Goodnotes vs Grapha
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Goodnotes starts at $11.99/yr and Grapha starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Native Mac markdown editor
- Coding agent harness
- Works with Claude Code, Codex and Cursor
- Label documents agents can read
- Approval before edits
| Feature | Goodnotes | Grapha |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Mac markdown notes where your coding agent can work with you |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | $49 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Grapha |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Goodnotes starts at $11.99/yr and Grapha starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
2 plans
Editor
Free
- Markdown notes editor
- Plain files in your folder
Agent harness
$49 one-time
- Runs Claude Code, Codex or Cursor
- Agents read only labeled docs
- Approve changes before applying
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
Grapha
- Notes stay as plain markdown files
- Agent only sees documents you label
- One-time payment for the agent feature
- Mac only
- Needs a separate coding agent subscription
- Narrow audience of developers
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 Grapha if you want:
- Notes stay as plain markdown files
- Agent only sees documents you label
- One-time payment for the agent feature
Watch out: mac only.
Goodnotes vs Grapha FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and Grapha?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. Grapha: Mac markdown notes where your coding agent can work with you. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or Grapha cheaper?
Goodnotes starts at $11.99/yr and Grapha starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Goodnotes and Grapha have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. Grapha: Yes.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes Grapha?
Grapha is made by Grapha.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or Grapha?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose Grapha if you value notes stay as plain markdown files and agent only sees documents you label.