Notes · Head to head
Notability vs Microsoft OneNote: which is better?
Short answer
Notability costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $119.88). Pick Notability for handwritten notes on Apple devices; pick Microsoft OneNote for Microsoft 365 users who want notebooks.
| Fact | Notability | Microsoft OneNote | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten notes on Apple devices | Microsoft 365 users who want notebooks | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 5 free notes | No, 30-day trial | Notability |
| Entry plan | Lite: $11.99 / yr | Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99 / mo | Notability |
| Mid plan | Plus: $15.99 / yr | Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99 / mo | Notability |
| Top plan | Business: $60 / yr | Microsoft 365 Premium: $19.99 / mo | Notability |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $119.88 | Notability |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, Windows, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Notability |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Notability or Microsoft OneNote?
Notability costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $119.88).
| 1st year | Notability | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $11.99 | $119.88 |
| Mid | $15.99 | $155.88 |
| Top | $60 | $239.88 |
Which has the better free plan, Notability or Microsoft OneNote?
Notability: Yes, 5 free notes.
Should you pick Notability or Microsoft OneNote?
Pick Notability if
- you want handwritten notes on Apple devices
- the free plan is enough (5 free notes)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Notability pricing | notability.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