Head-to-head · Handwritten Notes Software
Notability vs Penbook
Notability leads on 0 checks, Penbook 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 trialboth
Notability scores higher on our rubric for handwritten notes software: 9.0 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Notability is the better fit for students who want audio-linked notes and study tools. Penbook is the better fit for apple Pencil users who want planners and templates.
- Notability fits best
Students who want audio-linked notes and study tools
- Penbook fits best
Apple Pencil users who want planners and templates
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Side by side
| Feature | Notability 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Penbook 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Handwritten Notes Software | #8 in Handwritten Notes Software |
| Best for | Students who want audio-linked notes and study tools | Apple Pencil users who want planners and templates |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $14.99/user/yr | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Mobile, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Tickets, Docs | |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Notability 0/5 · Penbook 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 → |
Penbook centers handwritten notes, planners, journals, and study notebooks on customizable digital paper. It is aimed at Apple-device users who prefer writing with Apple Pencil, another stylus, or a finger and want more structure than a… 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
Penbook — where it wins
- More than 400 stationery types and layouts, with page and cover customization
- Imports PDFs as notebooks for annotation and editing
- Searches handwritten notes and syncs devices through iCloud
Where it doesn't
- Free use is limited to one notebook at a time
- Premium export and unlimited notebooks require a paid plan
- Apple-focused platforms and a narrow integration set
- Notability9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A handwriting and study workspace with synced audio, AI tools, and collaboration.
Visit NotabilityFull verdict → - Penbook8.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A stationery-rich handwriting app for Apple devices, with PDF annotation and planner pages.
Visit PenbookFull 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