Comparison

Penman vs Canvo

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

Head to head
About

Penman

Effortlessly convert spoken words into text notes in over 120 languages using advanced speech-to-text technology. Enhance your writing with AI-powered actions and organize your notes with a powerful, intuitive editor. Sync securely across devices and export your work in various formats.

Highlights
  • Speech to text transcription
  • AI-powered writing enhancements
  • Intuitive text editor
  • Note organization and categorization
  • Cross-device iCloud sync
  • Export to PDF, TXT, Image, HTML
  • Multiple language support
Features
Read full description

Penman turns your voice into notes — and your notes into knowledge. Record lectures, meetings, and ideas with real-time voice transcription in 120+ languages, chat with your notes through Spaces AI, and let built-in study tools create flashcards and quizzes for you. VOICE TO TEXT, LIVE - Real-time speech transcription in 120+ languages - Import audio files and transcribe them in minutes - Dictate hands-free, then refine with AI actions (summarize, reorder, rewrite) SPACES — AI CHAT WITH YOUR NOTES - Ask questions and get grounded answers with citations and source cards - Knowledge retrieval across your notes, documents, and recordings - On-device intelligence with Apple Foundation Models AI STUDY TOOLS - Generate flashcards from any note in one tap - Build quizzes automatically and test yourself - Summarize, reorder, and run custom AI prompts SCAN, LISTEN, CREATE - OCR: turn photos and scans into editable text - Text-to-speech playback with word highlighting - Create images with Apple Image Playground EVERYWHERE YOU WORK - iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac - Export to PDF, TXT, JPG, and HTML - App Intents and Shortcuts for automation - Rich text editor with fonts and bidirectional writing support PREMIUM Unlock unlimited transcription, all AI features, and every export format with Penman Premium. Download Penman today and turn every conversation, lecture, and meeting into notes that work for you. Subscriptions will be charged to your credit card through your iTunes account, and will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscriptions in the App Store Account Settings. Terms of Use: https://penmanai.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://penmanai.app/privacy

About

Canvo

Features
Read full description

Transform your academic journey with Canvo, the all-in-one companion app that seamlessly integrates with Canvas LMS and supercharges your productivity. Whether you're juggling multiple courses or managing a mountain of assignments, Canvo keeps you in control — effortlessly. KEY FEATURES: CANVAS INTEGRATION • Instantly sync all assignments, quizzes, and deadlines from Canvas • Track real-time submission statuses • Filter by course, assignment type, or due date • One-tap access to course pages and submission details • Choose which courses to display for a clutter-free view SMART TASK MANAGEMENT • Create tasks with due dates, priorities, and detailed notes • Organize tasks into flexible, color-coded lists • Swipe to complete, tap to edit — it's fast and intuitive • Use dark mode for focused, comfortable planning PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS • Spin the Task Wheel when you don’t know where to start • Visual Calendar to see everything coming up • Customize your theme colors and layout • Convert Canvas assignments into tasks with one swipe SMART TIMETABLE SYSTEM (New!) • Add your busy blocks (classes, work, etc.) • Canvo auto-schedules time for your tasks before they’re due • Customize preferences like how early to start or how long to focus • Your calendar now works for you — no manual time blocking needed STREAMLINED WORKFLOW • All your academic and personal tasks in one clean view • Intuitive design that stays out of your way • One tap to get what you need — no more context switching • Designed by a student, for students Canvo is the calm in the Canvas chaos — a single source of truth that keeps you ahead, not behind. Download now to organize smarter, work better, and finally feel in control of your academic life. Note: Requires a valid Canvas API key from your institution for integration features. Privacy & Security • Your Canvas API key is encrypted and stored locally • We collect zero personal data — ever • No servers, no cloud — everything stays on your device • Full control: delete the app, delete your data We're always building. DM me on Instagram @nickconoplia if you have feedback or want to help shape the future of Canvo. Download Canvo today and take back control of your academic workflow.

Screenshots

Penman4 screens
Canvo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Canvo at none against Penman's 12. Canvo also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Penman sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Canvo asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Penman ships an update every 2 weeks, Canvo every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Penman versus Canvo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPenmanCanvo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (252 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews57.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings252 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSER_INTNicholas Conoplia

Bugs and requests

Penman

Reported bugs

11 issues
  • App crashes on launch or during use
  • Text disappears without user action
  • Transcription halts when device enters sleep mode
  • iCloud sync failures between devices
  • Notes deleted when free trial expires
Show 6 more
  • Highlighting loses color after copy-paste
  • Recording continues but doesn't transcribe after interruption
  • App force closes when deleting notes
  • Restore purchase button non-functional
  • Perpetual onboarding loop after trial signup
  • Transcription accuracy drops after initial sentences

Requested features

10 requests
  • Persistent highlighting tool color selection
  • Export to Markdown (.md) format
  • Custom photo book covers
  • More font options
  • Ability to keep handwritten notes without conversion
Show 5 more
  • Keep phone active during recording
  • Recently deleted folder for recovery
  • Standalone keyboard replacement
  • Unlimited recording time in free version
  • Auto-save and local backup system

Canvo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

12 purchases

Penman

Subscriptions9
  • Monthly Discount Premium7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Monthly Penman Premium7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • 3 Months Penman Premium3 Days trial$8.993 Months
Show 6 more
  • Annual Voice to Text Live$14.991 Year
  • Yearly Discount Premium$14.991 Year
  • 6 Months Penman Premium3 Days trial$16.996 Months
  • Yearly Voice to Text plan7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Speech to Text Live6 Months trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Speech Voice to Text7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • Unlimited Voice to Text$29.99
  • Unlimited Voice to Text$39.99
  • Unlimited Voice to Text$59.99
None

Canvo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Penman free?
Penman is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Canvo free?
Canvo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Penman or Canvo have ads?
Neither Penman nor Canvo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Penman or Canvo?
Penman ships an update every 2 weeks, and Canvo every 5 days. Most recently, Penman was updated on October 26, 2026 and Canvo on October 28, 2026.

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