Comparison

HoLaTeX vs Zettelkasten

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

Head to head
About

HoLaTeX

A secure, offline LaTeX editor for iOS and iPadOS that compiles documents directly on your device. It supports multiple compilers and offers features like syntax highlighting and iCloud integration for seamless workflow.

Highlights
  • Local and secure LaTeX compilation
  • Offline usage
  • Multiple compiler options (PdfTeX, XeTeX)
  • Syntax highlighting and line numbers
  • iCloud integration
  • Share TEX and PDF files
Features
Read full description

HoLaTeX is a full local and secure LaTeX editor for iOS and iPadOS. The compilation is done in your device, with all packages of the TeX Live 2026 distribution, explaining the large size of the app. HoLaTeX is extremely secure, it doesn't share any data and doesn't use external ressources, you can use it offline. Since version 2.0.0, the PdfTeX and XeTeX compilers are available, LuaTeX will be available later. Main features: * Local compilation * Choice of compiler between PdfTeX or XeTeX * Generate PDF, LOG, AUX,... on same folder than source file * Share TEX and PDF files * Accept preamble files and \input command with relative path * Syntax highlighting * Lines numbers * iCloud integration * Unlimited usage * No ads For more information about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, please visit http://holatex.app/privacy.html or http://holatex.app/terms.html.

About

Zettelkasten

Features
Read full description

Stop losing ideas in a pile of disconnected notes. NoteOrbit is a linked-notes app that turns everything you write into a living knowledge graph — every note becomes a node you can see, connect, and explore. Most note apps bury your thinking in folders. NoteOrbit does the opposite: type a note, drop a [[wiki-link]] to any other note, and the connection is built for you — both ways. Open any note and you instantly see what references it. Then step back and watch your ideas orbit as a glowing constellation you can pan, zoom, and tap to follow the thread. WHAT YOU GET - Write a note, add a [[wiki-link]], and NoteOrbit autocompletes titles and wires up the connection for you - Automatic backlinks so every note shows exactly what links to it — context folders can never give you - An interactive orbit graph that lays out your notes by how they actually connect - Instant tags with #hashtags to slice your notes any way you think - Hubs and orphans finder that surfaces your most-connected ideas and the notes hanging loose - Full-text search across every note, title, and link PERFECT FOR - Students and researchers building study and reference notes that reinforce each other - Writers and thinkers growing a personal knowledge base or second brain - Zettelkasten and PKM fans who want backlinks without a heavy desktop setup - Anyone journaling ideas and projects who wants to rediscover old connections WHY NOT JUST USE FOLDERS Folders force every note into one place and hide how your ideas relate. NoteOrbit lets a note live in as many contexts as it links to, then draws the map for you — so the connection you made months ago is one tap away, not lost three folders deep. PRIVACY Everything stays on your device. No account, no sign-in, no ads, no tracking. Your notes never leave your phone. FULL ACCESS NoteOrbit Premium unlocks the full experience: unlimited notes and connections, the complete interactive orbit graph, hubs, tags and the orphan finder, plus Markdown export to take your notes anywhere. Choose the plan that fits: - Weekly - Yearly - Lifetime (one-time purchase) Open NoteOrbit, write your first note, and link it — watch your thinking take shape. Terms of Use (EULA): https://web-levi.web.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://web-levi.web.app/privacy-policy Questions? tphuc.work@gmail.com

Screenshots

HoLaTeX3 screens
Zettelkasten4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Zettelkasten at monthly against HoLaTeX's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. HoLaTeX sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $23.95 per year and Zettelkasten sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HoLaTeX ships an update every 2 months, Zettelkasten monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
HoLaTeX versus Zettelkasten: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHoLaTeXZettelkasten
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1.3 GB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBML Solutions Inc.Phuc Pham

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HoLaTeX

Subscriptions1
  • Premium1 Month trial$23.951 Year
2 purchases

Zettelkasten

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$9.997 Days
  • Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is HoLaTeX free?
HoLaTeX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Zettelkasten free?
Zettelkasten is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HoLaTeX or Zettelkasten have ads?
Neither HoLaTeX nor Zettelkasten shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HoLaTeX or Zettelkasten?
HoLaTeX ships an update every 2 months, and Zettelkasten monthly. Most recently, HoLaTeX was updated on September 25, 2026 and Zettelkasten on October 10, 2026.

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