If you're in the market for a digital note-taking app, you've probably heard of GoodNotes 6, Notability, and CollaNote. But there’s another option to consider—KiloNotes. Each of these apps has its own strengths and quirks, and the best one for you will depend on what you need from a note-taking tool. In this post, we’ll break down how these four compare, based on personal experience and community feedback.
GoodNotes 6
GoodNotes has been around for a while, and for good reason. The app is sleek and easy to use. If you care about aesthetics and like things to be super organized, GN6 might be your go-to.
Pros:
Super intuitive and clean layout
Feels polished and premium
Great for staying organized
Cons:
Lacks some of the advanced tools you’ll find in Notability
Can be a bit buggy, especially with the search function
Navigating through folders can be tedious—too many clicks to find what you need
Notability
Notability is a powerhouse when it comes to tools. It offers a wide range of options for handwriting and text input and even includes password protection for notes. However, some features like iCloud syncing and math conversion come with additional subscription fees. Despite that, Notability shines with its diverse toolkit and seamless functionality.
Pros:
Lots of tools (pencils, tape, etc.)
Password-protected notes
Great for reviewing and annotating
Community who share their templates
Cons:
Additional payments are required for advanced features like iCloud syncing
CollaNote
CollaNote stands out as a strong free option for digital note-taking. It allows users to import PDFs, draw, type, and customize their notes. However, its interface doesn’t feel as polished or seamless as the paid apps. With more updates, CollaNote could become a serious competitor, but for now, it remains a good free alternative for users who don’t want to spend money.
Pros:
Free to use
Functional and regularly updated
Offers unique features like colored pages and customizable UI elements
Cons:
The interface can feel a bit clunky
Not as smooth or refined as GoodNotes or Notability
KiloNotes
KiloNotes is another free option worth considering. It offers the basics like handwriting, typing, and drawing, along with PDF imports. While the free version includes these key features, there’s also a subscription option to unlock advanced tools like custom time-planning books.
The app’s interface is simple and user-friendly, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in GoodNotes and Notability. I saw a YouTube video of all the awesome features of KiloNotes, and that's what convinced me to get an iPad in the first place. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a cloud storage option unless there's been a recent update or something I'm missing.
Pros:
Free version provides good basic functionality
Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
Allows PDF import and annotation
Offers customization options like notebook covers and stickers (lots of these available compared to the other apps).
Cons:
Advanced features require a subscription
No automatic shape correction
Lacks landscape mode for notes
The toolset, while functional, is more limited compared to the other apps
Unique Feature: KiloNotes offers a lot in its free version, including PDF imports and basic customization options. It’s a great option for users who don’t want to commit to a paid app but still want functionality like PDF annotations and simple customizations.
What Other People Are Saying
The online community has a few more insights about these apps that might help in your decision:
Noteshelf: Some users find Noteshelf to be a consistent favorite after trying many other apps. It might be worth checking out if you’re looking for more options.
Noteful: Others have suggested Noteful as a potential alternative to GN6, finding it to be a solid option when searching for a new note-taking app.
OneNote: If you're into using Microsoft products, you could check this out.
Conclusion: Which App is Best for You?
So, which app should you go with? Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:
GoodNotes 6: If you care about a clean, beautiful interface and don’t mind a few occasional bugs, GN6 is a solid choice. It’s great for people who like their notes to be well-organized and visually appealing.
Notability: If you need a diverse toolkit and don’t mind paying for extra features, Notability might be the way to go. It’s perfect for those who need advanced functionality and a bit more flexibility in their note-taking.
CollaNote: A strong free option that’s functional and customizable. It’s not as polished as the paid apps, but if you’re on a budget, it’s definitely worth trying.
KiloNotes: Simple, functional, and free, with the option to unlock more features via subscription. It’s not as advanced as the others but gets the job done if you’re looking for a basic note-taking app.
At the end of the day, it all depends on what you need from a note-taking app.
Whether you’re drawn to GoodNotes’ sleek interface, Notability’s powerful toolkit, or the free options from CollaNote and KiloNotes, there’s something for everyone.
Have you tried any of these apps? What’s your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments! I'm currently using Notability, it has great template options but I love creating my own templates on Canva.
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