# Simple Note vs OpenNotes

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Note | OpenNotes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **30** |
| Positive reviews | — | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 6 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tools Products FZ-LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1549858533) | [Mark Miller](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836539324) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Note

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-note-taking/id1551202375)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple note-taking pro | $5.99 | one-time |


### OpenNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004)

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.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, PDF import and annotation, Folder-based organization, Add images and text, Local-first data storage, Export and share notes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Note free?

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

### Is OpenNotes free?

OpenNotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Simple Note or OpenNotes have ads?

Simple Note shows ads; OpenNotes does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Note or OpenNotes?

Simple Note ships an update every 2 days, and OpenNotes every 4 days. Most recently, Simple Note was updated on October 25, 2026 and OpenNotes on October 25, 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.*