Source-backed analysis7
Review basis
Research-based review: the AppDuo Editorial Team compiled it from official pages, documentation, app stores, press and user feedback, without hands-on testing. Every claim links to a source with the date it was checked.
7 reference sourcesInformation updated Nov 13, 2026
How we review
CollaNote Review
Handwritten notes and PDF markup for iPad, iPhone and Mac with a one-time Premium
By AppDuo Editorial Team · Updated · Fact-checked
- iOS
- macOS
On this page
Decide at a glance
Our verdict
A fit for Apple users who want handwriting, PDF markup and audio notes at a low one-time price. The trade-offs are no Android, Windows or web version and a privacy policy silent on AI data handling.
Best for: Students and teachers using an iPad and Apple Pencil
Skip it if: Android, Windows or web-only users
Pros
- Premium is a one-time purchase ($13.90 on the US App Store), not a recurring subscription.
- PDF markup, audio synced to handwriting, translation into 90+ languages, flashcards and planners in one app.
- Interface in 31 languages, including English, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
Cons
- Apple-only: the help center states there is no Android, Windows or web version.
- Sync is iCloud Drive only; getting notes into Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive means exporting files by hand.
All pros and cons · Who is it for?
More pros
- US App Store rating of 4.69/5 from about 15,300 ratings.
More cons
- The 2021 privacy policy does not describe AI data handling or account deletion, and no refund policy is stated.
- Some App Store reviews (2023–2024) report crashes or deleted content when moving large blocks of text or drawings.
Best for
- People who prefer a one-time payment to a subscription
Skip it if
- Teams needing Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive sync
Experience & key features
CollaNote is a handwritten note-taking app for iPad, iPhone and Mac from Zauberberg Lab, based in Da Nang, Vietnam. Its website lists 50+ pens and brushes, shape recognition and markup of PDF, Word and PowerPoint files without altering the original.
Besides notes, the app offers audio recording tied to writing, translation into 90+ languages, step-by-step math, flashcards, planners and AI tools. According to the App Store version history, version 4.0.2 (December 2025) added an AI pen (Apple Pencil Pro required) and AI document chat, version 4.3.2 (August 2026) added Community Notes and step-by-step math, and version 5.0 (September 2026) redesigned the home screen.
The free version has limits: after the first 60 days, notes are capped at 10 pages, with one recording per note. Premium is a one-time purchase listed at $13.90 on the US App Store, with promotional tiers from $6.95 to $9.69.
The main limits are platform and sync scope: Apple devices only, iCloud Drive only. The privacy policy has not been updated to cover the newer AI features. This assessment draws on the developer's documentation and public App Store reviews.
Screenshots
Plans & pricing
Prices last verified Nov 13, 2026
Free
PersonalFree
Notes capped at 10 pages (no cap in the first 60 days), one audio recording per note, limited translations
Lifetime Premium
PersonalContact sales
One-time purchase: $13.90 list price on the US App Store; removes the free-plan limits
- Free plan limits
- Notes capped at 10 pages, one recording per note, limited translations; premium papers, stickers, planners and some pens need Premium.
- Free trial
- No free trial
Cancellation & refunds
CollaNote's help center and terms do not state a refund policy; in-app purchases are processed by Apple.
Privacy
The privacy policy (effective 2021-09-19) says no personal data is required without logging in; logging in for collaboration may collect email, age, name, phone number and avatar. The app uses Firebase, Google Analytics, Crashlytics and Google ML Kit. It states CollaNote will never rent or sell information, but does not describe how AI features process data, retention periods or an account deletion process.
CollaNote alternatives
Controversies & incidents
Issues documented by the press, regulators, courts or the vendor itself. Every item is sourced; unproven claims are labelled as allegations. Last researched: Nov 13, 2026
No significant controversies or incidents found in the sources we checked.
Frequently asked questions
Is CollaNote free?
Free to download with limits (notes capped at 10 pages after the first 60 days). Premium is a one-time purchase.
Is there an Android or Windows version?
No. The help center says there is no Android, Windows or web version.
Does CollaNote support Vietnamese?
Yes. Vietnamese is among the 31 interface languages listed on the App Store.
How do notes sync?
Through iCloud Drive across devices on the same Apple ID. There is no Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive sync; you can only export a PDF or .cnote file and save it there manually.
Review evidence & sources7
Scores
- Ease of use
- 7.8
- Features
- 8.0
- Value for money
- 8.3
- Performance
- 7.3
- Support
- 7.3
- Privacy & security
- 6.5
Why this score
Interface in 31 languages, with a help center and live chat with staff; some reviews mention minor bugs.
Why this score
Pens, PDF markup, audio, translation, math, flashcards, planners and AI tools (the AI pen needs Apple Pencil Pro); no non-Apple platforms.
Why this score
One-time Premium at $13.90 on the US App Store, no recurring fee.
Why this score
Regular updates (5.1.1 on 2026-11-04), but some reviews report crashes and lost content.
Why this score
Email, live chat with staff and a help center; no published refund policy.
Why this score
Pledges not to sell data and works without login, but the policy dates from 2021 and lacks AI, retention and deletion detail.
What users say
- App Store (US)4.7/5 · 15,316
- App Store (Vietnam)4.7/5 · 6,036
Sources
- Vendor-providedOfficial websiteNov 13, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial help centerNov 13, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial privacy policy & termsNov 13, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial news pageNov 13, 2026
- storeApp Store listing (US)Nov 13, 2026
- storeApp Store listing (Vietnam)Nov 13, 2026
- storeiTunes lookup API (US)Nov 13, 2026
Specs & compatibility
- Developer
- Zauberberg Lab Company Limited
- Headquarters
- Vietnam
- Launched
- 2021
- Category
- ProductivityEducation
Capabilities
- AI features
- Real-time collaboration
- Mobile app
- Works offline
- Templates
Platforms
- iOS
- macOS
Interface languages
- Vietnamese
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
- Spanish
- French
- Korean
- German
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Thai
- Indonesian
Integrations
- iCloud Drive
- Apple Pencil
Support
- Live chat
- Help center
Change history
- Feature.Version 5.1.1 released, the latest at the time of checking.
- Feature.Version 5.0: redesigned home screen, turn sketches into AI images.
- Feature.Version 4.3.2: Community Notes and step-by-step math solving.
Full change history (6)
- Feature.Version 4.0.2: AI pen for Apple Pencil Pro, AI document chat and offline AI-generated stickers.
- Feature.CollaNote 3.0: new UI, AI calculator and AI assistant.
- Launch.First release on the App Store.
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