# Task Writer vs Backtrack

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backtrack at none against Task Writer's 2. Backtrack also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Task Writer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $25.99 per year. Backtrack asks for nothing beyond the download.

Task Writer ships an update every 3 months, Backtrack every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Task Writer | Backtrack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/task-writer-touch-or-stylus/id1033888067/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **11** | — |
| Positive reviews | 53.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 31 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joshua Lubins](https://appshunter.io/developer/962417660) | [Zixiang Zhang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864080804) |

## What reviewers say

### Task Writer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/task-writer-touch-or-stylus/id1033888067)

Handwrite tasks, to-do lists, or even draw them as pictures without needing a keyboard. Get precise minute-by-minute notifications for due dates. Works with a stylus or your finger.

**Highlights:** Handwritten input, Draw tasks as pictures, Minute-level notifications, Stylus or finger input, Multi-language support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $25.99 | per year |
| Remove Advertisements | $59.99 | one-time |


### Backtrack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backtrack/id6756986708)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Task Writer free?

Task Writer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Backtrack free?

Backtrack is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Task Writer or Backtrack have ads?

Neither Task Writer nor Backtrack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Task Writer or Backtrack?

Task Writer ships an update every 3 months, and Backtrack every 5 weeks. Most recently, Task Writer was updated on October 9, 2026 and Backtrack on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*