Best iPad Note-Taking Apps for Apple Pencil

All of them know how to write well on the screen. The differences emerge later: when your notes turn into hundreds and you need to organize them, when you are annotating 300-page PDFs, or when you need to convert handwriting into text to send to someone.

Main options #

Apple Notes #

Many people dismiss it without trying it, and they are often wrong. It features writing with the Apple Pencil, handwriting-to-text conversion, search within handwritten notes, tables, folders, a Lock with Face ID, and Quick Note, which you can trigger by dragging your finger or the Pencil from the bottom right corner. It syncs for free via iCloud across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Since iPadOS 18, it has grown significantly: it records audio with speech transcription, solves handwritten math problems (Math Notes), and uses Smart Script to make your handwriting look neater as you write.

The limitations appear when you need real study tools: there are no tabs within notebooks, long PDFs are handled in a very basic way, there is no organization by subject, and there is little freedom when exporting to Google Drive or Dropbox.

GoodNotes #

It is the most popular choice among students, and for good reason: organization. You get notebooks with covers, nested folders, favorites, and a search function that finds words across all documents, including annotated PDFs. Handwriting-to-text conversion is among the most accurate even with irregular script, and AI features correct your handwriting spelling while maintaining your natural stroke.

The free plan allows for three notebooks. After that, there is an Essential subscription, around $12 per year, which also works on Windows, Android, and web, or a one-time purchase for Apple devices only: if you plan to use it for years, this is the most cost-effective option.

Notability #

Its winning feature is synchronized audio recording: you record the lecture while you write, and by tapping a word, you can replay exactly what was being said at that moment. If you attend lectures or meetings, this alone justifies the choice. You can also open two notes side-by-side and convert handwritten formulas into text.

The free version limits monthly edits and does not include automatic backup; the full plan, Notability Plus, is subscription-based.

MyScript Notes (formerly Nebo) #

It was built around handwriting recognition via the MyScript engine, which supports over 65 languages. It converts as you write, handles formulas and diagrams, and allows you to edit handwritten text with gestures: a line through a word deletes it, and a vertical stroke splits two words.

This is the right app if you want to write by hand and get ready-to-send text documents. In exchange, it offers less layout freedom and no covers or creative templates. Since the name change, it is only available via subscription, with a one-week free trial.

OneNote #

It’s free, works everywhere (iPad, Mac, Windows, Android, web), and features an infinite canvas where you can write and draw anywhere. The math assistant solves handwritten equations and shows the steps. If you use Microsoft 365 for school or work, it is the natural choice.

The downside: it saves everything to OneDrive (5 GB free), without iCloud or local backup options, and the interface is less polished than apps designed specifically for iPad.

Obsidian #

If you take notes by typing and want to link them together, look here. Obsidian saves standard Markdown text files on your device, connects notes with links, and is free even for work use. It doesn’t play well with the Pencil, but for building a personal knowledge base over time, it has no rivals.

Other apps worth knowing #

LiquidText is made for studying documents, not for taking lecture notes. On one side you have the PDF, and on the other an infinite workspace where you drag in parts that interest you and link them together. You can also “pinch” the document with two fingers to bring distant pages closer. Free base version; Pro version requires payment.

MarginNote, currently on version 4, starts from the same idea but focuses on memorization: excerpts become organized concept maps and flashcards with spaced repetition. Very powerful for exam prep, though it has a steep learning curve.

CollaNote started as a student project and is still free, featuring many brushes (including watercolor) and real-time collaboration on the same document. The interface is a bit chaotic, and it is only available for iPad and iPhone.

Noteshelf sits halfway between GoodNotes and Notability: very fluid writing, plenty of page templates, audio recording (though without word syncing), and a presentation mode to use your iPad as a whiteboard.

Evernote is designed for those who write with a keyboard: text blocks, tasks, web clipper, and search within PDFs and photos. It does very little with the Pencil, and the free plan has become very restrictive (only one notebook and 50 notes), so it only makes sense if you pay for it.

Then there are niche apps that had a place in our previous list and remain valid for specific uses: Zoho Notebook, with its color-coded card notes; Penbook, featuring hundreds of page templates and planners that auto-fill dates; ZoomNotes, an infinite whiteboard with unlimited zoom and sub-documents, designed for those who think in mind maps.

Handwriting: what to expect #

Converting handwriting to text works better than you might think, but before you rely on it, keep three things in mind.

Your handwriting matters more than the app. A very personal cursive can confuse any recognition engine; lowercase print gives the best results everywhere.

Searching and converting are two different things. Most apps index your handwriting without actually converting it: search for “equation” and you’ll find the page, with the writing left as is. In everyday use, this is actually more useful to you than conversion.

Set it to Italian. Some apps use the system language, while others ask for it in the document settings. With the wrong language, recognition performance drops significantly.

How to choose #

• You take notes during lectures and want to replay them: Notability, or Apple Notes if audio recording with transcription is enough for you.
• You accumulate many notebooks and PDFs that need finding later: GoodNotes.
• You write by hand but need clean digital text: MyScript Notes.
• You also work on Windows or in a Microsoft environment: OneNote.
• You study long documents and want to create mind maps: LiquidText or MarginNote.
• You want something that works immediately and for free: Apple Notes.
• You are building a collection of linked notes: Obsidian.

If after a week with Apple Notes you know exactly what is missing (tabs, synced recording, organization by subject), you’ll also know which of the others you are looking for.

The tip and the screen #

Writing on glass is slippery, and it feels unnatural to many. Matte screen protectors that mimic paper improve feel and precision, at the cost of a slightly less sharp screen and tips that wear down faster.

It’s a matter of taste, but try it: it changes the experience more than any app feature.

FAQ #

What is the best free note-taking app for iPad? #

Apple Notes: it’s already installed, syncs with iCloud at no cost, and now even records audio with transcription. If you need a blank canvas or also work on Windows, OneNote is free and comprehensive; CollaNote is the free alternative with more brush options.

Do you definitely need an Apple Pencil? #

For handwriting, yes: using your finger lacks precision and palm rejection—the iPad’s ability to ignore your hand resting on the screen. Third-party compatible pens are cheaper and fine for basic writing, but they don’t all have every feature, such as pressure sensitivity. Also, check which Pencil is compatible with your specific iPad model.

What is the difference between GoodNotes and Notability? #

GoodNotes focuses on organization: notebooks, folders, and PDFs to find months later. Notability focuses on audio recording synced to your notes. If you record lectures, go for Notability; if you annotate many PDF handouts, go for GoodNotes.

Do my notes sync with my computer? #

Apple Notes, OneNote, and Obsidian do—completely. GoodNotes has a Windows and web app available with an Essential subscription. Notability syncs between Apple devices and exports to PDF otherwise.

Is a subscription or a one-time purchase better? #

If you plan on using the app for more than two or three years, a one-time purchase (where available) is cheaper. A subscription makes sense if you only need it for a specific period, such as an academic year, or if you want to use the app outside of Apple devices.

Can I move notes from one app to another? #

Partially. Exporting to PDF always works and preserves the look, but it turns your notes into static pages: you can no longer edit strokes and often lose searchable text. Switching apps halfway through a year requires careful thought.