Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Notion vs Goodnotes

Notion 4.8★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Goodnotes
Goodnotes 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75

Goodnotes is generally preferred for dedicated note-taking and Apple Pencil integration, while Notion offers more robust project planning and organization, despite its performance and AI integration issues.

Full reviews: Notion · Goodnotes

Goodnotes is a strong choice for dedicated note-takers, especially those using Apple Pencil, offering a streamlined interface for digital handwriting. Notion excels in comprehensive project management and structured organization, though it struggles with mobile performance and user dissatisfaction regarding its AI features.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: GoodnotesR5R9R10R17
Notion Notion is praised for its versatility in planning and building projects, acting as a 'second brain' for organizing life and business, with strong capabilities for structured and flexible content, and easy workspace sharing R5. Its AI tools are seen by some as a helpful assistant for creating lists and pages , but many users express strong dislike for the forced AI integration, finding it unnecessary, buggy, and intrusive R9R10. Missing features like mind mapping R5 and password protection for pages R17 are noted.
Goodnotes Goodnotes is highly valued for its core note-taking capabilities, especially with Apple Pencil, making it ideal for school, journaling, and organizing various documents . Users appreciate its simplified user interface compared to alternatives like OneNote . However, some users report issues with specific features, such as the drag-and-drop for stickers , photo uploading , and the tape tool . The AI transcription feature is criticized for limited tokens and silent failure . Some users also wish for better handwriting-to-text conversion that retains color coding and easier linking between documents .
Ease of Use and User Interface edge: GoodnotesR7R12R15R19
Notion Notion is described as an intuitive intelligence system that is fast and easy to use for organizing . However, many users find the mobile app experience challenging, citing issues with mobile view when typing R7, non-mobile friendly usage for templates R12, and complete reorganization of content on phone screens . Some find the app confusing and hard to track items R19. There are also complaints about the inability to change font size R15 and poor Apple Pencil support .
Goodnotes Goodnotes is generally praised for its user interface and being easy to use R98. However, some users find the writing process design cumbersome, requiring too many steps to start typing . There are also reports of slow launch times R72 and issues with the toolbar being covered in non-fullscreen mode . Some users struggle with understanding how to use certain features like AI writing .
Reliability and Performance tieR3R4R6R7
Notion Notion's reliability is a major point of contention. While some users find it very reliable and fast , a significant number report frequent bugs, lagging R3, crashes R13, and unresponsiveness . Specific issues include mobile view problems R7, long documents not loading on iPhone R16, and AI chatbot features being buggy and slow R6. Users express frustration with constant updates that introduce more bugs R4 and critical issues like voice-to-text not working .
Goodnotes Goodnotes generally performs well, but users report various reliability issues. These include occasional bugs that delete written content , app crashes , and freezing . Syncing issues between devices R72R87R102R112 and problems with the scratch erase feature are also mentioned. Some users experience high latency with Apple Pencil and glitches when writing while charging . A critical concern is notes disappearing or going blank, especially before exams R120.
Price and Value edge: NotionR11R50R59R61
Notion Notion offers a free version that many users find sufficient for their needs, even for business R59. The education plus plan is highlighted for providing unlimited access to features R50. However, some users report unexpected subscription price increases R11 and issues with customer service regarding billing R11.
Goodnotes Goodnotes has a free tier that allows 3 notebooks R98, but many users who previously purchased the app outright are frustrated by the switch to a subscription model, feeling locked out of features they already paid for . There are complaints about having to pay to do anything substantial R61R107 and issues with subscriptions not being recognized after payment .
Customer Support tieR11R116R120
Notion Notion users report difficulties contacting customer service, specifically issues with submitting support requests due to form errors R11.
Goodnotes Goodnotes users describe customer service as terrible, with reliance on AI bots and unresponsiveness to emails R120. There are also reports of support taking a long time to reply regarding login and account syncing issues R116.
Pick Notion if

You need a highly flexible and structured platform for comprehensive project planning, business organization, or personal life management, and you are comfortable with or can ignore the integrated AI features R5.

Pick Goodnotes if

You primarily need a dedicated note-taking app, especially if you use an iPad and Apple Pencil for handwriting, and value a streamlined interface for organizing various documents R98.

Evidence note: Notion's recent reviews show a strong negative sentiment towards AI integration and mobile performance, which contrasts with its higher lifetime rating. Goodnotes faces significant backlash from long-term users regarding its shift to a subscription model, impacting its perceived value despite strong core functionality.

Frequently asked

Does Notion offer a free version?
Yes, Notion offers a free version that many users find sufficient for their needs, even for business and educational purposes R59R50.
Can I use Goodnotes without a subscription?
Goodnotes offers a free tier that allows users to create up to 3 notebooks, but many features and unlimited notebooks require a paid subscription R98R61R107.
Are there performance issues with Notion's mobile app?
Yes, many Notion users report significant performance issues with the mobile app, including lagging, frequent crashes, unresponsiveness, and problems with mobile view when typing R3R7R13R16.
Does Goodnotes have issues with syncing notes across devices?
Yes, several Goodnotes users report problems with iCloud sync and general syncing issues between their iPad, iPhone, and MacBook, sometimes requiring reinstallation of the app R72R87R102R112.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] Notion 5/5 · US my notion is amazing: this is the best platform for planning and building your projects that you will ever use. it can be so structured but also has incredible flexibility, and sharing workspaces with others is fast and easy. I have been using this tool for years and will continue to do so. the only thing I wish there was is a mind map feature within pages to allow users a visual representation fo
  2. [R9] Notion 3/5 · US I love Notion, Not AI…: I use Notion everyday to help me stick to a schedule and plan my life. I despise AI, and the fact it’s even in the title name is repulsive. It’s painful to love this app due to them feeding into this.
  3. [R10] Notion 2/5 · US Pls cut back use of ai: Love notion, great app. Hate that ai is shoved down your throat at every turn. Can’t click a single thing without “ai can do this for you!!” I don’t want ai to do it for me. I am here because I want to do it. Ai sucks the fun out of everything. The second I find an alternative that does not use ai is the second I drop notion like a hot potato and switch over everything.
  4. [R17] Notion 5/5 · US Feedback: Feature to password-protect a particular page would be very helpful!
  5. [R7] Notion 1/5 · US Issue Mobile View when Typing: Great software, great usages for all sorts of people, BUT the mobile app just struggles with one critical bug that makes the whole thing unusable. When I’m typing, the screen auto-adjusts the view so that where I’m currently typing is just out of view. When this happens, I cannot see what I am typing, hence why the app becomes unusable. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FIX THIS!
  6. [R12] Notion 3/5 · US Templates not available: Overall wonderful app but I am frustrated by the non mobile friendly usage at times. I believe there may be a bug (at least when I’m on iPad) when trying to download a new template. I can find them, see them, but cannot download them or even view the product page for them.
  7. [R15] Notion 3/5 · US Cannot change font size: It's a deal breaker for a note taking app that you cannot even choose a font size (especially in a table, which is very small). The rest of the app is decent though.
  8. [R19] Notion 1/5 · US Redundant: Why? Confusing. Hard to track where items are saved. In a world of Notes app and other apps, I don’t understand where this fits
  9. [R3] Notion 3/5 · US SLOOWWWW: Please fix the app, it lags about and the writing is bad, we dont need AI so relax with it because its slowing up the app, please dont ruin the appppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  10. [R4] Notion 1/5 · US Are constant updates necessary??: Bug fixes and performance improvements. Bug fixes and performance improvements. Bug fixes and performance improvements. Bug fixes and performance improvements. Bug fixes and performance improvements. You guys are ridiculous and out of control. Please you don’t need to update your app this frequently. It’s obnoxious.
  11. [R6] Notion 3/5 · US AI chatbot feature is very buggy: Takes long to load, especially on long threads, to the point where i have to quit the app and download again.
  12. [R11] Notion 4/5 · US I love notion but when I’m trying to contact costumer service: I’ve been using Notion for a while, and I really love the app. It’s been an amazing tool for staying organized. However, I’m disappointed with my recent billing experience. My subscription increased from $12 to $26, and I wanted to speak with a customer support representative to understand why. Unfortunately, when I try to submit a sup
  13. [R50] Notion 5/5 · US Love this app: OMG this app is Soo good I really love the education plus plan! I get unlimited access to so many things! I have my whole study system and calendar here
  14. [R59] Notion 5/5 · US Best software for everything: This is the best software for all my work. I can’t find any like it. Even though I still use the free version because of a lack of funds, it serves. Imagine if I paid a subscription! Thank you, Notion!
  15. [R61] Goodnotes 1/5 · US 1 star: Have to pay to do anything
  16. [R116] Goodnotes 5/5 · US Major issues with login and account syncing: I have encountered numerous issues with syncing Apple accounts, Google accounts, Microsoft, you name it. Just poorly designed account management system. Imagine being unable to edit your notes and documents at any random update or change of credentials, with support taking forever to reply. The app itself is okay, but no good if you can’t use it.
  17. [R120] Goodnotes 3/5 · GB do NOT get this app: The stars was just so i could reach people, please don’t put trust into this app. I have had an issue of notes going blank before exams which is frustrating. They will literally just make your notes disappear. My note books are all blank. They don’t have a phone number for the purpose of ignoring you when you email them. The customer service is genuinely terrible. They will gi
  18. [R98] Goodnotes 5/5 · US Good app!: Super useful and helps to keep a lot of thoughts and teachings organized and safe. I would 100% recommend for school,church,journalism and even drawing! Very helpful and easy to use. And it even gives you 3 free notebooks to start with and a good deal to get more afterwards which I guarantee that you won’t regret. ☺️
  19. [R107] Goodnotes 5/5 · US 💖💖Love but one thing!💖💖: Please read! I love ALL the stuff that GoodNotes has. but i started my 7 day free trial and I don’t like that you have to pay for using this app and i have searched everwhere for this kind of App and I found one. Sadly it cost money and I don’t want to pay for something that I would use only on school days and writing essays. but if you are willing to pay I would DEFINIT
  20. [R13] Notion 1/5 · US Latest updates are a problem: Notion has always been fantastic until it wasn’t. The last couple of releases it seems like it has gone downhill considerably. The screens seem to have a mind of their own now and it crashes more frequently than it ever has.
  21. [R16] Notion 2/5 · US Long documents don’t work on iPhone 12: I’ve used notion for years and it is a great product on desktop! I use long lists with checkboxes and it doesn’t load correctly on iPhone 12. I get 1/5 of the way down the page and it blacks out, shows a loading spinner, and resets me at the top. 100% broken. There is no value on mobile at least iPhone 12. Even when trying to load it is janky AF. Lookin
  22. [R72] Goodnotes 3/5 · US Slow launch time: When I need to make a note, I need to make it now. Fraught iCloud sync and periodic updates make it so there is a lag between opening the app and when I can start working. I’m not sure if Apple prompts the review pop up or if the app developer controls that, but whenever I get that pop up I am compelled to leave a negative review as it prohibits me from getting to work. Goodnotes
  23. [R87] Goodnotes 3/5 · US Sync function sucks: I do work on my iPad and laptop and there is always an error message when it comes to syncing my laptop. Please update the app because this is very frustrating.
  24. [R102] Goodnotes 3/5 · US App wasn’t updating work: I was hoping to love and keep this app. My issue, I couldn’t seem to get my phone app and my iPad app to update together. I did enjoy all the other features Goodnotes had to offer. Just bummed on my issue. Feel free to reach out to collaborate.
  25. [R112] Goodnotes 2/5 · US Doesn’t Sync Well: I’ve had to redownload the app on my MacBook multiple times just to log in and get my stuff synced between the laptop and my iPad

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store