Notability remains a fantastic app, but it is no longer the only option. If you are an artist or student who loves the feel of pen on paper, is likely your best bet. If you need a free, robust tool that works on every device you own, Microsoft OneNote is the undisputed champion.
| 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 alternatives
Users who prioritize handwriting aesthetics and organization. Notability remains a fantastic app, but it is
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. | App | Platforms | Features | Pricing
Samsung Galaxy Tab users (Android).
AI-powered handwriting correction, shape recognition, and a "Marketplace" for planner templates.
⚠️ 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.