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GoodNotes vs Zettlr

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

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
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Zettlr

GoodNotes vs Zettlr: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature GoodNotes Zettlr
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

Zettlr
Zettlr

Description: Zettlr is a markdown editor for students, academics and novelists. It features a distraction-free writing mode, auto-save, syntax highlighting for various markup languages, and support for citations and bibliographies.

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
Zettlr
Zettlr Features
  • Markdown editing
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Auto-save
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Citations and bibliographies
  • Export to various formats
  • Tagging and search
  • Dark mode
  • Spell checking
  • Word count

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
Zettlr
Zettlr
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Minimalist and clean interface
  • Good Markdown support
  • Useful academic writing features
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • No collaboration features
  • Steep learning curve for some features

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
Zettlr
Zettlr
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Zettlr
Zettlr
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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