Comparison

Plain Note vs GlanceMemo

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

Head to head
About

Plain Note

This app allows you to create and organize notes with customizable tags and icons. It offers lock screen and home screen widgets for quick access and supports character/line counting. Personalize your experience with themes, app icons, and fonts.

Highlights
  • Organize notes with tags
  • Customizable tag icons and colors
  • Character and line counting
  • Lock screen and home screen widgets
  • Customizable themes, app icons, and fonts
  • Archive and organize notes
Features
Read full description

"Plain Note" is a simple notes app. You can organize your notes by adding tags, and it supports lock screen and home screen widgets. It can be used on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Features • You can categorize your notes with tags. • Customize tag icons and colors. • You can count the number of characters and lines. • Archive and organize your notes. • Widgets can be added to the lock screen and home screen. • Customize themes, App icons, and fonts. (Some features are available for a fee.) Premium (in-app purchase) • Sync data with iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud. This can also be used as a backup. • All themes and App icons are available. • All tag icons are available. • All font customizations are available. *Prices may vary by country or region. Please check in the app. *Some features may not be available in all languages or regions. Terms of Use: https://monelyze.app/en/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://monelyze.app/en/privacy

About

GlanceMemo

Features
Read full description

GlanceMemo is the simplest way to keep quick notes visible — right on your lock screen. Most note apps require you to open them. GlanceMemo doesn't. Every time you wake your phone, your important reminders and pinned notes are already there. ■ Key Features • Pin up to 3 memos on your lock screen widget • Reminders widget — scheduled notes automatically float to the top when due • The first line becomes the widget title (write naturally, no formatting fuss) • Gentle reminders that surface exactly when you need them • Beautiful in both light and dark mode • Available in English, Korean, and Japanese ■ Perfect For • "Meeting notes for tomorrow" — instantly visible on your morning phone check • "Grocery list" — no need to open an app at the store • "Take medication, drink water" — daily nudges that just work • Quick thoughts, meeting agendas, things you don't want to forget ■ Why GlanceMemo? Other note apps disappear once you close them. GlanceMemo stays visible where you look most — your lock screen. Every phone check becomes a chance to remember what matters. Focused on the essentials: 3 pinned slots, 3 reminder slots — enough for what's important, no more. ■ How to Use 1. Open the app and write your first memo 2. Tap the pin icon in the memo list to pin it to the widget 3. Long-press your lock screen → Customize → Add Widget → GlanceMemo 4. Now see it every time you wake your phone ■ Requirements • iOS 16.0 or later (Lock screen widgets are an iOS 16+ feature) Write simply. Always visible. Never open the app again.

Screenshots

Plain Note4 screens
GlanceMemo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GlanceMemo at none against Plain Note's 3. GlanceMemo also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). Plain Note's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On price 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. Plain Note sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. GlanceMemo asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Plain Note versus GlanceMemo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlain NoteGlanceMemo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (1.1K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews62.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.1K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMonelyze Inc.dooho jin

Bugs and requests

Plain Note

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Notes sometimes get deleted after updates
  • Widget not working as expected, showing wrong note

Requested features

7 requests
  • Ability to swipe widget to display another note
  • Subfolders for better organization
  • Export function to backup notes
  • Option to change app colors
  • Support for multiple notes in one widget
Show 2 more
  • Text formatting options (bold, italics, headings)
  • Ability to insert photos and videos

GlanceMemo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Plain Note

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Premium - Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium - Lifetime$29.99
None

GlanceMemo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Plain Note free?
Plain Note is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GlanceMemo free?
GlanceMemo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Plain Note or GlanceMemo have ads?
GlanceMemo shows ads; Plain Note does not.

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