Best Free GoodNotes Alternatives for iPad: Apps Every Student Should Know

In the world of digital note-taking, GoodNotes has established itself as a top choice for iPad users, especially among students and tech enthusiasts. However, not everyone wants to pay for a note-taking app, particularly when free alternatives offer similar features.

This article is here to help you find the best free GoodNotes alternatives for iPad, ensuring you can take effective notes without spending a dime.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Free GoodNotes Alternatives

Handwriting Recognition
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Ease of Use
Cloud Syncing

Comparison between Free GoodNotes Alternatives

App Name	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Best For
Microsoft OneNote	Handwriting support, Cloud sync, collaboration tools	Integration with Microsoft office, multi-device access	Interface can be complex	Integration with Microsoft Office, multi-device access
Apple Notes	Handwriting, iCloud sync, simplicity	Pre-installed, seamless Apple ecosystem integration	Lacks advanced features compared to other	users who prefer simplicity and use other Apple devices
Nebo(Free version)	Advanced handwriting recognition, text conversion	Excellent handwriting recognition	Limited features in free version	User prioritizing handwriting recognition and text conversion
CollaNote	Handwriting, audio notes, collaboration features	Free with powerful tools like audio recording and collaboration	Limited formatting options	Students needing collaboration tools and audio notes
Noteful	Handwriting, multi-note view, PDF annotation	PDF editing, handwriting support	Fewer collaboration options	Students who needs handwriting and PDF annotation
Notability(Free Version)	Handwriting, audio recording, multi-note support	Powerful features like note organization, free version available	Limited cloud sync in free version	Students needs both handwriting and audio recording

Top 6 Free GoodNotes Alternatives for iPad

1. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is one of the most popular and robust alternatives to GoodNotes. It offers a wide range of features that make it an excellent choice for students and tech enthusiasts alike.

This free app supports both text and handwriting, making it ideal for those who prefer to take notes using the Apple Pencil.

✨ Key Features:

Handwriting and text note-taking.
Cloud syncing across devices.
Collaboration tools for group work.
Integration with Microsoft Office.

Pros: Multi-device access, Collaboration tools, Comprehensive Organization.
Cons: Complex interface, Not optimized for all types of note-taking.

2. Apple Notes

Apple Notes, Best Free GoodNotes Alternatives for ipad — Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Apple Notes is another excellent free GoodNotes alternative for iPad, especially for users who want a simple and reliable note-taking app that works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.

Since it’s pre-installed on every Apple device, there’s no need for additional downloads, making it an easy and accessible choice for students and tech enthusiasts.

✨Key Features:

Handwriting and text note support.
iCloud sync for multi-device access.
Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Option to add images, links, and checklists to notes.

Pros: Seamless integration with Apple devices, User-friendly interface, Handwriting support.
Cons: Limited advanced features, Basic organization.

3. Nebo

Nebo is a powerful note-taking app that stands out as one of the best free GoodNotes alternatives for iPad, Particularly for users who prioritize handwriting recognition.

Nebo offers advanced handwriting-to-text conversion, making it ideal for students and tech enthusiasts who prefer to write by hand but need to flexibility to convert those notes into editable text.

✨ Key features:

Advanced handwriting recognition and text conversion.
Apple Pencil support for smooth note-taking.
Multi-language support for handwriting.
Organize notes into pages and notebooks.

Pros: Handwriting-to-text conversion, Multi-language support, Apple Pencil integration.
Cons: Limited free version features, No collaboration tools.

4. CollaNote

CollaNote is a feature-rich and completely free app that shines as a best note taking apps for iPad. It combines essential note-taking features with collaboration tools, making it an ideal choice for students and tech enthusiasts.

CollaNote offers great features to take real-time lectures or meetings so that makes it the best iPad note taking apps out there.

✨ Key Features:

Handwriting and audio notes.
Real-time collaboration and sharing.
Multiple page styles and templates.
Apple Pencil Support.

Pros: Completely free, Audio notes, comprehensive collaboration tools.
Cons: Limited formatting options, Basic interface.

5. Noteful

NoteFul is another strong contender as a GoodNote alternative for iPad, offering features tailored for those who frequently work with PDFs and handwritten notes.

Noteful’s handwriting capabilities and Apple Pencil support ensure that users can take fluid, precise notes while managing multiple documents simultaneously.

✨ Key Features:

PDF annotation and editing.
Handwriting support with Apple Pencil.
Multi-note view for managing several documents at once.
Cloud sync for easy access across devices.

Pros: Excellent PDF annotation tools, Multi-note view, and Handwriting Support.
Cons: Limited collaboration features, Less customization.

6. Notability

Notability note taking app — Photo by Notability

Notability is widely recognized as one of the most popular note-taking apps, and it stands out as a top Goodnotes replacements for iPad. while the full version is paid, Notability offers a free version that still includes many powerful features, such as handwriting support, and audio recording.

✨ Key Features:

Handwriting with Apple Pencil support
Audio recording while taking notes.
Multi-note view for working on multiple documents simultaneously
PDF annotation(Limited in the free version)

Pros: Audio recording, Smooth user experience, Multi-note view.
Cons: Limited cloud syncing in the free version, Restricted features.

Conclusion on Free GoodNotes Alternative

Finding the right GoodNotes alternative for iPad doesn’t have to be difficult, especially with so many free options available. Whether you’re a student looking for simple note-taking or a tech enthusiast needing advanced features like PDF annotations and handwriting recognition.

If you have any other suggestions or wanna add your favorite note-taking apps to this list then you can contact us and we can work together.