Alternatives · Note-Taking
Notewise alternatives
Notewise compared with 6 alternatives: Goodnotes, Notability, Notein, Flexcil, Noteshelf and 1 more.
Notewise has a free plan. Paid plans start at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time. All 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| NotewiseThis tool | Free plan · from $2.42/mo | Yes | iOS, Android |
| 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 |
| Notein | Free plan · from $5.99 | Yes | Android |
| Flexcil | Free plan · from $8.99 | Yes | iOS, Android |
| Noteshelf | Free plan · from $7.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Squid | Free plan · from $1.00 | Yes | Android |
How each one differs from Notewise
- 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). Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Only Goodnotes lists a web app.
- Only Goodnotes lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes.
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). Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Only Notability lists a web app.
- Only Notability lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Notability also covers templates.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes and whiteboard.
Suits: Students recording lectures alongside handwritten notes
- Free plan · from $5.99
Notein
Handwriting notes, PDF markup and linked notes for Android tablets
- Notein starts at $5.99 per in-app item on the US listing (Orion Notes); billing basis not shown. Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Only Notewise lists an iOS app.
- Notewise can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Notein also covers linked notes and templates.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes and transcription.
Suits: Android tablet and stylus users who want handwritten notes
- 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. Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Notewise can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Flexcil also covers templates.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes, transcription and whiteboard.
Suits: Students who study from PDF textbooks and lecture slides
- 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. Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Only Noteshelf lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Noteshelf also covers templates.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes, transcription and whiteboard.
Suits: Students and teachers taking handwritten notes with a stylus
- Free plan · from $1.00
Squid
Handwritten notes and PDF markup for Android and Chromebooks
- Squid starts at $1.00 - $14.99 per in-app item on Google Play; billing basis not shown. Notewise starts at $2.42 per month, billed yearly ($28.99); Classic Unlimited is $16.99 one-time.
- Only Notewise lists an iOS app.
- Notewise can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes and transcription.
Suits: Students and teachers writing by hand on Android tablets or Chromebooks
Limits worth knowing in Notewise
- Apps are offered for iPhone, iPad and Android; browser access is for viewing synced or shared notes and needs a Notewise Cloud subscription.
- Classic Unlimited has no AI, sync or collaboration, and its license is tied to the Apple ID or Google Play account it was bought with.
- AI features share a monthly credit allowance and pause when it runs out; Basic gets about a third of Starter's allowance.
- When a subscription ends, cloud notes are kept for a 30-day grace period and then permanently deleted.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Notewise?
The alternatives to Notewise in this directory are Goodnotes, Notability, Notein, Flexcil, Noteshelf and Squid. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Notewise.
Is there a free alternative to Notewise?
Yes. Goodnotes, Notability, Notein, Flexcil, Noteshelf and Squid have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Notewise alternatives work on Windows?
The Notewise listing does not include a Windows app. Goodnotes, Notability and Noteshelf list one.
Which Notewise alternatives work on macOS?
The Notewise listing does not include a macOS app. Goodnotes, Notability and Noteshelf 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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