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Goodnotes alternatives · Note-Taking

Open-source alternatives to Goodnotes

Goodnotes is not described as open source on its own site. 50 of the 146 other note-taking apps in this directory are open source, according to their own sites.

Goodnotes has a free plan. Paid plans start at $11.99 per year (Essential). All of them are free or have a free plan.

50 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

The 12 closest to Goodnotes

  1. AppFlowy

    Open-core workspace for docs, wikis and projects you can self-host

    • AppFlowy starts at $6 / month, billed annually (self-hosted One); cloud Pro is $16 per member. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only AppFlowy lists a Linux app.
    • AppFlowy is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Goodnotes can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    AppFlowy pricing and details

  2. AFFiNE

    Open-source workspace that merges docs, whiteboards and databases

    • AFFiNE starts at $6.75 per month, billed annually. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only AFFiNE lists a Linux app.
    • Only AFFiNE lists a browser extension.
    • AFFiNE is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    AFFiNE pricing and details

  3. Tolaria

    Free, open-source desktop app for Markdown knowledge bases

    • Tolaria is free. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Tolaria lists a Linux app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists iOS and Android apps.
    Tolaria pricing and details

  4. FSNotes

    Open-source Markdown notes app for Mac and iPhone

    • FSNotes starts at $4.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad; $8.99 one-time for Mac. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists Android and Windows apps.
    • FSNotes is open source, according to its own site.
    FSNotes pricing and details

  5. Lockbook

    Open-source encrypted notes app with Markdown and drawing

    • Lockbook starts at $2.99 per month. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Lockbook lists a Linux app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Lockbook is open source, self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Lockbook pricing and details

  6. Linwood Butterfly

    Open-source handwriting and sketching app with an infinite canvas

    • Linwood Butterfly is free. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Linwood Butterfly lists a Linux app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists an iOS app.
    • Linwood Butterfly is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Linwood Butterfly pricing and details

  7. GitJournal

    Mobile Markdown notes app that syncs through any Git repository

    • GitJournal starts at $1.99 per month in installments, or $31.99 one-time (US App Store minimums). Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists macOS and Windows apps.
    • GitJournal is open source, according to its own site.
    GitJournal pricing and details

  8. NoteGen

    Open-source Markdown notes app that organizes captures with AI

    • NoteGen is free. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only NoteGen lists a Linux app.
    • Only NoteGen lists a browser extension.
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    NoteGen pricing and details

  9. Zavala

    Free open-source outliner for Mac, iPhone and iPad

    • Zavala is free. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists Android and Windows apps.
    • Zavala is open source, according to its own site.
    Zavala pricing and details

  10. Stylus Labs Write

    Open-source handwriting word processor for desktop and mobile

    • Stylus Labs Write starts at $8.99 one-time for the full iOS version; free on desktop and Android. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Stylus Labs Write lists a Linux app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Stylus Labs Write is open source, according to its own site.
    Stylus Labs Write pricing and details

  11. DeepNotes

    End-to-end encrypted infinite canvas for nested notes

    • DeepNotes starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly ($47.88). Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only DeepNotes lists a Linux app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists iOS and Android apps.
    • DeepNotes is open source and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    DeepNotes pricing and details

  12. Logseq

    Open-source outliner for linked notes stored as local files

    • Logseq starts at $5 per month for Open Collective backers, which unlocks Logseq Sync. Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential).
    • Only Logseq lists a Linux app.
    • Logseq is open source, according to its own site.
    • Goodnotes can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    Logseq pricing and details

38 more that are open source

All 50 in one table

Common questions

Is there an open-source alternative to Goodnotes?

Yes. AppFlowy, AFFiNE, Tolaria, FSNotes, Lockbook, Linwood Butterfly, GitJournal, NoteGen and 42 more are open source, according to their own sites.

Is Goodnotes open source?

Goodnotes is not described as open source on its own site. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Goodnotes: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.