Comparison

BoardNotes vs TouchMind

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

Head to head
About

BoardNotes

This app combines note-taking, whiteboarding, PDF management, mind mapping, and flashcards into a single, versatile tool. It offers a rich set of handwriting and drawing features, supports various media types, and includes an intelligent flashcard system for efficient learning.

Highlights
  • Integrated whiteboard, notebook, PDF, mind map, and flashcards
  • Extensive handwriting pen and brush options
  • Lasso tool and pixel/object eraser
  • Whiteboard with media cards and auxiliary tools
  • Notebooks and PDFs with import/export and page management
  • Mind mapping with customizable nodes and structures
  • Spaced repetition flashcards with SuperMemo algorithm
Features
Read full description

Feature Introduction: BoardNotes is a versatile handwriting note-taking app that integrates five major functions—whiteboard, notebook, PDF, mind map, and flashcards—covering most note-taking scenarios. It serves as your All-In-One App. Handwriting Pen: 1. BoardNotes utilizes Apple's native pen technology and has developed additional pens tailored for Chinese writing, including a fountain pen, a laser pointer for presentations, and a tape pen for masking notes. 2. Choose from a variety of brushes (laser pen, tape pen, ballpoint pen, straight-line pen, wavy-line pen, custom fountain pen, quill pen, pencil, marker, watercolor pen, fill pen, single-line pen, crayon, freehand pen) to unleash your creativity. 3. Lasso tool (extremely powerful). 4. Eraser (pixel eraser and object eraser). Whiteboard: 1. The whiteboard is ideal for organizing fragmented knowledge, brainstorming, and boosting creativity. 2. Write and draw freely without worrying about boundaries. 3. Customize background colors and grid templates. 4. Add various card types (text, image, video, audio, webpage, file, handwriting). 5. Multiple auxiliary tools: background board, pins, link navigation (supports bidirectional links), connectors, timer (countdown supported), calculator. 6. Quickly locate notes using the search function. Notebook & PDF: 1. Create notebooks and PDFs with multiple paper templates and cover options. Import images from Photos or PDFs from the Files app as pages or covers. 2. Add text, images, stickers, videos, webpage snapshots, audio recordings, links (bidirectional links supported), timers, calculators, and floating PDF windows. 3. Layer functionality—show or hide layers as needed. 4. Insert new pages via blank sheets, images, scanned documents, or files. 5. Cut, copy, and paste pages into other notebooks or PDFs. 6. Duplicate, rotate, or delete pages. 7. Reorder pages via long-press and drag in thumbnail view. 8. Create outlines and add bookmarks. 9. Search (text, handwritten notes, etc.). 10. Import e-books (epub, mobi, azw, etc.). Mind Map: 1. Mind mapping is a key feature within the whiteboard. 2. Nodes support multiple formats (text, image, handwriting, video, audio, webpage snapshot, file). 3. Offers 3 structures and 18 color schemes. 4. Add summaries (brackets). 5. Handwritten mind maps (using handwritten cards). 6. Long-press and drag selected cards into the mind map. 7. Reorder nodes or adjust hierarchy via long-press and drag. Flashcard: 1. Flashcards use the SuperMemo algorithm to automatically schedule optimal review intervals, reminding you before forgetting to maximize memory efficiency. 2. Flashcards support text, images, and handwriting. 3. Quickly create cards from notes in whiteboards, notebooks, or PDFs using the rectangular lasso tool. Download BoardNotes for free on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. For suggestions, please contact us via the in-app feedback feature.

About

TouchMind

This app offers a versatile platform for brainstorming and organizing ideas with a focus on a smooth, paper-like handwriting experience. It supports various drawing methods, efficient mind map creation, and seamless synchronization across devices. Users can export their work in multiple formats for easy sharing and management.

Highlights
  • Smooth handwriting experience on iPad
  • Diversified background selection
  • Efficient mind map creation
  • Unlimited drawing board function
  • Dual-end synchronization (iPad/iPhone)
  • Rich brush functions with color matching
  • Export to TMind, PDF, JPG, PNG
Features
Read full description

Explore unlimited creative space and embark on a brand new journey of thinking with TMind (TouchMind) Dear users, have you ever been troubled by not being able to find an ideal mind mapping software? Do you desire a platform where you can freely express your creativity? Now, the all-new version of TMind brings a heavyweight update, with the launch of the handwriting board function, bringing you an unprecedented experience in brain mapping creation! [Highlights of handwriting board functions] -Smooth handwriting experience: We have optimized the handwriting board function specifically for iPad users, allowing your creations to be as smooth and effortless as writing on paper. Strong Brain Mapping Function -Diversified background selection: We have added multiple whiteboard canvas backgrounds to meet your recording needs in different scenarios, making your mind map more colorful. -Efficient Brain Map Creation: By optimizing algorithms, we have increased the speed of creating mind maps, making it more efficient and convenient for you to organize and plan your thoughts. -Unlimited recording method: In addition to traditional mind maps, we also support unlimited drawing board function, allowing you to freely draw Cornell notes, fishbone diagrams, graphic charts, etc., and switch between multiple recording methods. -Synchronization function: We support dual end synchronization between iPad and iPhone, allowing you to view and record important information anytime and anywhere, achieving seamless connection. -Rich brush functions: Our pencil case provides multiple brush options and supports free color matching. In the future, we will continue to expand the types and functions of brushes to bring you a more convenient drawing experience. -File export: In order to facilitate your sharing and management of your records, we support exporting to various file formats such as TMind, PDF, JPG, PNG, etc. Co creation with users 【 Contact Us 】 Please contact us via email Tmind_Official@163.com Join us for a mental collision! [Membership Introduction and Usage Rules] 1、 Instructions for Permanent and Subscription Membership Services 1. Membership Services: Permanent membership (membership validity period permanent) IPad+iPhone permanent membership (membership validity period on iPad+iPhone devices is permanent) 2. Membership prices The permanent membership price is 46 The price for iPad+iPhone permanent membership is 20 2、 Automatic Subscription Service Description 1. Subscription service: TMind Pro Continuous Package Year (Year) TMind Pro Continuous Monthly Package (Month) 2. Subscription price: The price of TMind Pro's annual continuous package is 14.99 per year TMind Pro continuous monthly (monthly) product price is 4/month 3. TMind Pro Benefits: During the membership period, unlimited creation of whiteboard mind maps, unlimited use of all theme templates, support for inserting image functions, etc 4. Payment: After the user confirms the purchase and makes the payment, it will be credited to their iTunes account 5. Automatic renewal: The Apple iTunes account will be charged within 24 hours before expiration, and after successful charging, the subscription period will be extended by one subscription period. 6. Turn off the service: You can go to "iTunes Store and App Store" in "Settings" on your iPhone, click on "Apple ID", select "View Apple ID", go to the "Account Settings" page, click on "Subscription", and manage the automatic subscription service. If you want to cancel, you can turn it off 24 hours before the end of each billing cycle. No charges will be deducted within 24 hours before the expiration date 7. Subscription Service Agreement: https://windy-gruyere-95f.notion.site/TMind-7aca7f431aaf45509132034f3bdde091 8. Privacy Policy: https://windy-gruyere-95f.notion.site/TMind-6874f33f3cc6440586b521dc72b5c9c6?pvs=4

Screenshots

BoardNotes4 screens
TouchMind4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: TouchMind at none against BoardNotes's shown. BoardNotes's advantage is ratings volume (117 vs 38). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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. BoardNotes sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and TouchMind sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for BoardNotes against 4.7 for TouchMind. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 117 and 38 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of BoardNotes's written reviews are positive against 86% of TouchMind's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
BoardNotes versus TouchMind: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBoardNotesTouchMind
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (117 ratings)4.7 (38 ratings) — better
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews85.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings117 — better38
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size342 MB266 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChongqing Ouluowa Technology Co., Ltd.红霞 鲁

Customer experience

BoardNotes

All ratings116 ratings
Positive94.8%
Neutral1.7%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews45 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral6.7%
Negative13.3%

TouchMind

All ratings37 ratings
Positive97.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews35 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral5.7%
Negative8.6%

User reviews

BoardNotes

From 117 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💎 All-in-one app
  • 💡 Feature-rich note-taking
  • ✍️ Excellent Apple Pencil integration
  • 💰 Affordable one-time purchase
  • 🚀 Smooth performance

Room to improve

  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🔥 Device gets hot
  • 🐛 Data loss (whiteboards erased)
  • 🚫 No automatic backup
  • 🔍 Limited search functions

TouchMind

From 38 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✍️ Excellent handwriting feature
  • 💡 Innovative for mind mapping
  • 🚀 Smooth and not laggy
  • 👍 Easy to use and understand
  • 🖼️ Can import images

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Handwriting sometimes breaks
  • 🐛 Text overlaps and doesn't wrap
  • 🐛 Files sometimes disappear
  • 🐛 Content disappears after reopening
  • 🐛 Images disappear

Bugs and requests

BoardNotes

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • Whiteboards erasing automatically
  • No automatic backup leading to data loss
  • Syncing issues between iPad and Mac
  • Pencil tip not appearing on PDF annotations
  • App crashes frequently
Show 11 more
  • Recording data is lost
  • Cannot create new notebooks
  • Gear icon for settings missing in dark mode
  • Issue with eraser and color selection logic
  • Lasso tool missing cut button after cropping
  • PDF embeds appear blurry
  • Handwriting search not implemented
  • Accidental touches/palm rejection issues
  • Chinese font display issues in markdown
  • App freezes when using search function
  • Software flashes back (crashes)

Requested features

24 requests
  • Sync to Google Drive/other cloud services
  • Faster 'add to cards' function
  • View carded items in sidebar
  • Color coding for pins
  • Image opacity adjustment
Show 19 more
  • Faster image copy from whiteboard
  • Android app version
  • WebDAV function
  • Markdown editing/viewing function
  • Handwriting recognition and search
  • Improve palm rejection/anti-touch
  • Add more brush types (with stroke variation)
  • Search for handwritten text
  • Dark Mode UI
  • More calculator functions (square root, trig identities)
  • In-app browser (ChatGPT, YouTube integration)
  • Easier UI navigation of notebook pages
  • Ability to change existing page formats
  • More in-depth pen fine-tuning
  • Optimize UI, move undo/redo to top right
  • Adjust pressure sensitivity
  • Customizable top toolbar icons
  • Add college rule paper
  • Translate function for papers

TouchMind

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • Handwriting breaks midway
  • Files disappear
  • Content disappears
  • Images disappear
  • Frequent lagging
Show 4 more
  • New node shortcut is inconvenient
  • Handwriting board shows instructions repeatedly
  • New and theme keys sometimes fail
  • Crashes on iPhone 13 iOS 15.6

Requested features

13 requests
  • Add night mode
  • More branch and shape line styles
  • Insert images into handwriting area
  • Add attached notes or comments
  • Long press to change line to straight line
Show 8 more
  • Summarize multiple mind maps or mind map squares
  • Improve interaction, e.g., not popping up handwriting board when cell has text
  • Settings button should auto-collapse
  • Add text grouping function
  • Add AI branch addition function
  • Adapt for Pencil Pro
  • Add pen color and thickness options
  • Sync function

In-app purchases

10 purchases

BoardNotes

One-time10
  • 5 days membership$0.99
  • Math Formula Recognition$1.99
  • 1 month membership$1.99
Show 7 more
  • Permanent Unlock All$4.99
  • 6 months membership$4.99
  • 6 months membership$6.99
  • Permanent Unlock All$6.99
  • Annual Membership$7.99
  • Permanent Unlock All$7.99
  • Permanent Unlock All$9.99
9 purchases

TouchMind

Subscriptions4
  • TMind Pro (Quarterly)3 Months trial$7.993 Months
  • TMInd VIP按月订阅$9.001 Month
  • TMind Pro (Annually)$14.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • TMind VIP 按年订阅$27.001 Year
One-time5
  • Forver VIP for iPad and iPhone$19.99
  • Three Years VIP$19.99
  • Feedback upgrade$22.99
Show 2 more
  • Five-year membership$22.99
  • TMind 永久会员$39.99

Questions

Is BoardNotes free?
BoardNotes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TouchMind free?
TouchMind is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BoardNotes or TouchMind?
TouchMind is rated higher. BoardNotes averages 4.7 out of 5 from 117 ratings, while TouchMind averages 4.7 from 38 ratings.
Do BoardNotes or TouchMind have ads?
BoardNotes shows ads; TouchMind does not.
Which is updated more often, BoardNotes or TouchMind?
BoardNotes ships an update every 2 weeks, and TouchMind every 2 weeks. Most recently, BoardNotes was updated on November 14, 2026 and TouchMind on November 7, 2026.

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