# LockNotes vs DIY Widgets

The clearest difference is rating: DIY Widgets at 4.3 against LockNotes's 2.7. DIY Widgets also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). LockNotes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (41% vs 8%). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DIY Widgets sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. LockNotes asks for nothing beyond the download.

DIY Widgets holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DIY Widgets has 170 ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 41% of LockNotes's written reviews are positive against 8% of DIY Widgets's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

LockNotes ships an update every 3 months, DIY Widgets every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockNotes | DIY Widgets |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locknotes-note-on-lock-screen/id1645006192/reviews) | **[4.3 (170 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-widgets-color-lock-screen/id6443555781/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 29 | **170** |
| Positive reviews | **40.5% of reviews** | 8.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Subscription |
| Size | 83 MB | 105 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cao Tran](https://appshunter.io/developer/1346991351) | [Mobile Smart Growth](https://appshunter.io/developer/1646587126) |

## What reviewers say

### LockNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locknotes-note-on-lock-screen/id1645006192)

Pin notes, to-dos, reminders, and quotes directly to your iPhone Lock Screen. Access important information at a glance without unlocking your device. Customize your notes with different fonts and styles.

**Highlights:** Notes on Lock Screen, Quick Note Taking, Customizable Fonts & Styles, Event & Countdown Tracking, Inspirational Quotes

**In-app purchases:** none


### DIY Widgets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-widgets-color-lock-screen/id6443555781)

Personalize your device's home screen with a wide array of stylish widgets, themes, and fonts. Create your own custom widgets or choose from a vast library of pre-designed options to make your phone unique.

**Highlights:** Customizable widgets, Widget editor, Themed keyboards, Stylish fonts, Charging animations, Photo widgets, Countdown widgets

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Color Widgets VIP | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Widgets Lock Screen Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription for VIP | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockNotes free?

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

### Is DIY Widgets free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LockNotes or DIY Widgets?

DIY Widgets is rated higher. LockNotes averages 2.7 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while DIY Widgets averages 4.3 from 170 ratings.

### Do LockNotes or DIY Widgets have ads?

LockNotes shows ads; DIY Widgets does not.

### Which is updated more often, LockNotes or DIY Widgets?

LockNotes ships an update every 3 months, and DIY Widgets every 2 weeks. Most recently, LockNotes was updated on September 17, 2026 and DIY Widgets on September 18, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*