kitio.aiGoodnotes vs AppFlowy
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $16 for AppFlowy.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Handwritten notes
- PDF annotation
- Handwriting search
- AI math and summaries
- Audio recording
- Docs and wikis
- Database views
- AI writing and chat
- Local AI with Ollama
- Self-hosting
| Feature | Goodnotes | AppFlowy |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Open-source Notion alternative with AI and local model support |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | $16/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Goodnotes | AppFlowy |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $16 for AppFlowy.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- Up to 3 files, 5MB imports
- 20 mins of audio recording
Essential
$11.99/yr
- Unlimited files
- Unlimited audio recording
- Limited AI capabilities
Pro
$35.99/yr
- Real-time collaboration
- Sync across devices
- AI capabilities
Teams
$120/yr
- Per seat
- SAML SSO and domain control
- Consolidated billing
Enterprise
Custom
- Customizable solutions
- Microsoft Intune App SDK
3 plans
Personal
Free
- For personal productivity
- 1 workspace owner
Pro
$16/mo
- Per member
- Collaboration and project management
- Free guest editors
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Self-hosted AI workspace
- For enterprise teams
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Goodnotes
- Excellent handwriting experience
- Works across many devices
- Good for studying
- Free plan limits notebooks
- AI features are paid
AppFlowy
- Open source
- Supports local AI models
- Native desktop apps
- Fewer integrations than Notion
- Some features still maturing
Which one should you choose?
Choose Goodnotes if you want:
- Excellent handwriting experience
- Works across many devices
- Good for studying
Watch out: free plan limits notebooks.
Choose AppFlowy if you want:
- Open source
- Supports local AI models
- Native desktop apps
Watch out: fewer integrations than notion.
Goodnotes vs AppFlowy FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and AppFlowy?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. AppFlowy: Open-source Notion alternative with AI and local model support. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or AppFlowy cheaper?
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $16 for AppFlowy.
Do Goodnotes and AppFlowy have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. AppFlowy: Yes.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes AppFlowy?
AppFlowy is made by AppFlowy.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or AppFlowy?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose AppFlowy if you value open source and supports local ai models.