Comparison

MXTNote vs CanvasNote

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

Head to head
About

MXTNote

This app helps organize research and study materials by linking PDFs, notes, and web pages. It offers PDF reading, text and handwriting notes, and an arXiv explorer for academic papers. Create a knowledge graph to visualize connections between your research fragments.

Highlights
  • PDF reader with link navigation
  • Text and handwriting note-taking
  • Link notes and PDFs to create a knowledge graph
  • ARXIV explorer for academic papers
  • Web page import (HTML to PDF)
  • OCR and image search for PDFs
  • Sync across devices
Features
Read full description

MXTNote is a free PDF reader and note taking app. When we study for a subject, we start by collecting reference, document idea fragments, then we expand our knowledge structure by creating links between these fragments, or add more content around them. MXTNote provide ways to simplify some of these steps Here are some examples: - A PDF references another PDF, you can select the two location and link them. - After embedding a selection from PDF to notebook, a two way link is automatically created between PDF and notebook. - Link can be created between notes to form a graph, to capture a knowledge/task dependency At block level, MXTNote consists of the following: - PDF reader - Text note taking - Handwriting note taking - Graph view - ARXIV explorer - Calendar Here are the detail features: (those marked with (*) requires MXTNote account, free signup) Reading: - PDF reader with thumbnail index, link navigation - Import web page (HTML will be converted to PDF) - support DJVU/MOBI (*)(file will be converted to PDF) - Text search (using text in PDF, or OCR) - Image search (useful for searching math symbols) - Translate selected text into English Notes: - Simple text note - Write on PDF or select box from PDF - Support links between notes, attach tags to notes. - Search notes by original PDF, tags, or text - Built-in split screen to copy note to notebook - Multiple page notebook with text or handwriting. - Support pressure sensitive input (Apple pencil). - Print notebook to PDF file or printer - Use Latex input for math formula or use the Math formula editor ARXIV: - Search ARXIV and download paper - Monitor ARXIV for new papers matching predefined query Sync: - Sync across all your device (*) - Available as web app Other: - In-app tutorial available for major functions please visit our website for details: https://note.mxtsoft.com/doc

About

CanvasNote

Read full description

The Ultimate Note-Taking App CanvasNote is the indispensable app for everyone who loves to write with a pen and seeks the ultimate note-taking experience. This app is specifically designed for use with a pen and offers a plethora of features to perfect your handwritten notes. It naturally supports the Apple Pencil, as well as alternatives compatible with the iPad or iPad Pro. Here is a detailed overview of everything CanvasNote has to offer: Outstanding Note-Taking Features: Integrated Templates: Choose from a selection of templates, including squared or lined paper, as well as special templates for music notes and mathematics. You can write in both portrait and landscape orientation. The innovative "Own Templates" area: Here, you can not only create individual categories but also share your templates with other users and save them directly on the iPad. A backup of the template folders can also be created to easily restore them on a new device. Effortlessly import templates via the iPad's photo gallery or as a PDF document and explore the variety of free note templates available online in image format or as PDF templates, to save on the iPad and import into CanvasNote. Create your own template collection, neatly divided into categories, to quickly find and apply them in your notes. Customizable Pens and Colors: Switch between different pen types, tools, and colors to give your notes a personal touch. Creating your own color palette is also possible. With three integrated sliders for the individual RGB channels, any conceivable color can be mixed. There are tools for circles, rectangles, and a special line pen that allows for the perfect drawing of vertical and horizontal lines. The line thickness and pressure sensitivity of each pen and tool can be individually adjusted via sliders. The eraser function is also available. Organization and Management: Dynamically Growing Folders: Create folders for different notes that dynamically expand as you add new pages. This keeps you always organized. Image and Document Integration: Add images from the iPad's photo gallery and write directly on them. Use the iPad's internal camera to capture documents and insert them into your notes. The integrated scan function allows for perfect capture of external documents via the iPad camera or photo gallery. Comprehensive PDF Integration: CanvasNote offers extensive PDF features. Import and edit PDF files with ease and export your edited documents in no time. Versatile Application Areas: Perfect for School, Work, and Personal Use: CanvasNote is excellent for use in school, at work, and for personal notes. Whether you want to create lecture notes, ideas, or drawings, this app is the right choice. Intuitive Management: Clear Folders: All your notes are stored neatly in folders within the app and can be easily viewed and organized. Requires a Digital Stylus: Please note that CanvasNote requires a stylus for input (Apple Pencil or iPad-compatible alternative) and cannot be written or drawn on with fingers. Experience the ultimate note-taking experience with CanvasNote and enhance your productivity and creativity. Get CanvasNote now and dive into the world of digital handwritten notes!

Screenshots

MXTNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MXTNote at none against CanvasNote's 1. MXTNote also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). CanvasNote's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On price and ads 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. CanvasNote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MXTNote asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MXTNote ships an update every 2 weeks, CanvasNote every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on June 4, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
MXTNote versus CanvasNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMXTNoteCanvasNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size131 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTao MaNicolai Kummer

In-app purchases

None

MXTNote

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

CanvasNote

One-time1
  • Unlock Full Version$1.99

Questions

Is MXTNote free?
MXTNote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CanvasNote free?
CanvasNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MXTNote or CanvasNote have ads?
Neither MXTNote nor CanvasNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MXTNote or CanvasNote?
MXTNote ships an update every 2 weeks, and CanvasNote every 5 days. Most recently, MXTNote was updated on June 4, 2026 and CanvasNote on September 13, 2026.

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