Apple Notes vs MarginNote
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
Reading, annotation, and study notes combined for deep learning.
The verdict
Both Apple Notes and MarginNote are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Apple Notes if you want a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
MarginNote — Reading, annotation, and study notes combined for deep learning.
Apple Notes vs MarginNote: side by side
| Dimension | Apple Notes | MarginNote |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free – $99.99/user once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Free | One-time |
| Best for | Apple Users, Individuals | Students, Researchers |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Mac, Ios |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
Apple Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Apple
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Apple Users, Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Cupertino, CA, USA
MarginNote key facts
- Vendor
- MarginNote
- Pricing
- One-time — Free – $99.99/user once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Students, Researchers
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- China
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Notes better than MarginNote?
Neither is universally better — Apple Notes edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apple Notes or MarginNote cheaper?
Apple Notes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Apple Notes starts at free; MarginNote starts at free – $99.99/user once.
Can Apple Notes replace MarginNote?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.