# Calculator XL vs Notes

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Calculator XL at 75% against Notes's 0%. Calculator XL also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4). Notes's advantage is price (Free vs $9.99) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Notes is free to download; Calculator XL costs $9.99 up front. Notes sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Calculator XL asks for nothing beyond the download.

Calculator XL ships an update every 2 months, Notes every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calculator XL | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (118 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-xl/id475792356/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **118** | — |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 180 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gero Mazza](https://appshunter.io/developer/435402554) | [Lutech-DN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1700646669) |

## What reviewers say

### Calculator XL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-xl/id475792356)

This app combines five essential calculation tools into one convenient package. It offers standard, scientific, unit conversion, loan, and tip calculators with a user-friendly interface and large buttons. Ideal for everyday tasks and complex computations.

**Highlights:** Standard Calculator, Scientific Calculator, Unit Converter, Loan Calculator, Tip Calculator, Calculation History, Widgets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Reliable and go-to app
- 👍 Love the functions and history
- 👍 Simple and straightforward
- 👍 Nice and easy to use
- 👍 No ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashing upon launching
- 🐛 Update eliminated history/calculations
- 🐛 Buttons not displayed properly in landscape
- 🐛 US Unit/Imperial function confusing
- 🐛 No split screen function on iPad

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes upon launching
- Update eliminated all history/calculations
- Numbers on buttons not displayed properly in landscape
- US Unit/Imperial function is confusing
- Cannot use split screen on iPad

**Requested features**

- Option to lock the board from moving
- Split screen function for iPad
- Themes/Skins for buttons
- Android and Windows versions


### Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-note-taking-and-writing/id6502620869)

Capture ideas, create to-do lists, and sketch designs with a versatile digital notebook. Customize your notes with various paper templates, stickers, fonts, and colors. Effortlessly organize and share your work as PDFs.

**Highlights:** Customizable paper covers and templates, Multimedia tools: pencil, text, photos, Vector-based digital pencil for drawing, Hundreds of font and color options, Organize notes with custom titles and covers, Export notes as PDF

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| quarterly | $2.49 | per 3 months |
| Premium Year | $3.49 | per year |
| Loyalty member | $3.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calculator XL free?

Calculator XL costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Notes free?

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

### Do Calculator XL or Notes have ads?

Neither Calculator XL nor Notes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calculator XL or Notes?

Calculator XL ships an update every 2 months, and Notes every 2 days. Most recently, Calculator XL was updated on October 16, 2026 and Notes on October 7, 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.*