kitio.aiGoodnotes vs Znote
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Znote 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
- Ask your notes with AI
- Runnable code blocks
- MCP tool connections
- Git versioning
- Custom slash commands
- Local .md files
| Feature | Goodnotes | Znote |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries | Local Markdown notes with built-in AI and runnable code blocks |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $11.99/yr | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Goodnotes | Znote |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Znote 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
Znote
- Free with no account
- Notes stay as plain local files
- Code runs right inside the note
- Maintained by one indie developer
- Few details on supported AI models
- No hosted sync listed
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 Znote if you want:
- Free with no account
- Notes stay as plain local files
- Code runs right inside the note
Watch out: maintained by one indie developer.
Goodnotes vs Znote FAQ
What is the difference between Goodnotes and Znote?
Goodnotes: Handwritten note-taking app with AI search, math help and summaries. Znote: Local Markdown notes with built-in AI and runnable code blocks. Both are productivity tools.
Is Goodnotes or Znote cheaper?
Znote is completely free, while Goodnotes is freemium.
Do Goodnotes and Znote have free plans?
Goodnotes: Yes. Znote: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is made by Goodnotes.
Who makes Znote?
Znote is made by Znote.
Which should I choose, Goodnotes or Znote?
Choose Goodnotes if you value excellent handwriting experience and works across many devices. Choose Znote if you value free with no account and notes stay as plain local files.