GoodNotes vs Notewise: Which Note Taking App Is Right for You?
GoodNotes and Notewise are two popular digital note taking software used by students, professionals, and creators in the U.S. They are similar in the functionality of handwriting, PDF support, and structured digital notes, although both exhibit differences in how they support workflow, tools, and their platform support.
GoodNotes offers a refined writing experience that is highly organized, offers study features, and has the feel of a traditional notebook. Notewise is newer, quicker and more feature packed particularly with handwriting gestures and precision erasing as well as layered note taking. But, which platform is best for you?
In this guide we will compare both apps across features, usability, customization, pricing, and user experience.
Quick Comparison of GoodNotes and Notewise
- GoodNotes is an excellent choice to take lecture and study notes since it provides better organizing features, smooth writing, and useful tools like flashcards and templates.
- Notewise is the better app for all kinds of creative work since it comes with layers, shape tools, and very precise editing features for detailed drawings and diagrams.
- Both apps allow you to highlight, annotate, and sign PDFs, but GoodNotes handles larger textbooks and multi page files more smoothly.
- Notewise offers more brush types and artistic control; however, GoodNotes gives more choice of page templates, notebook styles, and organized layouts.
- GoodNotes is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and web which makes it convenient to sync data over devices. Notewise is best used on tablets, especially the iPad.
GoodNotes vs Notewise: Comparison Table
| Feature |
GoodNotes |
Notewise |
| Writing Experience |
Smooth, natural, paper like |
Fast, smart, gesture based |
| Pricing |
Starts at $3.99 / month |
Starts at $11.99 |
| PDF Annotation |
Very stable, smooth for textbooks |
Advanced editing tools inside PDFs |
| Organization Tools |
Folders, subjects, templates, flashcards |
Minimal workspace with fewer layers |
| Study Features |
Flashcards, math tools, exam mode |
Basic study tools focused on speed |
| Creative Tools |
Standard drawing tools |
Layers, brushes, precise erasing |
| AI Features |
AI summaries, outlines, document creation, audio notes |
AI math solving, handwriting to text, audio transcription |
| Collaboration |
Basic sharing |
Real time multi user collaboration |
| Cloud Sync |
iCloud and cross platform sync |
Notewise Cloud with encryption |
| Best For |
Students and structured note takers |
Creators, fast thinkers, digital sketchers |
GoodNotes vs Notewsie: Writing Experience
Both the software offers best writing experience, but caters to different uses. GoodNotes presents a very smooth and familiar paper-like writing experience. It is immensely suitable for traditional note taking, journaling, and lectures. Notewise is all about the speed and smart editing. You can select the writing with a lasso, erase certain parts of strokes, apply layers, and work with advanced drawing tools.
Notewise vs GoodNotes: Organization and Workflow
GoodNotes has notebooks, covers, folders, and subjects as a part of their organization system. It is like a digital binder which is helpful for students and professionals in keeping their notes neat and separated. Notewise is less complicated and more workspace focused. It is great for quick sketching, brainstorming, and mixed media notes with no restriction of having separate notebooks.
GoodNotes versus Notewise: Productivity Tools
GoodNotes has a clear upper hand in terms of productivity tools. It comes with the built-in flashcards, math conversion, search features, and study-friendly templates. This is great for students who are preparing for tests. Notewise focuses more on creative tools, layers, and advanced editing; hence it is more suitable for artistic professionals or users who picture their thoughts.
GoodNotes or Notewise: Search and Text Recognition (OCR)
GoodNotes has a very precise handwriting recognition feature. This feature allows you to search not only handwritten notes, but also typed text and even text within imported PDFs. With this feature, users can easily find the subjects they are looking for from the past quickly. Notewise has OCR too, but its accuracy and speed may depend on the style of the notes. Ultimately, GoodNotes usually gives more in-depth search results.
Notewise or GoodNotes: Collaboration and Sharing Features
GoodNotes allows shared documents where more than one user can add to and see notes. This is great for group projects and classroom activities. Similarly, Notewise gives sharing and viewing access but may have limited real-time collaboration features in comparison to GoodNotes.
GoodNotes and Notewise: Templates and page Styles
GoodNotes offers a huge collection of templates such as dotted, ruled, planners, checklists, graph paper, and weekly layouts. It is perfect for bullet journaling, planners, and academic notes taking. Notewise has a limited collection of templates but offers stronger editing tools in return.
AI Features: GoodNotes vs Notewise
The AI power is a major part of GoodNotes. It is so powerful that it has almost turned the user into a writing and planning assistant inside the app. Users can get their sloppy notes rearranged, and then they get the organized ideas written down. Besides, they can ask the AI to summarize the text, to build outlines, to create tables, and to draft documents, word by word, even capturing the main points from audio recordings or brainstorming sessions.
Notewise also has AI features such as recognizing handwriting, solving mathematics problems, transcribing audio, sticky note reading, and producing smart insights. It is developing so fast, but its AI mix is mainly focused on note-taking, math assistance, and handwriting conversion, rather than content generation.
When to Choose GoodNotes or Notewise?
| Choose GoodNotes if… |
Choose Notewise if… |
| You want organized notes and study tools |
You want quick lecture notes and flexible editing |
| You require reliable performance for large files |
You want more editing tools within PDFs |
| You like a traditional notebook feel |
You prefer a modern workspace with layers |
| Standard drawing tools are sufficient |
You want brushes, layers, and creative control |
Final Verdict: GoodNotes or Notewise
If you are looking for a smooth handwriting, powerful study tools, and strong PDF support, GoodNotes is the right choice for you, it is a traditional and structured digital notebook. It is a great application for students and professionals requiring a neat and tidy workspace.
Notewise, on the other hand, is perfect for those who like fast note taking, creative tools, layers, and modern AI features that quicken writing and brainstorming. If you are still confused, then get in touch with our software experts or the Techjockey Team for assistance in picking the right note-taking app that fits your needs.