Simple Note vs OpenNotes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Simple Note
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Minimalism is fundamental for this app. This also applies to app description. It is simplest note-taking app. Period.
OpenNotes
Create handwritten notes, import and annotate PDFs, and organize your thoughts with folders. This free, open-source app prioritizes privacy by keeping all your data local and on your device.
- Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
- PDF import and annotation
- Folder-based organization
- Add images and text
- Local-first data storage
- Export and share notes
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OpenNotes is a simple, free, open-source notes app built for handwriting, PDFs, and focused organization. Create notebooks, import PDFs, write with Apple Pencil, add images or text, organize notes into folders, and export your work when you need it. OpenNotes is local-first and privacy focused. There are no accounts, no analytics, and no tracking. Your notes live on your device, with optional backup to your own iCloud so they survive a lost iPad or a deleted app. Nothing is ever sent to us — your notes stay in your Apple account, readable by no one else.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenNotes at none against Simple Note's 1. OpenNotes also leads on ads (none vs shown). Simple Note's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Simple Note sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenNotes asks for nothing beyond the download.
Simple Note ships an update every 2 days, OpenNotes every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.
| Parameter | Simple Note | OpenNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.5 (30 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 60.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 30 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days — better | Every 4 days |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 44 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tools Products FZ-LLC | Mark Miller |
In-app purchases
Simple Note
- Simple note-taking pro$5.99
OpenNotes
No in-app purchases
