GoodNotes has been a go-to note-taking application for tutors, students, and professionals who want to schedule, produce, and save important information.
The app includes features, such as annotating PDF files, daily planners, ebooks, and lecture notes. You can write down math equations, draw diagrams, or mind maps with ease.
That’s not all. GoodNotes allows users to import files and has handwriting features that make note-taking fun and easy.
GoodNotes was launched in 2011 and was initially designed to support iOS devices. It managed to attract millions of users.
However, earlier this year, the company introduced GoodNotes for Android users which is still in the beta phase.
At present, there are not many users using the Android version. One reason is that the version is still in the works.
Again, users who want to access advanced features and unlimited notebooks may be burdened by the one-time purchase of $8.99.
While it’s a good idea to wait until GoodNotes gets a stable version for Android, it makes sense to explore other GoodNotes alternatives that work on Android.
Take a look at what we have on our list.
Best GoodNotes Alternatives for Android
1. Butterfly
First on the list is this simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use app. It has a friendly user interface, and users can easily navigate through the app.
The Butterfly app is customizable to suit your needs – from creating custom colors to paper sizes to palettes.
One similarity between GoodNotes and Butterfly is the ability to import or export images and PDF files. Butterfly Notes is also accessible in many languages, making it ideal for non-English speaking users.
But unlike GoodNotes, you can access your notes offline and edit, draw, paint, and even export files without an internet connection in Butterfly. You can also take pictures, add them to your notes, or import them from your gallery.
This makes it easy to work on school projects or for creatives looking for an app to bring their ideas to life.
The Butterfly app is also open source and free, meaning users can make suggestions on ways to make it better.
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2. Squid
Squid has a wide range of possibilities for users.
What distinguishes Squid from GoodNotes is that Squid has a range of paper sizes and types. The pages are either planners, lined, math, sports, music, or blank.
Besides, Squid has different sizes for the pages; they are either in letter, legal, A4, or 4×6. This wide selection of pages and sizes gives Squid an edge over GoodNotes, and while GoodNotes is customizable, Squid caters to more users with various paper types and sizes.
However, one similarity between the two apps that makes Squid on top of the list is the digital handwriting feature. But it gets even better with Squid, as you can write with your pen and erase with your finger. The pen also performs quick actions with the side button.
If you are visual and would like to add images to your notes, then Squid has this covered. You can add images and pdf files to your work.
Squid also allows users to import, edit images, convert PDF files, and even insert pages between your notes. Furthermore, you can export notes, share or send files in various formats, and even cast them on display screens.
Squid is one of the best GoodNotes alternatives for Android if you are looking for a simple daily listing app with the ability to perform complex commands.
The features such as a virtual whiteboard or the ability to present and edit or write directly on slides are great for work or school presentations.
3. MyScript Nebo
MyScript Nebo is an interactive, cutting-edge digital app elevating e-note taking to a new level. It has editing gestures that not only make this app one of a kind but are easy to understand and use.
Unlike GoodNotes, MyScript has handwriting recognition software, and the handwriting feature is flexible, highly responsive, and easy to edit by gestures or pen.
Like MyScript, which has the handwriting feature, GoodNotes also offers the best of both worlds, so if you want to enjoy typing your work or even writing math equations, drawing your graphs, shapes, and lines, then MyScript is a great alternative.
This artificial intelligence handwriting software has over 20 years of research in developing the world’s most accurate handwriting recognition app. This has given MyScript an edge in the market, and more note-taking apps are now working closely with MyScript.
MyScript and Nebo are working closely and have joined hands to become MyScript Nebo. This app is an award-winning app that boosts productivity, by helping users create work notes, annotate, or create sketch ideas.
4. INKredible
As the name suggests, INKredible is a digital app well known for its customizable pen strokes. If you love using a fountain pen to write down your notes on paper, this app is for you.
INKredible has a realistic feel, where you can use different colors to take your notes, and you can color code your work, making it easy to retrieve notes.
Unlike other handwriting apps that require you to have a pen, with INKredible, you just need your fingers to do the work, slide your fingers over the notepad taking your notes, and the faster you make the stroke, the finer the text.
INKredible has a shortcut to your gallery, where you can add pictures to your notes and you are not limited to how much your creativity can wander.
This is also a great app for authors looking to enjoy a realistic writing feel. Moreover, the app has an eraser, and you can easily edit your work, or go back and click the undo settings allowing its users to enjoy a full writing experience free of errors.
5. Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft is the largest software company in the world and was founded in 1975. Microsoft has, over the years, developed a lot of software, but one that is most useful for digital planning is OneNote.
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app useful for everyday use. Using this app, you can take quick notes on your Android device, move the notes between sections or even take voice notes.
This is not only a great way to boost productivity, but it can also be used to record lectures. Unlike GoodNotes, Microsoft OneNote for Android offers voice recognition.
Microsoft OneNote also has a sticky note feature, where you can create, delete, or share a sticky note. This is a great way to keep you on track with urgent tasks.
What’s more, you can even sync Microsoft OneNote with your devices and share notes from your Android device to your computer.
6. Xournal++
Xournal++ is a cross-platform digital planner. The app is fast and flexible and has had a feature upgrade from Xournal – the modern rewrite has made this app more functional, making it a great alternative to the developing GoodNotes app.
Xournal++ supports the handwriting feature and has a customizable pen, eraser, and highlighter, allowing users to organize and easily access their notes.
In addition, the app uses layers to keep track of your notes and page previews that ensure you are up to date on your work. The Xournal++ has enhanced note-taking features by allowing users to add pictures and shapes, which even rotate to different degrees.
This app is an ideal alternative for students as it has an in-built Latex editor, and can create equations, circuits, or molecular structural formulas.
Xournal++ is also easily customizable to suit different users. You can create a unique layout or use a plug-in for more productivity.
Another great feature of the app is the recording audio tool as you write. Students can use this tool to record their lectures and later listen using the ‘Play Object’ tool.
But since Xournal++ is an upgrade, there are still a few challenges on mobile devices. Although you can open and display files on your handheld device, the app does not have background support.
However, this app is still officially available on Android, web apps, and iOS, and has managed to make more progress in developing its app for Android consumers.
7. NoteLedge
NoteLedge is a digital notebook from Kdan mobile software Ltd. It has powerful tools to help you document ideas, organize your to-do lists, and take notes.
This app has been created to cater to students and is also good for writers and artists. NoteLedge helps you capture and store your text, audio, and images and organize them.
The app also helps creatives create art, videos, or music. NoteLedge is free and supports over ten languages.
Therefore, if you are looking for a one-size-fits-all planner, NoteLedge is for you. The easy-use interface also makes it fast for users to navigate through the various features.
It is also a great replacement for small businesses looking to manage daily tasks with ease and security.
8. FiiNote
FiiNote offers a limitless world of expressions, and users can use the handwriting feature to type their notes, record, doddle, or take pictures. These features make FiiNote one of the best GoodNotes alternatives as it allows you to express your thoughts, in a fun way.
For instance, if you are experiencing writer’s block while taking notes, just go back and doodle away your worries and improve your focus, creativity, and productivity.
FiiNote also has a security encryption feature that keeps your data private and secure.
For Android devices, FiiNote is the most convenient app compared to GoodNotes. Although the GoodNotes beta version is free, FiiNote has competitive prices with four subscription plans.
You can start with the free version and later upgrade to a monthly plan from as low as $0.50/month or to the highest plan at $8.25/month.
9. Quillnote
Quillnote is a free open-source digital planner. You are guaranteed privacy and your notes will not be uploaded anywhere without your consent. The app does not have ads, making it clean and fun to use.
Though it’s a free version, Quillnote still provides great features for its users. You can write your notes, lists, and even set reminders.
Quillnote has a markdown feature that distinguishes it from GoodNotes. The feature allows you to take your notes in style – italicize, bold, add headings, or use code blocks.
The app also has a task list where you can write, reorganize, and tick off your tasks once done or swipe them away. The feature boosts your productivity and keeps you updated on your next task.
You can also set reminders on your notes, reminders are great to ensure you do not miss future events or tasks. This app is ideal for everyday use to help boost your productivity and manage your time.
Unlike other software programs, Quillnote is lightweight and does not consume much of your device’s resources. You can also sync your notes with Nextcloud, and the app will not track your data.
10. Google Keep
Google Keep is one of the best GoodNotes alternatives for Android users. It’s easily accessible for Android users, has a friendly interface, and is easy to navigate.
But there’s more – besides the ease of use, you can record a voice memo and Google Keep will transcribe it for you to review later. This helps you save time, unlike in GoodNotes where you must type your recorded audio.
You can also easily upload a photo, poster, or receipt and find it later. Google Keep allows task tagging and sync sharing with friends and family, and you can collaborate in real-time, a great way to plan for events or even work remotely without hindering the delivery.
The app is color coded and has labels to help you organize and access your work faster. With this app, your work is always within reach as you can sync with your computer, tablet, phone, and even Android wearables, a perfect app for work on the go.
Also, Google Keep syncs with the calendar and even shows calendar reminders. It has annotations, and you can import or export files between devices.
To access Google Keep, you can find it on the web or download the app from the Google Play Store. Its subscription starts from $1.99 for a 100GB/month, but there is a free trial limited to 15GB/month.
However, users across have found value for their money as it is a simple yet effective app for individuals or freelancers. It is also widely available, supporting over 50 languages.
11. LectureNotes
LectureNotes is a top-ranked Android note-taking app by handwriting on the screen. This app is more popular among students and lecturers.
However, it has also gained a liking among business people and salespeople who want an easy time to write notes or reminders.
LectureNotes can also be used by creatives as you can create sketches and drawings. It’s functional on Android 3.0 or later versions but is mostly used on Android tablets.
LectureNotes is a highly customizable app with minimal distractions. Once you launch it, you find three icons – plus, share, and trash.
To get started on your note-taking, click on the plus icon, and you create a new cover or folder. You can also color code the cover, and pick your desired paper size and pattern.
You can also opt for the full experience by integrating LectureNotes’ two most useful extensions – LectureRecording and LectureVideos. Additionally, LectureNotes shows your work on a full screen, with no blinking icons or social media notifications when on the app.
Four standard pencil colors, eighteen custom pencils, seven eraser sizes, and three standard pencil widths are some of the other features it offers.
It also has cut, copy, and paste options, moreover, it backs up and restores your notes. LectureNotes can be integrated to Evernote if you have the app installed on your phone.
You can try the app today by subscribing to the unlimited free trial and testing its performance. After the free trial, you need to pay the monthly subscription to continue enjoying the app from as low as $5.99/month.
12. Handwrite Pro
Handwrite is a vector-based note-taking and drawing app. This means you can zoom into your work or drawing without affecting its quality.
With Handwrite Pro, you can use your finger or a stylus to take notes. This app also has a simple user interface that makes taking notes and drawing easy and fast.
Handwrite Pro has a free and economy package. With the free package, users enjoy features such as drawing with an active stylus, exporting PDF files, importing images, vector point manipulation, vector graphics, copy and paste, endless page sizes, and different paper sizes.
Although this app can also be used to take notes, it has mostly focused on artists looking to take their drawings to a new level, and with the help of this app, artists can refine their skills.
With the economy package, users enjoy all premium features such as a calligraphic pen, a fill pen, import and export files with annotations, and Google Drive synchronization.
13. Touchnotes
Touchnotes is a handwriting note-taking tool most common for education and business use. However, you can still use this app for daily personal note-taking.
In addition to note-taking, you can also make video calls to several people at once and brainstorm ideas. The app also supports images, PDF files, and a pen box with various pens, bookmarks, and hyperlinks.
This app also has different paper sizes, and you can change your paper size manually. Touchnotes also supports the zoom writing feature, a unique feature that allows you to annotate or add bookmarks with ease.
14. Notewise
Notewise is a note-taking app designed for Android devices. Some of its most common users include students, teachers, professionals, and artists.
Notewise is a great app for taking academic notes, slide presentations, memos, travel journals, or even as a diary.
Some of its top features are; writing your notes using your finger or the keyboard, highlighting texts, adding images from the device’s gallery, and customizing notes by adjusting font sizes.
Although this app is functional and performs various tasks, it is best suited if you want to use visuals such as drawings, as most tools perform flawlessly. However, it is possible to link drawings with your texts.
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15. Metamoji Note
Last on the list of the best GoodNotes alternatives for Android is Metamoji Note. This app is common among Android users and is designed to give the feel of a real notebook.
It has handwriting features but you can also use the keyboard to type your lists or work. You can also add graphics, drawings, and pictures to your texts.
Even better, you can download your PDF books to Metamoji Note, highlight texts, and you get to enjoy all these features freely. To access Metamoji Note, go to the Google Play Store and download the app. Afterward, you can launch it and get started on your writing.
Bottom Line
While all the above apps are great alternatives and offer something unique, the app that stands out and caters to a wider audience is Google Keep. It’s not only suitable for students and freelancers, but is also great for communicating with family and friends.
Google Keep gives you value for your money, ensures your work is synchronized among devices, and boosts your productivity and time management. Additionally, with its regular calendar reminders, you are always informed on the go.
Google Keep is easy to use and understand and has many features to ensure your work is organized and easily accessible. Its search feature is particularly great in ensuring you access your work seamlessly.
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