# GUGA vs LiveNote

The clearest difference is ratings volume: GUGA at 163 against LiveNote's 5. GUGA also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 8 days). LiveNote's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 70%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for GUGA against 4.8 for LiveNote. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GUGA has 163 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 70% of GUGA's written reviews are positive against 79% of LiveNote's.

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, LiveNote every 8 days. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | GUGA | LiveNote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (163 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guga-hyperboard/id1619055819/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livenote/id1641858554/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **163** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 70.2% of reviews | **78.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 705 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GutenbergGalaxy Technology Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1592037946) | [楠 唐](https://appshunter.io/developer/828361169) |

## 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)


### LiveNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livenote/id1641858554)

This app allows users to create handwritten journals, diaries, and notes using a stylus or finger. It features a realistic page-turning design, the ability to embed Live Photos, and customizable image cropping. Users can also utilize special stickers and import PDF templates for a personalized experience.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes and journaling, Realistic page-turning design, Live Photo integration, Customizable image cropping, Special stickers, Import PDF templates

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LiveNote 付费用户 | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GUGA free?

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

### Is LiveNote free?

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

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

LiveNote is rated higher. GUGA averages 4.7 out of 5 from 163 ratings, while LiveNote averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do GUGA or LiveNote have ads?

Neither GUGA nor LiveNote shows ads.

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

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, and LiveNote every 8 days. Most recently, GUGA was updated on October 16, 2026 and LiveNote on October 16, 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.*