Notes · Head to head
Goodnotes vs Obsidian: which is better?
Short answer
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $48). Pick Goodnotes for handwritten notes and PDF annotation; pick Obsidian for local-first Markdown notes with plugins.
| Fact | Goodnotes | Obsidian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten notes and PDF annotation | Local-first Markdown notes with plugins | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import | Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons | Tie |
| Entry plan | Essential: $11.99 / yr | Sync Standard: $4 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Mid plan | Pro: $35.99 / yr | Sync Plus: $8 / mo | Goodnotes |
| Top plan | Teams: $120 / yr | Publish: $8 / mo | Obsidian |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $48 | Goodnotes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Goodnotes or Obsidian?
Goodnotes costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $48).
| 1st year | Goodnotes | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $11.99 | $48 |
| Mid | $35.99 | $96 |
| Top | $120 | $96 |
Which has the better free plan, Goodnotes or Obsidian?
Neither stands out: Goodnotes: Yes, 3 files, 5 MB import; Obsidian: Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons.
Should you pick Goodnotes or Obsidian?
Pick Goodnotes if
- you want handwritten notes and PDF annotation
- the free plan is enough (3 files, 5 MB import)
Pick Obsidian if
- you want local-first Markdown notes with plugins
- the free plan is enough (app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Goodnotes pricing | goodnotes.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Obsidian pricing | obsidian.md/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare