# SmArtLock vs Penjo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmArtLock at none against Penjo's 3. SmArtLock also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). Penjo's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 7 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Penjo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. SmArtLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmArtLock ships an update every 7 months, Penjo every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmArtLock | Penjo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (284 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penjo-pencil-journal-planner/id6446053076/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **284** |
| Positive reviews | — | 73.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 76 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [宏根 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1063018520) | [Zafer ARICAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118422608) |

## What reviewers say

### SmArtLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlock/id1589907349)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Penjo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penjo-pencil-journal-planner/id6446053076)

This app allows you to handwrite notes, sketches, and plans directly onto your digital pages. It integrates with your calendar and reminders, offers extensive customization for your journals, and syncs across your Apple devices. Search your handwritten notes and photos with ease.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes and sketches, Apple Calendar and Reminders integration, Customizable journal appearance, Handwriting search, iCloud sync across Apple devices, Photo editing and manipulation, PDF export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✍️ Excellent Apple Pencil integration and handwriting experience
- 📅 Seamless calendar and reminders integration
- 💰 One-time lifetime purchase option (no subscriptions)
- 🎨 Clean, minimalist, and intuitive user interface
- ⚡ Fast and responsive performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable cloud sync across multiple devices
- 💳 Confusing payment model and paywall messaging
- 🔐 Missing security features like screen lock
- 📱 Limited macOS support (Intel Macs incompatible)
- 🎨 Limited customization options for colors and themes

**Reported bugs**

- Cloud sync not working across devices despite paid subscription
- App crashes when using photo effects
- Calendar not syncing or displaying properly
- Notebooks disappearing or becoming unopenable
- Text boxes misaligning after app closure

**Requested features**

- Dark mode or black background option
- Screen lock/page lock to prevent accidental writing
- Apple Pencil advanced features (highlighter, squeeze, double-tap)
- Text formatting options (resize, color change for selected text)
- More page layout templates and line spacing options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmArtLock free?

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

### Is Penjo free?

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

### Do SmArtLock or Penjo have ads?

Neither SmArtLock nor Penjo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmArtLock or Penjo?

SmArtLock ships an update every 7 months, and Penjo every 11 days. Most recently, SmArtLock was updated on November 3, 2026 and Penjo on November 7, 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.*