# reteNoteLite vs ThinkSpace

The clearest difference is review sentiment: reteNoteLite at 100% against ThinkSpace's 54%. reteNoteLite also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.6). ThinkSpace's advantage is ratings volume (273 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. reteNoteLite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ThinkSpace sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

reteNoteLite holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ThinkSpace has 273 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of reteNoteLite's written reviews are positive against 54% of ThinkSpace's.

reteNoteLite ships an update every 6 weeks, ThinkSpace monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | reteNoteLite | ThinkSpace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retenotelite/id1064812663/reviews)** | [4.3 (273 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thinkspace-mind-map-and-notes/id1335574515/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **273** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 53.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 238 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Tokyo Cartographic CO.,LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1044962368) | [Naoya Enokida](https://appshunter.io/developer/583844490) |

## What reviewers say

### reteNoteLite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retenotelite/id1064812663)

Create visually appealing notes with custom colors and shapes. Link notes together on an unlimited canvas to map out ideas, organize thoughts, or use as a to-do list, mind map, or diary. This lite edition offers a simple yet effective way to enhance your thinking.

**Highlights:** Create notes with favorite colors and shapes, Link notes together, Unlimited canvas area, Map out ideas and organize thoughts, Use as to-do list, mind map, or diary, Create simple tables and graphics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| release the limit of Lite edition | $0.99 | one-time |


### ThinkSpace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thinkspace-mind-map-and-notes/id1335574515)

This app is a powerful thinking tool that supports creative workflows with an intuitive interface and various thinking methods. It offers features like handwritten notes, unlimited canvases, idea generation frameworks, and real-time collaboration to aid brainstorming and idea structuring.

**Highlights:** Handwritten sticky notes, Unlimited canvas sizes, Idea generation frameworks, Real-time sharing, Mind mapping, Diagram creation, AI brainstorming

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ThinkSpace Pro Access | $2.99 | per month |
| ThinkSpace Pro Access | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative freeform mind-mapping with infinite canvas
- ✏️ Excellent Apple Pencil integration and handwriting support
- 🎨 Flexible and creative brainstorming capabilities
- 📋 Multiple thinking frameworks and templates included
- 👍 Intuitive sticky note-like interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezing
- ⚠️ Data loss issues after subscription or app updates
- 💸 Aggressive paywall with limited free tier
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with data collection policies
- 😕 Steep learning curve and unintuitive UI

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch or during use
- Data disappears after upgrading to paid version
- Canvas fails to load with many items
- Text boxes become uneditable
- Grouped items move unexpectedly when resizing

**Requested features**

- One-time purchase option instead of subscription
- Dark mode theme
- Better palm rejection for Apple Pencil
- Folder/project organization system
- Ability to delete canvases easily


## Frequently asked questions

### Is reteNoteLite free?

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

### Is ThinkSpace free?

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

### Which has better reviews, reteNoteLite or ThinkSpace?

reteNoteLite is rated higher. reteNoteLite averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ThinkSpace averages 4.3 from 273 ratings.

### Do reteNoteLite or ThinkSpace have ads?

Neither reteNoteLite nor ThinkSpace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, reteNoteLite or ThinkSpace?

reteNoteLite ships an update every 6 weeks, and ThinkSpace monthly. Most recently, reteNoteLite was updated on September 10, 2026 and ThinkSpace on September 19, 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.*