Plain Text Editor vs Nib
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- No formatting, just text
- Edit .txt, .csv, .md files
- Optimal line spacing
- Word count
- Brain dump mode
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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.
Nib
This app is a smart notepad that records audio, transcribes it, and uses AI to generate summaries and action items. It offers on-device processing for privacy and supports Markdown writing, searchable photos, and handwriting.
- On-device AI transcription and summarization
- Markdown editor with rich text formatting
- Searchable photos and handwriting
- Live audio translation
- Cross-device syncing via iCloud
- Semantic search across notes
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Nib is a notepad that listens. Write in clean Markdown, record meetings and voice memos, and let AI turn them into minutes, summaries, and next steps — while your audio stays on your device. WRITE • A fast Markdown editor that stores your text as plain text — no lock-in • Headings, lists, checkboxes, quotes, code, links — styled as you type • Attach photos; the text inside them becomes searchable • Sketch by hand: draw full-screen, and the sketch lives inside the note (legible handwriting is searchable) • Version history, and note locking with Face ID / Touch ID TALK • Record meetings and voice memos with live transcription • Transcription runs entirely on this device — audio is never uploaded • Recordings survive interruptions and crashes • Import audio files and transcribe them, too • On the Mac, capture both sides of online meetings • On the Mac, right-click a note to take a photo or scan a document with your iPhone ASK AI • Turn a recording into structured minutes: decisions, action items, open questions (Pro) • Ask questions across your whole library: “What did we decide last month?” (Pro) • Co-write with AI inside the note — every change is highlighted, and nothing is final until you approve it • On-device AI summarizes, cleans up, and suggests tags — free, even offline FIND • Semantic search finds notes by meaning, not just keywords — free for everyone • Instant full-text search, tags, pins, and a 30-day trash PRIVATE BY DESIGN • Transcription and semantic search happen on-device • Cloud AI is optional and goes through our relay — no account needed, and your notes are never used to train models • Notes sync across your devices through your own iCloud NIB PRO (subscription) • Unlimited recording length (free plan: 30 minutes per recording) • AI minutes, library-wide chat, and writing advice • One subscription covers iPhone, iPad, and Mac LIVE TRANSLATION • Translate the live transcript as you record — or any transcript after • Entirely on device with downloadable language packs — free, works offline CONNECT • Nib Clipper for Chrome — clip selected text straight into a note • Publish to WordPress, or share any note as a clean web page • Your notes in Claude — a local MCP server (Mac) lets AI assistants search, read, and add notes • Widgets, Shortcuts, Control Center recording, and Apple Watch FREE AI CREDITS EVERY MONTH • Your cloud-AI credits refill monthly — try Pro-grade AI without a subscription Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Nib at Free against Plain Text Editor's $5.00. Nib also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). Plain Text Editor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Nib is free to download; Plain Text Editor costs $5.00 up front. Nib sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Plain Text Editor asks for nothing beyond the download.
Plain Text Editor ships an update every 2 months, Nib daily. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Plain Text Editor | Nib |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.00 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (11 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 11 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sindre Sorhus | Yuki Sato |
Customer experience
Plain Text Editor
Nib
In-app purchases
Plain Text Editor
No in-app purchases
Nib
- Pro Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
- Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
- 100 pt$1.99
- 300 pt$4.99









