kitio.aiGoodnotes vs BrainDump
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 $7 for BrainDump.
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
- Instant capture
- AI to-dos and summaries
- Untangle folders
- Ask your notes
- Claude and ChatGPT connection
| Feature | Goodnotes | BrainDump |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Notes app for ADHD minds where AI sorts your brain dumps later |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | $39.99 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Francesco Leoni |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $7 for BrainDump.
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
Base
Free
- Writing, folders and search
- Monthly AI allowance
- Web sync up to 500 notes
Lifetime
$39.99 one-time
- One-time purchase
- AI not included
Focus
$89.99/yr
- Unlimited AI and Untangle
- Notes in Claude and ChatGPT
- Markdown and Word export
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
BrainDump
- No setup before you start typing
- Core writing features free forever
- AI never reorganizes without approval
- Plans bought only inside the apps
- Lifetime plan excludes AI
- No native Windows app yet
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 BrainDump if you want:
- No setup before you start typing
- Core writing features free forever
- AI never reorganizes without approval
Watch out: plans bought only inside the apps.
Goodnotes vs BrainDump FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and BrainDump?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. BrainDump: Notes app for ADHD minds where AI sorts your brain dumps later. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or BrainDump cheaper?
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $7 for BrainDump.
Do Goodnotes and BrainDump have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. BrainDump: Yes.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes BrainDump?
BrainDump is made by Francesco Leoni.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or BrainDump?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose BrainDump if you value no setup before you start typing and core writing features free forever.