Notes · Head to head
Goodnotes vs Evernote: which is better?
Short answer
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $99). Pick Goodnotes for handwritten notes and PDF annotation; pick Evernote for personal note capture with web clipper.
| Fact | Goodnotes | Evernote | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten notes and PDF annotation | Personal note capture with web clipper | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import | Yes, 50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device | Tie |
| Entry plan | Essential: $11.99 / yr | Starter: $8.25 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Mid plan | Pro: $35.99 / yr | Advanced: $20.83 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Top plan | Teams: $120 / yr | Flexible: $10 / mo | Tie |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $99 | Goodnotes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Goodnotes or Evernote?
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $99).
| 1st year | Goodnotes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $11.99 | $99 |
| Mid | $35.99 | $249.96 |
| Top | $120 | $120 |
Which has the better free plan, Goodnotes or Evernote?
Neither stands out: Goodnotes: Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import; Evernote: Yes, 50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device.
Should you pick Goodnotes or Evernote?
Pick Goodnotes if
- you want handwritten notes and PDF annotation
- the free plan is enough (3 files, 5 MB import)
Pick Evernote if
- you want personal note capture with web clipper
- the free plan is enough (50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Goodnotes pricing | goodnotes.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Evernote pricing | evernote.com/compare-plans | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare