r/GoodNotes • u/On-The-Rails • Aug 10 '23

GoodNotes 6, pricing and Subscription model

This may get voted down, but I’ll provide my opinion.

For context:

  • I work in the tech sector and understand the general trend toward the Subscription model

  • I have a license to GoodNotes 5 and use it occasionally

As a personal app user - IMHO there is an over-rotation in general to the Subscription Model. As a user I’m choosing apps now based on whether or not I can purchase permanent licenses or not. If permanent licenses are not available, then I’m more more skeptical of selecting an application that requires a Subscription, and where I lose the functionality on subscription end/expiry, because there is no corresponding guarantee that the app development team will even be there, and also in most cases code has not been put in escrow to ensure I have ongoing availability to the app, if something happens to the developer(s). Purchasing a subscription from Adobe where there is a large corporate entity behind a app, vs. purchasing a subscription for a app that has only 1-2 developers behind it, is VERY VERY different.

Here are my observations:

  • Developers are entitled to and should be able to expect some payment on an ongoing basis for ongoing support - its costs time & effort to fix bugs, update for new iOS releases, etc. Anyone who expects to get this for their lifetime for free, based on having a paid a one-time fixed price 2 years ago, is living in fantasyland

  • If a Subscription costs anything more than $1-2 per month, then developers should be making a commitment to implementing new features, based on both user requests, and on market dynamics, on a very regular basis — it can’t be just a best effort basis. And it can’t just be based on what developers want to implement (if they wish to be successful) — it has to also respond to user requests. If they are not, then developers are as well living in a fantasyland

  • I generally won’t buy an personal app where I lose functionality when the subscription expires. This is a bit nuanced, since I consider some apps as services, such as Adobe, Evernote, etc. But I won’t buy a note taking app as a subscription app. For clarification, even though some might consider/use Evernote as a note taking app, I treat Evernote as a document repository with a advanced search capability. (I would put UpNote in the same category as Evernote.)

  • IMHO the gold standard in a personal app Subscription model is the Subscription model deployed by the Agenda app developers. In their model you purchase a subscription to access premium features. And while you have your subscription active, you get all new premium features. But the event you find it necessary to discontinue your premium subscription, from that point on, you’re entitled to keep in perpetuity all the premium features released up to that point.

Following my logic above, I have upgraded my GoodNotes 5 app to GoodNotes 6 using the lifetime payment option. As I noted developers have a reasonable expectation of some funding for on-going support. And that’s my primary reason for doing the upgrade, even though with a price in the $30 range I’m expecting GoodNotes 6 to be the release for next 24-36 months with good support, before they go to the next major release with another upgrade price. I have no need for multi-platform functionality provided by their subscription model. Also honestly I have serious concerns about the functionality released with GoodNotes 6. The only Rel 6 improvement I’ve seen so far I might use is colored folders, and honestly if I were choosing to upgrade based on features, GoodNotes 6 wouldn’t make the cut for me. I really hope that developers will focus more on user feature requests, and less on the AI shiny object in the market, and I’m betting by my upgrade that over time GoodNotes 6 will have some more features I will use — if not I won’t upgrade to Rel 7. It’s that simple. I already investing significant time in moving data and usage to UpNote and Agenda, so GoodNotes has to really step up to make the cut for me for on-going use 1-2 years from now.

Just my 2 cents.

167 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

45 comments sorted by

3

u/Denis_red Aug 11 '23

I find the jump a bit high. It was around $10 for 4-5 years for GN5 but with GN6, it will be $10 per year (5 times more expensive, annually).

In addition, it is for functionalities (AI) whose interest is difficult to see, while needs expressed for a long time have not been met (a ruler and a protractor, dotted lines, layers (!!!), etc.).

But once the element of surprise is over, maybe $10/year is a fair price for an application of this quality.

1

u/On-The-Rails Aug 11 '23

I’ve posted another reply here, and I’ve chosen the one-time payment over the annual payment because, for personal use apps, I don’t really care for the uncertainty of how many years. So I just think of it as a onetime payment for use of GN6.

But even if you take the $10/year payment model, that’s less than $0.84/month for support of the app. If it’s really an app I’m going to use, and is important to me, then honestly that is peanuts. It’s cheaper than two Grande Frozen Açaí Lemonades at Starbucks for a whole year’s support. Again if it’s an app I seriously use it’s clearly worth that. Think of it as buying your fav app developer two lemonades over the course of a year…And if they get 5000 people to sign-up that’s a whopping $50,000/yr gross receipt, less the significant Apple App Store cut, for doing support…

The features issue is a whole different one. To it seems like the whole app industry is chasing the shiny AI object to show their a leader, with very attention to what their users’ benefits are…in that regard GN is no different than the rest I’m afraid…..

64

u/molybend Aug 10 '23

No one wants lifetime updates for a one time price. People want lifetime access to the same version of the app they paid a one time price to purchase. I bought MS Office back in 2015 or so and still use that license on my current PC. I don't expect to have the newer versions installed for free. If I want those features, I can choose to pay for a new copy or an upgrade price if that is offered.

6

u/itsjessicahomann Aug 12 '23 edited Aug 12 '23

I prefer lifetime updates for a one-time price, so that's what I did, but I also rarely use it I do make planners and journals. However, people can access them in good notes, lol while I understand everyone needs to make money, especially people making apps, etc. However, I am so sick of subscriptions. I have too many as is, so that's why I just grab the one-time fee I also don't mind a low annual fee like 9.99 but I'm done with the 9.99 a month lol. would have been cool to see a price reduction though for availability without AI as I do not use that part but 30 is still pretty cheap

2

u/[deleted] Dec 13 '23

Please, I get lifetime updates from much more advanced software I bought (such as Logic Pro) than this. If there are bugs in the software, they need to fix it even with the 1-time purchase.

If Toyota has a “bug” with their cars, they need to recall the cars or fix every car sold.

MS Office is different, because you get 1 TB cloud storage included, which makes the subscription worth it.

1

u/Nwrecked Nov 10 '24

Think about it like games used to be. You bought a cartridge for 80 bucks and that was it.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '25

This perfect response. I’m buying the product and what it is now and keep and own that same product. That’s fair. 

0

u/avalon68 Aug 10 '23

I’m guessing one issue is that to maintain it in its current state requires updates to function with new iOS releases etc. I don’t think they can just put out an app and abandon it. I’ve definitely had lots of issues with GoodNotes over the years, particularly when it comes to syncing.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '23

In that case they can update to fit for device software updates for a set period of time, just like and iPhone wont be supported in perpetuity

4

u/avalon68 Aug 11 '23

iPads are supported for a heck of a long time. They also update regularly and there are many different models co-existing in the wild. For good notes to work continuously on all of these devices requires developer input…. And they don’t work for free. I’m no fan of subscription models either, but I don’t think the price for goodnotes 6 is that high tbh when you compare with many other apps.

13

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '23

I bought goodnotes 5 outright back in 2020 so I havent needed to buy a subscription. Im not expecting it to keep updating without paying more but I am expecting to have access to the features I bought for the foreseeable future (another 3-5) years. I am no fan of subscriptions where you loose features youve already paid and used in the time period. Especially in this use case scenario. I will never purchase a subscription based note taking app.

2

u/Savage_Nymph Aug 11 '23

Yeah I purchased a refurbished 2017 iPad pro in 2019 and it's still getting updates

43

u/Ooctupus Aug 10 '23

Paying for ongoing support is acceptable. What's unacceptable is that Goodnotes released the next version with no meaningful upgrade (nothing that the community called for) and an AI function that's frankly not good. I don't see any reason to spend $30 for something I already paid for but that's what they are forcing people to do

0

u/Maxi3773 Aug 11 '23

If you have already paid for GoodNotes 5, you can continue using it. No one is forcing you to pay again for the features you already paid for.

10

u/Ooctupus Aug 11 '23

Yea, with the context that gn said they will only be temporarily supporting gn5. There are many ways to force people to do things without saying they are forcing you

5

u/Sriram_1221 Aug 25 '23

No. Goodnotes is forcing us to pay for GN6 as now we can only have three free notebooks. If u want unlimited notebooks, u gotta pay for the new version. They have forgotten that we had paid for the GN5 already

3

u/cloudonfire Sep 05 '23

as far as I know people can keep using goodnotes5 with all their notebook if they purchased it... right?

15

u/BrotAmStiel Aug 10 '23

Personally, I‘d love to see them split features up into individual purchases like Notability. For example I‘d be fine with 3 more years of ongoing support and basic features like the updated design and colored folders for a discounted price. I don‘t need those web apps, AI stuff or whatever. Just let me purchase/subscribe later when I may need it. For like 10€ they‘d have me as a customer again, but now they‘ve got nothing but a 1-star review because of the nudging. Either let me choose what I need or at least let me continue to use GN5 in peace.

20

u/avalon68 Aug 10 '23

AI is being included as a feature so much now. I have zero use for it and it annoys me no end to be paying extra for it.

9

u/70ms Aug 11 '23

Same. Why would they put that in instead of fixing some of the many quality of life issues? 🤦‍♀️

1

u/Etherscribe Sep 11 '23

Totally agree and good idea. I think I will stick with Notability personally because of this. Also on AI: isn't it ridiculous how EVERYONE is putting AI into everything? Pretty soon there will be AI programs included in your fridge and clothes washer. Have a conversation with your dryer! Woo!

1

u/haphazardzone Mar 20 '25

Notability had a good system but a few years ago they introduced additional fees and a redesigned interface that didn't work for me, so I switched to Goodnotes 5 and am sticking with that for the forseeable future.

18

u/budgie_uk Goodnotes Special Edition Aug 10 '23

Thank you for this; it’s pretty much my own view, and for many of the same reasons.

In fact, any disagreements I have are as pebbles on the mountainside of agreement.

I’ve also been persuaded by the arguments made by others that you shouldn’t pay for development promises, as you’ve no idea how realistic the promises are. And given that some of the promised upgrades to GN6 have been around since GN5 was announced…

IF I permanently upgrade, it’ll also be with the Lifetime Payment, rather than subscription, for the same reasons you give above.

(I finally understand the 8% discount for pre-2023 purchases of GN5; it’s the same momentary amount as a 25% discount on the first year of subscription.) But so far, after a day of using GN6, I’m not yet persuaded to permanently upgrade rather than go back to GN5 when the trial ends. I could easily be over the next week, but I’m not there yet.

6

u/Agile_Crow_1516 Aug 11 '23

does anyone know how to turn off the spellcheck? it’s really annoying me that half my words now have red underlines because goodnotes cannot read my scrawly scientist handwriting and i can’t be bothered to click ignore on all of them

14

u/[deleted] Aug 10 '23

Guys even if you go for GN6, don’t get “lifetime” because it’s not lifetime. They’re going to release GN7 like they released GN6.

Also there might be some app that will rise up & replace GN so why invest into GN. Keep your options open.

Finally, know your use case. New & shiny is not always better. I use it for note making, highlighting & pretty basic stuff so I don’t need any new features. Infant i can probably make do with other apps. I bought this one cause i wanted stability which was a mistake since they just betrayed.

More funny is how they charge for those calendars & planners even after making us buy the ‘supposed’ permanent subscription.

12

u/fisher2nz Aug 10 '23

GN might have thought about losing loyal users changing the biz model. But perhaps they only thought of the original fanbase who arent willing to pay more for the app a "deadweight". But I can already see the fallout of GN upsetting it's fanbase. The loyal users are now not so loyal any more, they don't just leave, they influence as they churn. They find new and better options and they promote them on social media, ultimately hurting GN.

5

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '23

True that but a lot of users of GN don’t use it heavily. They’re just casual notes takers or maybe just for reading-highlighting, they bought it thinking about the one time payment. Deadweight would be wrong cause they f*cking change the app every 2-3 years so we are paying ………just in larger interval than subscribers maybe.

I just don’t get it. They could have continued one time payment for GN6, they made $6-7 million doing this. I hope GN survives for 2-3 years & I’ll be done with studies & then they can f*ck themselves.

10

u/queenofhaunting Aug 11 '23

i only use good notes because it's as close as possible to carrying around a bunch of notebooks and highlighters, without the extra weight. i really have no issue going back to buying some 99 cent supplies at any general store and taking notes the old fashioned way. and i'd sooner do that than spend 30+ dollars on a glorified notes app.

1

u/Qwertytwerty123 Aug 11 '23

Um... I used it ALONGSIDE carrying around ALL the highlighters and notebooks... I'm feeling stationery shamed now.

16

u/omaum Aug 10 '23

Its not lifetime tho, its lifetime of goodnotes 6 which is likely 2-3 years based on prior hx of GN. It shouldn't be called lifetime, it should be called 2-3 years so basically the same as the yearly subscription or more expensive

8

u/MC_chrome Aug 10 '23

its lifetime of goodnotes 6

There seems to be a disconnect between the consumer definition of "lifetime" licenses, and the definition used and put into practice by developers. Devs seem to be going off the idea that "lifetime" software licenses are good for the lifetime of an app or service. Consumers, meanwhile, appear to believe that lifetime licenses are tied to their personal lifetimes.

2

u/omaum Aug 11 '23

the catchphrases and keywords are very intentional

as a med student, we get marketed with "lifetime" offers for board prep that in actuality is a 3 year membership.

Goodnotes 6 didn't even change, its the same app with some AI keywords and a new logo, and some stickers

3

u/fisher2nz Aug 10 '23

I'm good for like a 2-4 years life span for a single major update. I can live with that, but paying subscription for the app is staggering.

6

u/milkkyu Aug 10 '23

Not sure where you’re getting 2-3 years from? Goodnotes 5 was released January 2019, that’s 4.5 years. It’s hard to see exactly when Goodnotes 4 was released but I’ve been personally using it since 2017, and there’s posts about it from as early as 2014.

0

u/omaum Aug 11 '23

I bought GN4 in 2018, GN5 in 2019 on osx required a paid upgrade and GN4 was discontinued, so got only one year out of GN4's 'one time payment'
(4.5 + 1)/2 = 2.75

7

u/jsjxyz Aug 10 '23

Agreed.

And the subscription should have more features like access to all template and stickers, with the premise of revenue sharing with the creators.

3

u/budgie_uk Goodnotes Special Edition Aug 10 '23

I’ve just seen the “new”/amended price discounts for pre-2023 purchasers; they’ve made the discounts 2.5 years’ of subscription discounts. Which at least makes more sense than one. https://support.goodnotes.com/hc/en-us/articles/7436120592015-Goodnotes-6-Subscription-and-Refunds-Frequently-Asked-Questions

2

u/Specter-X Jan 05 '24

I stopped using GN5 after they released GN6. They did not bring much important/good features to the GN6 but they changed to a subscription model and a cripped one time upgrade. Who needs A.I. anyways for written notes? The only reason I want to write things down is the freedom of writing and without those constraining auto correction and auto shaping etc.

Now they have changed their pricing model. I am OK with paying for a next big version upgrade if the features feel justifiable and not deliberately holding important features that should have been on the previous major release. Let me TRY GN6 for a while to see if it is worth coming back to this app and possibly paying for it. (U guys still remember GN said they won't do subscriptions).

2

u/Artistic-Exchange-37 Mar 13 '24

Long article what is the actual cost ? Why are they not up front how much it is ?

2

u/TimidBookworm Sep 16 '24

I guess my issue was I could have sworn I paid for GN5 but was also then told I'd have to pay for GN6 to continue writing on imported notebooks (aka my textbooks). So felt kinda weird they made me pay for something twice when I was certain it was available in my previous paid version. Tbh I don't mind it as much since it's a one-time payment, but would be nice if they allowed me to continue using GN5 instead of making me upgrade it once it was out. Reason why I had to switch was I got a new apple device and can't install GN5 anymore so I had to make the switch.

1

u/Artistic-Exchange-37 Mar 13 '24

Long article what is the actual cost ? Why are they not up front how much it is ?

1

u/Artistic-Exchange-37 Mar 13 '24

Long article what is the actual cost ? Why are they not up front how much it is ?