Best Notes for iPad alternatives: apps like Notes for iPad - Pencil Notes

Whether you want more options like Notes for iPad or a completely different take on the same concept, our curated list of 10+ similar apps has you covered. Updated for 2026 with the latest ratings and comparisons.

KobCard by KOB MARKETING

Gift Card Information Platform

4.1(392 ratings)

Free

KobCard is a comprehensive gift card information platform that offers real-time exchange rates, price calculations, and the latest news on gift cards. It serves as a one-stop destination for individuals looking to buy, sell, or stay informed about the world of gift cards.

Top Alternatives to Notes for iPad

Notes: Note taking & writing by Lutech-DN

Good quick notes & planner

Editor's Choice

2.3(3 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 1

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 2

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 3

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 4

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 5

Notes: Note taking & writing screenshot 6

Capture ideas, create to-do lists, and sketch designs with a versatile digital notebook. Customize your notes with various paper templates, stickers, fonts, and colors. Effortlessly organize and share your work as PDFs.

OrigNotes by Hangzhou Future Writing Technology Co.,LTD.

Notes, PDF Markup & Mind Maps

Strong Contender

4.7(382 ratings)

Free

Capture, organize, and develop your thoughts with a free digital note-taking app. It offers handwritten notes, PDF annotation, mind mapping, and multimedia integration, all optimized for a natural writing experience.

StarNote: Handwritten Notes by Onyx International Inc.

Digital Notebook & PDF Markup

Worth Considering

Handwriting Note & PDF Markup

4.6(126 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 1

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 2

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 3

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 4

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 5

StarNote: Handwritten Notes screenshot 6

This app offers a realistic pen-on-paper handwriting experience on tablets with an infinite canvas for notes and sketches. It includes advanced layering, PDF annotation, and a robust organizer for efficient digital note-taking and planning.

More apps like Notes for iPad

Element Note

Unique handwriting brushesSmooth drawing enginePDF annotation

This app offers a distraction-free digital notebook experience with advanced handwriting, PDF annotation, and sketching capabilities. It features unique brushes, a powerful rendering engine, and smart organization tools. Sync your notes across devices and collaborate with others seamlessly.

(2.6K)

UltraNotes - Note Taking & PDF

Type, Write & Annotate PDF

Handwritten notes with Apple PencilRich text formatting and templatesPDF annotation and signing

This app combines powerful note-taking, handwriting, and PDF annotation features. Create rich text notes, sketch with various tools, and mark up documents. Organize, search, and sync your notes across devices.

(190)

Feenote - Notes and lists

Note-taking & handwriting

Handwriting with Apple Pencil or stylusCustomizable pen color, thickness, and styleApp security passcode

Capture ideas, inspiration, and creativity with a powerful yet simple note-taking app. Customize your writing experience with various pen options and protect your work with a passcode. Add images and share your notes easily.

(2.1K)

freemium

QuickNotes X: Notes, AI & PDF

Note-Taking, Made Easy.

Vector ink engine for fluid writingVoice recording synced to notesML-powered shape recognition

This app offers a fluid and precise note-taking experience with a custom vector ink engine, voice recording synced to writing, and ML-powered shape recognition. Organize notes with notebooks and folders, protect them with passwords and biometrics, and sync seamlessly across devices via iCloud. Mark up PDFs and presentations, and customize your notes with various tools and templates.

(3.8K)

Digital Notebook - Note Taking

Freeform PDF annotation w/ Pen

Handwriting notes with pen, pencil, ruler, eraserBullet journaling and daily planning templatesPersonal AI assistant for brainstorming

This app offers a versatile platform for handwriting notes, journaling, and creative planning. It includes tools for students, daily organization, and digital bullet journaling, enhanced by an AI assistant for brainstorming and inspiration.

(249)

Noteshelf: AI Notes & PDF

Handwriting, Planner & Journal

Natural handwriting with lifelike pensAI summarization and explanationPDF and document annotation

Capture notes, annotate PDFs, and record audio with natural handwriting and AI assistance. Organize your thoughts with customizable templates and secure cloud syncing. Ideal for students, professionals, and journalers.

(7.3K)

freemium

OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup

Handwriting, PDFs, no account

Handwriting with Apple PencilPDF import and annotationAdd images and text

A free, open-source note-taking app designed for handwriting and PDF annotation. Organize notes into folders, import documents, and export your work. It prioritizes privacy with local-first storage and optional iCloud backups.

(39)

free