# Secure Notes vs CogniPen

The clearest difference is update cadence: CogniPen at every 2 months against Secure Notes's every 8 months. CogniPen also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Secure Notes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and CogniPen sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Secure Notes ships an update every 8 months, CogniPen every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Secure Notes | CogniPen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 20.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Emanuele Floris](https://appshunter.io/developer/597490842) | [iradukunda usama](https://appshunter.io/developer/1848023785) |

## What reviewers say

### Secure Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secure-notes-memo-and-lists/id602769533)

Securely store and organize your notes, ideas, and important information with advanced encryption. Protect your data with biometric authentication and access it from anywhere via cloud sync. Customize your experience with a dark mode and other preferences for peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Advanced encryption for maximum security, Intuitive note creation and editing, Password, Face ID, and Touch ID access, Cloud synchronization across devices, Dark mode and interface customization

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $0.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $2.99 | per year |


### CogniPen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognipen-ai-smart-notes/id6754354276)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Secure Notes free?

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

### Is CogniPen free?

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

### Do Secure Notes or CogniPen have ads?

Neither Secure Notes nor CogniPen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Secure Notes or CogniPen?

Secure Notes ships an update every 8 months, and CogniPen every 2 months. Most recently, Secure Notes was updated on September 7, 2026 and CogniPen on September 21, 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.*