Goodnotes vs Routine
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 $5 for Routine.
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
- Tasks, calendar and notes
- AI assistant
- Voice commands
- Universal inbox
- AI meeting notes
- Time blocking
| Feature | Goodnotes | Routine |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Tasks, calendar and notes in one app with an AI assistant |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Routine |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $5 for Routine.
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
5 plans
Free
Free
- Tasks, calendars and notes
- AI assistant and voice
- 3 integrations
Personal
$5/mo
- Time blocking
- Unlimited uploads
- 10 integrations
Professional
$10/mo
- AI meeting notes
- AI agents and automations
- Time tracking
Business
$15/mo
- Per user
- Shared workspaces
- 10,000 AI credits per seat
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Audit logs
- User provisioning
- Success manager
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
Routine
- Apps on nearly every platform
- Generous free plan with AI
- Works offline
- AI agents need the Professional plan
- Free plan limited to 3 integrations
- Takes time to set up fully
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 Routine if you want:
- Apps on nearly every platform
- Generous free plan with AI
- Works offline
Watch out: ai agents need the professional plan.
Goodnotes vs Routine FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and Routine?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. Routine: Tasks, calendar and notes in one app with an AI assistant. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or Routine cheaper?
Goodnotes has the lower starting price: about $1 a month, against $5 for Routine.
Do Goodnotes and Routine have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. Routine: Yes.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes Routine?
Routine is made by Routine.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or Routine?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose Routine if you value apps on nearly every platform and generous free plan with ai.