Goodnotes review

Goodnotes is the notebook to choose if a stylus is your main tool. The company says it was made for the tablet, and its feature list backs that up: handwriting that converts to text, search across handwritten notes, a lasso tool, shape recognition and digital stationery, plus hand annotation of PDFs such as lecture slides or contracts. You can also record audio, with transcription of recordings on iOS, and switch between notebooks, typed documents and whiteboards. Apps cover iOS, iPadOS, Mac, Windows, Android and the web. Pricing is low but layered. Essential is $11.99 a year for unlimited files and audio, while sync across devices, real-time collaboration and Drive integration need Pro at $35.99 a year. The free plan stops at 3 files, so it is a trial rather than a long-term option, and the full AI experience costs an extra $9.99 a month through the AI Pass.

Who it is for

Students and professionals who take handwritten notes on a tablet and annotate PDFs.

Price

Free plan with 3 files; Essential $11.99 a year; Pro with cross-device sync $35.99 a year; AI Pass +$9.99 a month.

Essential $11.99 /yearly
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Handwriting tools with conversion to text and handwriting search
• PDF annotation by hand, plus imports of photos, PDFs and JPGs
• Audio recording, with transcription of recordings on iOS
• Notebooks, typed documents and whiteboards in one app
• Apps for iOS and iPadOS, Mac, Windows, Android and the web

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Essential costs $11.99 a year for unlimited files and audio
• Strength: Real-time collaboration and Drive integration on Pro
• Strength: Free education setup for schools through an Admin console
• Weakness: Cross-platform sync is a Pro feature at $35.99 a year
• Weakness: Free plan allows only 3 files and 20 minutes of audio
• Weakness: Full AI features need the AI Pass at $9.99 a month on top

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, up to 3 files and 20 minutes of audio
• Essential: $11.99 a year, unlimited files
• Pro: $35.99 a year, adds sync across devices
• Free trial: 7 days on Essential and Pro, 30 days on Teams
• Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Web

Where it ranks

Goodnotes is No. 5 in our Best Note Taking Apps verdict.