4.7
The iPad notebook default, with a three-notebook free ceiling.
The notebook already on every iPhone and iPad, with no extra bill.
Best for apple-only students who want handwriting and typed notes without another app
Reviewed 16 September 2026 · Prices checked the same day
4.7
89K reviews
Apple Notes ships on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Handwriting, Math Notes, folders, tags, and iCloud sync are included with the device. There is no subscription and no in-app upgrade. Prices were checked 21 September 2026: the app itself is $0 if you already own the hardware.
There is no Windows or Android client, and PDF markup is thinner than Goodnotes or PDF Expert. If your degree lives on a campus Windows laptop, this is a phone dump, not a system.
Pricing
free
Included with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Free version
Full app with the device. iCloud storage is the only paid ceiling.
Platforms
iPhone · iPad · macOS
Fast and invisible until you need subject folders, stickers, or a 200-page annotated textbook. Then you will want Goodnotes or Notability for the lecture and keep Apple Notes for the grocery list.
Checked 2026-09-21
| Model | Free |
|---|---|
| What free actually includes | Full app with the device. iCloud storage is the only paid ceiling. |
| Cheapest paid tier | Included with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS |
| Student pricing | None published |
Links from StudyApps include ref=studyapps.
Full app with the device. iCloud storage is the only paid ceiling. Checked 16 September 2026.
Cheapest paid plan: Included with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Prices checked 16 September 2026.
Apple-only students who want handwriting and typed notes without another app
Apple-only, so a Windows campus laptop is a dead end
The iPad notebook default, with a three-notebook free ceiling.
Handwriting plus lecture audio on iPad, with Classic back as a one-time buy.
Free handwriting and typing if campus already gave you an account.
