Comparison

Permanote vs Bias Writer

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

Head to head
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

About

Bias Writer

Features
Read full description

BIAS Writer is a markdown editor for novelists, note-takers, journalists, and students who want a clean, focused writing environment. A minimal interface that gets out of your way. Write in dark or light mode. Organize with projects, documents, and tags. Archive what you're not using. THREE TOOLS YOU WON'T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE Memos ((double parentheses)) — Leave yourself notes that stay visible while you write but never appear in exports. Research links, reminders, questions to resolve later. Omits [[double brackets]] — Keep alternate lines, deleted scenes, or backup text in your document but hidden from your final output. Cut without losing. Tags #hashtags — Mark chapters, status, characters, or anything you want to track. Filter your entire project instantly. SEARCH ACROSS EVERYTHING Find any word across all your documents. Switch to Memos, Omits, or Tags mode to search only those. Jump directly to any result. EXPORT CLEAN Share as Markdown, PDF, HTML, or plain text. Memos and omits are stripped automatically — or include them if you want. SYNC WITH iCLOUD Subscribe to sync your writing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Your work is always with you. FREE TO TRY Write for 7 days. Subscribe to keep your work synced across devices. Terms of Use: https://www.bias.pub/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.bias.pub/privacy Questions or feedback? support@bias.pub

Screenshots

Permanote4 screens
Bias Writer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Permanote at 3.5 against Bias Writer's 1.0. Permanote also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). Bias Writer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 10 months). On price, in-app purchases 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 and Bias Writer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Permanote holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Permanote ships an update every 10 months, Bias Writer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Permanote versus Bias Writer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPermanoteBias Writer
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (4 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size41 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperScreenplay & Script Pte. Ltd.Bias LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Permanote

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

Bias Writer

Subscriptions2
  • BIAS Writer Base14 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • BIAS Writer Base14 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Permanote free?
Permanote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bias Writer free?
Bias Writer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Permanote or Bias Writer?
Permanote is rated higher. Permanote averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Bias Writer averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Permanote or Bias Writer have ads?
Permanote shows ads; Bias Writer does not.
Which is updated more often, Permanote or Bias Writer?
Permanote ships an update every 10 months, and Bias Writer weekly. Most recently, Permanote was updated on October 25, 2026 and Bias Writer on October 24, 2026.

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