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Notability and GoodNotes are two of the most popular and powerful digital note-taking apps out there. Loved by students and business professionals alike, both come packed with features to make your note-taking, planning, and organization easier. But because they’re designed differently, choosing the best one can be tricky. So… which should you pick? Let’s compare them based on:
- User Interface
- Document Creation & Management
- Note-Taking Features
- Note Conversion & Comparison
- Data Storage, Backup & Sharing
- Pricing
*Stick around until the end for a special freebie!
What's covered in this post
User Interface
The user interface (UI) is the first thing you notice when you open an app. A great UI should be clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate—making your note-taking experience as smooth as possible.
Notability
Notability uses a two-pane layout: folders on the left, notes on the right. While this makes it simple to browse, it can feel a bit cluttered.
GoodNotes
GoodNotes lets you choose between a grid or list view for your notes and folders. Creating a new note is as easy as tapping the “new note” button.
Verdict
GoodNotes wins here for its cleaner, more flexible layout. It minimizes visual clutter and keeps navigation simple.
Document Creation & Management
How quickly and easily you can create, organize, and customize notes makes a big difference in workflow.
Notability
Notability is quick to start—just tap and begin writing under a chosen subject. Notes scroll continuously, keeping everything in order. The downside: when you exit a session, you’ll need to start a new note with a new title next time.
GoodNotes
GoodNotes blends document creation with management. You can choose different document types (notebooks, images, folders) and customize themes. Its nested folder system allows up to 10 sub-folders, giving you endless organization options.
Verdict
For speed and simplicity, Notability takes the lead. But if you want deep customization and advanced organization, GoodNotes is the better choice.
Note-Taking Features
Both apps make note-taking easy with customization options, Apple Pencil support, palm rejection, and a variety of tools (pen, highlighter, shape tool, lasso, eraser).
Notability
Its standout feature is audio recording—perfect for lectures or meetings. You can also buy in-app stickers to personalize notes.
GoodNotes
GoodNotes shines with adjustable pen widths, advanced lasso snapping, and a flashcard feature for study sessions. Stickers require importing from outside sources.
Verdict
If audio recording is essential, Notability wins. For more control over handwriting and study tools, GoodNotes is stronger.
Note Conversion & Comparison
Both apps can convert handwriting to text, but Notability makes it quicker with a single “convert” button, while GoodNotes requires copy-pasting. Notability also supports advanced math and chemical formulas (via in-app purchase).
Verdict
For complex formulas and faster conversion, Notability takes the win. For multi-tab document comparison, GoodNotes’ browser-style tabs are excellent.
Data Storage, Backup & Sharing
Both support iCloud sync and third-party backups like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. The key difference is sharing:
Notability
Lets you share via public links—recipients don’t need a Notability account, and they can view on any device or browser.
GoodNotes
Uses a collaboration system—viewing requires a GoodNotes account.
Verdict
Notability wins for easier, more universal sharing.
Pricing
Notability
Requires separate purchases for Mac and iOS, plus paid add-ons (stickers, math conversions, handwriting conversion).
GoodNotes
One-time purchase works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. No paid add-ons.
Verdict
GoodNotes is more cost-effective—one purchase gets you everything.
The Bottom Line
Both apps are excellent—it comes down to what matters most to you. For clean design, customization, and value, go with GoodNotes. For powerful features like audio recording, math formulas, and easy sharing, choose Notability.