GoodNotes vs Xcos

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

GoodNotes

Xcos

GoodNotes vs Xcos: 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.

Xcos: Xcos is an open-source graphical programming tool for modeling and simulating dynamical systems, specifically designed for control systems modeling. It features block diagram modeling, simulation, data plotting, and embedded code generation.

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	Xcos
Sugggest Score	—	—
Category	Education & Reference	Development
Pricing	—	Open Source

Product Overview

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

Xcos

Description: Xcos is an open-source graphical programming tool for modeling and simulating dynamical systems, specifically designed for control systems modeling. It features block diagram modeling, simulation, data plotting, and embedded code generation.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

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

Xcos Features

Block diagram modeling
Simulation
Data plotting
Embedded code generation

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

Xcos

Pros

Open source
User friendly graphical interface
Integrates with Scilab for advanced computations
Can generate C code from models

Cons

Limited model debugging capabilities
Not as full featured as commercial tools like Simulink
Limited support and documentation

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes

Not listed

Xcos

Open Source

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