# TextEdit vs Notepad ++

The clearest difference is rating: TextEdit at 3.7 against Notepad ++'s 1.1. TextEdit also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). Notepad ++'s advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TextEdit sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Notepad ++ sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TextEdit holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 1.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TextEdit has 376 ratings behind it against 54, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of TextEdit's written reviews are positive against 0% of Notepad ++'s.

TextEdit ships an update every 3 weeks, Notepad ++ every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TextEdit | Notepad ++ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (376 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textedit-text-editor/id1070883678/reviews)** | [1.1 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notepad-plus-plus/id6736382475/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **376** | 54 |
| Positive reviews | **18.1% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 480 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Kairoos Solutions SL](https://appshunter.io/developer/978066434) | [Kalpesh Donga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882683121) |

## What reviewers say

### TextEdit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textedit-text-editor/id1070883678)

A fast and versatile text editor for mobile devices, offering compatibility with various file formats and editors. It provides a distraction-free writing experience with advanced formatting, organization, and sharing features.

**Highlights:** Supports TXT, RTF, Markdown, TeX, and PDF formats, Cross-device and computer syncing via iCloud/Files, Distraction-free writing interface, Customizable keyboard extension for faster typing, Visual rich text formatting and one-tap options, Syntax highlighting for Markdown and TeX, Instant statistics and counters

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TextEdit+ Unlock AI Assistant | $4.99 | per month |
| TextEdit+ Unlock AI Assistant | $29.99 | per year |
| TextEdit+ Full Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📝 Simple and clean text editor
- 🔗 Integrates well with iCloud
- 👍 Useful for basic document editing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires subscription for full functionality
- 🔒 Locks users out of previously purchased content
- 🚫 Prevents access to app without subscription
- 🤖 Forced AI integration that users don't want

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain file types
- Formatting issues when copying/pasting text
- Inconsistent behavior across devices

**Requested features**

- Allow users to choose iCloud directory
- Offer one-time purchase option instead of subscription
- Restore previous paid versions without AI


### Notepad ++

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notepad-plus-plus/id6736382475)

This app helps you capture thoughts, plan tasks, and organize information with a clean interface. It offers rich text formatting, image attachments, clickable links, and reminders to keep you productive. Secure your sensitive notes with password protection and easily find what you need with powerful search.

**Highlights:** Create and edit notes with rich formatting, Attach images to notes, Insert clickable hyperlinks, Set reminders and notifications, Mark notes as private with password protection, Sort notes by color and date, Search functionality

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Access | $1.49 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Access | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Life Time Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TextEdit free?

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

### Is Notepad ++ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TextEdit or Notepad ++?

TextEdit is rated higher. TextEdit averages 3.7 out of 5 from 376 ratings, while Notepad ++ averages 1.1 from 54 ratings.

### Do TextEdit or Notepad ++ have ads?

Notepad ++ shows ads; TextEdit does not.

### Which is updated more often, TextEdit or Notepad ++?

TextEdit ships an update every 3 weeks, and Notepad ++ every 4 months. Most recently, TextEdit was updated on September 21, 2026 and Notepad ++ on September 20, 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.*