If you are using a digital planner on your iPad, the app you choose makes all the difference. After testing all three major contenders, our recommendation is clear: GoodNotes 6 is the best digital planner app for iPad for most users in 2026. That said, Notability and Xodo each serve specific needs brilliantly — and this guide will help you find your perfect match.
GoodNotes 6 — Best Overall
GoodNotes 6 has long been the gold standard for digital planning on iPad, and it continues to earn that title in 2026. Its hyperlink support is flawless, meaning your planner tabs, buttons, and navigation arrows all work exactly as intended. The app renders PDFs crisply, supports Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity beautifully, and offers a clean, distraction-free interface that feels genuinely pleasurable to use.
Key highlights of GoodNotes 6:
- Unlimited notebooks — no cap on how many planners or journals you store
- Excellent hyperlink support — navigate your planner effortlessly with linked tabs
- AI tools — handwriting conversion, smart search, and spell-check built in
- Cross-device sync — works across iPhone, Mac, and iPad seamlessly
- Template library — a wide selection of built-in templates alongside your own imports
- Pricing — subscription at around $9.99/year or a one-time purchase option
GoodNotes is the app Milamalu planners are primarily designed and tested in — every hyperlink, every layout, every interactive element is built to shine here.
Notability — Best for Audio + Notes
Notability takes a different approach. Where GoodNotes focuses on being the ultimate notebook replacement, Notability shines brightest when you need to combine handwritten notes with audio recordings. This makes it a standout choice for students who record lectures or professionals who take meeting notes while listening back.
What Notability does well:
- Audio recording + sync — tap any note and hear the audio from when you wrote it
- Clean writing experience — smooth, responsive ink with solid Apple Pencil support
- PDF annotation — import and annotate planners with ease
- iCloud sync — reliable backup across Apple devices
- Pricing — subscription model at approximately $14.99/year
Notability does support hyperlinked PDFs, though some users find navigation slightly less fluid than GoodNotes. All Milamalu planners are fully compatible with Notability and work beautifully for daily planning use.
Xodo — Best Free Option
If budget is your primary concern, Xodo is the answer. This free PDF editor and reader handles digital planners competently — and at no cost. It supports PDF annotation, hyperlinks, and Apple Pencil input, making it a fully functional (if less polished) alternative to the paid options.
What Xodo offers:
- Completely free — no subscription, no one-time fee
- PDF annotation — highlight, write, and mark up your planner
- Hyperlink support — tabs and buttons in your planner work correctly
- Cross-platform — available on iPad, Android, Windows, and web
- Cloud integration — connects with Google Drive and Dropbox
The trade-off with Xodo is a less refined interface and fewer creative features. But if you are just getting started with digital planning and want to try it risk-free, Xodo with a Milamalu planner is a fantastic entry point.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | GoodNotes 6 | Notability | Xodo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$9.99/yr or one-time | ~$14.99/yr | Free |
| Hyperlink support | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Apple Pencil | Full support | Full support | Basic support |
| Audio recording | No | Yes (standout feature) | No |
| AI tools | Yes | Limited | No |
| Cross-platform | Apple only | Apple only | iOS, Android, Windows, Web |
| Template library | Large | Moderate | Small |
| Milamalu compatible | Yes (primary) | Yes | Yes |
Which App Is Right for You?
Use this quick decision guide to choose your app:
- Choose GoodNotes 6 if you want the best overall experience — smooth writing, perfect hyperlinks, AI features, and a beautiful interface. It is ideal for planners, journalers, and creatives who invest in their setup.
- Choose Notability if you record lectures, meetings, or voice memos and want your audio synced to your handwritten notes. It is the top choice for students who need both written and audio notes.
- Choose Xodo if you want to start digital planning without any upfront cost, or if you need something that works across Android and Windows as well as iPad.
No matter which app you choose, a thoughtfully designed planner makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Browse the Milamalu shop to find planners that are fully compatible with all three apps and designed to make your daily planning feel intentional and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Milamalu planner in Notability or Xodo?
Yes — all Milamalu digital planners are supplied as PDF files and are compatible with GoodNotes 6, Notability, and Xodo. Hyperlinks and interactive elements work in all three apps, though GoodNotes offers the most seamless navigation experience.
Is GoodNotes free on iPad?
GoodNotes 6 offers a free version with a limit of three notebooks. For unlimited use, a subscription (around $9.99 per year) or a one-time purchase is required. Most committed digital planners find the paid version well worth the investment.
Which app is best for digital planning if I am new to iPad?
GoodNotes 6 is the most beginner-friendly paid option, with an intuitive interface and excellent community support. If you want to try digital planning before committing any money, start with Xodo — download a free or affordable planner, explore the workflow, and upgrade when you are ready.