Compare Xodo vs GoodNotes

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XodoGoodNotes
 
Xodo logoXodo
GoodNotes logoGoodNotes
Links
WebsiteVisitVisit
App StoreInstallInstall
Google PlayInstallInstall
Web appUse—
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−+
Notification support−—
On-screen reminders−—
Repeated reminders−—
Drag & drop±—
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−+
Search in handwriting−+
Special features
Audio recording−±
Privacy / encryption±±
Projects / folders±+
Search++
Synchronize & backup
Cloud sync+—
Auto backup±—
Notes / tasks sharing±—
Collaboration / sharing (incl. team)±—
Export to PDF / other++
Profile
Calendars−±

Xodo

Pros

  • Solid free tier for PDF viewing and ink annotation
  • Works on iOS, Android, Windows and in the browser
  • Handles PDF hyperlinks, so linked planner PDFs navigate correctly
  • Cloud storage connections (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
  • Strong document tools: merge, convert, OCR with Pro

Cons

  • Document editor first: no notebooks, templates or planner features
  • No handwriting-to-text or handwriting search
  • No calendar layer, reminders or task features
  • Advanced tools sit behind a subscription

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