Head-to-head · Handwritten Notes Software
Notability vs Notes Writer
Notability leads on 0 checks, Notes Writer on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNotability · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Notability
Notability scores higher on our rubric for handwritten notes software: 9.0 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
Notability is the better fit for students who want audio-linked notes and study tools. Notes Writer is the better fit for apple users organizing notes and annotated PDFs.
- Notability fits best
Students who want audio-linked notes and study tools
- Notes Writer fits best
Apple users organizing notes and annotated PDFs
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Side by side
| Feature | Notability 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Notes Writer 8.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in Handwritten Notes Software | #7 in Handwritten Notes Software |
| Best for | Students who want audio-linked notes and study tools | Apple users organizing notes and annotated PDFs |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $14.99/user/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | macOS, iOS |
| Support | Tickets, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Notability 0/5 · Notes Writer 0/5 | ||
| Handwriting to text | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| PDF annotation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Audio recording | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Offline mode | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Shared note editing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Primary platform | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| OCR languages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Notability is a digital note-taking application for students, educators, professionals, and teams. It combines handwritten and typed notes with PDF, document, slide, and spreadsheet imports. Audio recording can play back in synchronization… Read the review → |
Notes Writer brings typed, handwritten, and sketched notes together with document editing and PDF tools for people who organize notes alongside working documents. Its feature set suits students, teachers, writers, researchers, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Notability — where it wins
- Links handwritten notes with synchronized audio and live transcription
- Generates summaries, quizzes, flashcards, and note-based answers
- Works across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Starter limits free accounts to five notes
- Plus caps monthly YouTube conversions and AI quizzes or flashcards
- Classic lists no AI or transcription features
Notes Writer — where it wins
- Combines typed, handwritten, and sketched notes with PDF annotation
- Search, scanning, form signing, and document organization in one app
- Exports to PDF, ePub, HTML, TXT, Markdown, and other formats
Where it doesn't
- Available on Apple platforms rather than across desktop and mobile ecosystems
- Real-time collaboration is not established as a core capability
- Optional AI features may not suit users seeking a strictly manual workflow
- Notability9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A handwriting and study workspace with synced audio, AI tools, and collaboration.
Visit NotabilityFull verdict → - Notes Writer8.1/10 · Free plan
A flexible Apple note app with handwriting, PDF annotation, scanning, and export tools.
Visit Notes WriterFull verdict →
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All handwritten notes software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update