The free version is designed as a trial for light users, while the paid tiers unlock more advanced academic and productivity features. Free (Starter) Plus ($19.99/yr) Pro ($99.99/yr) Limited monthly edits Number of Notes Sync & Backup iCloud sync included iCloud + 3rd-party Full auto-backup Audio Basic recording Record + Transcribe Live Transcription Advanced Tools Not included Handwriting & Math conversion AI Chat with Notes AI Features Limited tools 400 AI quizzes/mo Unlimited AI tools Key Limitations of the Free Version
This leads to the philosophical crux of the matter: By the technical definition of price, yes—no money is required to download the app. By the functional definition of usability, no. The free version of Notability is better understood as an unlimited, feature-rich trial with persistent read-only archival capabilities. It allows a potential customer to test the writing feel, the audio recording fidelity, and the interface. It allows a former paid user to access their old library. But it does not allow a student to survive a semester. The free tier is a showroom, not a workshop. is there a free version of notability
Historically, the answer was a definitive no. For years, Notability operated on a straightforward paid-upfront model: users paid a one-time fee (typically $8.99-$14.99) to download the app and own all core features indefinitely. That model ended in November 2021, triggering a user backlash so severe that the developers, Ginger Labs, were forced to offer a lifetime access option for previous customers. Today, Notability has transitioned to a freemium model. The app is now a free download from the iOS App Store. On the surface, this satisfies the basic criteria of a "free version." A new user can download the app, open a blank note, write with a stylus, type text, and even record audio without spending a cent. The free version is designed as a trial
To unlock the full potential of the app, many users choose the (typically $19.99/year). The primary benefits of upgrading include: Starter (Free) Plus ($19.99/yr) Note Edits Limited monthly allowance Unlimited iCloud Sync No (available on web only) Yes (sync across devices) Auto-Backup Yes (to Drive, Dropbox, etc.) Handwriting Search Yes Math Conversion Yes AI Features 100 YouTube conversions/mo Who Should Use the Free Version? The free version of Notability is better understood
Once you hit your monthly limit, you can still view and search your notes, but you cannot make any further changes until the limit resets the following month.
If you are a student or teacher at a K-12 school that uses Apple School Manager, you can often get the through your institution .
Notability offers a free version with limited features. The free version allows you to: