Аналог notability для windows

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

Have you been trying to use Notability, but it’s a bit pricey or unavailable on your device? Don’t worry! Today, we talk about the best Notability alternatives. So, if you use Windows or Android, there’s something from our Notability competitors. And yes, iPad and Mac users aren’t left out!

If you need a Notability substitute, this post is for you! We’ll look at some great options, and we’re sure you’ll find a Notability replacement that’s just perfect for your needs.

Top 10 Notability competitors with similar products

Here are the apps like Notability for Windows, Android, (and of course Apple devices) that we think are the best Notability alternatives. Although they are all fairly similar, some Notability competitors will be better suited to your circumstances than others. So, read more about the Notability competition below!

If you’ve been in search of an alternative to Notability, you likely fall into any of these categories: 

• you’ve used Notability for note taking tasks, 

• you’re satisfied but curious about another notebook option, 

• you have used Notability before but aren’t fully satisfied and in search of another alternative to notability, 

• you have not used Notability before because it’s not available on Android, and your Android tablet really needs a note-taking app similar to Notability.

You are in the right place! These alternatives to notability have one or two things that make them suitable alternatives. If you’re searching for the best note taking app for Mac, you’ll find suitable options here. 

And if what you need is a freemium offer, there’s something here for you as well. Likewise, if you’re looking for a note-taking option with proper collaboration tools for team tasks, you’ll find something here for you. If what interests you is a cross-platform private notes app, or something with more task management features, there are Notability alternatives for you here. 

Let’s take a look at our top 10 Notability alternatives table first.
 

Here’s our full list of the best Notability alternatives 2025:

Now that you’ve seen our list above, we will give more details on our best Notability alternatives available to you. Some of these apps are free, and some are even better for you than Notability. These apps are similar to Notability and definitely some of the top note-taking apps around!

We won’t be going into any details on Notability as we’ve got an in-depth Notability review to help you get more information on the app. What we are sure of, is that if you’re looking for a worthy alternative to Notability to help you with your to-do list and note taking in general, you’ll be pleased with our selections for you.

Here are 13 good alternatives to Notability: 
 

1. Microsoft OneNote (best Notability alternative overall)

Many people consider OneNote better than Notability, and there are good reasons for this, including its valuable ecosystem and the number of features available on its free version. While it’s arguable if OneNote is the best alternative to Notability, it’s, however, undoubtedly one of the best note taking apps you’ll find on the market.

Microsoft OneNote is packed with many features, including collaboration, cloud storage, audio and video recording, digital ink for more convincing handwritten notes, and advanced search, amongst other features. It’s also available across multiple devices, including Android Tablet, iPad, Mac, and Windows. 

OneNote is also compatible with some stylus for more realistic handwritten notes and PDF annotation. Likewise, if you have an account across various devices, you can easily sync your data and continue your notes without losing any data.

Microsoft OneNote is best for:

• Individuals

• Students

• Professionals

• Teams 

• Small businesses

Features

• Cross-platform compatibility

• Freeform note-taking with various media

• Integration with Microsoft Office suite

• Cloud synchronization with OneDrive

• Collaboration and sharing features

Pricing

• Free for up to 5GB of notes

• $6.99/month for 100GB

Microsoft Onenote Review

Visit Microsft Onenote website 
 

2. Google Keep (best free Notability alternative)

There are a lot of free Notability alternatives, but Google Keep offers more value than most for a completely free app. For those looking for free apps like Notability, Google Keep is an option to look out for. 

Google Keep is an excellent note-taking tool for individuals who value simplicity and usability. Its straightforward user interface and robust features make it ideal for anybody searching for a quick and simple solution to keep organized and on top of their activities.

Google Keep is an app that lets you do practically everything that any other note-taking program can accomplish. You may create reminders and alarms, color-code your notes to make them easier to find and identify, and more. Its collaboration capabilities are also top notch as you can collaborate on documents with team members together in real-time. 

Its Google ecosystem allows it to interface with many helpful apps seamlessly to improve productivity and give you more options with your notebook. Google Keep features iOS, Android, Chromebook, and Windows applications, a Chrome extension, and an online version that you can view on any device whenever you want without downloading any app. What’s more? You can easily sync your digital notebook across devices without stress!

Google Keep is best for:

• Individuals

• Students

• Professionals

Features

• Simple and intuitive interface

• Color-coded notes and labels

• Integration with Google services

• Location-based reminders

• Collaborative features for real-time sharing

Pricing

Completely Free

Google Keep Review

Visit Google Keep website
 

3. GoodNotes (most similar to Notability)

If you’re actively in search of a note taking app that’s similar to Notability then your search might be about to come to an end.

A leading note-taking app, GoodNotes is distinguished by its special handwriting function. With an interface that simulates writing on paper, it’s especially helpful for annotating straight onto PDFs. 

GoodNotes might share many features with Notability but it stands out in a couple of ways. Besides being a capable note-taking app, GoodNotes cannot replicate the audio recording feature, which makes Notability stand out.

On the plus side, you can enjoy the tabular document feature if you are working with structured data, such as tables or spreadsheets. You also have access to a unique flashcard feature which is effective as a learning tool but is missing on Notability. 

GoodNotes is only fully available on Apple and iOS devices. While it has released a beta version for Android devices, its Android version is not yet fully available for all Android devices. 

GoodNotes is best for:

• Creatives

• Designers 

• Students

• Professionals

Features

• Handwritten note-taking with Apple Pencil support

• Variety of digital paper templates

• Highlighting, text search, and shape recognition

• Document annotation and markup

• iCloud synchronization

Pricing

• Free for up to 3 notebooks

• One-time fee of $29.99

GoodNotes review

Visit GoodNotes website
 

4. Notion (good Notability alternative if you need better team notes organization)

Are you looking for a good Notability alternative to improve collaboration and organization? The Notion is a trustworthy option for you!  Notion does more than just simple note-taking; you can go as far as making complex notebooks and also doubles as a competent task management app.

Notion has a clean sidebar and a range of tools that simplify note-taking. It also has a variety of capabilities, including rich text editing, adjustable page layouts, and a versatile database system. 

You can easily make pages with various content blocks, such as text, graphics, videos, and more. Notion also enables collaboration, allowing you to share pages and real-time collaboration with others.

This all-in-one workspace lets you take notes, manage tasks, and organize projects all in one place. Notion is ideal for customers seeking a feature-rich and configurable note-taking tool capable of handling complicated processes.

Regarding third-party integrations, Notion supports connections with Google Calendar, Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom. Notion is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. 

Notion is best for:

• Individuals

• Students

• Teams

• Companies

Features

• All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and wikis

• Customizable templates and layouts

• Collaborative features with real-time editing

• Powerful databases and relational linking

• Integrations with third-party apps

Pricing

• Personal, free to use

• Personal Pro, $4/month, billed annually 

• Team, $8/user/month, billed annually 

• Enterprise, custom quote

Notion Review

Visit Notion Website
 

5. Zoho Notebook (cheaper alternative to Notability if you’re on a budget)

Zoho Notebook is an eye-catching comprehensive note-taking tool available for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.

Users may create and manage individual notes, checklists, and audio recordings using the app’s card-based interface. Zoho Notebook also allows handwritten notes, making it an excellent Notability replacement for individuals who prefer to write by hand. The best part? Cost-wise, many consider Zoho Notebook a cheap alternative to Notability. 

Not only that, Zoho offers top-notch security for your notebooks using passcodes and Touch ID, there is also a level of collaboration allowed, although it isn’t as extensive as some other options on this list. Zoho Notebook also offers you access to integration options within the Zoho ecosystem, which is a huge plus as you can connect with Zia, the AI-powered assistant for Zoho Projects. 

Zoho notebook is best for:

• Individuals

• Professionals

• Teams

Features

• Notebook metaphor for organizing notes

• Rich media support (images, audio, sketches)

• Tags and color-coded labels for organization

• Cross-device synchronization

• Secure encryption and privacy features

Pricing

Free plan

Pro $1.99 per month

Visit Zoho Notebook Website
 

6. Notesnook (Great Notability alternative for Windows)

Notesnook is a good app like Notability for Windows, although it is cross-platform, being available across Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac, it is worthy of being noted as a good substitute for Notability on Windows. 

One of Notesnook’s standout features is its default end-to-end encryption for all notes. With Notesnook, you can make notes without worrying about any security breaches or spies on your document. This level of security allows you to keep more confidential notes or a private journal without losing any information to breaches or memory loss. 

Its feature-rich premium version makes it easy for you to enjoy comprehensive editing, to-do list creation, and sync across devices among other features. It has a free and paid plan, but with its freemium version, you have access to all its security features. 

Notesnook is best for:

• Individuals

• Writers 

• Students 

• Developers

Features

• Markdown support for formatting

• Hierarchical note organization

• End-to-end encryption for all notes by default

• Cross-platform accessibility

• Quick search and tagging

Pricing

• Free plan; 

• Paid plan starts at $49.99/year

Visit Notesnook Website
 

7. Squid (Top Notability Android alternative)

If you’ve been searching for apps like Notability for Android, Squid is one option you can trust. Squid distinguishes itself from other note-taking apps by prioritizing natural handwriting with an active pen, passive stylus, or your finger. 

Squid has a variety of capabilities, such as limitless scrolling for smooth note-taking, the ability to import and mark up PDF files, and a selection tool for quick note-organization. Compared to Notability, this option allows you to fill out forms, sign papers, merge PDFs, build virtual whiteboards, and screen-cast your notes to secondary screens.

You may also design your own paper layouts and categorize your notes into notebooks. For a pleasant writing experience, Squid allows palm rejection, and the app’s pressure sensitivity function offers a smooth writing sensation.

Squid is not accessible for iOS, Mac, or Windows users, but it is a great solution for Android and Chrome OS users. 

Squid is best for:

• Individuals

• Students

• Creatives 

Features

• Natural handwriting experience

• Various pen and brush options

• PDF annotation and import/export

• Notebook covers and organization

• Sync with cloud storage services

Pricing

• Free plan

• Paid plan starts at $1/month

Visit Squid Website
 

8. Bamboo Paper (Great Alternative to Notability for Surface Pro)

Bamboo Paper by Wacom is a good Notability Surface Pro substitute as Notability does not have an Android tablet-friendly app. Like most apps on this list, it has its limitations, but as a note-taking application, it does a wonderful job. With intuitive swiping and scrolling actions, the app’s user-friendly design mimics the familiarity of actual paper. 

The pen and ink tools in the app offer a remarkably realistic writing experience. Bamboo Paper’s responsive ink engine produces clean lines and a variety of pen kinds, simulating the experience of writing on actual paper, whether you’re using a stylus or your finger. 

The pressure sensitivity function ensures that the thickness of your strokes varies, giving your digital writing more realism. You can easily make quick sketches to visualize your projects and continue working on them later.  

Want to keep your notes organized? Bamboo Paper does a fantastic job at this! It allows you to create several categories for your notebooks to help you organize your material more effectively. You can also easily move between your computer, tablet, and smartphone thanks to cloud synchronization between devices, making sure that your notes are always available wherever you are.

Bamboo Paper is best for:

• Designers

• Artists

• Creatives

Features

• Realistic digital paper and ink experience

• Variety of brushes and colors

• PDF annotation and sharing

• Cross-device synchronization

• Integration with Wacom devices

Pricing

Free plan

Visit Bamboo Paper Website 
 

9. Saber (Top alternative to Notability if you prioritize minimalism)

Saber, a top contender for those who seek a seamless and minimalist note-taking experience, encapsulates simplicity at its finest. Stripping away the excess, Saber embraces an uncluttered canvas for your thoughts. Its intuitive interface offers a smooth writing experience free from distraction from too many features.

You have access to a responsive pen tool with different stroke thicknesses, and a highlighter for making relevant information stand out. You can annotate PDFs and images, and draw shapes with the tools provided. 

Saber provides a simple yet structured hierarchy for organizing your notes, while also providing a decent level of security for your data. 

Saber is best for:

• Individuals 

• Writers 

• Programmers 

Features

• Markdown-based note-taking

• Focus mode for distraction-free writing

• Extensive keyboard shortcuts

• Quick access to recent notes

• Export to various formats (PDF, HTML, etc.)

Pricing

Free plan

Visit Saber Website 
 

10. Evernote (Good cross-platform Notability alternative)

Several best note-taking app rankings include Evernote as a Notability substitute. This application allows you to record thoughts, photos, and voice notes. Moreover, this note-taking device is very helpful for making brief notes and preserving them for later use. It may be accessed via the web, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android operating systems.

Evernote’s extensive feature set is what makes it among the greatest note-taking programs. You may save articles, web pages, and screenshots directly to Evernote using the Web Clipper feature. You can also edit tables, adjust sketch patterns, change notes background color, and more. 

Evernote allows you to search for your notes within the app, provides you with an exporting feature, and allows you to export your notes in various file formats. And while it offers a free version with a couple of features, more advanced features like more storage and handwriting recognition are locked behind its premium plans.

Evernote is best for:

• Professionals

• Individuals 

• Students 

Features

• Robust note organization and tagging

• Web clipping and content saving

• Cross-device synchronization

• Document scanning and OCR

• Integration with third-party apps

Pricing

• Evernote Free

• Evernote Personal, $8/month

• Evernote Professional, $10/month

• Evernote Teams, $14/user/month 

Evernote Review

Visit Evernote Website
 

11. Noteledge (Great Alternative to Notability)

Noteledge is a great alternative to Notability for users who are interested in embedding more multimedia options into their notes. In a sense, its capabilities go beyond just providing a space for taking notes, rather, it creates an environment for holistic media communication.

You can create interactive notes with Noteledge, which makes the content easier to comprehend and engaging. You can also take handwritten notes, clip web content, and embellish your notes with multimedia with NoteLedge. 

You can make beautiful sketches with the variety of brush tools available for design-oriented users. Noteledge allows users to create written notes, and you can record audio notes if that option suits you better.

Additionally, the tool provides seamless device synchronizing, so it does not matter if you were working on your PC; you can easily pick up your Android tablet and jump straight back to taking notes.

Furthermore, NoteLedge provides sophisticated note organization tools like tagging, folders, and a hierarchical structure.

Noteledge is best for:

• Students

• Professionals

• Creatives who want a multimedia-rich note-taking and presentation tool.

Features

• Handwriting, typing, and multimedia notes

• Audio recording and playback

• Integrated web browser for research

• Interactive presentations and annotations

• Cloud synchronization

Pricing

• Free Plan

• NoteLedge Pro iOS at $2.49/month

• Creativity 365 for Individuals at $4.99/month

Visit Noteledge Website 
 

12. Wreeto (Best for structured hierarchy)

Wreeto is quite similar to a simple workspace that allows you to create notebooks in a cluttered-free environment. You can note things down in markdown format, and easily search out notes, too, assisted with a preview and full-screen option.

Wreeto is open source and excels when it comes to organization. With its intuitive and friendly user interface, you can organize your notes into folders and subfolders. This arrangement structure can be easily adjusted to fit your needs and preferences. 

One unique feature of the Wreeto app is that it allows you to create private links that you can share with other people, but you retain more control over the link, being able to revert it to private whenever you need to. You can easily write a post, save it, organize it into existing posts, and create an easy sequence of use and structure.

Wreeto is best for:

• Individuals

• Developers 

• Writers who prefer hierarchical organization 

Features

• Hierarchical note organization

• Markdown support for formatting

• File attachments within notes

• Dark mode for reduced eye strain

• Portable standalone version

Pricing

• Free plan; 

• Paid plan starts at $3.99/month

Visit Wreeto Website
 

13. Joplin (Top open source note)

Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking program with a variety of features to support your productivity and organization. It’s a well-liked option among individuals and teams alike because of its customizable note-taking experience and emphasis on privacy and security.

You may encrypt your notes with its encryption function to keep them safe. Only you can access your notes, since it encrypts them using the client-side encryption method AES-256.

You may create notebooks in Joplin and add tags to your notes to make them more searchable. You may add tables, interactive checklists, and various formatting choices, including photos, doodles, and handwriting, to your notes.

Its interface is intuitive and easy to navigate; what can be considered a downside is the limited space on its free version. This is apparently a theme for many freemium options with premium plans

Joplin is best for:

• Tech-savvy individuals

• Developers

• Privacy-conscious users

Features

• Open-source and cross-platform

• Markdown note-taking with sync capabilities

• End-to-end encryption support

• Web clipper for saving online content

• Plugins and customization options

Pricing

• Free plan

• Basic plan starts at $1.62/month

• Pro plan at $5:20/month

• Teams plan at $7.26/month

Visit Joplin Website

Which of the alternatives to Notability is a good choice for you?

If you still feel unsure about your choices or are a bit overwhelmed in picking what would work best for your business, here are some of our key takeaways for you to make more informed decisions.

Check if the app you want offers a free option; that way, you can test out some of its features before completely committing to its usage. 

While you might like Notability, don’t be scared of trying out something different. If you’re a lover of all things creative, and you need an option that helps you capture inspiration at the moment, go with any option that allows you to move from sketches to visualize and present without much hassle.

If your target is productivity, there are great options, as you have seen above, that allow you to create to-do lists, record meeting notes, provide folders for organization, and offer security for your data. 

In all, you have a varied array of choices not limited to our list to pick from; the choice ultimately is yours. 

FAQs

Can you get Notability on Android?

The simple answer is no. You can’t get Notability in Android. You’ll have to go for a Notability alternative for Android. Luckily, there are a lot of great options in this regard, including GoodNotes, Microsoft One Note, Evernote, Noteledge, and Google Keep. All these are a great replacement for Notability.

Can you get Notability on Surface Pro?

No, Notability is primarily designed for iOS and macOS platforms. However, it’s not available natively on Windows or Surface Pro devices. If you’re looking for similar note-taking apps for your Surface Pro, you might consider Microsoft OneNote or other alternatives available on the Microsoft Store.

Can you get Notability on Windows?

There’s no Notability version for Windows, you will have to go with a Notability Windows alternative if you want to use a note-taking application on your Windows devices. Some great options include Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, Notion, Zoho Notebook, and Evernote. All these apps can be used for free.

Discovering the best Notability alternatives can open up a world of productivity for users in search of powerful note-taking solutions.

Notability has long been a favorite note-taking app for iOS users, but its subscription price and lack of availability on other platforms have led many to search for alternatives.

GoodNotes is one of the most popular Notability alternatives, because of this, we’ve compared Notability vs GoodNotes so you can view the differences.

We’ll provide you with a detailed analysis of the top options for those seeking apps like Notability for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.

This post will explore top options for those seeking apps similar to Notability, helping you find the perfect match for your note-taking requirements on various platforms.

Also see: : 11 Best Digital NotePads

Key Takeaways: Things you should know

• What is the most closest, most comparable option to Notability: GoodNotes, OneNote and Bear are the best choices since they have creative, advanced features that can compete with notability’s note-taking and note organization.
  • However, very few apps are able to provide the same intuitive audio recording/note synergy Notability provides.
• Top Notability alternatives for Android: Goodnotes, Nebo, Squid, and NoteLedge are all ideal apps for Android. These compete with Notability in regards to advanced note taking, note organization, and some note sharing features.
• Top Notability alternatives for Windows: Notion, Standard notes, Google Keep, and GoodNotes all work with window.
• Apps like Notability for creatives: Noteledge provides the most creative features that allow you to capturing their ideas, create mood boards, and streamline your creative process. Runner ups are Goodnotes and aApple notes, and bear.

Related: 6 Best Apps to Convert Handwriting to Text on iPad and iPhone

15 Best Notability Alternatives: Free and Paid Options for All Devices

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Notability is an app where you can take notes and draw pictures on your phone or tablet. But sometimes, users want to try a different app that perform similar tasks.

Related: reMarkable 2 Vs iPad Pro & Air – Which is better? (Key differences)

This list has 15 similar apps to Notability that compares quite well. These are options that you can try for free or buy, and they work on different devices like iPhones, Android phones, and computers.

1. GoodNotes

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

GoodNotes is a popular Notability alternative, especially among iOS users. It supports a wide range of paper types, including squared paper, lined paper, and plain paper, making it perfect for students and professionals alike.

View: Notability vs GoodNotes – Differences compared

What we liked: GoodNotes is compatible with the Apple Pencil, allowing for seamless handwritten notes, and it also includes features for typing notes, importing PDF files, and organizing notes into folders and notebooks.

Here’s what goodNotes looks like on an iPad:

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Related: 15 Best GoodNotes alternatives for Note-Taking

The app offers a variety of pen types, a lasso tool for moving objects, and a feature that makes drawings look more polished. GoodNotes is available on iOS and Mac, but it does not have a Windows or Android version.

Also see: 15 Best e-ink Tablets for Reading, Note Taking, and Annotation

2. Bear

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Bear is another excellent alternative for note-taking, particularly for iOS and Mac users. The app features a clean, minimalistic design and supports Markdown for easy text formatting.

Related: 7 Best Stylus for iPad Air (Drawing, Writing, Notes)

What we liked: It’s simple, straight forward… and during my test I found bear to be perfect for organizing notes with tags, and it supports inline images, making it a well rounded option for creative projects.

Heres what Bear looks like:

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

The Bear app is available for both iOS and Mac devices, but it doesn’t have a Windows or Android version. The app offers a free version with basic features, but you can upgrade to Bear Pro for more advanced features like syncing across devices.

3. Google Keep

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Google Keep is a free, cross-platform note-taking app that’s ideal for quick notes, to-do lists, and reminders. It’s available on Android, iOS, and the web, making it accessible to a wide range of users. With Google Keep, you can create color-coded notes, add images, and even record audio notes.

The app’s simplicity makes it easy to use, but it may not have all the advanced features you’ll find in Notability. However, Google Keep integrates with other Google services like Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets, allowing for seamless collaboration and organization.

Related: Best Stylus for Android

4. Apple Notes

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Apple Notes is the built-in note-taking app for iOS and Mac devices. It supports handwritten notes using the Apple Pencil, as well as typed notes, checklists, and attachments.

Related: Zagg Pro vs Apple Pencil vs Adonit Note+ vs Adonit Pixel | Comparison

Apple Notes offers a clean, easy-to-use interface, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a straightforward note-taking app.

While Apple Notes doesn’t have all the advanced features of Notability, it’s a solid option for iOS and Mac users who want a simple, free alternative. However, Apple Notes is not available for Windows or Android devices.

5. Microsoft OneNote

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Microsoft OneNote is a powerful, feature-rich note-taking app that’s available on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac. OneNote offers a digital notebook experience, complete with sections, pages, and the ability to organize notes hierarchically.

Related: Kindle Scribe Review: How does it measure up for Note taking & Sketching?

OneNote supports handwritten notes, audio recording, and PDF annotation, making it a strong contender for those seeking a Notability alternative. The app is free and can sync your notes across devices, but you’ll need a Microsoft account to use it.

6. Evernote

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Evernote is a popular note-taking application that’s available on Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac devices. With Evernote, you can create notes, to-do lists, and even scan documents with your device’s camera. The app also supports handwritten notes and audio recordings, making it a versatile alternative to Notability.

Related: Supernote A5X A6X Review: How good is it for Note-taking & Drawing?

Evernote offers a free basic plan, but you can upgrade to a paid plan for more advanced features like offline access and increased storage. While Evernote is a powerful option, some users may find its interface less intuitive than Notability’s.

7. Nebo

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Nebo is a very well known note-taking app designed specifically for handwritten notes & annotation on devices with a stylus, like the Apple Pencil.

It’s available on Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, making it a versatile Notability alternative for users across various platforms. Nebo offers an impressive handwriting recognition feature that converts your handwritten notes into typed text, allowing for easy searching and organization.

The app also supports diagrams, sketches, and mathematical equations, making it an excellent choice for students, teachers, and professionals.

Nebo offers a free trial, but you’ll need to purchase the full version to unlock all features.

Related: Apple Pencil 2 vs Surface Pen: Which is Better for Drawing & Note Taking?

8. Zoho Notebook

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Zoho Notebook is a visually appealing note-taking app that’s available on Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.

The app’s card-based interface allows users to create and organize individual notes, checklists, and audio recordings. Zoho Notebook also supports handwritten notes, making it a solid Notability alternative for those who prefer to write by hand.

The app offers real-time collaboration and syncing across devices, making it perfect for team projects or group assignments. Best of all, Zoho Notebook is completely free, with no subscription costs or hidden fees.

9. Squid

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

Squid is a powerful Notability alternative for Android and Chrome OS users, offering a unique and intuitive handwriting experience.

What we liked: With Squid, you can take handwritten notes, draw, and annotate PDFs on your Android tablet, phone, or Chromebook.

Squid’s focus on natural handwriting with an active pen, passive stylus, or your finger sets it apart from other note-taking applications.

Squid offers a wide range of features, including infinite scrolling for seamless note-taking, the ability to import and mark up PDF files, and a selection tool for easy organization of your notes.

You can also create custom paper templates and organize your notes into notebooks. Squid supports palm rejection for a comfortable writing experience, and the app’s pressure sensitivity feature ensures a smooth writing feel.

Also see: 9 Best Templates for Notability (Digital Planners & More)

Although Squid is not available for iOS, Mac, or Windows users, it’s an excellent option for those who use Android and Chrome OS devices. The app offers both free and premium versions, with the premium version providing additional features such as cloud sync, PDF export, and advanced tools.

10. NoteLedge

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

NoteLedge is a Notability alternative that works well for creatives and is compatible with various platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

The app is designed to capture inspiration from different sources, such as web pages, YouTube videos, and Pinterest boards. NoteLedge allows you to create multimedia notes, mood boards, and quick sketches to visualize and present your ideas.

With NoteLedge, you can clip content from the web, take handwritten notes, and add multimedia elements to your notes. The app supports cloud sync, ensuring your notes are always accessible and up-to-date across your devices. NoteLedge also offers advanced note organization features, including tagging, folders, and a hierarchical structure.

NoteLedge is available on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, making it a perfect alternative for those who use multiple devices. The app offers a freemium model, with premium features available for a one-time fee or a subscription.

11. WorkFlowy

Картинка с сайта: mediapeanut.com

WorkFlowy is a unique Notability alternative that focuses on simplifying the note-taking process. This app works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, and its primary feature is its powerful outlining and organizing capability.

Users who want to create lists, plan projects, or take meeting notes in a structured and organized manner can use this app with minimal friction.

I found that it’s main feature is its infinite nested list structure, allowing you to create and manage notes, tasks, and projects in a hierarchical manner.

You can add tags, notes, and due dates to your items, making it easy to keep track of your tasks and projects. The app also supports collaboration, allowing you to share your lists and notes with others in real-time.

WorkFlowy is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. The app offers a freemium model, with premium features available for a monthly or annual subscription.

12. Standard Notes

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Standard Notes is a privacy-focused Notability alternative that works on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux. This app’s primary focus is on providing a secure and private space for your notes, ensuring that your data remains protected from prying eyes. Standard Notes is perfect for users who value privacy and security above all else.

Standard Notes offers a clean, minimalist interface for note-taking and supports Markdown formatting.

The app’s end-to-end encryption ensures your notes are secure, and the automatic cloud sync feature keeps your notes up-to-date across devices. Standard Notes also offers a rich library of extensions, including themes and editors, to customize your note-taking experience.

Standard Notes is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. The app offers a free, open-source version with basic features, and a premium subscription called “Extended” that unlocks additional features, including extensions, automated backups, and priority support.

13. Notion

Notion is a versatile and powerful Notability alternative that works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. This all-in-one workspace allows you to create notes, manage tasks, and organize projects in a single, unified platform. Notion is perfect for users looking for a feature-rich and customizable note-taking app that can handle complex workflows.

Notion offers a wide range of features, including rich text editing, customizable page templates, and a flexible database system. You can create pages with different content blocks, such as text, images, videos, and more. Notion also supports collaboration, allowing you to share pages and work together with others in real-time.

Notion is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. The app offers a free version with basic features, as well as paid plans for individuals, teams, and enterprises.

14. Penultimate

Penultimate is a digital handwriting app designed specifically for iPad users who prefer a more natural note-taking experience. As an Evernote product, Penultimate seamlessly integrates with Evernote, allowing you to sync and access your handwritten notes across devices. Penultimate is a great Notability alternative for iPad users who want an app optimized for Apple Pencil.

Penultimate offers a natural handwriting experience, allowing you to take notes with your Apple Pencil or another stylus. The app provides various paper templates and writing tools, and you can also import and annotate PDF files. Additionally, Penultimate supports handwriting search, making it easy to find and organize your notes.

Penultimate is available exclusively for iPad users and is free to download. To access advanced features and Evernote integration, an Evernote subscription is required.

15. WizNote

WizNote is a powerful and feature-rich Notability alternative that works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. The app is designed for both personal and professional use, with features that cater to students, teachers, and business users alike. WizNote focuses on providing a comprehensive note-taking experience, including multimedia support and collaboration tools.

WizNote offers a wide range of features, such as rich text editing, multimedia support, and advanced note organization. You can create notebooks, tags, and folders to keep your notes organized, and the app also supports voice recording, allowing you to capture audio notes during lectures or meetings. WizNote’s collaboration tools enable you to share notes with others and work together in real-time.

WizNote is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. The app offers a free version with basic features, as well as paid plans with additional storage, collaboration tools, and priority support.

Apps like Notability that are Open Sourced 

While there are many note-taking applications available, finding open-source alternatives to Notability isn’t as hard to find as you’d think. Wreeto, WizNotes, and Saber are all open sourced options that work well.

Another option to consider is Joplin, a free and open-source note-taking application that offers robust features like end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and cross-platform compatibility. Joplin’s extensive customization options and strong community support make it a popular choice among users looking for an open-source alternative to Notability.

How We Tested, Ranked, and Picked the Best Alternatives

Our review process involved testing various note-taking apps on multiple platforms, assessing their features, compatibility, and ease of use.

We also evaluated each app’s ability to handle various note-taking tasks, such as handwritten notes, to-do lists, and PDF annotation.

Apps were ranked based on their overall functionality, user experience, and compatibility with devices like iPads and tablets that support the Apple Pencil.

How to Choose the Best Alternative (Which Features Are Important)

When selecting the best Notability alternative, consider the following features:

1. Platform Compatibility: Look for apps that are compatible with your device, whether it’s Windows, Android, iOS, or Mac. Cross-platform functionality is a bonus for users who work on multiple devices.
2. Handwritten Notes: A good alternative should support handwritten notes, especially for users who prefer writing with a stylus or Apple Pencil.
3. To-Do Lists and Task Management: Many note-takers require task management capabilities, so consider apps that offer to-do list functionality and reminders.
4. PDF Annotation: For those who frequently work with PDF files, an app that supports PDF annotation and editing is essential.
5. Sync and Share: Look for apps that provide seamless syncing across devices and sharing options for collaborating with others.

FAQ

Is Notability on Android?

No, Notability is not available on Android devices. However, there are numerous Notability alternatives for Android users, such as GoodNote, Microsoft OneNote, Zoho Notebook, and Evernote.

What Are Some Common Use Cases for a Note-Taking App Like Notability?

Note-taking apps like Notability are popular among students for organizing lecture notes, teachers for lesson planning and grading, and creative professionals for brainstorming ideas and project management.

These apps are also useful for professionals who need to take meeting notes, create to-do lists, and collaborate on documents

What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Alternative App to Notability for Note-Taking Purposes?

Advantages of using an alternative app to Notability include:

1. Access to a wider range of features and customization options.
2. Compatibility with different platforms, such as Windows and Android.
3. Potential cost savings, as many alternatives offer free or lower-cost options.

Disadvantages of using an alternative app to Notability include:

1. A Steep learning curve when transitioning to a new app with different features and interface.
2. Potential compatibility issues with older (or less popular devices).
3. In some cases… alternative apps may lack certain features found in Notability, such as audio recording or advanced PDF editing capabilities (however notability is a paid app; so keep this in mind).

Bottom Line

While Notability is an excellent note-taking app for iOS users, there are numerous alternatives available for those seeking a more affordable option or compatibility with Windows, Android, or Mac devices. 

Notability alternatives include GoodNotes, OneNote, Bear, Nebo, Squid, NoteLedge, Notion, Standard Notes, Google Keep, and Apple Notes (and many more).

When we were reviewing notability for handwriting to text recognition, we found it worked similar to many of the apps on this list.

GoodNotes is a popular, very common alternative for iOS users, while Bear is great for organizing notes with tags and supports Markdown. Google Keep is free and available on multiple platforms, but may not have all the advanced features of Notability. Apple Notes on the other hand is a built-in option for iOS and Mac devices with a simple interface and can compete for casual usage like shopping lists and to do lists.

Some apps have similar features to Notability, but few offer the same intuitive audio recording/note synergy. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing an alternative.