Goodnotes vs Capacities
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 $10 for Capacities.
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
- Typed objects
- Linked notes
- Daily notes
- AI assistant
- Calendar integration
| Feature | Goodnotes | Capacities |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Object-based notes app for building a personal knowledge base |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Capacities |
| Based in | – | Germany |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $10 for Capacities.
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
Basic
Free
- Free forever
- Full-text search and offline support
- 5 GB media uploads, then 100 MB/month
Pro
$9.99/mo
- AI assistant
- Whiteboards and task management
- Smart queries
- Unlimited media uploads
Believer
From $12.49/mo
- Everything in Pro
- Beta access to major new features
- Supports the independent team
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
Capacities
- Clear structure without folders
- Generous free plan
- Good for long-term notes
- Object model takes time to learn
- AI only on paid plans
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 Capacities if you want:
- Clear structure without folders
- Generous free plan
- Good for long-term notes
Watch out: object model takes time to learn.
Goodnotes vs Capacities FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and Capacities?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. Capacities: Object-based notes app for building a personal knowledge base. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or Capacities cheaper?
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $10 for Capacities.
Do Goodnotes and Capacities have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. Capacities: Yes.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes Capacities?
Capacities is made by Capacities, based in Germany.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or Capacities?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose Capacities if you value clear structure without folders and generous free plan.