# GUGA vs BigPaper

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GUGA at 70% against BigPaper's 27%. GUGA also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (163 vs 17). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GUGA sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and BigPaper sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GUGA holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GUGA has 163 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of GUGA's written reviews are positive against 27% of BigPaper's.

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, BigPaper every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GUGA | BigPaper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (163 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guga-hyperboard/id1619055819/reviews)** | [4.0 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bigpaper-mind-map-pdf-markup/id1633929939/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **163** | 17 |
| Positive reviews | **70.2% of reviews** | 26.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 705 MB | 253 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GutenbergGalaxy Technology Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1592037946) | [10happy Technology Development(Dalian) Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1567148260) |

## What reviewers say

### GUGA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guga-hyperboard/id1619055819)

This app combines notebook, whiteboard, and card functionalities for diverse learning needs. It allows for importing various formats, multi-layer handwriting, and creating interconnected learning materials. Share your progress and access cross-device data with ease.

**Highlights:** Import various notebook formats, Multi-layer handwriting support, Create and link cards, Multi-level whiteboard functionality, Cross-device data sharing, Community sharing platform

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Limited-time Discount C | $4.99 | one-time |
| Limited-time Discount B | $6.99 | one-time |
| Unlock GUGA PRO | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Handwriting search capability
- 🌟 Good for note-taking and studying
- 🎨 Beautiful app design
- ✍️ Natural pen strokes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Pencil direction not rotating
- 🐛 Terms and Privacy Policy not accessible
- 🐛 Cannot log in
- 🐛 iCloud sync glitchy
- 🐛 Notes erased when switching devices

**Reported bugs**

- Pencil direction does not rotate with pencil movement
- Cannot check Terms and Privacy Policy on first app open
- Cannot log in
- iCloud sync is glitchy
- Notes get erased when switching devices

**Requested features**

- Allow Apple Pencil to transition to previous tool
- Adapt to Apple Pencil Pro squeeze gesture
- Return to previous PDF card viewing mode
- Allow Mac OS version with iCloud syncing
- Add auto backup to other cloud drives (Google Drive, OneDrive)


### BigPaper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bigpaper-mind-map-pdf-markup/id1633929939)

This app offers an infinite canvas for note-taking, PDF annotation, and mind mapping. Import various document formats and add text, handwriting, tables, and more. Efficiently organize and edit content without page limitations.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas for freeform note-taking, Import and annotate PDFs and other documents, Mind mapping with element connections, Handwriting and drawing tools with Smart Shapes, Table creation and linking, Multi-format document import and export, Screenshot mode for quick content capture

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BigPaper - Full Version Unlock | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GUGA free?

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

### Is BigPaper free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GUGA or BigPaper?

GUGA is rated higher. GUGA averages 4.7 out of 5 from 163 ratings, while BigPaper averages 4.0 from 17 ratings.

### Do GUGA or BigPaper have ads?

Neither GUGA nor BigPaper shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GUGA or BigPaper?

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, and BigPaper every 5 days. Most recently, GUGA was updated on October 16, 2026 and BigPaper on October 15, 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.*