Freenotes
Freenotes is designed to offer a straightforward, clutter-free environment for jotting down ideas, making lists, and organizing thoughts effectively. The core features of Freenotes include a minimalist interface, basic text formatting, and the ability to categorize notes into notebooks for better organization. While it may not boast the extensive functionalities of more complex apps, its simplicity is where its strength lies, appealing to users looking for a no-fuss note-taking solution. Freenotes has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on the App Store. Freenotes is free to use, with optional in-app purchases for users who need additional features.
Pros:
- The pros of Freenotes include its user-friendly interface and the absence of unnecessary features, making it ideal for quick note-taking.
Cons:
- On the downside, its limited functionality compared to competitors might not satisfy users looking for comprehensive note-taking and organizational tools.
#8 Easy Notes
Easy Notes offers a clean interface that allows users to quickly jot down thoughts, make lists, and organize their ideas without the complexity of more feature-rich applications. Important features include basic text formatting, the ability to insert images, and simple organizational tools like notebooks and tags. Easy Notes is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store. Easy Notes is a free app, making it an accessible choice for anyone looking to manage their notes without financial outlay. There are in-app advertisements, with an option to upgrade to a paid version to remove advertisements and access additional features.
Pros:
- Pros of Easy Notes include its no-cost access, straightforward user interface, and essential note-taking functionality.
Cons:
- The cons are the presence of ads in the free version and limited features compared to more comprehensive note-taking solutions.
#9 Noteful
Noteful stands out with its sleek design and a suite of tools that accommodate diverse note-taking styles, from typed notes to hand-drawn sketches, making it particularly appealing for tablet users with stylus support. Key features of Noteful include customizable note templates, a variety of pen styles and colors for freehand writing, and the ability to import PDFs for annotation. Noteful is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store. Pricing for Noteful is structured to offer both free and premium tiers. The free version provides basic note-taking capabilities, while the premium subscription provides access to more advanced features such as unlimited notebooks and cloud synchronization.
Pros:
- Pros of Noteful include its versatility in note creation, attractive interface, and the option for cloud backup.
Cons:
- Cons include the limitations in the free version and a subscription model for access to premium features.
#10 Zoho Notebook
Zoho Notebook distinguishes itself with its unique notebook-themed interface, allowing users to customize their digital notebooks with covers and organize notes in a visually satisfying manner. Key features include text, voice, and photo notes, alongside document scanning capabilities, making it versatile for various types of data collection and note-taking needs. Zoho Notebook's integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem enhances its appeal for users of Zoho's productivity suite. Its G2 ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars reflect appreciation for its user-friendly design and functionality, marking it as a reliable choice for personal and professional note-taking. Zoho Notebook is completely free, offering its full range of features without cost, setting it apart from many competitors in the note-taking app space.
Pros:
- Pros of Zoho Notebook include its rich text options, intuitive organization system, and entirely free access.
Cons:
- Cons might be its relatively limited third-party integrations compared to some alternatives and the potential for users to desire more advanced features in a note-taking app.
Part 2. Comparison Chart: Top 10 GoodNotes Alternatives
| Alternative | Key Features | Rating | Pricing |
| UPDF | 14 note-taking tools, Multi-platform support | 4.5 / 5 (G2) | Free version available; Subscription starting at $29.99/year (full features including PDF editing, annotating, converting, filling and signing, etc.) |
| Notion | Customizable templates, Collaborative tools | 4.7 / 5 (G2) | Free version available. Subscription starting at $8/month |
| Microsoft OneNote | Freeform canvas, Multimedia insertion, Handwriting recognition | 4.5 / 5 (G2) | Free |
| Notability | Digital ink technology, Audio recordings, PDF import | 4.6 / 5 (G2) | $8.99 plus add-ons |
| Butterfly | AI-powered summaries, Collaborative spaces, Multimedia support | N/A | Free version and subscriptions available. |
| Einote | Handwritten notes recognition, PDF export, Custom templates | 4.8 /5 (Chrome web store) | Free version available. Subscription starting at $50/year |
| Freenotes | Simple note-taking, Voice notes, Cross-device syncing | 4.8 / 5 (App Store) | Free |
| Easy Notes | Basic text formatting, Image insertion, Organizational tools | 4.6 / 5 (Google Play Store) | Free with ads, Premium version available. |
| Noteful | Customizable templates, Variety of pen styles, Cloud synchronization | 4.7 / 5 (App Store) | Free version and subscriptions available. |
| Zoho Notebook | Text, voice, photo notes, Document scanning, Customizable covers | 4.5 / 5 (G2) | Free |
Dive into the seamless world of digital note-taking with UPDF today. Experience unmatched versatility across all your devices. Don't let watermarks hold you back; upgrade to our premium version for the ultimate freedom in document management. Click here to download UPDF and transform your note-taking journey now!
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Part 3. FAQs About GoodNotes Alternatives
Q1. Is OneNote being phased out?
No, OneNote is not being phased out. Microsoft continues to support and update OneNote, integrating it closely with the Office 365 suite and Windows ecosystem, ensuring its place as a key player in note-taking apps.
Q2. Is Evernote better than GoodNotes?
Whether Evernote is better than GoodNotes depends on your needs. Evernote excels in cross-platform syncing and information retrieval, while GoodNotes is praised for its handwriting recognition and drawing capabilities, especially on iOS devices.
Q3. What do Mac users use instead of OneNote?
Mac users looking for alternatives to OneNote often turn to apps like Notability for handwritten notes and drawings, or UPDF for a more integrated macOS and iOS experience, offering simplicity and powerful note-organizing features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are numerous GoodNotes alternatives, each with its unique strengths, UPDF stands out for its versatility and user-friendly interface. Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive digital note-taking solution, we highly recommend giving UPDF a try. Discover how it can elevate your note-taking experience today.
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