# Side Notes vs Simplio Notepad

The clearest difference is rating: Simplio Notepad at 5.0 against Side Notes's 3.9. Simplio Notepad also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Side Notes's advantage is monetization model (free vs subscription) and ratings volume (22 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Simplio Notepad holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Side Notes has 22 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Side Notes ships an update every 2 months, Simplio Notepad every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 14, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Side Notes | Simplio Notepad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-notes-minded/id1555821224/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplio-notepad-quick-notes/id6747517228/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **22** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Straw Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1120982866) | [Bahattin Duran](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677311418) |

## What reviewers say

### Side Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-notes-minded/id1555821224)

This app helps you organize thoughts by viewing multiple notes simultaneously. It offers layouts for comparing options, conducting analyses, or structuring complex ideas. Focus on your thinking with a clean, intuitive interface and privacy-focused design.

**Highlights:** Side-by-side note viewing, Multiple layout options (Dual, Four, Single), Visual comparison of ideas, SWOT analysis and Eisenhower Matrix support, Rich text editing, Offline functionality, Export notes as PDF or text

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simplio Notepad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplio-notepad-quick-notes/id6747517228)

A minimalist notepad designed for quick note-taking without unnecessary features. It offers a clean interface, essential editing tools, and home screen widgets for easy access. Notes are stored locally and can sync via iCloud.

**Highlights:** One-tap opening, Fast text editor, Markdown support, Home Screen widgets, iCloud sync, Export as text/PDF

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Side Notes free?

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

### Is Simplio Notepad free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Side Notes or Simplio Notepad?

Simplio Notepad is rated higher. Side Notes averages 3.9 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Simplio Notepad averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Side Notes or Simplio Notepad have ads?

Neither Side Notes nor Simplio Notepad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Side Notes or Simplio Notepad?

Side Notes ships an update every 2 months, and Simplio Notepad every 3 weeks. Most recently, Side Notes was updated on August 14, 2026 and Simplio Notepad on September 20, 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.*