Notion vs. GoodNotes: Which Productivity App is Right for You?
~Notion and GoodNotes represent two different philosophies in productivity tools. Choosing between them depends on how you think, work, and what devices you use. This detailed comparison helps you make the right choice for your workflow.
Understanding the Core Difference
Notion: The Digital Database
Notion is a typed, database-driven workspace that excels at:
- Structured information organization
- Collaborative work
- Building interconnected systems
- Text-heavy workflows
GoodNotes: The Digital Notebook
GoodNotes is a handwritten note-taking app that excels at:
- Natural handwriting experience
- Visual note-taking and sketching
- PDF annotation and markup
- Traditional notebook feel
Detailed Feature Comparison
Input Methods
| Feature | Notion | GoodNotes |
| Typing | Primary method | Available |
| Handwriting | Limited | Primary method |
| Drawing/Sketching | No | Excellent |
| Audio Recording | No | No |
Organization
| Feature | Notion | GoodNotes |
| Folder Structure | Flexible hierarchy | Folders and notebooks |
| Tags | Database properties | Limited |
| Search | Full text | Handwriting recognition |
| Linking | Powerful backlinks | Hyperlinks only |
Collaboration
| Feature | Notion | GoodNotes |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes | Limited |
| Sharing | Extensive options | Export-based |
| Comments | Yes | No |
| Team workspaces | Yes | No |
Best Use Cases
Choose Notion If You:
- Prefer typing over handwriting
- Need to collaborate with others
- Want to build complex organizational systems
- Use multiple non-Apple devices
- Manage projects, tasks, and databases
- Create wikis or knowledge bases
Choose GoodNotes If You:
- Learn better by handwriting
- Use an iPad with Apple Pencil
- Need to annotate PDFs (textbooks, documents)
- Want a traditional notebook feel
- Create visual notes with diagrams
- Use digital planners and stickers
Platform Availability
Notion
- Web browser (any platform)
- Windows, Mac desktop apps
- iOS, Android mobile apps
- Syncs seamlessly across all
GoodNotes
- iPad (best experience)
- iPhone
- Mac
- Windows (newer addition)
- No Android or web version
Pricing Comparison
Notion
- Free tier: Generous for personal use
- Plus: $8/month for more features
- Team plans available
GoodNotes
- GoodNotes 5: One-time purchase (legacy)
- GoodNotes 6: Free tier + subscription for full features
Using Both Together
Many productivity enthusiasts use both:
- Notion for task management, databases, and typed notes
- GoodNotes for handwritten notes, study materials, and planning
- Export GoodNotes pages to Notion for archiving
- Link between systems as needed
Making Your Decision
Quick Decision Guide
- Student taking notes in class? GoodNotes
- Project manager coordinating teams? Notion
- Digital planner enthusiast? GoodNotes
- Building a second brain? Notion
- Annotating textbooks? GoodNotes
- Managing life admin? Either works
Whatever you choose, our digital stationery works beautifully in GoodNotes for planning and decoration!
