GoodNotes vs Notability: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GoodNotes and Notability comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: GoodNotes wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Pick Notability if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. 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
- • You want powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding
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
- • You want offers real-time transcription and summarization
| At a Glance | GoodNotes | Notability |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose GoodNotes or Notability?
Choose GoodNotes if
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
- You want highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles
- You want powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding
Choose Notability if
Transform your notes into knowledge with AI-powered summaries, quizzes, and flashcards.
- You want combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools
- You want offers real-time transcription and summarization
| Feature | GoodNotes | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 263 reviews | ★4.6/5 45 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
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
- +Highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles.
- +Powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding.
- +Seamless real-time collaboration makes it great for teams and education.
- +Comprehensive search functionality, including handwritten content.
- +Available across multiple operating systems.
Weaknesses
- -Some advanced AI features and cross-platform sync are limited or in beta.
- -Certain features like audio transcription and presentation mode are currently iOS-only.
- -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
- +Combines note-taking with AI-powered learning tools.
- +Offers real-time transcription and summarization.
- +Provides a free tier with essential note-taking features.
- +Available on iOS and Web platforms.
Weaknesses
- -Advanced AI features are locked behind paid tiers.
- -Limited edits on the free plan.
- -Pricing is subscription-based, which may not suit all users.
Key features
Pricing: GoodNotes vs Notability
| Plan | GoodNotes | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 STARTER |
| Tier 2 | $11.99/year Essential | $20 yearly PLUS |
| Tier 3 | $9.99/month AI Pass+ | $99 yearly PRO |
| Tier 4 | $35.99/year Pro | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $35.99 one-time Special Edition | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $10/month per user (billed annually) Teams | N/A |
| Tier 7 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
| Tier 8 | Free Education | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GoodNotes pricing and Notability pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GoodNotes
Want the highest-rated option?
GoodNotes: 4.4/5 (263 reviews). Notability: 4.6/5 (45 reviews).
Go with: Notability
Value user reviews?
GoodNotes: 263 reviews (4.4/5). Notability: 45 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: GoodNotes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Notability is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
GoodNotes
- Larger review base (263 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Notability
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
GoodNotes wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoodNotes or Notability better?
GoodNotes is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Notability is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.