Comparison

Werdsmith vs Permanote

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

Head to head
About

Werdsmith

This app transforms your devices into a writing studio, helping you overcome writer's block with AI-powered suggestions and build a consistent writing practice. It automatically handles formatting, allowing you to focus on your creative process.

Highlights
  • AI-powered writing suggestions
  • Daily writing practice builder
  • Automatic formatting
  • Project and goal tracking
  • Cross-device sync
Features
Read full description

Writing is hard. Werdsmith makes it easier.  Werdsmith turns your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch into a powerful writing studio that helps you break through writer's block and motivates you to write. BEAT WRITER’S BLOCK Add your project to Werdsmith and whenever you get stuck, the app can suggest the next line of your story for you, in your own writing style. BUILD YOUR WRITING PRACTICE Tell us when you write best and Werdsmith will help you build a daily writing ritual. You can set daily or per-project writing goals and track them as you write. You’ll be writing more than ever. FOCUS ON WRITING Instead of formatting options that distract you from writing, Werdsmith formats your work as you write – automatically adding fonts, chapter titles and even keeping your chapter numbers in order. Werdsmith can fit into your existing writing process, or you can treat it like a fresh start. It's up to you. We’re writers from 175 countries who’ve written over 4 million projects using Werdsmith. Join us! --- Things you might want to know: You can use all of Werdsmith's features for free, but there are limits, for example in the number of projects you can add, the number of writing prompts you can create, or the amount of time you can spend in Novel Mode or using app themes. You can increase or remove these limits by becoming a Werdsmith member. Sync, backup and sharing features are optional, but require a free Werdsmith account. If you choose to become a member, you’ll be charged through your iTunes account at the end of your one-week free trial period, unless you cancel your membership at least 24 hours before it begins. Your subscription will renew automatically, unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage, upgrade, downgrade or cancel your subscription in the app's Settings or by going to your App Store account settings. Keep in mind that any unused portion of your free trial period is forfeited if you purchase a membership before the end of the trial. Please read our Privacy Policy at werdsmith.com/privacy and our Terms of Use at werdsmith.com/terms. Feel free to contact us if you need help! A big thanks to the writers who've supported Werdsmith over the years. We couldn't do it without you.

About

Permanote

This app allows writers to organize ideas and edit text files directly within Dropbox, synchronizing across devices. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and extensive customization options, with advanced features available through a Pro subscription.

Highlights
  • Dropbox file synchronization
  • Customizable macro key strip
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Multiple file preview formats
  • TextExpander support
  • Customizable themes and fonts
Read full description

Writers utilize Permanote to arrange their ideas while maintaining control and flexibility over their files. Permanote enables you to modify text files in your Dropbox and synchronize them across all your devices. Enhance your experience with a customizable macro key strip above the keyboard through a Pro subscription. Unlike other text editors that impose specific themes to set the mood or require storing notes in a single folder or exclusive file system, Permanote offers you freedom. Permanote is the go-to tool for organizing thoughts among writers from the New Yorker, BBC correspondents, and CEOs. Cherish your written work. IN-APP PURCHASES Permanote is free to use, with all main features included. To access extra Pro features, opt for a Pro subscription. FEATURES - Synchronize any text file within any folder of your Dropbox - Robust macro key strip above the keyboard - Personalize your macro strip (Pro) - Editor pinch-to-zoom functionality (Pro) - Full-screen, distraction-free "Writeroom" style editing - Touch ID / Passcode privacy support (Pro) - Create custom themes (Pro) - iPad Pro Smart Keyboard shortcuts - "Insert Tab" key - Email as PDF - Adjustable word wrapping - Word/Character/Line count - International file encoding options - Convenient scratchpad - Notepad/CRLF line options - Comprehensive Dropbox Search - TextExpander Support (Pro) - Hashtag support - Preview files in PDF, HTML, Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Rich Text-RTF - Customize CSS and Base URL for markup previews - Personalize editor colors (Pro) - Alter editor fonts (Pro) - Adjust line-spacing and margins - AirPrint - Built in photo editor with advanced features for Pro users REVIEWS "I absolutely LOVE your app." - Merlin Mann, creator of 43 Folders "Permanote is arguably the best tool for writers, bloggers, or journalists who need to work on the go." - AppAdvice.com "Permanote is worth a try if you're particular about your note-taking." - geek.com

Screenshots

Werdsmith4 screens
Permanote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Werdsmith at 4.7 against Permanote's 3.5. Werdsmith also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (82% vs 50%). Permanote's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Werdsmith sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Permanote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Werdsmith holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Werdsmith has 8K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Werdsmith's written reviews are positive against 50% of Permanote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Werdsmith ships an update fortnightly, Permanote every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Werdsmith versus Permanote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWerdsmithPermanote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (8K ratings) — better3.5 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews81.8% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings8K — better4
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 10 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWerdsmith Pty LtdScreenplay & Script Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

Werdsmith

All ratings8,013 ratings
Positive92.8%
Neutral3.3%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews644 reviews
Positive81.8%
Neutral7.9%
Negative10.2%

Permanote

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

Werdsmith

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Losing written work after updates
  • Cursor jumping issues while typing
  • Inconsistent behavior on different devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to add images to stories
  • Improve chapter/section organization
  • Implement a dark mode theme
  • Allow more free projects/ideas
  • Integrate with other writing tools

Permanote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Werdsmith

Subscriptions7
  • Membership7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Ghostwriter (150 prompts)7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Ghostwriter (300 prompts)1 Month trial$14.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • Membership7 Days trial$24.996 Months
  • Membership7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Ghostwriter (150 prompts)7 Days trial$99.991 Year
  • Ghostwriter (300 Prompts)7 Days trial$149.991 Year
2 purchases

Permanote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro Subscription1 Month trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is Werdsmith free?
Werdsmith is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Permanote free?
Permanote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Werdsmith or Permanote?
Werdsmith is rated higher. Werdsmith averages 4.7 out of 5 from 8K ratings, while Permanote averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.
Do Werdsmith or Permanote have ads?
Permanote shows ads; Werdsmith does not.
Which is updated more often, Werdsmith or Permanote?
Werdsmith ships an update fortnightly, and Permanote every 10 months. Most recently, Werdsmith was updated on October 15, 2026 and Permanote on September 30, 2026.

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