Notability
An app that syncs your handwritten notes with your recordings.
What Notability does
Notability is a note app for handwriting, typing and marking up PDFs, with one standout trick: it records audio while you write and links the two, so tapping a word plays what was said at that moment. It runs on iPad, iPhone, Mac, the web and, since 2026, Android. There is a free Starter plan.
Notability has been on iPad since 2010, and audio is its big draw. Hit record in a lecture or meeting, take notes as usual, and later tap any line to hear what was being said right then. Ask first before you record a class or meeting. Paid plans add transcripts, so you can search what was said, not just what you wrote.
Beyond that, it's a flexible page. Mix handwriting, typed text, photos and sketches, mark up PDFs and slides, and pull templates from a big free gallery. Newer AI tools build quizzes, flashcards and summaries from your notes, and let you ask questions about them.
Notes sync through Notability's own cloud, and you can now open them on Android and the web too. The Android app arrived in 2026 and doesn't have every feature yet, such as live transcription. The free Starter plan is enough to see if the audio trick clicks for you. For heavy use you'll want a paid plan.
Alternatives to Notability
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who want a fully free note app with no limits.
Pricing
Free planYou can start free with the Starter plan, which includes 5 notes and audio recording. Paid subscriptions (Lite, Plus and Pro) give you unlimited notes, and Plus and Pro add AI tools and transcripts. There is also a one-time Classic plan. Check the app for current prices in your country.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Audio playback synced to your handwriting is genuinely useful
- Simple, easy-to-learn layout
- One-time Classic plan if you dislike subscriptions
- Now available on Android and the web
Watch out for
- Free Starter plan is limited to a handful of notes
- Android version is missing some features at launch
- Several plans to compare, and we couldn't confirm current prices
Want a study app built around how you learn? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “an app where I record a lecture while I take notes, then tap any note to hear what the teacher was saying at that moment”
Questions people ask
Is Notability free?
There is a free Starter plan with 5 notes. Unlimited notes and AI features need a paid plan.
Does Notability record audio?
Yes. It records while you write and links the audio to your notes, so tapping a line plays what was said then.
Is Notability on Android?
Yes, since 2026. Your notes sync across devices with one account, though some features are not on Android yet.
Goodnotes or Notability for iPad?
Pick Notability if recording lectures or meetings matters most. Pick Goodnotes if you prefer paper-style notebooks and planners.