GoodNotes vs Kilonotes: Which Note-Taking App is Right for You?
GoodNotes is an application designed specifically for students and professionals who prefer handwriting their notes on tablets. It helps in integrating note-taking in a more modern, organized, and streamlined approach while balancing the handwritten and the old-fashioned approach in note reviewing, writing, and organizing.
For example, Kilonotes is a free note-taking application that is uncomplicated, flexible, and inventive, giving an uncluttered and customizable workspace where users can handwrite, sketch, and annotate PDFs.
Basically, Kilonotes is aimed at users who prefer something uncomplicated, free, and inventive, while GoodNotes is aimed at users in need of structured and professional note-taking.
GoodNotes and Kilonotes: Comparison Table
| Feature |
GoodNotes |
Kilonotes |
| Primary Use Case |
Digital note-taking and document management |
Freehand writing, sketching, and PDF annotation |
| Target Audience |
Students, educators, and professionals |
Students, hobbyists, and creative users |
| Core Functionality |
Handwriting recognition, note organization, and collaboration |
Simple handwriting, drawing, and template customization |
| Customization |
Multiple paper styles, covers, and folders |
Colorful themes, stickers, and drawing tools |
| Pricing |
Freemium with optional paid plans |
Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Cloud Sync |
Automatic backup with iCloud and other services |
Manual backup and cloud sync via third-party apps |
| Platform Support |
iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Windows |
iOS and Android |
| Ideal For |
Users seeking advanced organization and productivity |
Users preferring simple and flexible note-taking |
Detailed Feature Comparison of GoodNotes and Kilonotes
- Note-Taking & Handwriting
GoodNotes is optimized for academic and professional digital note-taking due to the seamless pen input, handwriting recognition, and handwriting-to-text conversion features.
Kilonotes provides the simplest and most natural writing experience, which will most likely not have writing and drawing restrictions.
- Organization & File Management
GoodNotes offers the most powerful organizational system, consisting of folders, subjects, notebooks, and a search system that is capable of recognizing handwritten notes.
Kilonotes provides printed and decorated notebook covers and creatively laid out to organize notes visually. This provides a more fun and intuitive, and enjoyable experience for users and helps to organize their notes.
- PDF Annotation & Collaboration
GoodNotes allows easy importing, highlighting, and annotating of PDFs, making it an ideal app for students, professionals, and teams. You can add handwritten notes, text, shapes, and you can even sign documents. It offers streamlined sharing and collaborative features, allowing you to quickly send annotated files or summaries to others.
Although Kilonotes also offers PDF annotation, it focuses more on individual note-taking. It’s reliable for highlighting, sketching, or making quick comments, but it does not prioritize collaborative features. It’s ideal for solo users or for people who wish to keep personal study materials.
- Customization & Interface
GoodNotes features a minimal, sleek design that can be used for both academics and professionalism. You can customize your workspace by choosing covers for your notebooks, different paper styles, and different pen tools. It is simple and distraction-free, which promotes productivity.
Kilonotes presents a more joyful and creative setup. It provides various personalization options such as different colored themes, stickers, and embellishing tools, which are ideal for people who like to journal and for artistic notetakers. It’s perfect for those who like to make their notes visually appealing.
GoodNotes keeps your notes accessible across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and iCloud syncs them automatically. Switching devices? No worries, because it gives secure backup, and you won’t lose your data.
In Kilonotes, while Auto-sync isn’t a feature, it permits you to manually export or back up data to third-party services like Google Drive and Dropbox. It allows users to adjust their preferences regarding data storage.
As previously suggested, GoodNotes works with Apple devices without a hitch, and more recently, it also supports Windows devices. This allows for seamless transition across devices for study or work.
Kilonotes functions on iOS and Android, targeting both ends of the mobile user spectrum, which is handy. It is touch and stylus-optimized for phones and tablets, encouraging use.
GoodNotes is ideal for students, educators, and professionals seeking a premium, reliable note-taking application.
Kilonotes targets more casual users, students, and people who like to have freehand exposures in writing, sketching, or journaling, since it involves personal sketching.
When to Choose GoodNotes or Kilonotes?
| Factor |
Choose GoodNotes if… |
Choose Kilonotes if… |
| Target Users |
You need structured note-taking for study or work |
You want a creative and flexible digital notebook |
| Budget |
You’re comfortable paying for premium features |
You prefer a completely free option |
| Device Compatibility |
You use Apple or Windows devices |
You use Android or iOS devices |
| Organization Needs |
You need folders, tags, and searchable notes |
You prefer visual, notebook-style layouts |
| Writing Experience |
You want realistic pen input with text conversion |
You enjoy drawing and sketching with freedom |
| Collaboration |
You often share or collaborate on notes |
You mainly use it for personal or casual use |
Final Verdict: GoodNotes or Kilonotes
GoodNotes users are those who need a more advanced and professional-grade application for organized document structuring and noted document structuring.
For uncomplicated, enjoyable, and customizable experiences without spending on premium features, Kilonotes works.
GoodNotes works best for more serious note-takers, while Kilonotes is more for users who are more creative and need a flexible way of taking notes.