Comparison

PenCake vs min.

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

Head to head
About

PenCake

A minimalist writing app designed for focused journaling, storytelling, and personal expression. Enjoy a distraction-free interface with elegant typography and seamless cross-device syncing. Secure your work with auto-save and biometric protection.

Highlights
  • Distraction-free interface
  • Elegant typography
  • Cross-device syncing
  • Auto-save and version history
  • Markdown support
  • Organized by Stories
Features
Read full description

A beautifully minimal space for your thoughts. Pencake helps you focus on your words—whether you’re writing a journal, a story, or something just for yourself. Since 2018, more than 2.3 million writers have chosen Pencake as their space to write in peace. Its clean, distraction-free interface helps you focus entirely on your words. No clutter, no noise—just you and your story. With elegant typography and smooth spacing, writing on Pencake feels as natural and beautiful as writing in a real book. Minimalist, yet powerful - Clean and aesthetically refined interface - Designed to enhance focus and creativity - Beautiful fonts and themes that suit your mood Writing made effortless - Start writing instantly with an intuitive experience - Enjoy smooth performance even with long-form writing - Stay organized with “Stories” that group related entries Write anywhere, anytime - Sync your work seamlessly across all your devices - Continue writing wherever inspiration strikes Safe and secure writing - Auto-save, version history, and trash recovery - Face ID / Touch ID protection Built for real writers - Supports Markdown for flexible formatting - Word and character count, image insertion, and preview mode - Ideal for all kinds of writing—journaling, blogging, novel writing, and fanfiction Whether you're an aspiring writer or just someone who loves writing in peace, Pencake offers a simple yet inspiring place to put your thoughts into words. * Some features such as auto-sync, desktop access, themes, and advanced fonts are available through Premium. --- - Official website: https://pencake.app/ - Desktop app: https://pencake.app/download/desktop/ - FAQs: https://pencake.app/faq/ - Format text: https://pencake.app/guide/markdown/ - Email: pencake.app@gmail.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pencakeapp - X (Twitter): https://x.com/pencakeapp Please help translate into your language. https://crowdin.com/project/pencake Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://pencake.app/privacy/

About

min.

This app helps you understand and manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through daily journaling prompts and self-reflection. It guides you toward a more mindful life and improved mental well-being. Sessions are saved to Apple Health Kit.

Highlights
  • Daily journaling prompts
  • Self-reflection tools
  • Mental health insights
  • Mindfulness guidance
  • Apple Health Kit integration
  • Easy to use interface
Features
Read full description

Introducing min - the perfect companion for anyone looking to improve their mental health.  min is designed to help you understand and manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through journaling.  With daily prompts and self-reflection, you'll be able to gain insight into your mental health and develop strategies for living a more mindful life.  min is easy to use and accessible to all.  It is designed to to fit your needs. min will be your guide on your journey to a happier, healthier you.  Download now and start your journey towards mindfulness and mental well-being.  Try it now and see the difference it can make in your life! min saves your sessions in Apple Health Kit.

Screenshots

PenCake4 screens
min.3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: min. at 5.0 against PenCake's 4.3. min. also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). PenCake's advantage is ratings volume (121 vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads 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. PenCake sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per year. min. asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

min. holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PenCake has 121 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PenCake ships an update monthly, min. fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
PenCake versus min.: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPenCakemin.
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (121 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews85.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings121 — better3
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS9.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size102 MB4 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperDiffathy, Inc.Venance Cassens

Customer experience

PenCake

All ratings106 ratings
Positive82.1%
Neutral4.7%
Negative13.2%
Written reviews284 reviews
Positive85.9%
Neutral7.0%
Negative7.0%

min.

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

PenCake

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Yearly Subscription$6.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly Subscription$9.991 Year
One-time8
  • Tip the Developer$0.99
  • Upgrade to Premium$1.99
  • Upgrade to Premium$3.99
Show 5 more
  • Upgrade to Premium$5.99
  • Tip the Developer$9.99
  • Lifetime Premium Access$15.99
  • Upgrade to Premium Lifetime$19.99
  • Lifetime Premium Access$23.99
None

min.

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PenCake free?
PenCake is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is min. free?
min. is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PenCake or min.?
min. is rated higher. PenCake averages 4.3 out of 5 from 121 ratings, while min. averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do PenCake or min. have ads?
Neither PenCake nor min. shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PenCake or min.?
PenCake ships an update monthly, and min. fortnightly. Most recently, PenCake was updated on November 6, 2026 and min. on November 3, 2026.

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