# Lock Notes vs MemoTaro

The clearest difference is monetization model: MemoTaro at free with in-app purchases against Lock Notes's subscription. MemoTaro also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5). Lock Notes's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.1K vs 13). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lock Notes sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year and MemoTaro sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MemoTaro holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lock Notes has 1.1K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Lock Notes ships an update every 10 days, MemoTaro every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lock Notes | MemoTaro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-notes-passcode-protect/id1033962570/reviews) | **[4.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/memotaro/id1242201182/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 8 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JulyApps Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/427694580) | [Masashi Sasaoka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1124773279) |

## What reviewers say

### Lock Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-notes-passcode-protect/id1033962570)

Securely store and protect your private notes with a passcode or Touch ID. Keep sensitive information like passwords, secrets, and diary entries safe from unauthorized access. Backup and sync notes across devices, customize their appearance, and even add images.

**Highlights:** Passcode and Touch ID protection, Security question recovery, iCloud backup and sync, Customizable font style and size, Insert images into notes, Print and share notes

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auto Backup | $14.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Notes | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lock Notes Pro | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure notes
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient
- 🔑 Passcode/biometric protection
- 💾 Cloud backup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free notes
- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🐛 Crashes and data loss issues
- 🔍 Lack of search functionality
- 📁 No folder organization

**Reported bugs**

- Notes disappearing after updates
- Inability to access notes after device reset
- Sync issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Advanced formatting options
- Ability to change passcode
- Improved search capabilities
- Folder/organization system
- Better backup and restore options


### MemoTaro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/memotaro/id1242201182)

Securely store your notes with a password lock and biometric authentication. Easily organize, edit, and share your memos with intuitive drag-and-drop and swipe gestures. Find information quickly with powerful search and customize your viewing experience with font settings.

**Highlights:** Password lock with Touch ID/Face ID, Drag-and-drop memo organization, Swipe to delete notes, Direct sharing to messages, mail, social media, Memo search and character search, Customizable font size and color

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad-free | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lock Notes free?

Lock Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MemoTaro free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lock Notes or MemoTaro?

MemoTaro is rated higher. Lock Notes averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while MemoTaro averages 4.9 from 13 ratings.

### Do Lock Notes or MemoTaro have ads?

MemoTaro shows ads; Lock Notes does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lock Notes or MemoTaro?

Lock Notes ships an update every 10 days, and MemoTaro every 9 days. Most recently, Lock Notes was updated on September 23, 2026 and MemoTaro on August 11, 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.*