| App | Platforms | Features | Pricing | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Evernote | iOS, Android, web | Organization, tagging, searching | Free (Basic), $7.99/month (Premium) | | OneNote | iOS, Android, web | Organization, tagging, audio recording | Free | | Simplenote | iOS, Android, web | Minimalistic interface, syncing | Free | | Bear | iOS, Mac | Syntax highlighting, tagging, export options | Free (Basic), $1.49/month (Pro) | | GoodNotes | iOS, Mac | Handwriting, annotation, PDF support | $7.99 (one-time purchase) |
Notability is often used to annotate PDFs, but PDF Expert is built specifically for that purpose. If you find yourself mostly marking up documents rather than taking freehand notes, this is the superior tool. notability alternatives
⚠️ Notability’s subscription ($14.99/yr) still gives the smoothest audio-to-note sync, but alternatives have largely caught up for basic and even advanced needs. | App | Platforms | Features | Pricing
Users deep in the Microsoft ecosystem and students on a budget. Users deep in the Microsoft ecosystem and students