Alternatives · Note-Taking
Notes Writer alternatives
Notes Writer compared with 5 alternatives: Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Flexcil.
Notes Writer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes WriterThis tool | Free plan · from $1.99 | Yes | macOS, 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 |
| Flexcil | Free plan · from $8.99 | Yes | iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Notes Writer
- 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). Notes Writer starts at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time.
- Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
- Only Goodnotes lists Android and Windows apps.
- Goodnotes also covers transcription.
- Notes Writer also covers Markdown, documents and long-form writing.
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). Notes Writer starts at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time.
- Only Notability lists a web app.
- Only Notability lists Windows and Android apps.
- Notability also covers transcription and templates.
- Notes Writer also covers Markdown, whiteboard, documents and long-form writing.
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. Notes Writer starts at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time.
- Only Noteshelf lists Android and Windows apps.
- Noteshelf also covers templates.
- Notes Writer also covers Markdown, whiteboard, documents and long-form writing.
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. Notes Writer starts at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time.
- ZoomNotes also covers templates.
- Notes Writer also covers Markdown, documents and long-form writing.
Suits: iPad users who want fine zoom control for dense notes or sketches
- Free plan · from $8.99
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. Notes Writer starts at $1.99 per week; Lifetime Pro Full Unlock is $14.99 one-time.
- Only Flexcil lists an Android app.
- Only Notes Writer lists a macOS app.
- Notes Writer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Flexcil also covers templates.
Suits: Students who study from PDF textbooks and lecture slides
Limits worth knowing in Notes Writer
- The site publishes no prices. The US App Store lists Notes Writer Unlock All and AI at $3.99 and $14.99 without a billing period.
- On a Mac it runs as the iPad app and needs Apple silicon; no Android, Windows or web version is offered.
- The AI Assistant is optional, needs an internet connection, and its included usage depends on the plan.
- A separate paid app, Notes Writer Pro: Beyond PDFs, is listed at $14.99 on the US App Store with its own AI Assistant add-on at $3.99.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Notes Writer?
The alternatives to Notes Writer in this directory are Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Flexcil. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Notes Writer.
Is there a free alternative to Notes Writer?
Yes. Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf, ZoomNotes and Flexcil have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Notes Writer alternatives work on Windows?
The Notes Writer listing does not include a Windows app. Goodnotes, Notability and Noteshelf list one.
Which Notes Writer alternatives work on Android?
The Notes Writer listing does not include an Android app. Goodnotes, Notability, Noteshelf and Flexcil 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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