Alternatives · Note-Taking
Inkflow alternatives
Inkflow compared with 5 alternatives: Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Penbook.
Inkflow has a free plan. Paid plans start at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| InkflowThis tool | Free plan · from $12.99 one-time | Yes | iOS |
| Goodnotes | Free plan · from $11.99/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Notability | Free plan · from $14.99/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Noteshelf | Free plan · from $7.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| ZoomNotes | Free plan · from $7.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| Penbook | Free plan · from $4.99 | Yes | iOS |
How each one differs from Inkflow
- Free plan · from $11.99/yr
Goodnotes
Handwritten notes, PDF markup and whiteboards with an AI assistant
- Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential). Inkflow starts at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade.
- Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
- Only Goodnotes lists macOS, Android and Windows apps.
- Goodnotes also covers transcription and whiteboard.
Suits: Handwritten notes on an iPad with Apple Pencil
- Free plan · from $14.99/yr
Notability
Handwritten notes with synced audio, transcripts and AI study tools
- Notability starts at $14.99 per year, or $4.99 per month (Lite). Inkflow starts at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade.
- Only Notability lists a web app.
- Only Notability lists macOS, Windows and Android apps.
- Notability also covers transcription and templates.
Suits: Students recording lectures alongside handwritten notes
- Free plan · from $7.99 one-time
Noteshelf
Handwritten note-taking and PDF annotation for stylus devices
- Noteshelf starts at $7.99 one-time on Windows; Premium is $9.99 one-time on Android. Inkflow starts at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade.
- Only Noteshelf lists macOS, Android and Windows apps.
- Noteshelf also covers templates.
Suits: Students and teachers taking handwritten notes with a stylus
- Free plan · from $7.99 one-time
ZoomNotes
Handwriting, sketching and PDF notes with a near-unlimited zoom range
- ZoomNotes starts at $7.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad; $6.99 one-time for Mac. Inkflow starts at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade.
- Only ZoomNotes lists a macOS app.
- ZoomNotes also covers whiteboard and templates.
Suits: iPad users who want fine zoom control for dense notes or sketches
- Free plan · from $4.99
Penbook
Handwriting notebooks and live planners for iPad and iPhone
- Penbook starts at $4.99 - $39.99 per in-app item (basis not shown); $49.99 lifetime. Inkflow starts at $12.99 one-time in-app upgrade.
- Penbook also covers daily notes and templates.
Suits: People who keep planners, journals or bullet journals on an iPad
Limits worth knowing in Inkflow
- It is available for iPad and iPhone only; the vendor lists no Android, Windows or web version.
- The free edition has black ink only, 5 fonts and a 20-page limit per book; color, extra tools and unlimited pages need Inkflow Plus.
- The user guide describes manual backup through iTunes File Sharing and does not mention syncing books between devices.
- The App Store listing notes that the free app contains advertising.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Inkflow?
The alternatives to Inkflow in this directory are Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Penbook. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Inkflow.
Is there a free alternative to Inkflow?
Yes. Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Penbook have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Inkflow alternatives work on Windows?
The Inkflow listing does not include a Windows app. Goodnotes, Notability and Noteshelf list one.
Which Inkflow alternatives work on macOS?
The Inkflow listing does not include a macOS app. Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf and ZoomNotes list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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