Comparison

Plain Text Editor vs SimpleNote

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

Head to head
About

Plain Text Editor

A minimalist text editor focused on pure writing without any formatting options. It allows editing of standard plain text files and includes features like word count and a unique 'brain dump' mode for focused writing.

Highlights
  • No formatting, just text
  • Edit .txt, .csv, .md files
  • Optimal line spacing
  • Word count
  • Brain dump mode
Features
Read full description

Simple distraction-free text editor without any rich text nonsense. The simplicity is a feature. ■ Highlights - No formatting. Just text. - Edit any plain text file like .txt, .csv, .md, etc - Optimal line spacing and length - Word count - Brain dump mode ■ Known issues The app does not have the ability to print because of iOS limitations. Brain dump mode does not work properly with some Asian languages. ■ Brain dump mode Lets you only write, but not delete or edit. This helps you focus on the actual writing instead of getting distracted with editing and nitpicking. ■ FAQ ‣ Can you add a typewriter mode (centered text)? I don't plan to add that. ‣ Does it handle huge files? No. The app is optimized for writing. Use a proper code editor for such files. ■ Support You can contact me through the feedback button in the app.

About

SimpleNote

Features
Read full description

SimpleNote – Your smart task & notes app Organize your day in style – from quick thoughts to important reminders. With SimpleNote, you can take notes, manage tasks, and get reminded – all in one clean and elegant interface. Key Features • Create tasks with title, description & category • Set due dates and reminders • Organized views: Work, Personal, Important & more • Dark mode – optimized for day & night use • Local storage – your data stays on your device • Create & manage tasks efficiently Privacy first Your tasks are never stored in the cloud. No account needed. No hidden trackers. Whether it’s a spontaneous idea or structured planning – SimpleNote brings clarity to your everyday life. Download now and get organized!

Screenshots

Plain Text Editor3 screens
SimpleNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SimpleNote at Free against Plain Text Editor's $5.00. SimpleNote also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). Plain Text Editor's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

SimpleNote is free to download; Plain Text Editor costs $5.00 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Plain Text Editor versus SimpleNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlain Text EditorSimpleNote
Price$5.00Free — better
Rating4.4 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.017.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB2 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperSindre SorhusPatrick Lanham

In-app purchases

None

Plain Text Editor

No in-app purchases

None

SimpleNote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Plain Text Editor free?
Plain Text Editor costs $5.00, with no in-app purchases.
Is SimpleNote free?
SimpleNote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Plain Text Editor or SimpleNote have ads?
Neither Plain Text Editor nor SimpleNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Plain Text Editor or SimpleNote?
Plain Text Editor ships an update every 2 months, and SimpleNote every 2 months. Most recently, Plain Text Editor was updated on October 12, 2026 and SimpleNote on September 29, 2026.

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