GoodNotes does not offer a one-time purchase option anymore

GoodNotes switched to a subscription model in 2022. The app now requires an active subscription to use most features—there is no way to buy it once and own it permanently. You pay a recurring fee each month or year, and if you stop paying, you lose access to the app's core functions.

This shift happened across both the iPad and iPhone versions. If you bought GoodNotes before the subscription launch and still have it installed, you can keep using that older version, but you cannot download it fresh on a new device, and you will not receive updates or new features.

Key Takeaways

  • GoodNotes is now subscription-only; there is no one-time purchase option for new users.
  • A monthly subscription costs less per month than the annual plan, but annual payment saves money if you use the app year-round.
  • If you own an older version of GoodNotes from before 2022, you can continue using it without a subscription, but you will not get new features or security updates.
  • Canceling your subscription stops your access immediately; the app will not work until you renew.

Current subscription pricing and billing cycles

GoodNotes offers two subscription tiers: monthly and annual. The monthly plan renews every 30 days, and the annual plan renews every 12 months. Exact prices vary by region and currency, and Apple may adjust them periodically, so check the App Store or GoodNotes' official website for your location's current rates.

The annual plan costs less per month than paying monthly, so if you plan to use GoodNotes throughout the year, the annual subscription saves money. You can switch between monthly and annual at any time through your Apple account settings, though the change takes effect at your next renewal date.

How to cancel or pause your GoodNotes subscription

You manage your GoodNotes subscription through Apple's App Store, not through the app itself. On an iPad or iPhone, open Settings, tap your name at the top, select Subscriptions, find GoodNotes, and tap Manage. From there you can cancel immediately or turn off auto-renewal so the subscription ends at the current billing date without charging you again.

If you cancel mid-cycle, you keep access until your current billing period ends. After that date, the app will prompt you to renew when you try to open it. You can resubscribe at any time by going back to the same menu and selecting Renew.

What happens if you owned GoodNotes before the subscription change

Users who purchased GoodNotes as a standalone app before 2022 can still use that version without paying a subscription. The app remains on your device and continues to work as long as you do not delete it. However, you will not receive updates, new features, or security patches—you are frozen at whatever version you owned when the subscription launched.

You cannot transfer this older version to a new device. If you buy a new iPad or iPhone and try to download GoodNotes from the App Store, you will only see the subscription version. Your old purchase does not carry over to new hardware.

Alternatives if you want a one-time payment app

Several note-taking apps still use one-time purchase models instead of subscriptions. Notability, for example, offers a one-time purchase on iPad (though it moved to subscription on some platforms). Concepts, Nebo, and Paper also have one-time purchase options. Each has different features and handwriting recognition quality, so test them on your device before committing.

If you want to stick with GoodNotes but dislike subscriptions, your only option is to use an older version if you already own one. New users have no way around the subscription requirement.

How subscription charges appear on your payment method

GoodNotes charges appear on your Apple account statement, not directly from GoodNotes. The charge shows as "Apple" or "iTunes" on your credit card or bank statement, with a description that may say "GoodNotes" or simply "App Store subscription." Monthly charges hit on the same day each month; annual charges hit on the same date each year.

If a charge fails because your payment method expired or was declined, Apple will retry for several days. If it continues to fail, your subscription will not renew, and you will lose access. You can update your payment method in Settings under your Apple ID to prevent this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use GoodNotes on multiple devices with one subscription?

Yes. A single subscription works across all your Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, Mac) as long as they are signed into the same Apple ID. You do not need separate subscriptions for each device.

What if I want to use GoodNotes but cannot afford the subscription?

If you own an older version from before 2022, you can use that indefinitely without paying. Otherwise, you will need to either pay the subscription or switch to a one-time purchase app like Notability or Concepts. Some schools and organizations offer GoodNotes subscriptions to students or employees for free.

Does GoodNotes offer a free trial?

GoodNotes sometimes offers a free trial period when you first subscribe, though the length varies. Check the App Store listing in your region to see if a trial is currently available before you enter your payment method.

Can I get a refund if I subscribed by mistake?

Apple handles refunds for App Store subscriptions. Contact Apple Support within 14 days of the charge and explain the mistake. They can refund a single charge or cancel the subscription retroactively, but refunds are not may provide and depend on your reason and purchase history.