# SimpleMind vs reteNoteLite

The clearest difference is ratings volume: SimpleMind at 981 against reteNoteLite's 2. reteNoteLite's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 77%) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleMind sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and reteNoteLite 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 — 4.5 for SimpleMind against 4.5 for reteNoteLite. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimpleMind has 981 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 77% of SimpleMind's written reviews are positive against 100% of reteNoteLite's.

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, reteNoteLite every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleMind | reteNoteLite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (981 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplemind-mind-mapping/id305727658/reviews) | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retenotelite/id1064812663/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **981** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 77.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [xpt Software & Consulting B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/304515490) | [Tokyo Cartographic CO.,LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1044962368) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleMind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplemind-mind-mapping/id305727658)

Organize thoughts, capture ideas, and generate new concepts with a powerful mind mapping tool. Its intuitive interface allows for free-form or auto-layout creation, with options to add media, documents, and synchronize across devices. Share your mind maps in various formats or present them as slideshows.

**Highlights:** Free-form and auto layout options, Add images, notes, icons, and links, Voice memos and video integration, Cloud synchronization across devices, Export to PDF, Image, Reminders, Calendar, Customizable styling and themes, Collapse/expand branches for overview

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Pro Functionality | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 💡 Versatile for various use cases
- 🔒 Secure with no data collection
- 💰 Good value for one-time purchase

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing
- 🔗 Issues with syncing/sharing across devices
- 🔒 Confusing in-app purchase model
- 🎨 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Maps disappearing after device resets
- Inability to import/export certain file formats

**Requested features**

- Improved syncing and cloud integration
- More customization options for appearance and layout
- Keyboard shortcuts and power user features
- Better support for Apple Pencil and handwriting


### reteNoteLite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retenotelite/id1064812663)

Create visually appealing notes with custom colors and shapes. Link notes together on an unlimited canvas to map out ideas, organize thoughts, or use as a to-do list, mind map, or diary. This lite edition offers a simple yet effective way to enhance your thinking.

**Highlights:** Create notes with favorite colors and shapes, Link notes together, Unlimited canvas area, Map out ideas and organize thoughts, Use as to-do list, mind map, or diary, Create simple tables and graphics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| release the limit of Lite edition | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleMind free?

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

### Is reteNoteLite free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleMind or reteNoteLite?

SimpleMind and reteNoteLite are both rated 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store, from 981 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do SimpleMind or reteNoteLite have ads?

Neither SimpleMind nor reteNoteLite shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleMind or reteNoteLite?

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, and reteNoteLite every 6 weeks. Most recently, SimpleMind was updated on September 26, 2026 and reteNoteLite on September 10, 2026.

---

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