# PaintNotes vs CatCarp Paper

The clearest difference is rating: CatCarp Paper at 4.9 against PaintNotes's 3.9. CatCarp Paper also leads on ratings volume (227 vs 32). PaintNotes's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 56%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PaintNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and CatCarp Paper sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CatCarp Paper holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CatCarp Paper has 227 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of PaintNotes's written reviews are positive against 56% of CatCarp Paper's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, CatCarp Paper every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaintNotes | CatCarp Paper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531/reviews) | **[4.9 (227 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catcarp-paper/id1457061240/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **227** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [心悦 吕](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689365127) | [依雯 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474075177) |

## What reviewers say

### PaintNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531)

This app offers a minimalist digital notebook with an infinite canvas for freeform writing and drawing. Easily import files and organize your thoughts without delay.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas, Freeform writing and drawing, File import, Minimalist interface, Unlimited drafts

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlocking features | $3.99 | one-time |


### CatCarp Paper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catcarp-paper/id1457061240)

This app offers a digital solution for those who prefer the feel of paper for note-taking. It provides a variety of templates for different uses, from calligraphy practice to scheduling, all printable on A4 paper. Easily save and organize your notes digitally.

**Highlights:** Printable A4 templates, Calligraphy practice sheets, Note-taking templates, Schedule management templates, Digital saving and organization

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 解锁全部常规打印纸 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 解锁全部精品打印纸 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 猫鱼A4打印纸永久VIP | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PaintNotes free?

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

### Is CatCarp Paper free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PaintNotes or CatCarp Paper?

CatCarp Paper is rated higher. PaintNotes averages 3.9 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while CatCarp Paper averages 4.9 from 227 ratings.

### Do PaintNotes or CatCarp Paper have ads?

Neither PaintNotes nor CatCarp Paper shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PaintNotes or CatCarp Paper?

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, and CatCarp Paper every 3 weeks. Most recently, PaintNotes was updated on October 24, 2026 and CatCarp Paper on October 24, 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.*