# PaintNotes vs CatCarpPaper

The clearest difference is rating: CatCarpPaper at 4.8 against PaintNotes's 3.8. CatCarpPaper also leads on ratings volume (226 vs 29). 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 CatCarpPaper sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CatCarpPaper holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CatCarpPaper has 226 ratings behind it against 29, 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 CatCarpPaper's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, CatCarpPaper every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaintNotes | CatCarpPaper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531/reviews) | **[4.8 (226 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catcarppaper/id1457061240/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 29 | **226** |
| 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 | 53 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 |


### CatCarpPaper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catcarppaper/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 CatCarpPaper free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PaintNotes or CatCarpPaper?

CatCarpPaper is rated higher. PaintNotes averages 3.8 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while CatCarpPaper averages 4.8 from 226 ratings.

### Do PaintNotes or CatCarpPaper have ads?

Neither PaintNotes nor CatCarpPaper shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PaintNotes or CatCarpPaper?

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, and CatCarpPaper every 3 weeks. Most recently, PaintNotes was updated on July 18, 2026 and CatCarpPaper on September 21, 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.*