Compare GoodNotes vs OneNote

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GoodNotesOneNote
 
GoodNotes logoGoodNotes
OneNote logoOneNote
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Main
Task management±±
Subtasks recurring—±
Tags / labels±+
Habit tracking−−
Notes templates—+
Calendar view±±
Weekly view±—
Week at a glance±—
Weekly templates+—
Daily planning±—
Monthly planning±—
Time blocking−−
Planner & calendar segregation++
Offline mode++
Notes++
Templates++
Platforms
Windows++
Android−+
Web−+
Linux−−
MacOS++
iOS++
Free version±+
Sync across devices++
Calendar sync
Calendar sync±±
Integrated calendar±±
Synchronize with Apple Calendar±−
Synchronize with Google Calendar±−
Synchronize with Microsoft Calendar±±
Outlook sync−+
Interface
Themes / appearance presets+±
Special features
AI assistance / AI features—±
Attachments & embedded media++
Stickers—−
Interactive checklists / checklist support±+
Handwriting & stylus
Apple Pencil support++
Handwriting / stylus support++
Palm rejection++
PDF annotation / markup+±
Handwriting to text conversion+±
Math conversion—±
Search in handwriting++
Special features
Audio recording±+
Meeting notes workflow—+
Privacy / encryption±±
Projects / folders++
Nested folders / depth—+
Tags & filters—±
Search++
Import documents & media—+
Synchronize & backup
Cloud sync—+
Password-protected notes—±
iCloud / Google Drive sync—−
Auto backup—+
Notes / tasks sharing—+
Collaboration / sharing (incl. team)—+
Export to PDF / other++
Profile
Calendars±±

GoodNotes

Pros

  • Handwriting recognition and layout stay approachable on day one
  • Global ink search digs through messy lecture stacks
  • Toolbar organization earns praise in education workflows
  • PDF markup, audio, and flashcards cover the study stack
  • Feature depth matches anything in the App Store class

Cons

  • Subscription price changes still spark backlash threads
  • Lower-cost or one-time rivals pull budget-minded students
  • Sync regressions still appear right after major releases
  • Local-first and markdown stacks pull minimalists away

OneNote

Pros

  • No separate notebook subscription for core capture on every major platform
  • Notebook, section, and page hierarchy scales from lecture stacks to runbooks
  • Shared notebooks and co-authoring fit teams already on Microsoft 365
  • Ink, highlights, and clips behave consistently where the platform supports pen input
  • Deep ties to Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive reduce context switching for Office-first orgs

Cons

  • Free storage ceilings push media-heavy users toward paid Microsoft 365 plans
  • Feature parity still varies between Windows, Mac, web, and mobile builds
  • PDF-first digital planners in GoodNotes-class apps feel more purpose-built than printouts here
  • Navigation and sync complexity generate more support threads than minimalist note apps
  • The richest AI and desktop experiences assume an active Microsoft 365 subscription