What makes a great stylus note app?
Writing with a stylus brings back the tactile experience of pen and paper while keeping everything digital. Whether you're sketching diagrams in a meeting, annotating PDFs with markup, or just prefer handwriting over typing, the right app transforms your tablet into a genuine notebook.
The market's flooded with note apps that claim stylus support, but most treat it as an afterthought. The apps we've listed below were built with stylus users in mind. They understand palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and the fact that handwritten notes need different organization than typed text.
We tested dozens of stylus note apps on iPad, Android tablets, and Windows devices. Our criteria focused on handwriting quality, PDF annotation capabilities, AI text conversion accuracy, cross-device sync reliability, and whether the pricing model makes sense for individual users versus teams.
This guide covers the best stylus note-taking apps in 2026, from the polished iPad-first options to the platform-agnostic tools that work across any device with a touchscreen.
How We Chose These Stylus Note Apps
Our Selection Process
Picking a stylus app isn't like choosing a regular note-taking tool. The writing experience matters more than feature lists. An app with incredible AI features means nothing if the ink feels laggy or palm rejection fails constantly.
We evaluated each app against these criteria:
Writing feel matters most. Latency between stylus and screen ruins the experience. We tested on multiple devices to see which apps kept up with fast handwriting without lag or jitter.
Palm rejection has to be rock solid. Nothing kills your flow faster than accidental touch inputs while your hand rests on the screen. The best apps let you write naturally without worrying about where your palm lands.
PDF annotation capabilities separate casual apps from serious tools. If you're marking up contracts, editing design docs, or grading papers, you need precise markup tools that export cleanly.
Handwriting recognition quality varies wildly. Some apps nail conversion from messy handwriting to searchable text. Others struggle with anything beyond print letters. We tested with different handwriting styles to see which AI engines actually work.
Organization for handwritten content requires different thinking. Tagged pages, visual previews, and quick search through handwritten text matter more than folder hierarchies.
Cross-platform availability became crucial as people switch between iPad, Android tablets, and Windows devices. Apps that lock you into one ecosystem lost points unless they excelled everywhere else.
GoodNotes
Best All-Rounder for iPad: GoodNotes
GoodNotes spent years as the iPad-only gold standard before finally expanding to Windows and Android in late 2023. Honestly? It shows. The iPad version feels refined and polished, while other platforms are catching up.
What sets GoodNotes apart is the combination of excellent writing feel and seriously good handwriting recognition. The AI can convert your messy scribbles into typed text while keeping the original handwriting intact. This means you get searchability without losing the visual context of your notes.
The folder system works well for people who like structure. Create notebooks, organize them into folders, and GoodNotes handles the rest. The visual grid of notebook covers makes finding the right one faster than scrolling through text lists.
Best for
iPad users who want polished handwriting recognition. Students taking lecture notes where they need both handwriting and search. Anyone who regularly annotates PDFs for work or study. People who prefer structured notebook organization over freeform chaos.
Not ideal if
You're on Android as your primary device (it works but iPad is the focus). Your notes are mostly typed with occasional handwriting. You need advanced collaboration for team projects. You hate subscriptions and want a one-time purchase. You prefer tag-based organization over folders.
Real-world example
A law student uses GoodNotes for all class notes. They write lecture notes by hand during class, annotate PDF case readings with highlights and margin notes, and use the search to find specific legal concepts across all notebooks when studying for exams. The handwriting-to-text lets them search "negligence" and find every handwritten mention.
Team fit
Primarily for individual use. Students, professionals, researchers. Not designed for team collaboration. Works best for people who need personal digital notebooks with handwriting.
Onboarding reality
Moderate. The basic writing experience is immediate, but mastering organization (folders, notebooks, tagging) takes a few days. Shape recognition and advanced PDF features need some exploration. Most people are comfortable within a week.
Pricing friction
Switched to $9.99/year subscription model, which annoyed longtime users who had one-time purchases. The subscription is reasonable but the change created frustration. Free trial lets you test before committing.
Integrations that matter
iCloud sync (for Apple ecosystem), Google Drive export, Dropbox backup, can import from Notability and OneNote. Works with Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, and third-party styluses.
Noteshelf
Best for Android & AI Features: Noteshelf
Noteshelf built its reputation on Android tablets before expanding everywhere else. If you're using a Samsung Galaxy Tab or any non-Apple device, this is your best bet.
The app focuses on making handwriting feel natural. The ink engine responds fast enough that you forget you're writing on glass. Palm rejection works reliably across different Android devices, which matters when manufacturers implement touchscreens differently.
Noteshelf recently added AI features that rival GoodNotes. The handwriting recognition converts your notes to text, and the AI can generate content based on prompts.
Best for
Android tablet users who want native-quality stylus support. Students who record lectures while taking notes (audio sync is brilliant). People who want AI features without subscription fatigue. Anyone frustrated with iPad-first apps that treat Android like an afterthought.
Not ideal if
You're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless iCloud integration. You need advanced team collaboration features. You're on a tight budget and the $9.99 one-time purchase is still too much. You prefer minimalist apps without AI additions.
Real-world example
A medical student uses Noteshelf on their Galaxy Tab to take anatomy notes. They record lectures while sketching diagrams of organs and systems. Later, they tap on a diagram to jump to that moment in the audio to hear the professor's explanation. The AI generates flashcards from handwritten notes for exam prep.
Team fit
Individual users primarily. Students, professionals, creative workers. The collaboration features exist but aren't the main selling point. Best for solo note-takers who need powerful handwriting tools.
Onboarding reality
Easy. The interface is intuitive, and the writing experience works immediately. AI features take a few minutes to explore but aren't required. Most people are productive within the first session.
Pricing friction
$9.99 one-time purchase, which is refreshingly simple. AI features use monthly credits that reset, with free credits covering normal usage. Most people never need to pay extra beyond the initial purchase.
Integrations that matter
Google Drive sync, Dropbox, OneDrive, Evernote export, can import from GoodNotes and OneNote. Works with S Pen, Wacom styluses, and most Android-compatible active styluses.
OneNote
Best Free Option: OneNote
OneNote doesn't get enough credit in stylus app discussions. Yeah, it's a Microsoft product that's been around forever, but the Surface team clearly uses it because the stylus support is excellent.
The freeform canvas approach lets you write anywhere on the page. No lines, no structure, just start writing wherever makes sense. This feels chaotic at first but works brilliantly for brainstorming sessions and meeting notes where ideas don't follow a linear path.
Integration with Microsoft 365 means your notes live alongside Teams, Outlook, and Word. If you're already in that ecosystem, OneNote becomes the obvious choice.
Best for
Windows and Surface device users. Teams already using Microsoft 365 who want notes integrated with their workflow. People who think spatially and need freeform layouts. Anyone who wants completely free stylus support. Students who record lectures while writing.
Not ideal if
You need structured notebook organization like GoodNotes. You want markdown support or block-based editing. You're on Mac/iPad and don't use Microsoft services. You need advanced PDF annotation beyond basic markup. You hate the freeform canvas and prefer linear note-taking.
Real-world example
A project manager uses OneNote on their Surface during client meetings. They sketch org charts, write action items anywhere on the page, record the meeting audio, and insert photos of whiteboard diagrams. Everything syncs to their team's shared OneNote notebook. Later, they click on notes to hear what was being discussed when they wrote it.
Team fit
Works for individuals and teams. Especially strong for teams already in Microsoft 365. Shared notebooks enable real-time collaboration. Popular in education (schools often provide it free) and enterprise settings.
Onboarding reality
Easy to moderate. The freeform canvas confuses people used to structured apps, but most adapt quickly. If you're already using Microsoft products, it feels familiar. Surface users find it intuitive immediately.
Pricing friction
Completely free with a Microsoft account. Storage ties to your OneDrive quota (5GB free, more with Microsoft 365 subscription). No premium tier, no paywalls. This is a massive advantage.
Integrations that matter
Microsoft 365 (Teams, Outlook, Word), OneDrive sync, Office Lens for scanning, exports to PDF/Word. Works with Surface Pen, Apple Pencil (on iPad), and most active styluses.
Note-taking and organising app perfect for students, academics and general notes.
Evernote
Best for Mixed Note Types: Evernote
Evernote started as a typed-notes app but evolved solid stylus support over time. It won't beat dedicated handwriting apps, but if you mix typed and handwritten notes, Evernote handles both well.
The PDF annotation capabilities stand out. Import a document, grab your stylus, and mark it up with highlights, arrows, sketches, and text boxes. The tools feel precise enough for detailed markup work.
Evernote's strength remains its organization and search. Tag your handwritten notes, search through them (the OCR works on handwriting), and find what you need across thousands of notes.
Best for
People who mix typed and handwritten notes equally. Anyone already invested in Evernote's ecosystem with years of notes. Professionals who annotate PDFs and documents regularly. Users who need powerful search across mixed content types. People who want one app for all note types.
Not ideal if
You primarily take handwritten notes (dedicated apps are better). You're on a tight budget and can't justify the subscription. You need fast, lag-free writing (Evernote can feel sluggish). You want advanced stylus features like shape recognition. Your work is mainly visual sketching or diagrams.
Real-world example
A consultant uses Evernote for all client work. They type meeting agendas before calls, then switch to stylus during the meeting to sketch process flows and write action items by hand. After the meeting, they search their entire Evernote database for "client name" to see all typed notes, handwritten annotations, and scanned documents in one place.
Team fit
Individuals and small teams. Business tier supports team collaboration. Popular with consultants, freelancers, and knowledge workers who manage diverse information types. Less common in large enterprises or education.
Onboarding reality
Easy to moderate. The interface is familiar if you've used any note app. Stylus features require some exploration to find. The learning curve is gentle but finding advanced features takes time.
Pricing friction
Free tier is very limited (50 notes maximum). Personal at $10.83/month (annual) unlocks unlimited notes and offline access. Professional at $14.17/month adds AI features and better collaboration. The pricing feels steep for stylus-focused users compared to one-time purchases.
Integrations that matter
Google Calendar, Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Zapier (for custom workflows). Web clipper for saving articles. Works with Apple Pencil, Surface Pen, and most styluses.
Notability
Best for Students & Math: Notability
Notability has been around since 2010 and built a loyal following among students. The audio recording feature that syncs with handwritten notes remains its killer feature.
The writing experience feels smooth and responsive. Apple Pencil support is excellent, with pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition working exactly as expected. The variety of pen types and colors gives you flexibility without overwhelming the interface.
What sets Notability apart is the math support. Using MyScript technology, you can write equations and mathematical expressions that get automatically converted to clean, typeset formulas.
Best for
Students recording lectures while taking notes (the audio sync is unmatched). Anyone working with mathematical notation (STEM students, engineers, researchers). Apple ecosystem users who want reliable iCloud sync. People who need multimodal notes (handwriting, typing, audio, images on the same page).
Not ideal if
You're not in the Apple ecosystem (iPad/Mac only). You need advanced AI features for summarization or content generation. You want complex organizational systems beyond folders. You're on Windows, Android, or need cross-platform access. You prefer tag-based organization.
Real-world example
A physics student records lectures in Notability while writing equations and diagrams. Later while studying, they tap on a handwritten formula to hear the professor's explanation from that moment. The math conversion turns messy handwritten calculus into perfectly formatted equations. Before exams, they review audio snippets by tapping notes.
Team fit
Primarily for individual students and professionals. Not designed for team collaboration. Popular in education (K-12 through graduate school) and with individual professionals in technical fields.
Onboarding reality
Very easy. The interface is clean and intuitive. Recording audio while writing feels natural. Math conversion works immediately without setup. Most people are productive within minutes.
Pricing friction
Notability Plus is $11.99/year for unlimited notes, iCloud sync, and PDF editing. Without subscription, you can create notes but lose advanced features. The annual cost is reasonable for students but recurring.
Integrations that matter
iCloud sync across Apple devices, Google Drive export, can import PDFs and images, exports to PDF. Works exclusively with Apple Pencil and compatible iPad/Mac styluses.
Noteful
Best for PDF Annotation: Noteful
Noteful flies under the radar compared to GoodNotes and Notability, but it's earned highly-rated reviews from iPad users who discovered it. The focus is squarely on PDF annotation and document markup.
The app treats PDF annotation as a first-class feature, not an afterthought. Import documents and access sophisticated markup tools that rival dedicated PDF editors. Highlights, underlines, stamps, signatures, form filling - it's all there and works smoothly with Apple Pencil.
Tag functionality in Noteful deserves special mention. Unlike folder-based organization, you tag pages and notebooks with multiple keywords. Later, filter by tag to see all related content across different notebooks.
Best for
iPad users who primarily annotate PDFs (contracts, manuscripts, academic papers). Anyone who prefers tag-based organization over hierarchical folders. People who want a one-time purchase instead of subscriptions. Professionals who need precise PDF markup tools (lawyers, editors, professors, designers reviewing specs).
Not ideal if
You need cross-platform access (iPad only). You want flashy design and polish over functionality. You mostly take blank-page notes rather than annotating documents. You need team collaboration features. You're on Android or Windows.
Real-world example
A freelance editor uses Noteful to mark up client manuscripts. They import the PDF, use different colored highlights for different types of edits, add margin notes with suggestions, and tag pages by chapter and edit type. Later, they filter by "plot issues" tag to see all related notes across the 300-page document.
Team fit
Individuals only. No collaboration features. Popular with professionals who review documents solo: lawyers, editors, academics, designers, consultants.
Onboarding reality
Moderate. The PDF tools work immediately, but mastering the tagging system takes time. Apple Pencil hover support (iPad Pro) requires understanding the preview feature. Most people are comfortable after a few sessions.
Pricing friction
One-time purchase (price varies by region, typically under $15). No subscription, which appeals to people tired of recurring costs. The value is excellent for heavy PDF users.
Integrations that matter
iCloud sync, can import from Files app, exports to PDF with annotations embedded. Works with Apple Pencil, supports hover preview on compatible iPads. Can import custom PDF templates.
Which Stylus Note App Should You Choose?
Quick Decision Guide
Your ideal stylus app depends on your device, use case, and whether you want cutting-edge features or simple reliability.
If you're on iPad and want the most polished overall experience, GoodNotes delivers. The handwriting recognition works reliably, the interface feels refined, and it handles both casual notes and serious PDF work.
If you're using an Android tablet, go with Noteshelf. It was built for Android first and shows in the reliability. The AI features are surprisingly good, and the one-time pricing beats subscription fatigue.
If you're already locked into Microsoft 365 or using a Surface device, OneNote makes the most sense. It's free, it integrates with your existing tools, and the stylus support is better than most people realize.
If you record lectures or interviews while taking notes, Notability's audio sync feature is worth the subscription alone. The math support is a bonus if you're in STEM fields.
If you primarily annotate PDFs and prefer tag-based organization, Noteful offers professional-grade markup tools without subscription costs.
If you need something that works across every platform and you're already using Evernote, stick with it. The stylus support isn't best-in-class, but the ability to mix handwritten and typed notes in one ecosystem has value.
Stylus Note-Taking Apps FAQ
Common Questions About Stylus Apps
What's the best free stylus note-taking app?
OneNote wins for free options. It's completely free with solid stylus support, works across all platforms, and includes unlimited storage tied to your Microsoft account. The only catch is storage limits (5GB free, more with Microsoft 365), but that's generous for most users.
Do these apps work with any stylus or just Apple Pencil?
Most work with any active stylus. GoodNotes, Notability, and Noteful are optimized for Apple Pencil but work with third-party iPad styluses. Noteshelf supports various Android styluses including S Pen on Samsung devices. OneNote and Evernote work with any pressure-sensitive stylus on any platform.
Can I convert handwriting to text in all these apps?
GoodNotes, Noteshelf, and Evernote all include handwriting-to-text conversion. OneNote added it recently but it's less refined. Notability and Noteful focus more on handwriting recognition for search rather than conversion. Quality varies based on handwriting legibility - GoodNotes and Noteshelf handle messy writing best.
Which app is best for annotating PDFs with a stylus?
Noteful and GoodNotes tie for PDF annotation excellence. Noteful offers more specialized markup tools, while GoodNotes provides better overall organization. OneNote also handles PDF annotation well if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Do I need a subscription or can I buy these apps outright?
Noteshelf and Noteful offer one-time purchases (around $9.99). GoodNotes switched to a subscription at $9.99/year. Notability charges $11.99/year for the Plus plan. OneNote is free. Evernote requires a subscription for advanced features ($10.83-14.17/month).
Can I sync my handwritten notes between iPad and Android?
Tricky. GoodNotes recently added Android support with its own sync system. Noteshelf works across platforms. OneNote syncs everywhere. Evernote syncs everywhere. Notability is Apple-only. If cross-platform sync matters, avoid Notability.
Final Thoughts on Stylus Note Apps
Making Your Choice
The right stylus note app depends more on your device and workflow than features lists. An iPad user gets the best experience from GoodNotes or Notability. Android users should start with Noteshelf. Windows users already have OneNote built in.
Don't overthink the decision. Most of these apps offer free trials or have free versions. Download two or three that match your device, write some test notes, and see which one feels right. The writing experience matters more than feature comparisons.
Avoid apps that feel laggy or have inconsistent palm rejection. These fundamental issues ruin the experience no matter how good the AI features are. Start with the basics and make sure the app gets those right before worrying about advanced capabilities.