# CROSSNote HLM vs Growstead

The clearest difference is update cadence: CROSSNote HLM at every 4 days against Growstead's every 3 weeks. Growstead's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CROSSNote HLM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Growstead sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CROSSNote HLM ships an update every 4 days, Growstead every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CROSSNote HLM | Growstead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/growstead-garden-planner/id6470142340/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 101 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OS3e Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6821322906) | [ihomestead](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713047910) |

## What reviewers say

### CROSSNote HLM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossnote-hlm/id1509713631)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CROSSNote Plus Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| CROSSNote Plus Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| CROSSNote Founding Annual | $129.99 | per year |


### Growstead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/growstead-garden-planner/id6470142340)

Plan and optimize your food self-sufficiency journey, from large properties to small balconies. Track and manage your homesteading activities with intuitive tools.

**Highlights:** Food self-sufficiency planning, Homestead tracking, Activity optimization, Garden planning, Balcony gardening support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ihomestead Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| ihomestead Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CROSSNote HLM free?

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

### Is Growstead free?

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

### Do CROSSNote HLM or Growstead have ads?

Neither CROSSNote HLM nor Growstead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CROSSNote HLM or Growstead?

CROSSNote HLM ships an update every 4 days, and Growstead every 3 weeks. Most recently, CROSSNote HLM was updated on November 11, 2026 and Growstead on November 3, 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.*