Notes · Head to head
Goodnotes vs Microsoft OneNote: which is better?
Short answer
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $119.88). Pick Goodnotes for handwritten notes and PDF annotation; pick Microsoft OneNote for Microsoft 365 users who want notebooks.
| Fact | Goodnotes | Microsoft OneNote | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten notes and PDF annotation | Microsoft 365 users who want notebooks | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import | No, 30-day trial | Goodnotes |
| Entry plan | Essential: $11.99 / yr | Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Mid plan | Pro: $35.99 / yr | Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Top plan | Teams: $120 / yr | Microsoft 365 Premium: $19.99 / mo | Goodnotes |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $119.88 | Goodnotes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web | Web, iOS, Android | Goodnotes |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Goodnotes or Microsoft OneNote?
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $119.88).
| 1st year | Goodnotes | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $11.99 | $119.88 |
| Mid | $35.99 | $155.88 |
| Top | $120 | $239.88 |
Which has the better free plan, Goodnotes or Microsoft OneNote?
Goodnotes: Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import.
Should you pick Goodnotes or Microsoft OneNote?
Pick Goodnotes if
- you want handwritten notes and PDF annotation
- the free plan is enough (3 files, 5 MB import)
Pick Microsoft OneNote if
- you want Microsoft 365 users who want notebooks
- you can pay $9.99 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Goodnotes pricing | goodnotes.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Microsoft OneNote pricing | microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare