The best Goodnotes alternatives in 2026
Leading handwriting notes app with AI audio transcription, meeting minutes and summaries. Goodnotes scores 8/10 in our AI note-taking apps ranking. 3 alternatives score higher. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI note-taking apps ranking →- 1
Microsoft OneNote
Best forStudents and Microsoft 365 users who want free notes with optional Copilot
Free freeform notebook with ink, voice transcription and Copilot with Microsoft 365
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan · paid from $9.99/month
Our Microsoft OneNote verdict →Goodnotes vs Microsoft OneNote
8.2/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Notion
Best forPeople and teams who want notes, docs and projects in one AI-powered workspace
All-in-one workspace for notes, docs and tasks with AI that answers from your pages
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Useful free plan
Free plan · paid from $12/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Craft
Best forApple users who want polished, well-structured notes and docs with AI
Beautifully designed docs and notes app with an AI Assistant that knows your content
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan · paid from £6.40/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Obsidian
Best forPower users who want local, private notes and full control over which AI they use
Free local-first Markdown notes with AI through plugins such as Copilot
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · AI organises notes or surfaces related notes automatically
Free plan · paid from $4/month
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Apple Notes
Best foriPhone, iPad and Mac users who want simple, free notes with built-in AI
Free built-in notes on Apple devices with Apple Intelligence writing tools and Image Wand
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Useful free plan
Free
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Capacities
Best forStudents and researchers building a structured personal knowledge base
Object-based notes for building a personal knowledge base, with an AI assistant on Pro
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan · paid from $9.99/month
7.8/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Evernote
Best forLong-time Evernote users who want AI added to a mature capture-everything app
Veteran notes app with an AI Assistant, AI transcription, AI Edit and semantic search
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Works offline
Free plan · paid from $15/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
Mem
Best forBusy professionals who want an AI to organise and follow up on their notes
AI-first notes app that tracks your tasks and recalls anything you've saved
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · AI organises notes or surfaces related notes automatically
Free plan · paid from $9/month
7.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Reflect
Best forMac and iPhone users who want private, local notes with optional AI
Open-source networked notes with daily notes, backlinks and bring-your-own-key AI
Has that Goodnotes doesn't: Ask AI questions about your own notes · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan
6.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Goodnotes?
In our AI note-taking apps ranking, Microsoft OneNote scores highest among the alternatives (8.2/10). Best for: Students and Microsoft 365 users who want free notes with optional Copilot. Goodnotes scores 8/10.
Is there a free alternative to Goodnotes?
Yes. Microsoft OneNote has a free plan (OneNote is free with 5GB of OneDrive storage), and scores 8.2/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Goodnotes alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Free plan is limited to 3 files. Android app is rated well below the iPad app. Full AI needs the Pro plan.