# PaintNotes vs Note X

The clearest difference is rating: Note X at 4.6 against PaintNotes's 3.8. Note X also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). PaintNotes's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 10 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PaintNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Note X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Note X holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 23 respectively.

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, Note X every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on July 18, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaintNotes | Note X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531/reviews) | **[4.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/note-x-notepad/id1673667097/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **29** | 23 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [心悦 吕](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689365127) | [受杰 柯](https://appshunter.io/developer/1634142370) |

## 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 |


### Note X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/note-x-notepad/id1673667097)

A versatile note-taking app for digital and handwritten notes, memos, and drafts. Organize study materials with built-in notebooks, insert images, and customize writing styles. Secure your notes with password protection.

**Highlights:** Keyboard and handwriting input, Built-in notebooks for organization, Insert pictures into notes, Customizable paper and font colors, Password protection and encryption, Share notes as images

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Version | $1.99 | per month |
| Plus Version Quarterly | $3.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro Version | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PaintNotes free?

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

### Is Note X free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PaintNotes or Note X?

Note X is rated higher. PaintNotes averages 3.8 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while Note X averages 4.6 from 23 ratings.

### Do PaintNotes or Note X have ads?

Note X shows ads; PaintNotes does not.

### Which is updated more often, PaintNotes or Note X?

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, and Note X every 10 months. Most recently, PaintNotes was updated on July 18, 2026 and Note X on July 5, 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.*