Choosing the right app can make or break your digital planning experience. Whether you use an iPad, Android tablet, or an e-ink device like reMarkable, Kindle Scribe, BOOX, or Supernote, this guide covers the best apps to turn your device into a powerful planning tool.
Quick Comparison: Best Digital Planning Apps by Platform
| App | Platform | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodNotes 6 | iPad, Mac, Windows | Free / $9.99/yr | Overall best for iPad |
| Notability | iPad, Mac | $14.99/year | Audio recording + notes |
| Samsung Notes | Samsung devices | Free | Samsung tablet users |
| Penly | Android, Windows | Free / Premium | GoodNotes alternative |
| Xodo | All platforms | Free / Pro | Cross-platform PDF |
| reMarkable App | reMarkable devices | Included | Paper-like writing |
| BOOX NeoReader | BOOX devices | Included | E-ink + Android apps |
Best Apps for iPad Digital Planning
The iPad remains the most popular platform for digital planning thanks to its excellent app ecosystem. Here are the top choices:
1. GoodNotes 6 – Best Overall
GoodNotes is the gold standard for digital planning on iPad. Its intuitive interface, powerful organization features, and excellent Apple Pencil support make it the top choice for most planners.
Key Features:
- Hyperlink support – Navigate digital planners with tappable links
- Handwriting recognition – Search your handwritten notes
- Folder organization – Keep planners organized in folders
- Shape recognition – Automatically perfect your hand-drawn shapes
- iCloud sync – Access planners on iPad, iPhone, and Mac
- AI features – New AI-powered writing assistance (2026)
Pricing: Free with limited features, or $9.99/year for full access.
Verdict: If you have an iPad, GoodNotes should be your first choice. It handles PDF planners flawlessly and offers the best balance of features and ease of use.
2. Notability – Best for Audio Notes
Notability stands out with its unique audio recording feature that syncs with your handwritten notes—perfect for meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions.
Key Features:
- Audio recording – Record while taking notes, tap notes to hear that moment
- Hyperlink support – Full PDF planner navigation
- Handwriting to text – Convert handwriting to typed text
- iCloud sync – Seamless Apple device syncing
- Document scanning – Scan paper documents into your planner
Pricing: $14.99/year subscription.
Verdict: Choose Notability if you attend lots of meetings or lectures and want to combine audio with your planning notes.
3. Noteshelf – Best Templates
Noteshelf offers a beautiful writing experience and comes packed with gorgeous templates, making it ideal for planners who love aesthetic setups.
Key Features:
- Built-in templates – Hundreds of planner and notebook templates
- Hyperlink support – Navigate PDF planners easily
- Cross-platform – Works on iOS and Android
- One-time purchase – No subscription required
- Custom covers – Personalize your notebooks
Pricing: $14.99 one-time purchase (iOS), $5.99 (Android).
Verdict: Great alternative to GoodNotes if you prefer a one-time purchase over subscription.
Best Apps for Android Digital Planning
Android users have excellent options for digital planning, though the ecosystem is smaller than iPad.
1. Samsung Notes – Best for Samsung Devices
Samsung Notes comes pre-installed on Samsung devices and offers excellent S-Pen support with full PDF annotation capabilities.
Key Features:
- Free – No cost for Samsung device owners
- PDF import/annotation – Full hyperlink support
- Samsung Cloud sync – Access notes across Samsung devices
- Handwriting to text – Convert notes to typed text
- S-Pen optimization – Best experience on Galaxy Tab devices
Verdict: If you have a Samsung tablet, start with Samsung Notes—its free and surprisingly powerful.
2. Penly – Best GoodNotes Alternative
Penly is specifically designed to bring the GoodNotes experience to Android and Windows users.
Key Features:
- GoodNotes-like interface – Familiar experience for switchers
- Full PDF support – Hyperlinks work perfectly
- Cross-platform – Android, Windows, and Chromebook
- Sticker support – Add digital stickers to planners
- Cloud sync – Access planners anywhere
Pricing: Free tier available, Premium for advanced features.
Verdict: The best choice for Android users who want a GoodNotes-like experience.
3. Xodo – Best Cross-Platform Option
Xodo works on virtually every platform, making it ideal for users who switch between devices frequently.
Key Features:
- Universal compatibility – iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome, web
- Solid PDF annotation – Hyperlinks, highlighting, notes
- Cloud integration – Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive
- Collaboration – Share and annotate PDFs with others
- Free version – Generous free tier
Pricing: Free basic version, Xodo Pro for advanced features.
Verdict: Best if you use multiple platforms and need one app that works everywhere.
Best Apps for E-Ink Tablets
E-ink devices like reMarkable, BOOX, Supernote, and Kindle Scribe have unique requirements. Most use their native apps, which are optimized for the paper-like display.
reMarkable Native App
The reMarkable tablet uses its own operating system with a native app designed for distraction-free writing.
- PDF import – Full hyperlink support for digital planners
- Layers – Write on separate layers for easy editing
- Cloud sync – Access via desktop app and mobile
- Convert to text – Send handwritten notes as typed text
Tip: Tap hyperlinks with your finger, not the stylus—the stylus is for writing only.
Learn more: How to Upload PDF to reMarkable
BOOX NeoReader + Android Apps
BOOX tablets run Android, giving you the best of both worlds—native e-ink optimization plus access to the Google Play Store.
- NeoReader – Native PDF reader with excellent hyperlink support
- Android apps – Install Penly, Xodo, or other planning apps
- Split screen – View planner and calendar side by side
- Google Sync – Connect to your Google account and calendar
Learn more: How to Use Digital Planners on BOOX
Supernote Native App
Supernote devices feature a unique ceramic stylus and custom software designed for long-form writing and planning.
- PDF annotation – Full hyperlink support
- Gesture navigation – Swipe to navigate pages
- Digest feature – Collect highlights across documents
- No subscription – All features included with device
Learn more: How to Use Digital Planners on Supernote
Kindle Scribe Notebooks
The Kindle Scribe uses Amazons built-in notebook feature and supports PDF import.
- PDF import – Send PDFs via Send to Kindle
- Sticky notes – Add notes to Kindle books
- Basic templates – Lined, grid, and blank pages
- Amazon integration – Sync with Kindle app
Learn more: Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable Comparison
How to Choose the Right App
Consider these factors when selecting your digital planning app:
1. Your Device
Start with whats available on your platform. iPad users should try GoodNotes first. Samsung users should start with Samsung Notes. E-ink users should master their native app before adding third-party options.
2. PDF Hyperlink Support
For digital planners to work properly, your app must support PDF hyperlinks. All apps listed above do, but verify before committing to a lesser-known app.
3. Writing Feel
Download free trials and test the writing experience. Latency, palm rejection, and pen pressure sensitivity vary between apps.
4. Organization Features
If you plan to have multiple planners (work, personal, projects), choose an app with good folder/notebook organization.
5. Pricing Model
Decide if you prefer one-time purchases (Noteshelf) or subscriptions (GoodNotes, Notability). Both models have pros and cons.
Recommended Digital Planners
Once you have your app set up, you need a great planner. Our planners are designed to work perfectly with all the apps mentioned above:
- Ultimate reMarkable Planner 2025-2027 – Works on all e-ink devices and iPad
- reMarkable Color Planner 2026 – Optimized for color e-ink displays
- Custom Digital Planner – Personalized layouts for your workflow
Start Planning Today
The best app is the one you will actually use. Download one or two options, test them with a free planner, and see what feels right for your workflow.
Next steps:
- Getting Started with Digital Planning – Complete beginners guide
- Best E-Ink Tablets for Digital Planning 2026 – Device buying guide
- 10 Productivity Hacks for Digital Planners – Get more from your planner
Questions about which app is right for you? Contact us—we are happy to help!
Get a Planner for Your Favorite App
Our planners work with all the apps mentioned above:
- GoodNotes/Notability: Custom Digital Planner
- reMarkable/BOOX/Kindle: Ultimate reMarkable Planner
More Resources: See our guides on Best Digital Planners for iPad and Best Planners for GoodNotes for specific recommendations.
Related Guides
Continue exploring digital planning with these related guides:
- 10 Best Digital Planners for 2026 (E-Ink & iPad)
- Best E-Ink Tablets for Digital Planning in 2026 (Complete Guide)
- The Ultimate Guide to E-Ink Digital Planning (2026)
Recommended Planners
Ready to start planning? Check out our professionally designed planners: