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Microsoft OneNote alternatives · Note-Taking

Alternatives to Microsoft OneNote with a one-time purchase

The Microsoft OneNote listing shows no one-time purchase. 46 of the 146 other note-taking apps in this directory can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Microsoft OneNote has a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal). 31 of them are free or have a free plan.

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

The 12 closest to Microsoft OneNote

  1. Goodnotes

    Handwritten notes, PDF markup and whiteboards with an AI assistant

    • Goodnotes starts at $11.99 per year (Essential). Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    • Goodnotes can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Goodnotes also covers whiteboard.
    Goodnotes vs Microsoft OneNoteGoodnotes pricing and details

  2. MyScript Notes

    Handwriting notes app that converts pen strokes to typed text

    • MyScript Notes starts at $1.99 on the US App Store; billing period not labeled. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    • MyScript Notes can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    MyScript Notes vs Microsoft OneNoteMyScript Notes pricing and details

  3. Notability

    Handwritten notes with synced audio, transcripts and AI study tools

    • Notability starts at $14.99 per year, or $4.99 per month (Lite). Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    • Notability can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Notability also covers templates.
    Notability vs Microsoft OneNoteNotability pricing and details

  4. 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. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    • Noteshelf can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    Noteshelf vs Microsoft OneNoteNoteshelf pricing and details

  5. UpNote

    Cross-platform notes app with a lifetime purchase option

    • UpNote starts at $1.99 per month, or $39.99 once for lifetime (Premium). Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only UpNote lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • UpNote can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    UpNote pricing and details

  6. DEVONthink

    Document and information manager for Mac, iPhone and iPad

    • DEVONthink starts at $99 one-time license, with 2 Mac seats and 1 year of updates. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Microsoft OneNote has a free plan. DEVONthink does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows and Android apps.
    • DEVONthink can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    DEVONthink pricing and details

  7. CollaNote

    Handwriting and PDF markup notes for iPad, iPhone and Mac

    • CollaNote starts at $13.90 one-time (Lifetime Premium). Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    CollaNote pricing and details

  8. MarginNote

    Study reader that turns highlights into mind maps and cards

    • MarginNote starts at $12.99 one-time (Pro Lifetime, iPhone and iPad only). Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Microsoft OneNote has a free plan. MarginNote does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows and Android apps.
    MarginNote pricing and details

  9. Tinderbox

    Mac tool for mapping, analyzing and sharing notes

    • Tinderbox starts at $289 one-time license, with a year of free updates. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Microsoft OneNote has a free plan. Tinderbox does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
    Tinderbox pricing and details

  10. Notewise

    Handwriting canvas and AI notes for iPhone, iPad and Android

    • Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows and macOS apps.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    Notewise pricing and details

  11. MyInfo

    Offline note-taking and personal information manager for Windows

    • MyInfo starts at $99 one-time purchase, plus tax. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Microsoft OneNote has a free plan. MyInfo does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    MyInfo pricing and details

  12. SnipNotes

    Notebook and clipboard app for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch

    • SnipNotes starts at $1.99 subscription (period not labelled), or $14.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad. Microsoft OneNote starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Only Microsoft OneNote lists a browser extension.
    SnipNotes pricing and details

34 more that can be bought with a one-time purchase

All 46 in one table

Common questions

Is there an alternative to Microsoft OneNote that you buy once?

Yes. Goodnotes, MyScript Notes, Notability, Noteshelf, UpNote, DEVONthink, CollaNote, MarginNote and 38 more can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Can you buy Microsoft OneNote once instead of subscribing?

The Microsoft OneNote listing shows no one-time purchase. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these note-taking apps are free?

Goodnotes, MyScript Notes, Notability, Noteshelf, UpNote, CollaNote, Notewise, SnipNotes and 23 more are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 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 Microsoft OneNote: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.