Goodnotes

Goodnotes

Digital paper for handwritten notes and PDF markup, best on iPad with a pencil.

Free planiPhoneAndroidMacWindowsWeb

PriceFree plan; paid plans from about $12/year

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Our verdict

The go-to for students who write by hand on a tablet. Typed and linked notes are not its strength, and the best features need a paid plan.

Good

Excellent handwriting and PDF markup
Cheap yearly plans
One-time edition on Apple devices

Not so good

Handwriting focus, weaker for typed notes
No Linux app

Best for

studentsevery device

Where Goodnotes shows up

Best for

The 3 best note-taking apps for iPad in 2026

Best for

The 3 best note-taking apps for students in 2026

Best for

The 3 best productivity apps for students

Versus

Goodnotes vs Notability: which handwriting app should you get?

Alternatives to Goodnotes

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