Notes · Ranked 4 of 9 in Best note-taking apps
What is Apple Notes?
Short answer
Apple Notes is a note-taking app from Apple, best for free notes for Apple device owners. It has a free plan (included with iCloud on Apple devices).
| Fact | Apple Notes | Notes median (8 tools) |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, included with iCloud on Apple devices | 8 of 9 have one |
| Entry price | Free | $2.50 / mo |
| Top plan | Free | $9 / mo |
| 1st year | $0 | $30.00 |
| Paid plans | 0 | 3 |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, Web | — |
What does Apple Notes do?
Apple Notes covers these jobs, as listed on Apple's pricing and feature pages.
- Notes synced through iCloud
- Works across Mac, iPhone and iPad
- Sharing and collaboration
- Folders and tags
- Quick notes
How much does Apple Notes cost?
Apple Notes is free: included with iCloud on Apple devices.
| Plan | Price | Billed monthly | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free | — |
What are the best Apple Notes alternatives?
Closest on first-year cost: Google Keep, Goodnotes, Notability.
| Alternative | Free plan | From |
|---|---|---|
| Google Keep | Yes | Free |
| Goodnotes | Yes | $11.99 / yr |
| Notability | Yes | $11.99 / yr |
Is Apple Notes better than Goodnotes?
Apple Notes is best for free notes for Apple device owners; Goodnotes for handwritten notes and PDF annotation. First year: $0 vs $11.99.
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Notes pricing | apple.com/icloud/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare