# GUGA vs Recess

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Recess at none against GUGA's 3. GUGA's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GUGA sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Recess asks for nothing beyond the download.

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, Recess every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GUGA | Recess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (163 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guga-hyperboard/id1619055819/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **163** | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 705 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GutenbergGalaxy Technology Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1592037946) | [Giles Williams](https://appshunter.io/developer/673589419) |

## 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)


### Recess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recess/id6463439516)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GUGA free?

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

### Is Recess free?

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

### Do GUGA or Recess have ads?

Neither GUGA nor Recess shows ads.

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

GUGA ships an update every 4 days, and Recess every 9 months. Most recently, GUGA was updated on September 25, 2026 and Recess on September 8, 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.*