# UltraNotes vs Notes for iPad

UltraNotes and Notes for iPad both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 81% of UltraNotes's written reviews are positive against 40% of Notes for iPad's. UltraNotes also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. UltraNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Notes for iPad sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for UltraNotes against 4.6 for Notes for iPad. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 187 and 357 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of UltraNotes's written reviews are positive against 40% of Notes for iPad's.

UltraNotes ships an update every 3 weeks, Notes for iPad every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | UltraNotes | Notes for iPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ultranotes-note-taking-and-pdf/id6468902627/reviews) | **[4.6 (357 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 187 | **357** |
| Positive reviews | **81.2% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 30 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skyjos Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/499470116) | [Brite Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620922833) |

## What reviewers say

### UltraNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ultranotes-note-taking-and-pdf/id6468902627)

This app combines powerful note-taking, handwriting, and PDF annotation features. Create rich text notes, sketch with various tools, and mark up documents. Organize, search, and sync your notes across devices.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, Rich text formatting and templates, PDF annotation and signing, Cross-device synchronization via iCloud, Searchable handwriting and text, Side-by-side multitasking on iPad/Mac, Audio recording with notes

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UltraNotes Pro Lifetime | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✍️ Excellent handwriting and pen experience
- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🎨 Variety of pen styles and drawing tools
- 💰 One-time purchase with no subscription
- 🔒 Strong privacy policy

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Writing/drawing input not registering properly
- 🐛 Frequent page scrolling when attempting to write
- 🔄 Slow or unreliable iCloud sync
- 📤 Export functionality issues
- 🔍 Search feature crashes the app

**Reported bugs**

- Writing and drawing input not working
- Page scrolling interferes with writing
- iCloud sync not functioning
- Export to other apps failing
- Hand gestures changing page zoom during writing

**Requested features**

- Ability to lock zoom while writing with Apple Pencil
- Resize shapes after cutting/moving them
- Export notes to PDF and other apps
- Dark/light theme toggle for pages
- Nested list item support


### Notes for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665)

Transform your iPad into a digital notebook with a natural writing experience using Apple Pencil. Organize your life with over 60 templates, add stickers, and sync across devices. Perfect for students, professionals, and creatives.

**Highlights:** Natural handwriting with Apple Pencil, 60+ professionally designed templates, Extensive sticker library and import options, Unlimited notebooks with custom covers, iCloud sync across devices, Export notes as PDF

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notes for iPad - weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Notes for iPad for a year | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UltraNotes free?

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

### Is Notes for iPad free?

Notes for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, UltraNotes or Notes for iPad?

Notes for iPad is rated higher. UltraNotes averages 4.6 out of 5 from 187 ratings, while Notes for iPad averages 4.6 from 357 ratings.

### Do UltraNotes or Notes for iPad have ads?

Neither UltraNotes nor Notes for iPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, UltraNotes or Notes for iPad?

UltraNotes ships an update every 3 weeks, and Notes for iPad every 2 weeks. Most recently, UltraNotes was updated on October 24, 2026 and Notes for iPad on October 24, 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.*