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Goodnotes is worth paying for on iPad if you regularly write by hand or mark up PDFs and need fewer file limits, watermark-free exports, cross-platform access, collaboration, or advanced AI. If you only keep a few notes on one iPad, start with the free plan and see whether its limits get in your way.
What you get with Goodnotes’ plans
Goodnotes offers a free plan, annual subscriptions, and a one-time purchase for Apple devices. The company’s official pricing materials list Free at $0, Essential at US$11.99 per year, and Pro at US$35.99 per year. Prices and availability vary by region, so check your local storefront for current terms.
| Plan | Cost listed by Goodnotes | What matters for iPad use |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Core note-taking and PDF markup, with limits on files, storage, imports, exports, and audio. |
| Essential | US$11.99/year | Unlimited notebooks, text documents, whiteboards, and folders; 5 GB storage; unlimited audio recording; no import size limit; watermark-free exports; templates and digital stationery; cross-platform access. |
| Pro | US$35.99/year | Includes advanced AI and collaboration features such as private link sharing, real-time collaboration, Google Drive integration, and Goodnotes Cloud cross-platform library sync. |
| Special Edition | One-time purchase; local price not stated by Goodnotes’ support comparison | Available for Apple devices in some regions. It is not eligible for Goodnotes Cloud. |
Goodnotes says some AI and audio capabilities depend on device chips, operating-system versions, language, or subscription eligibility. Goodnotes Cloud sync may also be rolling out gradually. Confirm that the exact feature you need is available on your device and plan before buying.
Is the free plan enough?
For light use, it may be. Goodnotes’ support comparison lists a free-plan allowance of up to three notebooks, three text documents, and three whiteboards, plus 100 MB of storage, a 5 MB import file-size limit, watermarked exports, and 20 minutes of audio recording per notebook. The company’s pricing page summarizes the free limit as up to three files across content types; the support comparison gives the more detailed breakdown.
#1 Best Overall
- 【2X Faster Charge】: Metapen Pencil A8 fully charges in just 30 minutes via USB-C and lasts up to 10 hours. 1-min charge = 50-min use; 4 min fast charge = 2 hour use. The LED indicator displays different colors based on battery level, reminding you to recharge in time. It automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity for better energy efficiency. Note: A8 does not support magnetic charging or wireless charging via iPad.
- 【More Durable Tips】: Made of high-quality polymer, the Metapen's tips pass a 20 km durability test—2X more durable than original iPencil tips(NOTE：The package comes with two nibs, one already installed and one as a spare). Their internal structure remains intact even after 3,000 impacts. Each Metapen A8 pen comes with two extra replaceable tips , saving costs for frequent users
- 【Metal Barrel & Palm Rejection】: Metapen A8 Aluminum Metal Barrel iPad stylus pen supports Palm Rejection, so no need for a glove, with metal barrel, this stylus pen can provide you with a better writing experience. You can rest your palm or fingers on the screen during sketching, drawing, or writing. All-metal aluminum barrel: 4x harder, 10x more wear-resistant than plastic.Metal weight, metal strength. Not plastic. 200 MPa flexural strength, survives 1.2m drops 50+ times. A stronger and more durable iPad A16 penicl for Child/Kids than plastic iPad pencil.
- 【Quick Connect and Double Magnets】: No need to connect via Bluetooth or apps. Simply double-tap the invisible touch switch on the rounded end of A8 to power ON/OFF. With two built-in magnets, the Metapen iPad Pen securely attaches to your iPad anytime, no more rolling away or getting lost. (NOTE: Wireless Charging is NOT Supported. NO magnetic attachment for iPad Air 3rd/M2/M3 Gen, iPad 6th/7th/8th/9th/10th/11th Gen, iPad mini 5th/7th, iPad Pro M4)
- 【Make Sure Your iPad Model is Compatible】: Metapen Pencil A8 is ONLY compatible with the iPad models 2018-2026: iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6 Gen, iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch 1/2/3/4/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3/4/5/6 Gen, iPad Mini 5/6 Gen. NOTE: The Pencil A8 is NOT compatible with iPads before 2018, iPhone, Android or Microsoft devices. Please check your iPad model before ordering
Those limits are most likely to matter if you keep a growing class or work library, import large PDFs, export polished documents, or record long lectures. Goodnotes describes the free plan on its pricing page as “free forever, not a trial”—company wording that means you can try its core note-taking and PDF-markup workflow without first subscribing.
When paying makes sense
Choose a paid plan for fewer workflow limits
Essential may suit someone whose free-plan file count, storage, import size, audio allowance, or export watermark is becoming an obstacle. It offers more room for an ongoing notebook library and removes several of the free tier’s restrictions. Its cross-platform access is also useful if you want to work beyond a single iPad, but check which devices and sync features are included in your region.
Rank #2
- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
Pay for Pro only if you will use its extras
Pro is the relevant tier to examine if you need features Goodnotes associates with it, including advanced AI, real-time collaboration, private link sharing, Google Drive integration, or Goodnotes Cloud library sync. Compare those particular needs with the recurring annual cost; a higher tier is not automatically better for someone who only writes and organizes notes on one iPad.
Consider the one-time option if you prefer not to subscribe
Goodnotes lists a one-time Special Edition purchase for Apple devices, with availability varying by region. Because this edition is not eligible for Goodnotes Cloud, it may not fit a workflow that depends on that sync service. Check the current App Store or other relevant storefront listing to see whether it is offered where you are and what its terms include.
Rank #3
- 🖊【Wide Compatibility】: Stylus pen supports iPad 2018-2026 series:iPad 11th 11 inch 2025/10/9/8/7/6th Gen，iPad Air 11 inch (M4) 2026/13 inch (M4) 2026/7/6/5/4/3th Gen，iPad Pro 13 inch M4，iPad Pro 12.9 inch 3/4/5/6th Gen，iPad Pro 11 inch 1/2/3/4th/M4，iPad Mini 7th (A17 Pro)/6/5th Gen.NOTE: The Pencil is NOT compatible with iPad models before 2018, iPhone, Android and Microsoft devices. Please check your product model before placing an order.
- 🖊【Ultra-fast Charging/Ultra-long Battery Life】: Hastraith stylus pen for ipad uses a Type-C interface for charging and can be fully charged in just 13 minutes. It also has an ultra-long battery life of more than 10 hours of continuous use, which can meet the needs of long-term writing or drawing.
- 🖊【Tilt Sensitivity and Palm Rejection】: Hastraith ipad pen uses tilt pressure sensing technology, which can dynamically adjust the line thickness according to the different tilt angles of the pen side. The full-screen palm rejection function ensures that when using a capacitive pen, the finger or palm touching the screen will not cause accidental touches, while ensuring the smoothness and stability of writing.
- 🖊【Battery Display/No Bluetooth Required】:No need for Bluetooth connection, turn on this stylus pen by simply touching the cap button. Hastraith ipad pencil has 3 battery indicator lights: All lights on: 70%-100% power, 2 lights on: 30%-70% power, 1 light on: 5%-30% power, 1 light flashing: less than 5% power. Therefore, you can view the battery consumption progress in real time so that you can charge it before important work begins.
- 🖊【Package Included】: 1 * smart stylus, 1 * type-c charging cable, 3 * replacement nibs, 1 * dust cover, 1 * silicone protective cover, 1 * user manual. Hastraith provides you with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty, if you have any questions about our products, please contact us. Note: If it does not work after turning on, please turn off the Bluetooth of the iPad.
Do you need an Apple Pencil?
No. An Apple Pencil is an optional accessory, not a requirement for using Goodnotes. It can be useful if handwriting is central to your workflow, but the Pencil model must be compatible with your specific iPad. Check Apple’s compatibility information for your iPad before purchasing an accessory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide before subscribing
- Try your actual workflow on Free. Create the kinds of notes you expect to keep and import the PDFs you use.
- Notice which limit, if any, blocks you. Check file count, storage, import size, export watermarking, and audio duration rather than upgrading preemptively.
- Name any feature you specifically need. Check whether it requires Essential, Pro, Goodnotes Cloud, or an optional AI Pass in your region.
- Compare the payment model and local terms. Prices and availability vary by region; confirm the current subscription or one-time purchase details in your storefront.
- Verify device compatibility. Check operating-system, chip, language, and accessory requirements for the features you plan to use.
AI Pass is an optional paid add-on for eligible paid plans and regions; it is not available on Free. Its price and included feature allowances can vary, so confirm them at checkout rather than relying on a price quoted for another market.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stylus Pen for Touchscreen: No Bluetooth or charging needed—use instantly on any capacitive touch screen (iPad, iPhone, Android, Samsung). Dual rubber tips (5mm/6.6mm) ensure precise control for writing, drawing, or gaming. Lightweight aluminum body with vibrant colors.
- Precision & Comfort Redefined: High sensitivity rubber tip glides smoothly without lag or scratches. Ergonomic design reduces wrist strain for extended use. Compatible with tablets, phones, and Laptops.
- Dual-Tip Flexibility: Switch between 0.20” and 0.26” rubber nibs for detailed art or bold notes. Anti-scratch, fingerprint-resistant tip. Pretty bright metal colors inspire creativity.
- Effortless Multi-Device Compatibility: Works seamlessly on Apple, Samsung, Android, and more. No apps or setup—just pick up and write. Perfect for notes, games, or gifts—ready to spark ideas instantly. Replaceable tips included for long-term use.
- Creative Freedom, Anywhere: Lightweight aluminum stylus with natural grip. Includes 6 replaceable tips and 3 color stylus pens. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues, this bundle ensures you’re always equipped to capture inspiration.
Rank #4
- 【For iPad 2018-2026】No need to connect to Bluetooth.This ipad pencil is compatible with Apple iPad 2018-2026. This Pencil for iPad 11th/ 10th/ 9th/ 8th/ 7th/ 6th; iPad Pro M5/ M4/ 12.9 inch/ 11 inch; iPad Mini 5th/ 6th/ 7th; iPad Air M4 /M3 /M2 /5th /4th /3rd; New iPad Pro 2024 11 inch &13 inch (M4, M5); New iPad Air 2024 11 inch &13 inch (M2, M3). Not compatible with iPad Pro 12.9 inch(2th/ 1st), iPad Pro 10.5/9.7 inch(4th/ 3rd/ 2nd/ 1st), iPad 5th/ 4th / 3rd/ 2nd / 1st, iPad air 2nd/ 1st, iPad Mini 4th /3rd/ 2nd/ 1st.And it's easy to use! Double-click the top touch control to turn it on.This iPad pen is magnetically adsorbed and can be attached to the iPad when not in use.
- 【15 Mins Fast Charging, 9 Hours of Use】 No need to charge frequently. Experience uninterrupted creativity with our iPad pencil lightning-fast charging capabilities. 2X Faster Charging speed than others. Just 15 minutes of charging provides an impressive 9 hours of continuous usage, long lasting battery life.This ensures that your creative process is not interrupted. You can use it all day long.
- 【Effortless Palm Rejection】Bid farewell to distractions during your artistic endeavors. Our stylus pen Compatible with Apple iPad Pencil 1st / 2nd Generation with advanced palm rejection technology ensures seamless drawing experiences, allowing you to focus solely on your masterpiece without any unwanted interruptions.
- 【Multiple Replaceable Long-lasting Nibs】- The nibs of our iPad pens are extremely long-lasting and will last a long time without wear and tear. And we also come with 4 replaceable pen tips. And it's very easy to replace the nib. This ipencil looks great and has a stylish design. Our iPad Pencil features cutting-edge ergonomics that provide a comfortable grip and fit seamlessly into your hand. Its balanced weight and intuitive design ensure fatigue-free use.
- 【Versatile & Easy to Carry】 - you can use it to take notes, draw, write, create art and more. You can also use iPad pro pencil for daily use, classroom use and work use. This ipencil is a great gift for your children to use for taking notes in school classes. This is the best gift for your colleague/client for work or meetings. The best gift for your friend for creation and painting practice. Put it in your pocket or purse and carry it to any place - school class, university, office, airplane...
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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