Best Handwritten Notes Apps

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.3 avg rating
18 free apps
Updated August 2026

Finding the right handwritten notes apps can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 250+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Handwritten Notes Apps (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Stylus Labs WriteStylus Labs WriteFree4.8★ (295)NoYesAug 2026
2Penbook: Paper Planner & NotesPenbook: Paper Planner & NotesFree4.6★ (45K)NoYesAug 2026
3Notepad: Easy Notes & MemosNotepad: Easy Notes & MemosFree4.8★ (28K)YesYesAug 2026
4Handwritten Notes | Handy noteHandwritten Notes | Handy noteFreeYesYesAug 2026
5Goodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDFGoodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDFFree4.7★ (447K)NoYesAug 2026
6Everyday NotepadEveryday NotepadFree5.0★ (3)NoNoAug 2026
7PocketJot - Handwritten NotesPocketJot - Handwritten NotesFree4.4★ (50)NoYesMay 2026
8NotesNotesFree4.8★ (620K)NoNoAug 2026

Top Picks for Handwritten Notes

Stylus Labs Write#1

Stylus Labs Write by Matthew White

Handwritten notes
Editor's Choice
📊 Productivity
4.8(295 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 1
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 2
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 3
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 4
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 5
Stylus Labs Write screenshot 6

This app offers advanced tools for managing and editing handwritten notes and documents. It supports cloud integration, vector graphics, and includes features for intelligent selection, reflowing text, and creating links. It's ideal for note-taking, brainstorming, and sketching.

Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes#2

Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes by Pencil Research

Journal, Notebook & Study
Strong Contender
📊 Productivity
4.6😊(45K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 1
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 2
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 3
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 4
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 5
Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes screenshot 6

Create custom digital notebooks with a vast library of stationery or import your own PDFs for annotation. Write naturally with a stylus and organize your notes with dynamic features like live planners and searchable handwriting.

What We Love

  • 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • 🎨 Variety of customization options for notebooks
  • 📝 Smooth writing experience with Apple Pencil
  • 🗓️ Useful calendar integration

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and data loss issues
  • 🔒 Lack of password protection or locking feature
  • 🔧 Glitchy zooming and ruler functionality
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos#3

Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos by 1381802 Ontario Inc.

Simple Notebook & Writing Pad
Worth Considering
📊 Productivity
4.8😊(28K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 1
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 2
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 3
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 4
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 5
Notepad: Easy Notes & Memos screenshot 6

Capture thoughts, create to-do lists, and organize ideas with a versatile digital notebook. Supports handwriting, text notes, and secure cloud syncing. Personalize your experience with custom themes and icons.

What We Love

  • 👍 Simple and easy to use
  • 📝 Useful for notes, lists, and reminders
  • 🎨 Customizable font and color options
  • 💾 Reliable for storing important information

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Premium subscription required to remove ads
  • 🐛 Occasional data loss or note disappearance
  • 📤 Lack of sharing or exporting options

More Handwritten Notes apps to explore

4
Handwritten Notes | Handy note
Handwritten Notes | Handy note
Handwritten Notes | Handy note
Make a quick handwritten note.
Free
💼 Business
(0)
5
Goodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDF
Goodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDF
Goodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDF
Note taking, Planner & Journal
Free

Capture ideas, enhance productivity, and unlock insights with advanced AI features. This app offers tools for professionals, students, and creatives, including infinite whiteboards, AI-powered transcription and summarization, and customizable digital notebooks.

AI-powered transcription and summarizationInfinite whiteboard canvasDigital notebooks with customizable templates
📊 Productivity
(447K)
free with in-app purchases
6
Everyday Notepad
Everyday Notepad
Everyday Notepad
Handwritten notes & sketching
Free

Capture your thoughts with a pressure-sensitive pen, highlighter, or pencil. Choose from 10 realistic paper types and a full color spectrum. Export your notes as PDFs or Word documents, with a safety net for recently deleted pages.

Pressure-sensitive pen/pencil/highlighter10 realistic paper typesFull color spectrum
💼 Business
(3)
free
7
PocketJot - Handwritten Notes
PocketJot - Handwritten Notes
PocketJot - Handwritten Notes
Your freehand notepad
Free

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a portable notebook for quick, fun note-taking. Draw with your finger or Apple Pencil, organize notes into sections, and set reminders. Share and sync notes across devices via iCloud.

Handwritten note-takingApple Pencil supportNote organization by sections
📊 Productivity
(50)
free with in-app purchases
8
Notes
Notes
Notes
Take note of almost anything
Free

Capture your thoughts, ideas, and important information with a versatile note-taking app. Attach various file types, scan documents, create checklists, and even sketch directly within your notes. Organize with folders, tags, and smart searches, and collaborate with others on shared notes.

Add attachments (PDFs, images, links)Scan paper documentsCreate checklists
📊 Productivity
(620K)
free
9
Saber: Handwritten Notes
Saber: Handwritten Notes
Saber: Handwritten Notes
The app built for handwriting
Free

Capture and organize your thoughts with a digital handwriting app designed for intuitive use. Features include dark mode inversion for eye comfort, advanced highlighter capabilities, and robust folder organization. Secure your notes with a dual-password system and enjoy seamless syncing across all your devices.

Intuitive handwriting interfaceDark mode inversion for eye comfortAdvanced multi-line equation highlighting
📊 Productivity
(21)
free
10
Simple Handwritten Note
Simple Handwritten Note
Simple Handwritten Note
Drawing Memo
Free

This app allows users to jot down notes and sketches using a black pen. It functions as a simple memo pad or notebook for quickly capturing ideas or communicating through writing. The core features include writing, erasing, and saving.

Handwritten note-takingDrawing and sketchingMemo pad functionality
🎨 Graphics & Design
(1)
ad-supported
11
Handwritten notes
Handwritten notes
Handwritten notes
by Kiyoshi Koike
$0.99

This app allows for quick and smooth handwritten note-taking with simple tools. You can choose from four colors, adjust line thickness, and easily erase or clear your notes. Save your creations as images.

Smooth multi-finger writingFour color optionsAdjustable line thickness
📊 Productivity
(1)
paid
12
Notes Writer: PDF, Voice, AI
Notes Writer: PDF, Voice, AI
Notes Writer: PDF, Voice, AI
Notepad, Word, Pencil & Scan
Free

This app is a comprehensive note-taking and PDF editing solution for mobile devices. It allows users to write, format, and organize notes, annotate PDFs, fill forms, and scan documents. The app offers advanced editing tools, powerful search, and seamless sharing and export options.

Write and format notesAnnotate PDFs and fill formsOrganize with unlimited notebooks
📊 Productivity
(7.3K)
free with in-app purchases
13
Handwritten Idea Notes
Handwritten Idea Notes
Handwritten Idea Notes
Jot down ideas quickly !
Free
$6.99 | 100% OFF

Quickly capture your thoughts with this handwriting-focused note-taking app. Easily create new pages and organize your notes, with support for Apple Pencil. Export your collected images to cloud services for easy access.

Quickly jot down ideasCreate new pages easilyOrganize notes in folders
📊 Productivity
(72)
free with in-app purchases
14
NoteSam: Handwritten Notes
NoteSam: Handwritten Notes
NoteSam: Handwritten Notes
Private handwriting notebook
Free
📊 Productivity
(0)
15
Handwritten Quick Notes
Handwritten Quick Notes
Handwritten Quick Notes
Sketch, drawing, whiteboard
$0.99
$2.99 | 67% OFF

Capture your thoughts naturally with digital convenience. This app allows you to create handwritten notes or convert typed text into realistic handwriting, perfect for studying, working, or planning.

Natural handwriting experienceConvert typed text to handwritingMultiple handwriting styles
📊 Productivity
(0)
paid
16
Handwritten Notes Widget, Draw
Handwritten Notes Widget, Draw
Handwritten Notes Widget, Draw
Drawing, Paint, Sketch, Doodle
Free

Create and display handwritten notes, drawings, and sketches directly on your iOS home screen. This app offers a suite of free drawing tools, including customizable pens, an eraser, and undo/redo functionality. Save unlimited notes, organize them into folders, and share your creations easily.

iOS 14 home screen widgetsFree drawing and sketching toolsApple Pencil compatibility
🎨 Graphics & Design
(57)
free with in-app purchases
17
Notes: Color Notepad, Notebook
Notes: Color Notepad, Notebook
Notes: Color Notepad, Notebook
Notes for Daily Tasks
Free

A fast and simple note-taking application for jotting down ideas, managing daily tasks, and organizing information. It allows for quick note creation, color-coding, and easy searching to keep important details accessible. Customize your notes with formatting options and share them in various formats.

Quick note creationColor-coded notesNotebook organization
📊 Productivity
(1)
free with in-app purchases
18
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup
Simple handwritten notes
Free

Create handwritten notes, import and annotate PDFs, and organize your thoughts with folders. This free, open-source app prioritizes privacy by keeping all your data local and on your device.

Handwritten notes with Apple PencilPDF import and annotationFolder-based organization
📊 Productivity
(9)
free
19
Notes: Note taking & writing
Notes: Note taking & writing
Notes: Note taking & writing
Good quick notes & planner
Free

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.

Customizable paper covers and templatesMultimedia tools: pencil, text, photosVector-based digital pencil for drawing
📊 Productivity
(0)
free with in-app purchases
20
All Notes App
All Notes App
All Notes App
everything in one place
Free
📊 Productivity
(0)

FAQ about Handwritten Notes

What are the best handwritten notes apps for iPhone?
Stylus Labs Write tops our handwritten notes apps ranking as of August 2026, with a 4.8-star average from 295 App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 18 of the top handwritten notes apps we rank are free to download, including Stylus Labs Write and Penbook: Paper Planner & Notes.
Stylus Labs Write has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 250+ handwritten notes apps on the iOS App Store as of August 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Stylus Labs Write is a powerful application designed for managing and editing handwritten notes and documents. It provides a unique set of tools for intelligent selection, text reflowing, and creating interactive elements like links and bookmarks within your handwriting. It also includes standard drawing and note-taking features.
Key features include intelligent tools for selecting, erasing, and moving handwriting, a tool to reflow text by inserting space, the ability to create handwritten links to bookmarks and websites, and the option to save clippings for easy pasting. It also offers unlimited undo/redo and a split view for working on multiple documents or parts of a document simultaneously.

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