Comparison

*scratch* vs NameBoard

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

Head to head
About

*scratch*

Quickly jot down notes, phone numbers, or directions on the go. This simple scratchpad app requires no sign-in or cloud storage, offering a straightforward way to capture information instantly. Supports plain text and basic Emacs org mode markup.

Highlights
  • Instant note-taking
  • Plain text support
  • Checkbox lists
  • Share to other apps
  • Save to Files
  • Emacs org mode markup
Features
Read full description

You're on the go. Someone's giving you directions, or a phone number, name of a restaurant... you need to write it down now, quickly! No time to create new contact, or a note, a file, or waste time on additional taps, bring up keyboard... You just need to write it somewhere right now. *scratch* is a simple scratch pad. • No bells or whistles, just a simple area to quickly jot something down. • Launch *scratch* and write. • Quickly create lists or checkboxes. • All plain text. • Share to other apps or save to Files as an org file (plain text). • No cloud, account, sign-in, or social required. Bonus: Emacs org mode lovers, you can use lightweight org markup like headings, plain lists, numbered lists, and checkboxes.

About

NameBoard

Features
Read full description

Ditch the paper sign. NameBoard shows your passenger's name in huge letters on your iPhone, readable from across an airport or station hall. Type the name, turn your phone: the sign fills the screen, white on black, at the largest possible size. Ready in 5 seconds. BUILT FOR MEET-AND-GREET PROFESSIONALS • Private drivers, chauffeurs and taxis • Airport, station and hotel pickups • Concierge services, tour operators, events FREE • Full-screen name, readable from a distance • Screen stays on while the sign is displayed • Share a photo of the sign (WhatsApp, Messages…) • Share your location with your passenger NAMEBOARD PRO — one-time purchase, no subscription • Sign without the NameBoard mention • Second line: company name, flight number, agency • Name history to show a passenger again in one tap Already bought NameBoard? All Pro features stay included. A more professional first impression, no printer needed.

Screenshots

*scratch*2 screens
NameBoard3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NameBoard at Free against *scratch*'s $2.99. *scratch*'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On rating, ads and device support 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

NameBoard is free to download; *scratch* costs $2.99 up front. NameBoard sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. *scratch* asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for *scratch* against 5.0 for NameBoard. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: *scratch* has 28 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

*scratch* ships an update daily, NameBoard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
*scratch* versus NameBoard: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter*scratch*NameBoard
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (28 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings28 — better1
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperXenodium Ltd.Alexandre Pestre

In-app purchases

None

*scratch*

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

NameBoard

One-time1
  • NameBoard Pro$9.99

Questions

Is *scratch* free?
*scratch* costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NameBoard free?
NameBoard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, *scratch* or NameBoard?
NameBoard is rated higher. *scratch* averages 4.9 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while NameBoard averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do *scratch* or NameBoard have ads?
Neither *scratch* nor NameBoard shows ads.
Which is updated more often, *scratch* or NameBoard?
*scratch* ships an update daily, and NameBoard every 2 months. Most recently, *scratch* was updated on October 31, 2026 and NameBoard on October 28, 2026.

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