Goodnotes vs. Notability: The Comparison (2024)

GoodNotes vs. Notability: The Comparison (2024) ✍️

For over a decade, GoodNotes and Notability have been the two leading apps for digital note-taking. Both apps are highly rated and offer unique features that set them apart from other apps. But which one is the better choice? Here's a detailed comparison to break down the differences and help you find the best app for your needs.

User Interface and Navigation 🗂️

GoodNotes:

• Interface: List or grid view
• Sorting: By name, date or file type
• Menu: Search, share documents, quick access
• Tools: Settings, bulk editing, notifications, GoodNotes Shop

GoodNotes offers a versatile interface that lets you view notes either as a list or as a grid. The menu at the bottom of the screen gives you quick access to the most important features, while the icons in the top right provide additional tools. This structure is especially useful for users who manage lots of different note types and documents.

Notability:

• Interface: Split view with sidebar
• Organization: Folders and dividers
• Menu: Bulk editing, sharing, new folders/dividers, search, import, Notability Gallery

Notability uses a split view, where the left sidebar contains folders and dividers while the notes are shown on the right. This setup gives you quick access to all your notes and documents, which is especially handy for users who prefer a minimalist, efficient way of working.

Comparison: When it comes to the interface, Notability has a slight edge, since the sidebar makes it easier to get to all your notes and folders. This is especially useful for users who need to switch quickly between different notes and projects.

Note Creation and Document Management 📝

Notability:

• Note creation: Quick and easy with default templates
• Organization: Subjects and dividers, up to 5 levels deep
• Navigation: Seamless vertical scrolling

Notability makes creating notes very easy. One tap on the right button instantly creates a new note within the selected subject. This simplicity makes Notability ideal for users who want to take notes quickly and efficiently.

GoodNotes:

• Note creation: Two-step process with different document types
• Organization: Vertical levels, tested up to 10 levels deep
• Search: Optical character recognition (OCR) for handwritten notes

GoodNotes offers more flexibility when creating notes. Users can choose from different document types and customize page templates. This may seem complex to some users, but it offers more options for customizing and organizing your notes.

Comparison: Both apps offer robust tools for note creation and document management. Notability is simpler and faster to use, while GoodNotes offers more customization options and a powerful search function.

Tools and Features 🎨

Shared features:

• Tools: Pen, highlighter, eraser, lasso tool, text box
• Customization: Color, style, pressure sensitivity
• Handwriting recognition: Handwriting-to-text conversion
• Shape recognition: Shape recognition and fill

Notability:

• Unique features: Favorites bar for quick tool selection, Pencil tool for a paper-like writing feel

GoodNotes:

• Unique features: Built-in flashcard maker for creating flashcards straight from your notes

Comparison: Notability offers a favorites bar that makes it easy to reach frequently used tools, while GoodNotes offers a unique study aid with its flashcard maker. Both apps have their strengths, but the choice depends on your individual needs.

Extra Features and Syncing 🔄

PDF and image annotation:

• Both apps offer comprehensive tools for annotating PDFs and images, making them ideal for studying and professional use.

Audio recording:

• Notability: Real-time syncing of audio recordings with notes, ideal for lectures and meetings
• GoodNotes: Added audio recording in 2023, but without real-time syncing

Flashcards and math conversion:

• GoodNotes: In-app flashcard maker, ideal for studying and reviewing
• Notability: Math conversion tool for recognizing mathematical symbols and equations

Syncing and backup:

• GoodNotes: iCloud syncing and third-party backup (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
• Notability: Syncing and backup only with Notability Plus, also supports third-party backup

Comparison: GoodNotes offers better integration of study tools and more comprehensive backup options at no extra cost. Notability shines with its audio syncing and math conversion tool, but some features are locked behind a subscription.

Pricing and Updates 💰

GoodNotes:

• Cost: One-time purchase price of €8.99
• Updates: Regular updates for all users

Notability:

• Cost: Free version with premium subscription (€12.99 per year)
• Updates: Some features only available with a subscription

Comparison: GoodNotes offers a more affordable solution with a one-time purchase price and regular updates for all users. Notability's subscription model can be more expensive in the long run, but it offers a free basic version for occasional users.

Conclusion and Recommendation 🏁

Both apps have their strengths and weaknesses. Notability is ideal for users looking for a simple, fast note-taking app, while GoodNotes offers more customization options and study tools. In the end, the best app for you comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

Our pick for both apps: PaperX 📄

No matter which note-taking app you choose, using our magnetic paper-like screen protector PaperX can significantly improve the writing experience on your iPad. PaperX offers a paper-like surface that makes writing and drawing feel more natural, while not making your screen annoyingly matte :)