# NotePlan vs NoteCircle

The clearest difference is monetization model: NoteCircle at free with in-app purchases against NotePlan's subscription. NoteCircle also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). NotePlan's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 70%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NotePlan sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and NoteCircle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NotePlan holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of NotePlan's written reviews are positive against 70% of NoteCircle's.

NotePlan ships an update monthly, NoteCircle every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NotePlan | NoteCircle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noteplan-to-do-list-and-notes/id1505432629/reviews)** | [4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notecircle-to-do-list/id1528859917/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 1.2K |
| Positive reviews | **85.1% of reviews** | 70.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 210 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NotePlan LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1137020763) | [Genau Factory](https://appshunter.io/developer/1512838460) |

## What reviewers say

### NotePlan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noteplan-to-do-list-and-notes/id1505432629)

Organize your tasks, notes, and calendar in one unified app. Quickly plan your day with Markdown, link notes bi-directionally, and stay on top of your to-dos with powerful review and search features. Seamlessly integrates with your existing calendars and syncs across all your Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Unified task, note, and calendar view, Markdown for quick task and note creation, Bi-directional note linking, Calendar integration (iCloud, Google, Exchange), Flexible recurring tasks, Global Command Bar for fast navigation, Plaintext note storage

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personal Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Personal Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Personal Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Personal Monthly | $12.00 | per month |
| Personal Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Personal Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Personal Annual | $119.99 | per year |
| Business Class | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful note-taking and task management
- 👍 Seamless calendar and reminders integration
- 💡 Flexible and customizable workflow
- 🔒 Secure and open-format data storage
- 👍 Responsive and helpful developer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Occasional sync and performance issues
- 👤 Limited collaboration and sharing features

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent sync between devices
- Crashes when opening certain files

**Requested features**

- Improved iPad and mobile app experience
- Better integration with other productivity apps
- More automation and scripting capabilities
- Weekly or monthly calendar view


### NoteCircle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notecircle-to-do-list/id1528859917)

This app provides a structured system for organizing tasks, routines, and events in one place. It's designed to help users stay focused and consistent, especially those who struggle with organization or feeling overwhelmed. Capture ideas quickly and track progress with visual insights.

**Highlights:** Unified planner for tasks, routines, and events, Voice input and photo-to-task conversion, Build lasting weekly routines, Visual progress tracking, Calendar syncing, Calm, paper-like interface

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Organized and easy to use
- 👍 Minimalist and aesthetic design
- 💡 Helpful for building habits and routines
- 🚀 Efficient for daily task management
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs with syncing and data loss
- 💰 Limited free features, requires paid subscription
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data security
- 🔧 Lacking customization options
- 🕰️ Slow response times when checking off tasks

**Reported bugs**

- Routine tasks not showing up correctly
- Inability to delete or edit tasks
- Syncing issues between devices
- Inconsistent behavior when using the app
- Crashing or freezing on certain actions

**Requested features**

- Add more icon options for tasks and routines
- Implement weekly/monthly calendar view
- Allow rearranging and prioritizing of tasks
- Integrate with more calendar and reminder apps
- Add notes/comments section for tasks


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NotePlan free?

NotePlan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NoteCircle free?

NoteCircle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NotePlan or NoteCircle?

NotePlan is rated higher. NotePlan averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while NoteCircle averages 4.6 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do NotePlan or NoteCircle have ads?

Neither NotePlan nor NoteCircle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NotePlan or NoteCircle?

NotePlan ships an update monthly, and NoteCircle every 3 days. Most recently, NotePlan was updated on October 15, 2026 and NoteCircle on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*