Notes · Ranked 2 of 9 in Best note-taking apps
What is Notability?
Short answer
Notability is a note-taking app from Ginger Labs, best for handwritten notes on Apple devices. It has a free plan (5 free notes); paid plans start at $11.99 / yr.
| Fact | Notability | Notes median (8 tools) |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, 5 free notes | 8 of 9 have one |
| Entry price | $11.99 / yr | $2.50 / mo |
| Top plan | $79.99 / yr | $9 / mo |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $30.00 |
| Paid plans | 4 | 3 |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, Windows, Android | — |
What does Notability do?
Notability covers these jobs, as listed on Ginger Labs's pricing and feature pages.
- Handwriting and typed notes
- PDF annotation
- Audio recording
- Note templates
- AI summaries on higher plans
How much does Notability cost?
Free, then $11.99 / yr to $79.99 / yr.
| Plan | Price | Billed monthly | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Free | Free | — |
| Lite | $11.99 / yr | — | — |
| Plus | $15.99 / yr | — | — |
| Pro | $79.99 / yr | — | — |
| Business | $60 / yr | — | — |
What are the best Notability alternatives?
Closest on first-year cost: Goodnotes, Google Keep, Apple Notes.
| Alternative | Free plan | From |
|---|---|---|
| Goodnotes | Yes | $11.99 / yr |
| Google Keep | Yes | Free |
| Apple Notes | Yes | Free |
Is Notability better than Goodnotes?
Notability is best for handwritten notes on Apple devices; Goodnotes for handwritten notes and PDF annotation. First year: $11.99 vs $11.99.
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Notability pricing | notability.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare