# PaintNotes vs NoteEase

The clearest difference is rating: NoteEase at 4.4 against PaintNotes's 3.8. NoteEase also leads on iOS requirement (14.1 vs 16.0). PaintNotes's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (67% vs 42%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PaintNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and NoteEase sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NoteEase holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 66 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of PaintNotes's written reviews are positive against 42% of NoteEase's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, NoteEase monthly. The most recent releases landed on July 18, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaintNotes | NoteEase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531/reviews) | **[4.4 (66 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noteease-recording-made-easy/id1571634854/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 29 | **66** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 41.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 43 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [心悦 吕](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689365127) | [Hangzhou Jiadi Bozhong](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506720843) |

## 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 |


### NoteEase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noteease-recording-made-easy/id1571634854)

This app digitizes handwritten notes and photos, allowing for easy annotation and organization. Capture, edit, and share your visual and text-based ideas across devices for a streamlined workflow.

**Highlights:** Convert photos to digital notes, Annotate existing photos, Type and format text notes, Stylus support for drawing, Organize and archive notes, Sync and share across devices

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly member | $4.49 | per year |
| Yearly member | $29.99 | per year |
| Xnotes永久会员优惠价 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Permanent member | $6.99 | one-time |
| Permanent member | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PaintNotes free?

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

### Is NoteEase free?

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

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

NoteEase is rated higher. PaintNotes averages 3.8 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while NoteEase averages 4.4 from 66 ratings.

### Do PaintNotes or NoteEase have ads?

Neither PaintNotes nor NoteEase shows ads.

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

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, and NoteEase monthly. Most recently, PaintNotes was updated on July 18, 2026 and NoteEase on September 22, 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.*