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GoodNotes vs Summernote

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

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
Summernote icon
Summernote

GoodNotes vs Summernote: 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.

Summernote: Summernote is a simple WYSIWYG editor for creating and editing web content. It allows for easy formatting, adding links and media, and other basic text editing features.

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 Summernote
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

Summernote
Summernote

Description: Summernote is a simple WYSIWYG editor for creating and editing web content. It allows for easy formatting, adding links and media, and other basic text editing features.

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
Summernote
Summernote Features
  • WYSIWYG editor
  • Text formatting
  • Insert images, links, videos
  • Code view
  • Table support
  • Air-mode for distraction free writing
  • Internationalization support
  • Themes
  • Plugins

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
Summernote
Summernote
Pros
  • Open source and free
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to integrate
  • Good documentation
  • Active development
  • Customizable via plugins and themes
Cons
  • Limited features compared to heavier editors
  • Basic text formatting only
  • No advanced layout options
  • Limited plugin ecosystem

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
Summernote
Summernote
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Summernote
Summernote
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