The best note-taking apps for iPad of 2026: Expert tested

Notability is widely regarded as one of the best note-taking apps available for iPad thanks to its simple interface matched by powerful capability. Notes are no longer just written jottings when you can add different forms of multimedia like audio and video. 

Why we like it:  Notability melds several different types of note-taking apps for iPad, offering the ability to take notes, create a journal, or utilize special tools like ink and highlighter. It allows not only note-taking but also PDF annotation, which we found to be a super-convenient additional feature for students and professionals alike. 

Who’s it for: When I tested Notability, I immediately preferred it over other options because it was so easy to use. The app is arranged thoughtfully, and all the essential tools needed while jotting down notes are conveniently at the top of the screen. I also appreciated the ability to use templates right away, even with just the free version. It brings the notebook experience to life and makes it fun. This is for someone who wants no-fuss note-taking. 

Who should look elsewhere: When you first create an account, you’ll be limited to the free plan. This offers a decent amount for free, but your note edits are still limited until you subscribe to a paid option for extended features. While there are several tiered subscription options, there isn’t a one-time payment option, a downside compared to alternatives like Goodnotes 6. 

Also: The best iPad models you can buy

Notability key features: Price: $5 per month or $15 per year (other plans available) | Available app for Mac, iPhone, iPad | Templates | Customize notes with images, text, audio, and more | Import and mark-up PDFs and other docs | Store and organize notes | Math Conversion technology

Why we like it: Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create separate notebooks to organize your notes and add content such as PDFs, sketches, and multimedia. You can also sync your account with Google Calendar, offering full scheduling capabilities beyond your note-taking capabilities. In terms of other features, you can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote’s web Clipper tool. You can also scan and incorporate your own handwritten or printed notes via your camera. 

You can sync all your devices up to the number specified by your subscription plan. Your plan, however, controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

Who’s it for: I previously used Evernote as a student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it’s gotten a lovely refresh in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized. 

Who should look elsewhere: That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you’re looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may be better suited to your needs. Plus, the free version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of features like overall storage and note size. In addition, its “freemium” experience is no longer, so you’ll end up needing to purchase it if you’re a serious note-taker. 

Evernote features: Price: Starter plans begins at $8 per month or $99 per year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices | Up to 1000 notes | Up to 20 notebooks | Up to 1000 attachments | Up to 3 devices | AI features

Why we like it: While making this list, I discovered that the Goodnotes vs. Notability rivalry runs deep. Much like how you’re either Team Apple or Team Android, you’re either Team Notability or Team Goodnotes. Both options offer many of the same features, have cult followings, and are Apple Editors’ Choice-awarded apps. 

Who’s it for: GoodNotes also syncs across your devices for easy access, no matter where you are or what device you use. You can adjust and change your handwriting or use different colored inks with included tools, like Shape, Lasso, and Elements, that allow you to import photos and diagrams. 

Goodnotes 6 is also perfect to use in conjunction with the Apple Pencil. You have the option to work with PDFs and document outlines, housing them in an unlimited number of folders and subfolders for better organization. From handwritten notes to typed ones, your notes, files, and folders are all easily searchable. 

When I tested Goodnotes 6, I liked the three notebooks provided while using the free tier. I found the app easy to use, intuitive, and similar to the Notability experience. 

Who should look elsewhere: Ultimately, the deciding factor between the two came down to the subscription options. While Goodnotes can be purchased outright, Notability exclusively offers monthly and quarterly subscription options. This is excellent for students or those who know they will only use the app periodically. A subscription model ensures that you’ll always have access to the most up-to-date app version. 

Several Redditors said they would recommend Goodnotes 6 over Notability or other apps, with many saying it’s well worth the cost to upgrade to the paid plan. Some said the one-time purchase option of Goodnotes makes it more cost-effective than other note-taking apps. However, other Redditors noted that purchasing the software outright limits any future upgrades without paying and that the developer never lets customers know when a new version will be available.

“Only the current version you buy is forever, so if you buy GoodNotes 6, you will continue to benefit from it 100%, but once they release GoodNotes 7, you will have to buy that to stay up to date. If you don’t, your current version will not continue to receive updates, and they will bombard you with ads telling you to move to the next version,” one Redditor wrote. 

Goodnotes 6 key features: Price: $10 per year or a one-time fee of $30 | Free starter plan with three notebooks (paid plans include unlimited notebooks) | Compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud | Paper Templates and customizable sizes for notes | Add, create, or import stickers | Supports audio notes | AI support

Why we like it: Nebo was rebranded to MyScript in 2025. MyScript offers full support for your Apple Pencil and uses leading AI technology to provide the option of handwritten notes or personalized annotation. 

Also: How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil 

MyScript makes it easy to import a file because the app is compatible with PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. You can also easily transition from handwriting to text or dictation, even in the same word, to make transcription a breeze. It can even handle math equations and diagrams, available as LaTeX or image.

Who’s it for: MyScript is great for someone who is looking for an affordable one-time purchase option, as well as an affordable subscription tier option. It’s a no-fuss note-taking system with some elevated features. Plus, MyScript’s AI updates up the ante. Now, MyScript AI can be utilized for PDFs, allowing users to summarize content, clarify complex concepts, engage in quizzes, or interact with an AI assistant directly within their PDF documents. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you need more detailed note-taking services or specialty, you may want to consider wider options. When I tested Nebo, my favorite features were the lasso tool and the handy toolbar, which made it easy to switch colors and writing tools, change size and weight, and customize my note-taking. It’s also easy to teach yourself the Nebo interface, which makes it a good pick for a beginner or student. This wouldn’t suit heavier or more detailed note-taking that many higher education students may prefer. 

Nebo key features: Price: $24 one-time, yearly being $8, monthly being $2 | Artificial intelligence technology | Compatible with PDFs | Freeform canvas for unique note-taking control | Write to text conversion | Lasso tool for maximum control | Add photos, sketches, and math | Create and edit structured notes | Solve simple math 

Why we like it: A handy addition to any iPad, the Notes app is Apple’s signature note-taking app. Its straightforward functionality makes it our best basic, and included, note-taking app for iPads. If you own an iPad, you likely already have the Apple Notes app installed on your home screen. 

It is one of the easiest ways to take notes, but few know that the app can be used for more than note-taking. It can also handle other media types, such as images, checklists, and sketches. 

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a native, free, and basic note-taking app. 

I use the Apple Notes app for many things, from grocery lists to movie recommendations to unexpected business ideas. I wouldn’t recommend trying to complete detailed educational notes on this app, as there are much better options for in-depth note-taking. However, the app is great for everyday jotting and reminders. 

It also works with handwritten notes or scanned documents that you need to keep at the ready. Using the built-in scanner, you can lock your notes with passwords or scan paper documents. The app uses iCloud so that you can access your notes on any of your Apple devices. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you need more advanced capabilities or your notes accessible via multiple non-Apple devices, you may want to consider other options. 

Apple Notes key features: Price: Free | Simple to use | Share notes with others | Native to Apple ecosystem | Already installed on your iPad

Why we like it: LiquidText was previously named the “Most Innovative iPad App of the Year” by the Apple App Store, so we naturally had to check it out. LiquidText offers a quick and easy way to review, gather, and organize information across tons of documents and web pages and then apply your findings to writing, studying, prepping, and more. You can pull out and connect key facts, squeeze a document to compare sections, draw a line to connect ideas in different documents, comment on multiple pages, and build upon your thoughts.

Who’s it for: Anyone looking for easy ways to work with PDFs. When I tested LiquidText, I was impressed with its capabilities and honestly upset that I hadn’t found something like it before graduating from college. This would have been the perfect tool to have on hand throughout my graduate studies. It makes it so easy to take and connect ideas through files like PDFs, especially when dealing with scanned copies of class readings. This would’ve been great while writing my master’s thesis, but luckily you can take advantage when I couldn’t.

If you’re looking for a solid note-taking app specifically for research, PDFs, and detailed annotating, LiquidText is a great pick. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you need a broader scope of note-taking tools or don’t need PDF annotating, this may be one to skip.  

LiquidText key features: Price: $80 paid once, $8 or $15 per month depending on subscription (student discount available) | Easily organizes research | Review and annotate PDFs | Import from email, Dropbox, and more | Cross-platform synching | Backup on cloud | Share files easily