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GoodNotes vs KeepNote

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
KeepNote icon
KeepNote

GoodNotes vs KeepNote: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

GoodNotes: GoodNotes is a digital handwriting and note-taking app for iPad and iPhone. It allows you to take notes, annotate PDFs, sketch ideas, and organize notes into notebooks using the Apple Pencil or your finger. GoodNotes is intuitive, flexible, and great for students and professionals.

KeepNote: KeepNote is an open-source note taking and organization program. It provides a simple tree-based notebook metaphor for storing notes and information in a hierarchical structure much like folders on a file system.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature GoodNotes KeepNote
Sugggest Score — —
Category Education & Reference Office & Productivity
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

GoodNotes
GoodNotes

Description: GoodNotes is a digital handwriting and note-taking app for iPad and iPhone. It allows you to take notes, annotate PDFs, sketch ideas, and organize notes into notebooks using the Apple Pencil or your finger. GoodNotes is intuitive, flexible, and great for students and professionals.

Type: software

KeepNote
KeepNote

Description: KeepNote is an open-source note taking and organization program. It provides a simple tree-based notebook metaphor for storing notes and information in a hierarchical structure much like folders on a file system.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes Features
  • Handwriting and drawing with Apple Pencil
  • Annotate PDFs and documents
  • Create and organize notes into notebooks
  • Variety of pen styles and colors
  • Shape recognition
  • Zoom writing
  • Search handwritten notes
KeepNote
KeepNote Features
  • Note taking
  • Note organization
  • Rich text editing
  • Tagging
  • Searching
  • Note exporting

Pros & Cons Analysis

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Pros
  • Natural writing and drawing experience
  • Powerful organization with notebooks
  • Ability to search handwritten notes
  • Integrates well with other Apple products and services
Cons
  • No web or Windows version
  • Less templates compared to competitors
  • Can be pricey compared to free alternatives
KeepNote
KeepNote
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Good for organizing notes
  • Available on Linux, Mac, and Windows
Cons
  • Basic features compared to alternatives
  • Development seems inactive
  • No mobile apps
  • No collaboration features

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
KeepNote
KeepNote
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
KeepNote
KeepNote
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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