Side by side
CollaNote vs Penbook
Both stand on handwritten notes software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneMac
CollaNote combines study, handwriting, document markup, and collaboration tools across iOS and macOS.
Visit CollaNote Free plan iPhoneMac
Penbook offers broad stationery, handwriting tools, planner pages, and Apple integrations across Apple platforms. The free tier is centered on one notebook, while Premium unlocks unlimited creation and export.
Visit PenbookThe facts
| CollaNote | Penbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Penbook Premium Lifetime: $49.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Maker | CollaNote | Not published |
| Website | collanote.com | penbook.app |
| On handwritten notes software | #4 of 18 | #8 of 18 |
CollaNote: what it does well
- Offline access is supported
- Real-time collaboration allows unlimited participants
- Imports PDFs, PowerPoint, Word files, and images
- Translation supports over 90 languages
- Free plan listed at 0.00 USD
What to know first
- Some functions require an internet connection
- Collaboration login may collect personal details
Penbook: what it does well
- More than 400 stationery types
- Handwriting search and shape conversion
- PDF import for annotation
- Apple Calendar and iCloud integration
- Free plan supports one notebook
What to know first
- Notebook export requires Premium
- Sync requires the same Apple ID
- Some improvements require iOS or iPadOS 27
Alternatives to CollaNote Alternatives to Penbook The whole list