Skip to main content
HomeCompareGoodNotes vs Evernote

GoodNotes vs Evernote

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

GoodNotes logo

GoodNotes

Productivity & Notes

Try GoodNotes
VS
Evernote logo

Evernote

Productivity & Notes

Try Evernote

A
About GoodNotes

GoodNotes is a digital note-taking app that combines the feel of handwriting on paper with the convenience of digital organization. It uses advanced handwriting recognition to make notes searchable, and supports PDF annotation, document scanning, and a wide range of templates. The app is primarily designed for iPad and Apple devices, making it a favorite among students and professionals who prefer stylus-based input. Its notebook-style interface feels intuitive, and the ability to mix handwriting with typed text and images gives it a flexible edge over simpler note apps.

B
About Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking and organizational tool that lets users capture ideas, web clippings, documents, and to-do lists in searchable notebooks synced across all their devices. It's built for individuals, students, and professionals who need a centralized place to store and retrieve information quickly. Its powerful search — including the ability to find text within images and handwritten notes — sets it apart from simpler note apps. While it was once the dominant player in the space, increased competition and controversial pricing changes have narrowed its appeal, though it remains a capable and mature platform for serious note-takers.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
GoodNotes
Evernote
Price
From $7.99 one-time purchase
Free — From $7.99/user/mo
Category
Productivity & Notes
Productivity & Notes
Rating
3.8 (38)
4.1 (110)
Free Plan
No
Yes
Integrations
7+ apps
7+ apps
Founded
2011
2004

Feature Comparison

Feature
GoodNotes
Evernote
Handwriting recognition and conversion
Customizable digital notebooks
PDF annotation and markup tools
Searchable handwritten notes
Collaboration with shared notebooks
Import and export various file formats
Web clipping for saving articles
Document scanning and OCR
Task management with reminders
Notebook organization with tags
Cross-platform synchronization
Collaboration on shared notes

Choose GoodNotes

GoodNotes is a versatile note-taking app that makes organizing your thoughts easy and intuitive.

Try GoodNotes Free

Read full review

Choose Evernote

Evernote is a powerful note-taking app that helps you organize your thoughts and tasks seamlessly.

Try Evernote Free

Read full review

Not sure which to pick?

Get a personalized recommendation in 10 seconds.

Score Comparison

Ease of Use
8.0
8.0
Features
8.0
8.0
Pricing
7.0
7.0
Support
6.0
7.0
Integrations
8.0
8.0
Overall
7.4
7.6
GoodNotesEvernote

Our Verdict

GoodNotes

You prefer a one-time purchase for a versatile note-taking app that offers intuitive organization.

EvernoteWinner

Your team requires robust organization features for thoughts and tasks, with a moderate budget.

Better support

GoodNotes vs Evernote: The Bottom Line

Both GoodNotes and Evernote are strong productivity & notes tools, but they serve different needs. Evernote has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 3.8). On pricing, Evernote is more affordable starting at $0/mo.

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for GoodNotes and Evernote, explore GoodNotes alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GoodNotes or Evernote better?

It depends on your needs. GoodNotes (3.8★) is from $12/mo, while Evernote (4.1★) is free to start. Evernote has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from GoodNotes to Evernote?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Evernote has a migration guide or import tool specifically for GoodNotes users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, GoodNotes or Evernote?

Evernote starts at $0/mo, which is cheaper than GoodNotes at $12/mo. Evernote also offers a free plan.

What are the main differences between GoodNotes and Evernote?

GoodNotes focuses on handwriting recognition and conversion and customizable digital notebooks, while Evernote emphasizes web clipping for saving articles and document scanning and ocr. Both are in the Productivity & Notes category but serve slightly different use cases.