kitio.aiGoodnotes vs Barside
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Barside is completely free, while Goodnotes is freemium.
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
- Linked notes and note map
- AI assistant and agents
- AI search with sources
- Call transcription
- Screen recording and clips
- Reading inbox
| Feature | Goodnotes | Barside |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Barside |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Barside is completely free, while Goodnotes is freemium.
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
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
Barside
- Free with many tools in one app
- Data stays on your computer
- Agents need approval before acting
- Mac version is still in beta
- Desktop only, no web app shown
- Wide scope means a learning curve
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 Barside if you want:
- Free with many tools in one app
- Data stays on your computer
- Agents need approval before acting
Watch out: mac version is still in beta.
Goodnotes vs Barside FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and Barside?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. Barside: Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or Barside cheaper?
Barside is completely free, while Goodnotes is freemium.
Do Goodnotes and Barside have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. Barside: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes Barside?
Barside is made by Barside.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or Barside?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose Barside if you value free with many tools in one app and data stays on your computer.