# Heptabase vs Den

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Heptabase at none against Den's 1. Heptabase also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Den sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Heptabase asks for nothing beyond the download.

Heptabase ships an update every 5 days, Den every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Heptabase | Den |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heptabase/id6445801508/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **71** | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 241 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.5** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hepta Platforms, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673863042) | [Ino Chueh](https://appshunter.io/developer/6802465972) |

## What reviewers say

### Heptabase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heptabase/id6445801508)

This visual note-taking application helps users learn complex subjects by organizing information on digital whiteboards. The mobile version offers complete access to notes, journals, and whiteboards, facilitating learning on the go.

**Highlights:** Visual note-taking, Organize complex topics, Access cards and journals, Read whiteboards, Seamless sync between devices, PDF support

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Visual thinking and knowledge management
- 🚀 Smooth and well-integrated experience
- 👍 Great for deep thinking and research
- 🚀 Continuous development and updates
- 👍 Exceeds other similar apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Mobile app usability issues
- 🐛 Mac operation not intuitive
- 🐛 Performance issues on opening
- 🐛 Inconsistent cross-platform experience
- 🐛 Lack of advanced features on mobile

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to sign up for trial
- App won't let you sign in without an account
- Cannot sign up on iOS
- Web sign-up process stuck
- MacBook operation not intuitive

**Requested features**

- Tables and Kanban boards
- iPad app feature parity
- Drawing on whiteboards with iPad pen
- More AI integration
- Drag and re-order cards on iOS apps


### Den

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/den-focus-timer/id6819673877)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| New Egg | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Heptabase free?

Heptabase is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Den free?

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

### Do Heptabase or Den have ads?

Neither Heptabase nor Den shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Heptabase or Den?

Heptabase ships an update every 5 days, and Den every 2 weeks. Most recently, Heptabase was updated on November 14, 2026 and Den on November 13, 2026.

---

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