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GoodNotes vs ZenTao

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

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
ZenTao icon
ZenTao

GoodNotes vs ZenTao: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature GoodNotes ZenTao
Sugggest Score
Category Education & Reference Development
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

ZenTao
ZenTao

Description: ZenTao is an open-source, self-hosted project management software. It allows teams to plan projects and sprints, track tasks and issues, manage documents, conduct code reviews, track time and productivity, and generate reports. ZenTao integrates with Git and various CI tools.

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
ZenTao
ZenTao Features
  • Project management
  • Task management
  • Bug tracking
  • Time tracking
  • Agile boards
  • Code review
  • Document management
  • Reporting and analytics

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
ZenTao
ZenTao
Pros
  • Open source and self-hosted
  • Integrates with Git, Slack, Jenkins etc
  • Customizable workflows
  • Scalable for large teams
  • Free and easy to get started
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Not as user friendly as other PM tools
  • Limited native mobile apps
  • Can be resource intensive to host yourself

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
ZenTao
ZenTao
  • Open Source

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