Comparison

Athena Editor vs Permanote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Athena Editor

A code editor for iOS that supports various cloud storage services and syntax highlighting for multiple programming languages. It also offers special support for Bluetooth keyboards with Zawgyi input for Myanmar users.

Highlights
  • File opening via iOS Document Picker
  • Integration with Google Drive, iCloud, Git2Go
  • Syntax highlighting for Markdown, Swift, C#, Java, XML
  • Bluetooth keyboard support with Zawgyi input
  • Control + Shift keyboard switching
Features
Read full description

Athena is code editor that support opening file iOS Document Picker. It's supporting Google Drive, iCloud Document, Git2Go, etc. It's supporting syntax highlighting for markdown, swift, C#, java, XML,etc. Special feature for Myanmar people is "SUPPORTING BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD". Yes, you can type with Zawgyi in Athena Editor. Using Control + Shift to change the keyboard.

About

Permanote

This app allows writers to organize ideas and edit text files directly within Dropbox, synchronizing across devices. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and extensive customization options, with advanced features available through a Pro subscription.

Highlights
  • Dropbox file synchronization
  • Customizable macro key strip
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Multiple file preview formats
  • TextExpander support
  • Customizable themes and fonts
Read full description

Writers utilize Permanote to arrange their ideas while maintaining control and flexibility over their files. Permanote enables you to modify text files in your Dropbox and synchronize them across all your devices. Enhance your experience with a customizable macro key strip above the keyboard through a Pro subscription. Unlike other text editors that impose specific themes to set the mood or require storing notes in a single folder or exclusive file system, Permanote offers you freedom. Permanote is the go-to tool for organizing thoughts among writers from the New Yorker, BBC correspondents, and CEOs. Cherish your written work. IN-APP PURCHASES Permanote is free to use, with all main features included. To access extra Pro features, opt for a Pro subscription. FEATURES - Synchronize any text file within any folder of your Dropbox - Robust macro key strip above the keyboard - Personalize your macro strip (Pro) - Editor pinch-to-zoom functionality (Pro) - Full-screen, distraction-free "Writeroom" style editing - Touch ID / Passcode privacy support (Pro) - Create custom themes (Pro) - iPad Pro Smart Keyboard shortcuts - "Insert Tab" key - Email as PDF - Adjustable word wrapping - Word/Character/Line count - International file encoding options - Convenient scratchpad - Notepad/CRLF line options - Comprehensive Dropbox Search - TextExpander Support (Pro) - Hashtag support - Preview files in PDF, HTML, Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Rich Text-RTF - Customize CSS and Base URL for markup previews - Personalize editor colors (Pro) - Alter editor fonts (Pro) - Adjust line-spacing and margins - AirPrint - Built in photo editor with advanced features for Pro users REVIEWS "I absolutely LOVE your app." - Merlin Mann, creator of 43 Folders "Permanote is arguably the best tool for writers, bloggers, or journalists who need to work on the go." - AppAdvice.com "Permanote is worth a try if you're particular about your note-taking." - geek.com

Screenshots

Athena Editor4 screens
Permanote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Athena Editor at 100% against Permanote's 50%. Athena Editor also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Permanote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Athena Editor asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Athena Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Athena Editor's written reviews are positive against 50% of Permanote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Athena Editor ships an update monthly, Permanote every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Athena Editor versus Permanote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAthena EditorPermanote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (4 ratings) — better3.5 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings44
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 10 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCOMQUAS Co., LtdScreenplay & Script Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

Athena Editor

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Permanote

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

Athena Editor

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Permanote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro Subscription1 Month trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is Athena Editor free?
Athena Editor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Permanote free?
Permanote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Athena Editor or Permanote?
Athena Editor is rated higher. Athena Editor averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Permanote averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.
Do Athena Editor or Permanote have ads?
Permanote shows ads; Athena Editor does not.
Which is updated more often, Athena Editor or Permanote?
Athena Editor ships an update monthly, and Permanote every 10 months. Most recently, Athena Editor was updated on November 2, 2026 and Permanote on November 3, 2026.

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