Comparison

noteE vs Mindhive

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

noteE

This app transforms handwritten notes into text with AI, recognizes math formulas, and generates review questions. It also creates mind maps from notes, answers questions in natural language, and supports various export formats. Enjoy unlimited note-taking with customizable templates and iCloud sync.

Highlights
  • AI handwriting conversion
  • Smart formula recognition
  • AI-generated review questions
  • AI mind map generation
  • Natural language Q&A search
  • Export to PDF, PNG, JPEG
  • iCloud backup and sync
Features
Read full description

From class notes to creative blueprints, noteE is the ideal tool for capturing inspiration. With revolutionary AI handwriting technology and powerful intelligent features, noteE helps you organize thoughts, discover insights, and turn ideas into action. We believe exceptional features should be accessible to everyone. That's why every function in noteE is completely free, with no in-app purchases or subscriptions. Ever. 〉For Students: Make Learning More Efficient ■ Revolutionary Handwriting Conversion: On-device AI engine transforms handwriting into standardized text in real-time. Advanced algorithms intelligently analyze your handwriting, offering flexible options from guidelines to complete conversion with seamless experience. ■ Smart Formula Recognition: Built-in LaTeX engine identifies mathematical formulas while preserving handwritten style. Perfect for STEM subjects. ■ AI Smart Review: Automatically generates personalized review questions to help consolidate knowledge efficiently. ■ AI Note Assistant: Select any content and get instant context-based answers for difficult concepts. ■ Instant search with handwriting recognition and AI natural language support. 〉For Professionals: Enhance Work Efficiency ■ AI Smart Mind Maps: Powered by Kimi, DeepSeek, and Qwen models, automatically generates clear mind maps from your notes. ■ AI Q&A Search: Ask questions in natural language with follow-up support to discover deep connections. ■ Export as PDF, PNG, or JPEG. Share via email or any platform. ■ Present directly via AirPlay or HDMI with laser pointer tool. 〉For Creators: Let Creativity Flow ■ Powerful drawing algorithm and precision tools ensure smooth, paper-like writing experience. ■ Customize covers, folders, and templates with millions of combinations. ■ Full Apple Pencil support with natural, fluid strokes. 〉Digital Notebooks: Unlimited Notes for Free ■ Combine handwriting and typed text with images, diagrams, and drawings. No limits. ■ Customizable templates with unlimited folder hierarchies and smart tags. ■ iCloud backup and sync across iPad, iPhone, and Mac. Free, stable, efficient. ■ Edit freely: resize, change colors, or reposition content. 〉Download Free Today Get noteE on iPad, Mac, and iPhone. Enjoy unrestricted note-taking. Leave complexity behind and embrace intelligence. Visit https://huaxiaxufu.com or follow WeChat "Xufu" Support: https://www.huaxiaxufu.com/support 〉Privacy We collect no personal information. All notes stored securely in your iCloud account. Local processing, fully Apple privacy compliant. Privacy: https://huaxiaxufu.com/law/privacy Terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Mindhive

This app offers a handwriting-first approach to mind mapping and visual note-taking. It blends mind maps, handwritten notes, and flashcards with an infinite canvas and authentic ink tools. Easily import notes and organize thoughts for studying, brainstorming, or project planning.

Highlights
  • Handwriting + Card approach
  • Infinite canvas for freeform creation
  • Authentic ink experience with various tools
  • Image recognition for note import
  • Markdown and .xmind file import
  • Outline mode for structured editing
  • Cloud sync across devices
Features
Read full description

Mindhive is a handwriting-first mind mapping and visual note-taking app that uses a "Handwriting + Flashcard" approach to naturally capture your thoughts. You can write and connect ideas just like drawing a mind map on paper, perfectly blending mind maps, handwriting, and notes. Whether for study notes or project planning, Mindhive serves as an advanced alternative to Xmind and traditional outliners. [ Import & Seamless Transition ] ● Image Recognition & Import: Use image recognition to convert paper notes into mind map nodes. Fully supports importing Markdown and Xmind files. [ Handwriting & Mind Mapping ] ● Infinite Canvas Mind Maps: Create cards on an infinite whiteboard and write your mind maps as naturally as taking notes. Easily record complex formulas and visual sketches. ● Authentic Ink Tools: Built-in pens, pencils, and highlighters help you create a unique visual style for your mind maps. ● Pressure-Sensitive Eraser: Optimized pressure control makes modifying handwritten notes feel like a real eraser, keeping your visual maps clean. ● Bound Drawing Boards: Create drawing boards anywhere and bind them to cards so your handwritten content moves in sync. ● Flexible Connectors: Build clear mind map structures with flexible lines and sub-card hierarchies. [ Structured Organization ] ● Rich Map Layouts: Offers tree, fishbone, and free-form layouts. Multi-level card embedding provides more flexibility than traditional Xmind structures. ● Outline Mode: Switch to the outline view to edit structured text. It operates smoothly like traditional outliners, combining handwritten maps and structured notes. ● Cross-Card Hyperlinks: Link different cards or mind maps together to build a personal knowledge network. [ Sync & Quick Capture ] ● Screenshot to Card: Convert web snippets and images into mind map cards instantly. ● Mind Map Templates: Built-in templates for various note-taking and brainstorming needs get you started quickly. ● Cloud Synchronization: Securely store your handwritten mind maps and notes in the cloud. Seamlessly switch between mobile devices and PC. [ Practical Features ] ● Custom Themes: Define your own mind map backgrounds and card visual styles. ● Multi-Format Export: Export your work seamlessly as PDFs, images, Markdown, and outliner formats. ● Smart Handwriting Search: Search for text globally within your handwritten notes and images to locate information quickly. [ Who is Mindhive For? ] ● Students: Organizing lecture notes, exam prep, and subject mind maps. ● Professionals: Project planning, meeting minutes, and workflow mind maps. ● Creatives: Capturing inspiration and brainstorming creative visual maps. Mindhive integrates handwriting, mind mapping, and structured notes. Download now and experience a straightforward, flexible way to take notes and map your mind.

Screenshots

noteE4 screens
Mindhive4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: noteE at 78% against Mindhive's 0%. noteE also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Mindhive's advantage is iOS requirement (15.3 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. noteE sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Mindhive sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

noteE ships an update every 9 days, Mindhive weekly. The most recent releases landed on August 8, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
noteE versus Mindhive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameternoteEMindhive
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (11 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings11 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size294 MB258 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHuaxia Xufu (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd广州数迪科技有限公司

Customer experience

noteE

All ratings11 ratings
Positive81.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative18.2%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

Mindhive

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

noteE

Subscriptions4
  • 书笺森罗(周版本)$0.997 Days
  • 书笺森罗(月版本)$3.991 Month
  • 书笺森罗(季度版本)$5.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • 书笺森罗(年度版本)$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • 书笺森罗$9.99
4 purchases

Mindhive

One-time4
  • Mindhive VIP$3.99
  • Mindhive VIP$4.99
  • Mindhive VIP永久会员$5.99
Show 1 more
  • VIP$5.99

Questions

Is noteE free?
noteE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Mindhive free?
Mindhive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do noteE or Mindhive have ads?
Neither noteE nor Mindhive shows ads.
Which is updated more often, noteE or Mindhive?
noteE ships an update every 9 days, and Mindhive weekly. Most recently, noteE was updated on August 8, 2026 and Mindhive on September 9, 2026.

Other comparisons