StarNote vs Notability
Notability built its reputation on recording a lecture while you write, then replaying the audio against the strokes you made at that moment. StarNote covers the same ground — long recordings with ink-synced playback — and adds real-time transcription and AI summaries of the recording, while also running on Android.
Feature comparison
| Feature | StarNote | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Supported platforms | iOS and Android | iOS, iPadOS, macOS |
| Pricing model | One-time Pro ($5.99), no subscription | Subscription |
| Free version | Yes — core features free | Trial (limited) |
| PDF import & annotation | Yes — import, write, highlight, export | Yes |
| Audio recording in a note | Yes — up to 120 minutes per session | Yes — a defining feature of the app |
| Recording linked to handwriting | Yes — Audio-Ink Sync replays your strokes against the audio | Yes — the playback Notability is known for |
| Voice transcription to text | Yes — in real time, English and Chinese | Not built in |
| AI summary of a recording | Yes — Smart Summary of the key points | Limited (no built-in summaries of recordings) |
Which should you choose?
Choose StarNote if you want recording plus transcription and AI summaries of recordings, need Android, or prefer a one-time purchase. Choose Notability if you work entirely inside the Apple ecosystem and want its mature iPad and Mac workflow.
Moving from Notability to StarNote
Notability exports notes as PDF, RTF, or images. PDF is the path that preserves handwriting; audio attached to a note has to be exported separately, because it is not embedded in the PDF.
Export the note as PDF
Open the note, tap Share, and choose PDF. From the note list you can select several notes and share them in one go.
Export recordings separately
Audio sits alongside the note rather than inside the PDF. Use the share sheet to save the recording, then bring it into StarNote.
Import into StarNote
Tap Import, choose the PDF, and keep annotating. Imported recordings can be transcribed and summarized.
Spot-check before you delete anything
Open a few exported notes and confirm the ink, the page order, and any recordings came across.
If a note mixes typed text and handwriting, export both PDF and RTF — the PDF keeps the ink, the RTF keeps editable text.
StarNote vs Notability: FAQ
Is StarNote better than Notability?
It depends on what you need from a recording. Both record audio while you write and play it back against your strokes. StarNote adds real-time transcription and AI summaries of the recording, runs on Android, and costs a one-time $5.99. Notability is Apple-only and billed as a subscription.
Does StarNote record audio while I write, like Notability?
Yes. StarNote records alongside your notes and links the recording to the strokes you made while it played, so replaying a lecture redraws the page in real time. A session runs up to 120 minutes, and recordings can be imported and exported as MP3.
Can StarNote turn a recording into text?
Yes. Voice transcription converts a recording to text as it is made, in English and Chinese. When the recording ends you can generate a Smart Summary of the key points. Transcription and summaries use AI Points; Pro includes 100.
Can I move my Notability notes to StarNote?
Yes. Export the note as PDF from Notability and import it into StarNote. Recordings attached to a note are not embedded in the PDF, so export the audio separately — the steps are above.
Is StarNote available on Android?
Yes. StarNote runs on iOS and Android, including Samsung Galaxy tablets with S Pen. Notability is limited to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
StarNote vs Notability pricing — what is the difference?
StarNote Pro is a one-time $5.99 purchase with no subscription. Notability uses a subscription, so the total cost grows the longer you use it.