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Alternatives · Note-Taking

MarginNote alternatives

MarginNote compared with 6 alternatives: LiquidText, RemNote, Flexcil, Goodnotes, Heptabase and 1 more.

MarginNote is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only). 5 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

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

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
MarginNoteThis toolFree trial · from $12.99 one-timeTrial onlymacOS, iOS
LiquidTextFree plan · from $8.99/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS
RemNoteFree plan · from $8/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
FlexcilFree plan · from $8.99YesiOS, Android
GoodnotesFree plan · from $11.99/yrYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
HeptabaseFree trial · from $8.99/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
NoteeyFree plan · from $90/yrYesWeb, macOS, Windows

How each one differs from MarginNote

  1. LiquidText

    Document review workspace that links excerpts to notes

    • LiquidText starts at $8.99 per month, paid annually (LIVE). MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • LiquidText has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only LiquidText lists a Windows app.
    • LiquidText also covers research.
    • MarginNote also covers linked notes.

    Suits: Lawyers and analysts reviewing long documents

    LiquidText vs MarginNoteLiquidText pricing and details

  2. RemNote

    Note-taking app with built-in flashcards and spaced repetition

    • RemNote starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96). MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • RemNote has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only RemNote lists a web app.
    • Only RemNote lists Windows, Linux and Android apps.
    • Only RemNote lists a browser extension.

    Suits: Students who want notes and flashcards in one app

    RemNote vs MarginNoteRemNote pricing and details

  3. Flexcil

    PDF reader and handwriting notebook built around pen gestures

    • Flexcil starts at $8.99 (Premium) or $9.99 (Flexcil Standard) on the US App Store; basis not shown. MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • Flexcil has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Flexcil lists an Android app.
    • Only MarginNote lists a macOS app.
    • MarginNote can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Students who study from PDF textbooks and lecture slides

    Flexcil vs MarginNoteFlexcil pricing and details

  4. Goodnotes

    Handwritten notes, PDF markup and whiteboards with an AI assistant

    • Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential). MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • Goodnotes has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
    • Only Goodnotes lists Android and Windows apps.
    • Goodnotes also covers transcription and whiteboard.

    Suits: Handwritten notes on an iPad with Apple Pencil

    Goodnotes vs MarginNoteGoodnotes pricing and details

  5. Heptabase

    Visual notes app that arranges linked cards on whiteboards

    • Heptabase starts at $8.99 per month, billed yearly ($107.88). MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • Only Heptabase lists a web app.
    • Only Heptabase lists Windows, Linux and Android apps.
    • Only Heptabase lists a browser extension.
    • MarginNote can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Students and researchers learning complex topics from PDFs and videos

    Heptabase vs MarginNoteHeptabase pricing and details

  6. Noteey

    Offline infinite-canvas app for visual notes, PDFs and video

    • Noteey starts at $90 per year (Premium plan), or $99 one-time for a Desktop Pro license. MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only).
    • Noteey has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Noteey lists a web app.
    • Only Noteey lists a Windows app.
    • Only MarginNote lists an iOS app.

    Suits: Visual thinkers who lay out notes, PDFs and videos on one canvas

    Noteey vs MarginNoteNoteey pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in MarginNote

  • Apple devices only, and the $12.99 Pro Lifetime license does not include the Mac app.
  • AI runs on credits: Pro gets 500 once, Max Lifetime gets 500 a month for 3 years only, and add-on packs start at $1.39 for 500.
  • App Store and DMG licenses are separate systems; buying one does not produce a license for the other.
  • The Max Annual trial auto-renews at $16.99 a year unless it is cancelled before the month ends.
MarginNote pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to MarginNote?

The alternatives to MarginNote in this directory are LiquidText, RemNote, Flexcil, Goodnotes, Heptabase and Noteey. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with MarginNote.

Is there a free alternative to MarginNote?

Yes. LiquidText, RemNote, Flexcil, Goodnotes and Noteey have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which MarginNote alternatives work on Windows?

The MarginNote listing does not include a Windows app. LiquidText, RemNote, Goodnotes, Heptabase and Noteey list one.

Which MarginNote alternatives work on Linux?

The MarginNote listing does not include a Linux app. RemNote and Heptabase list one.

When were these prices checked?

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

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