GoodNotes vs Notability: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for GoodNotes and Notability side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, GoodNotes leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
GoodNotes
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
Best for you if:
- • You want highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles
Notability
Transform your notes into knowledge with AI-powered summaries, quizzes, and flashcards.
Best for you if:
- • You want combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools
| At a Glance | GoodNotes | Notability |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from $0.99/mo, billed yearly Essential plan | Free plan, paid from $1.67/mo, billed yearly PLUS plan |
Category | Note-Taking Productivity | Note-Taking Productivity |
Rating | 4.4/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.5 · Trustpilot 4.0 263 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 45 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | AI Pass+ is a significant monthly add-on. | n/a |
Choose GoodNotes or Notability?
Choose GoodNotes if
- You want highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles
- You want powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding
- Budget matters ($0.99/mo, billed yearly vs $1.67/mo, billed yearly)
Choose Notability if
- You want combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools
- You want offers real-time transcription and summarization
In-Depth Analysis
GoodNotes
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
GoodNotes offers a generous Free tier, but the Essential ($11.99/year) and Pro ($35.99/year) tiers are quite affordable for the features provided.
Watch out
AI Pass+ is a significant monthly add-on.
Strengths
- Pro: Highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles.
- Pro: Powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding.
- Pro: Seamless real-time collaboration makes it great for teams and education.
- Pro: Comprehensive search functionality, including handwritten content.
- Pro: Available across multiple operating systems.
Weaknesses
- Con: Some advanced AI features and cross-platform sync are limited or in beta.
- Con: Certain features like audio transcription and presentation mode are currently iOS-only.
- Con: Free plan has significant limitations on file count and AI usage.
Key features
Notability
Transform your notes into knowledge with AI-powered summaries, quizzes, and flashcards.
Notability's pricing is fair, offering a generous free STARTER tier.
Strengths
- Pro: Combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools.
- Pro: Offers real-time transcription and summarization.
- Pro: Provides a free tier with essential note-taking features.
- Pro: Available on iOS and Web platforms.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced AI features are locked behind paid tiers.
- Con: Limited edits on the free plan.
- Con: Pricing is subscription-based, which may not suit all users.
Key features
Plans and prices: GoodNotes vs Notability
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GoodNotes |
| goodnotes.com/pricing read Nov 1, 2026 |
| Notability |
| notability.com/pricing read Oct 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on GoodNotes pricing and Notability pricing.
Key Takeaways
GoodNotes
- Lower entry price: $0.99/mo, billed yearly vs $1.67/mo, billed yearly
Notability
- Choose if you want transform your notes into knowledge with AI-powered summaries, quizzes, and flashcards
What the data shows
On the data below, GoodNotes leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 263 reviews for GoodNotes, 4.6/5 from 45 reviews for Notability).
- GoodNotes has the lower entry price: $0.99/mo, billed yearly (Essential) against $1.67/mo, billed yearly (PLUS) for Notability.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do GoodNotes and Notability compare in 2026?
On the data below, GoodNotes leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 263 reviews for GoodNotes, 4.6/5 from 45 reviews for Notability). GoodNotes has the lower entry price: $0.99/mo, billed yearly (Essential) against $1.67/mo, billed yearly (PLUS) for Notability. Both have a free plan.
What are GoodNotes and Notability used for?
GoodNotes: Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking. Notability: Transform your notes into knowledge with AI-powered summaries, quizzes, and flashcards.
What does GoodNotes cost vs Notability?
GoodNotes's cheapest paid plan is Essential at $0.99/mo, billed yearly; it also has a free plan. Notability's cheapest paid plan is PLUS at $1.67/mo, billed yearly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between GoodNotes and Notability?
GoodNotes's main strength: highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles. Notability's main strength: combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools.