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Alternatives · Note-Taking

Rnote alternatives

Rnote compared with 4 alternatives: Xournal++, Saber, Linwood Butterfly and Stylus Labs Write.

Rnote is free to use. All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

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

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
RnoteThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
Xournal++FreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
SaberFree plan · from $5/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Linwood ButterflyFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android
Stylus Labs WriteFree plan · from $8.99 one-timeYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

How each one differs from Rnote

  1. Xournal++

    Open-source handwriting notes and PDF annotation for desktop

    • Xournal++ is free. Rnote is free.

    Suits: Handwritten notes with a stylus or drawing tablet on a computer

    Xournal++ vs RnoteXournal++ pricing and details

  2. Saber

    Open-source handwritten notes app for phones, tablets and PCs

    • Saber starts at Any amount per month for 10 GB of sync storage; $5 per month for 50 GB. Rnote is free.
    • Only Saber lists Android and iOS apps.
    • Saber is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: Students and others who take notes by hand on a tablet

    Saber vs RnoteSaber pricing and details

  3. Linwood Butterfly

    Open-source handwriting and sketching app with an infinite canvas

    • Linwood Butterfly is free. Rnote is free.
    • Only Linwood Butterfly lists a web app.
    • Only Linwood Butterfly lists an Android app.
    • Linwood Butterfly is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Linwood Butterfly also covers whiteboard and templates.

    Suits: Handwritten lecture notes and PDF markup with a stylus

    Linwood Butterfly vs RnoteLinwood Butterfly pricing and details

  4. Stylus Labs Write

    Open-source handwriting word processor for desktop and mobile

    • Stylus Labs Write starts at $8.99 one-time for the full iOS version; free on desktop and Android. Rnote is free.
    • Only Stylus Labs Write lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Stylus Labs Write also covers whiteboard.

    Suits: People who take handwritten notes on both a tablet and a desktop computer

    Stylus Labs Write vs RnoteStylus Labs Write pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Rnote

  • The site warns that the file format is still unstable and may break compatibility between versions.
  • Installs are listed for Linux, macOS and Windows only; there is no phone or tablet app or web version.
  • The macOS app bundle is packaged by a community contributor and downloaded from a separate GitLab project.
Rnote pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Rnote?

The alternatives to Rnote in this directory are Xournal++, Saber, Linwood Butterfly and Stylus Labs Write. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Rnote.

Is there a free alternative to Rnote?

Yes. Xournal++ and Linwood Butterfly are free to use. Saber and Stylus Labs Write have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Rnote alternatives work on Android?

The Rnote listing does not include an Android app. Saber, Linwood Butterfly and Stylus Labs Write list one.

Which Rnote alternatives work on iOS?

The Rnote listing does not include an iOS app. Saber and Stylus Labs Write list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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