# AxNote vs SmartBlock

The clearest difference is rating: SmartBlock at 5.0 against AxNote's 4.3. SmartBlock also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). AxNote's advantage is monetization model (free vs freemium) and ratings volume (7 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AxNote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SmartBlock sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SmartBlock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AxNote has 7 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AxNote ships an update every 2 months, SmartBlock every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AxNote | SmartBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axnote-note-taking/id1532017999/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartblock-focus-with-puzzles/id6742196917/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 9 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Benjamin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1667195856) | [Adam Park](https://appshunter.io/developer/1797344350) |

## What reviewers say

### AxNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axnote-note-taking/id1532017999)

This app offers an intelligent canvas for note-taking, allowing users to generate summaries from text, handwriting, and audio recordings. It supports image annotation, data visualization with tables and charts, and handwriting conversion to typed text. Designed for Apple Pencil, it provides flexible layouts and on-device AI features.

**Highlights:** AI-powered summaries from text, handwriting, and audio, Audio transcription and topic exploration, Image and PDF annotation, Data visualization with tables and charts, Handwriting to typed text conversion, Apple Pencil integration, Customizable layouts

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AxNote+ | $24.99 | one-time |


### SmartBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartblock-focus-with-puzzles/id6742196917)

This app transforms phone distractions into brain-training exercises. Block apps to reduce screen time and solve engaging puzzles to regain access, sharpening your mind while promoting focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Solve puzzles to unlock app access, Customizable puzzle difficulty and app limits, Schedule app blocks by day and time, Boost productivity and focus, Reduce stress and improve mindfulness

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Subscription + 1 Week Trial | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription + 1 Week Trial | $29.99 | per year |
| 10k+ Puzzles Purchase | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AxNote free?

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

### Is SmartBlock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AxNote or SmartBlock?

SmartBlock is rated higher. AxNote averages 4.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while SmartBlock averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do AxNote or SmartBlock have ads?

Neither AxNote nor SmartBlock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AxNote or SmartBlock?

AxNote ships an update every 2 months, and SmartBlock every 3 weeks. Most recently, AxNote was updated on September 19, 2026 and SmartBlock on September 19, 2026.

---

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