Comparison

Lionote vs StoneNote

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

Head to head
About

Lionote

Features
Read full description

Lionote is a freedom, privacy-first, local personal data hub, based on note app but beyond note app. Freely use a variety of information formats to record and create(Text, Whiteboard, Mind Map, Flowchart, UML, Markdown, AI assistant, Audio, Image, File, Schedule Management etc.). All notes are saved locally as files, you don't have to worry about losing them due to cloud server error. Sync is fully encrypted (PBKDF2+RandomSalt+AES), No one can see your notes

About

StoneNote

Seamlessly take handwritten notes while watching study videos on the same page. This app integrates a video player directly into your notes, allowing for automatic pausing, screenshot capture, and video bookmarking. Organize your work with layered notes and folders, and sync across devices.

Highlights
  • Integrated video player within notes
  • Automatic video pause while writing
  • Screenshot capture and insertion
  • Layered notes support
  • Folder-based organization
  • iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Take handwritten notes while watching study videos on the same page. StoneNote seamlessly integrates notes and videos. No need to split screens, watch videos directly on the note page with ease. Capture screenshots effortlessly, enjoy automatic pause while writing, insert video bookmarks, and even recognize speech in the video. Smooth handwriting experience * Our self-developed vector ink engine offers an elegant, smooth, and precise writing experience. * Choose from various brushes: fountain pen, ballpoint pen, and highlighter. * Easily switch brush colors and sizes. * Deeply supports Apple Pencil for precise writing on iPad. Deep integration of notes and videos * Built-in video player within the notes, allowing you to take notes while watching videos. * Automatically pauses video playback when you start writing. * Choose from various video playback modes: side-by-side, top-and-bottom split screen, floating window, etc. * Capture screenshots with a simple two-finger tap and drag them into your notes. * Play videos from your device and online, with the ability to download and cache online videos. * Choose video subtitles and language. * Supports playback speed adjustment, video bookmarks, and video speech recognition. Images and texts * Insert images and text in various ways: click, copy, drag, etc. * Adjust image size, rotate, and freely crop. * Adjust text font, size, and color. Import, annotate, and share * Import various media, including PDF documents and videos. * Write and annotate with various stroke styles. * Export and share your notes. Layered notes support * Non-disruptive, write on separate layers without affecting other layer content. * Easily create and delete layers. * One-click hide or show layers. Effortlessly edit your notes * Use the lasso tool to move, zoom, and modify your notes. * Easily erase strokes with the eraser tool. Well-organized notes * Create folders with unlimited levels to manage your notes. * Move notes between folders. * iCloud sync keeps your notes up-to-date on all devices. * Export your notes in various formats anytime. — Upgrade to StoneNote Pro to unlock unlimited notes and iCloud sync. One-time purchase, no subscription fees, and enjoy future free updates.

Screenshots

Lionote4 screens
StoneNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Lionote at 4 against StoneNote's 2. Lionote also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Lionote sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and StoneNote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on August 24, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Lionote versus StoneNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLionoteStoneNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.4 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—5 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size106 MB43 MB
Age rating17+4+
Developer杭州草莓互娱科技有限公司斯熠 巩

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Lionote

One-time6
  • VIP1, one month$0.69
  • VIP2, one month$1.69
  • VIP3, one month$6.29
Show 3 more
  • VIP1, one year$7.59
  • VIP2, one year$17.90
  • VIP3, one year$64.90
1 purchases

StoneNote

One-time1
  • StoneNote Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Lionote free?
Lionote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StoneNote free?
StoneNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Lionote or StoneNote have ads?
Neither Lionote nor StoneNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lionote or StoneNote?
Lionote ships an update every 10 days, and StoneNote every 10 days. Most recently, Lionote was updated on August 24, 2026 and StoneNote on September 7, 2026.

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