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GoodNotes vs not8

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

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
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not8

GoodNotes vs not8: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature GoodNotes not8
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

not8
not8

Description: not8 is an open-source note taking application focused on privacy and security. It allows users to easily take notes, organize them, and sync between devices while keeping data encrypted locally.

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
not8
not8 Features
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Local data storage
  • Open source
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Markdown support
  • Basic note organization
  • Sync between devices

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
not8
not8
Pros
  • Strong privacy and security
  • Local data control
  • Free and open source
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Simple markdown formatting
Cons
  • Limited features compared to proprietary apps
  • Requires some technical know-how to set up and use
  • No collaboration features
  • Basic UI
  • Sync can be tricky to set up

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
not8
not8
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
not8
not8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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