# HamsterBase vs Spark Memos

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HamsterBase at none against Spark Memos's 3. HamsterBase also leads on iOS requirement (12.4 vs 17.0). Spark Memos's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spark Memos sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. HamsterBase asks for nothing beyond the download.

HamsterBase ships an update every 2 months, Spark Memos fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HamsterBase | Spark Memos |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-memos-capture-ideas/id6480926767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 119 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [纯洁 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/1665792418) | [Dippod LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843646527) |

## What reviewers say

### HamsterBase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamsterbase/id6467029527)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Spark Memos

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-memos-capture-ideas/id6480926767)

A fast and organized note-taking app for capturing text, photos, quotes, links, and voice memos. Keep your ideas tidy with collections, smart filters, and linked notes for building a personal knowledge base. Enjoy private, offline access with optional iCloud sync.

**Highlights:** Capture text, images, quotes, links, and voice memos, Organize with collections and smart filters, Link related notes for knowledge building, Review notes with memo cards, Offline access and iCloud sync, Customizable themes

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HamsterBase free?

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

### Is Spark Memos free?

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

### Do HamsterBase or Spark Memos have ads?

Neither HamsterBase nor Spark Memos shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HamsterBase or Spark Memos?

HamsterBase ships an update every 2 months, and Spark Memos fortnightly. Most recently, HamsterBase was updated on October 30, 2026 and Spark Memos on November 4, 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.*