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AudioNote

luminantsoftware.com

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Spec score 9.4 #1 of 34 in Voice Note Apps

What it is

AudioNote links notes to voice recordings so users can select a note and seek to its related audio. It supports typed, handwritten, and photo notes, with customizable fonts, colors, and shapes. During playback, notes highlight and scroll automatically; playback speed is adjustable with automatic pitch correction. Users can also annotate PDF slides and organize notes into subject folders. AudioNote is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and the maker lists iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other sharing options for syncing between devices. The maker advertises a one-month free trial of Pro. On Windows, the demo allows unlimited viewing of existing notes, but new recordings are limited to five minutes per note until a valid Product Key is entered. The Mac version costs 14.99 USD once and requires macOS 13.0 or later. The app can be used free to view notes recorded elsewhere; purchases are handled separately by app stores. Transcription is not a product feature. The Mac App Store listing says transcription runs on-device and audio and transcripts are never transmitted.

Spec sheet

What it does
AudioNote combines note taking and voice recording, linking notes to the exact point in the recording.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Purpose
AudioNote links notes to voice recordings so users can seek to the audio associated with a note.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Intended users
The maker's page highlights class and presentation notes, including note-taking directly on PDF slides.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Platforms
The maker lists AudioNote for iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Trial
The maker advertises a one-month free trial of Pro.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Privacy
The maker's privacy policy says it collects non-personal information such as usage data, error reports, platform and app settings, and general geographic information.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Support
The maker provides an AudioNote help section with instructions for playback speed, trimming audio, transferring files, and other tasks.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Amplified microphone
The recorder automatically adapts amplification to room size and volume.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Company address
An independent Android app directory lists Luminant Software, Inc. at 901 Jersey St, Bellingham, Washington 98225.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Company founded
LinkedIn lists Luminant Software's founding year as 2008.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists Luminant Software as a privately held software-development company with 2–10 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Deleted-note recovery
On iOS, a Trash folder stores recently deleted AudioNote files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
File format
AudioNote creates .audionote files that can be opened on iOS, Mac, Windows or Android.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Folders
Folders organize notes by subject.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Licence terms
The EULA says the software is licensed rather than sold, restricts redistribution and reverse engineering, and reserves rights to Luminant Software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Limit: Android maintenance
An independent Android listing says the last update was January 6, 2015 and some users complained about long update gaps and recording failures.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Limit: missing OneDrive sync
A reviewer said iCloud and Dropbox syncing were simple but requested Microsoft OneDrive support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · justuseapp.com
Limit: no video notes
An App Store reviewer requested video recording alongside notes because the app currently records audio and notes only.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: reliability complaints
A reviewer reported random file and transcript loss, repeated text phrases and ineffective customer support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: subscription complaint
A reviewer considered AudioNote 2's monthly subscription poor value for mainly increasing text size compared with the older one-time-purchase version.Read 15 Oct 2026 · justuseapp.com
Linked playback
Selecting a typed or drawn note seeks playback to when that note was created.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Mac compatibility
AudioNote 2 requires macOS 13.0 or later.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Maker history
Luminant Software says it was founded in 2008, after Steve Jobs announced the App Store.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Note formats
The app supports text, handwritten, and photo notes, with customizable fonts, colors, and shapes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
On-device transcription
AudioNote 2 for Mac advertises transcription performed entirely on-device, stating that audio and transcripts are never transmitted.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Organization
Folders can be used to organize notes by subject.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
PDF annotation
Users can take notes directly on PDF presentation slides.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
PDF notes
Users can take notes directly on PDF slides.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Playback
Notes automatically highlight and scroll during playback, and playback speed is adjustable with automatic pitch correction.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Playback following
During playback, notes highlight and scroll automatically.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Playback speed
Playback speed is adjustable and includes automatic pitch correction.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Praise: audio quality
An App Store reviewer reported clear audio even when the speaker was across the room.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Praise: ease of setup
A G2 reviewer said setup was quick and simple and praised recording or uploading audio options.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: linked note search
An App Store reviewer praised tapping keywords to jump directly to the corresponding meeting or lecture audio.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Praise: student use
An independent reviewer described AudioNote as especially useful for recording lectures while typing notes and revisiting specific sections.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Privacy policy scope
The privacy policy says the service may collect anonymous usage data, error reports, platform and browser settings, app settings and general geographic information.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.2 out of 5 from 118 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Google Play archive
3.83 out of 5 from 460 ratings; the app was unpublished on December 15, 2021.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Rating on Mac App Store legacy AudioNote
5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rich notes
Notes can contain text, handwriting, photos, shapes, colors and customized fonts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Separate purchases
The maker says purchases are processed separately by the app stores, while AudioNote can be used free to view notes recorded elsewhere.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Support documentation
The public help center contains FAQs covering file transfer, playback speed, folders, trimming, deleted notes, product keys and installation errors.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Sync and sharing
The maker lists iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other sharing options for syncing between devices.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Sync integrations
The product page names iCloud Drive and Dropbox plus other sharing options for cross-device syncing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Transcription privacy
The Mac App Store listing says transcription is performed on-device and that audio and transcripts are never transmitted.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Windows licensing
A Windows product key removes the five-minute-per-note recording limit and one purchased key may be used on up to three computers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Windows limit
Windows recordings are limited to five minutes per note in demo mode; entering a valid Product Key makes recording unlimited.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
Windows system requirements
The Windows download page lists support for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 and may install .NET Framework or Windows Installer when missing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com

Plans and prices

AudioNote for Windows demo Free Viewing existing notes is free and unlimited · new recordings limited to 5 minutes per note Read 8 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
AudioNote for Windows viewer Free Unlimited viewing of existing .audionote files · recording capped at 5 minutes per note until product key Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
AudioNote Pro trial Free 1 month free Pro trial Read 15 Oct 2026 · luminantsoftware.com
AudioNote for iOS $12.99, paid once iPhone/iPad app · purchase handled by App Store Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
AudioNote 2 for Mac $14.99, paid once Mac only · macOS 13.0 or later Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
AudioNote 2 - Voice Recorder (Mac) $14.99, paid once Mac · requires macOS 13.0 or later Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com

Every AudioNote plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Links notes with associated audio
  • Supports text, handwritten, and photo notes
  • PDF slides can be annotated directly
  • Playback highlights and scrolls through notes
  • Folders organize notes by subject

Limits

  • Windows demo recordings are limited to five minutes per note
  • Mac version requires macOS 13.0 or later
  • Mac version costs 14.99 USD once
  • Purchases are processed separately by app stores

Who it suits

AudioNote suits students and presenters who want to connect spoken recordings with written notes or annotate PDF slides. It is available across mobile and desktop platforms, with a Windows demo recording limit to consider.

AudioNote in depth

Read the full write-up

AudioNote suits students and presenters who want to connect class or presentation notes with the recording they came from. Its strongest case is the way notes guide playback, with PDF annotation and folders rounding out that workflow. If you need transcription, look elsewhere.

Overview

AudioNote connects text, handwritten, and photo notes to voice recordings, so a note can take you back to the associated audio. During playback, notes highlight and scroll automatically; that makes a recording more navigable than a standalone voice memo when you are revisiting a particular point. Adjustable playback speed with pitch correction is useful for reviewing material at a different pace without shifting its pitch.

The product centers on listening alongside notes, not converting speech into text. Transcription is not a feature, so AudioNote is a focused choice rather than an all-purpose solution for turning spoken material into searchable text.

Key features

Several ways to take notes

Text, handwriting, and photos let users capture material in different forms, while customizable fonts, colors, and shapes provide control over how notes look. The formats are most useful when a class or presentation calls for a mix of written points and visual material; they do not replace transcription for readers who need to search spoken content.

Playback and PDF annotation

Notes automatically highlight and scroll as a recording plays, linking note-taking to audio review. Users can also annotate PDF slides directly. Together, these features make AudioNote particularly suited to following a lecture or presentation while keeping the material and its recording connected.

Folders and sharing

Folders organize notes by subject, and the maker lists iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other sharing options for syncing between devices. That gives users ways to keep related notes together and move material across devices. The purchase terms are separate across app stores, however, so the platform choice matters when buying.

Pricing

AudioNote has a free option, a one-month free trial of Pro, and paid purchases. The Windows demo costs free: viewing existing notes is free and unlimited, but new recordings are capped at five minutes per note. Entering a valid Product Key removes the recording limit, making the demo useful for viewing and evaluation but not for unrestricted recording.

AudioNote 2 - Voice Recorder (Mac) costs $14.99, paid once and requires macOS 13.0 or later. It is the stated one-time purchase for Mac users who want the app without a recurring term. The maker says purchases are processed separately by app stores, while the app can be used free to view notes recorded elsewhere.

Platforms

AudioNote supports Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. The Windows demo has a five-minute-per-note recording limit until a valid Product Key is entered. The Mac purchase requires macOS 13.0 or later. The maker’s help section includes instructions for playback speed, trimming audio, transferring files, and other tasks.

Who it's for

AudioNote is a strong fit for students and presenters who take notes while recording and want to revisit particular moments without searching through an entire recording. Direct PDF slide annotation makes it especially relevant to people working from presentation material, while subject folders help keep notes organized. It is not the right pick for users whose main requirement is transcription: the Mac App Store listing says transcription runs on-device and that audio and transcripts are never transmitted, but transcription is not a product feature in the plans described here.

Pros and cons

Pro: Notes highlight and scroll during playback, making it practical to return to the audio behind a particular note.

Pro: Text, handwriting, photos, PDF annotation, and subject folders support a class or presentation workflow with varied materials.

Pro: The Windows demo lets users view existing notes for free and without a cap.

Con: Windows demo recordings stop at five minutes per note unless a valid Product Key is entered.

Con: Transcription is not a feature, which rules AudioNote out for anyone who needs speech converted into searchable text.

Con: Purchases are handled separately by app stores, so a purchase on one platform should not be treated as a single cross-store transaction.

Alternatives

For more voice-note options, browse Voice Note Apps.

Voice Notebook is worth considering if you want audio-file transcription, including a free basic service that handles files up to 15 minutes.

Whispr Notes is a better fit if monthly transcription capacity and noise-proof recording matter; its free plan includes 10 hours of transcription each month.

AudioPen suits users who want transcription and rewriting, with free recordings capped at three minutes.

Fabric is an alternative for users looking for a freemium service with storage, file uploads, spaces, and light AI usage in its Plus plan.

Noted is an alternative for users focused on iOS and macOS.

Snow is worth a look if unlimited voice captures, AI summaries, tags, connections, and full-text and voice search are priorities.

SpeakPipe is an alternative for people who need a voice-message service with a free plan that allows unlimited messages and recordings up to 90 seconds.

Yuho is an alternative for iOS and macOS users seeking a diary app with a free core plan.

Verdict

Choose AudioNote if you take class or presentation notes alongside recordings and want those notes to make playback easier to navigate. Its note-linked playback, PDF annotation, and subject folders form a coherent workflow. Look elsewhere if transcription is essential, or if the Windows demo’s five-minute recording cap does not suit your needs.

Verdict

AudioNote ties several note formats to recordings and adds playback navigation, PDF annotation, and folder organization. The Windows demo limits new recordings, and the listed Mac purchase requires macOS 13.0 or later.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to AudioNoteAll alternatives →