GoodNotes vs Notability: Which is Better for Digital Planning?
When it comes to digital note-taking and planning, two of the most popular apps are GoodNotes vs Notability. Each has its strengths, making it essential to understand their differences before choosing the right one for your needs. Whether you’re using the Key2Success Digital Planner or simply looking for a reliable note-taking app, here’s how these two applications compare in terms of cost, functionality, and overall digital planning experience.
We’ll cover:
- What is Goodnotes?
- What is Notability?
- Comparison of Goodnotes vs Notability for key features
- How to use a digital planner on Goodnotes vs Notability
As always, we’re here to help if you have questions about digital planning! Reach out to our friendly team today!
What is GoodNotes?
GoodNotes is a popular digital note-taking app designed primarily for iPads, iPhones, and Macs. It allows users to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, organize digital planners, and sync their notes across devices using iCloud. The app mimics the experience of writing on paper but adds powerful search, organization, and cloud storage features.
Key Features of GoodNotes:
- Handwriting Recognition – Converts handwritten notes into searchable text.
- PDF Annotation – Ideal for marking up documents, textbooks, and digital planners.
- Notebook Organization – Users can create multiple notebooks with customizable covers.
- Multi-Device Syncing – Works across iPad, iPhone, and Mac with iCloud support.
- Multi-Window Support – Open and edit multiple notebooks at the same time.
- Pre-made Templates – Includes lined, graph, blank pages, and customizable options.
Why People Use GoodNotes?
GoodNotes is widely used by students, professionals, and digital planners. It’s great for:
- Taking class notes with an Apple Pencil.
- Planning and journaling using a digital planner like Key2Success.
- Sketching ideas and brainstorming.
- Annotating PDFs, contracts, and forms.
It is often compared to Notability, which offers similar features but has a different layout and pricing model.
What is Notability?
Notability is a digital note-taking app designed for iPads, iPhones, and Macs that combines handwriting, typing, PDF annotation, and audio recording into a seamless experience. It’s popular among students, professionals, and anyone who needs an interactive and versatile way to take notes.
Key Features of Notability:
- Handwriting & Typing – Write with an Apple Pencil or type notes side by side.
- Audio Recording – Syncs with your handwriting so you can listen to recorded lectures or meetings while reviewing your notes.
- PDF Annotation – Mark up PDFs, highlight text, and sign documents.
- Infinite Canvas – Unlike GoodNotes’ page-based system, Notability allows continuous scrolling.
- Multi-Device Syncing – Sync notes across iPad, iPhone, and Mac using iCloud.
- Multi-Note Functionality – View and work on two notes side by side.
Why People Use Notability?
Notability is especially popular for:
- Students who need to record lectures and take notes simultaneously.
- Professionals who want to annotate PDFs or capture meeting notes with audio.
- Creative users who prefer freeform note-taking without strict page layouts.
While Notability is excellent for audio-integrated note-taking, GoodNotes is often preferred for its structured organization and PDF annotation, especially for digital planning.
Cost Comparison: GoodNotes vs Notability
Both GoodNotes and Notability offer different pricing structures, which may influence your decision:
- GoodNotes 6 operates on a freemium model. The free version allows up to three notebooks, while a one-time purchase unlocks unlimited notebooks and additional features.
- Notability, on the other hand, requires a subscription for full functionality. While there is a free version, many premium features—including handwriting conversion and advanced audio syncing—are locked behind a paywall.
If you prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription, GoodNotes may be the better option. However, Notability’s subscription model includes cloud storage and frequent updates.
Application and Features: GoodNotes vs Notability
Both apps excel at handwriting, organization, and annotation, but they cater to slightly different needs:
- GoodNotes 6:
- Offers a structured notebook system, making it ideal for organized planners.
- Advanced handwriting recognition with seamless text conversion.
- Strong PDF annotation tools, perfect for importing planners like Key2Success Digital Planner.
- Multi-window support for enhanced multitasking on iPad.
- Notability:
- Features audio recording that syncs with notes, making it great for students or professionals who need to review lectures and meetings.
- More fluid note-taking with infinite scrolling instead of page-based organization.
- Limited organization tools compared to GoodNotes, but better for freeform note-taking.
How Digital Planning Works on Both
Using a digital planner like Key2Success in either app enhances productivity, but each provides a different experience:
- GoodNotes feels more structured, allowing users to seamlessly import, annotate, and organize their planner pages.
- Notability allows users to integrate audio recordings into planning, which may benefit those who prefer a more dynamic approach to note-taking.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
When considering GoodNotes vs Notability, the right choice depends on how you plan to use the app:
- Choose GoodNotes if you prefer a structured, one-time purchase option that works well with digital planners like Key2Success.
- Choose Notability if you need audio recording features and don’t mind a subscription-based model.
Both apps support digital planning, but GoodNotes tends to offer better PDF annotation and organization tools, making it the preferred choice for Key2Success Digital Planner users. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use the app in your daily workflow.
Visit the Goodnotes planner shop
Visit the PDF planner shop (which works on Notability)
