Comparison

CoffeeNote vs Folio

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

Head to head
About

CoffeeNote

Features
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CoffeeNote is a knowledge management tool that integrates both outline double-linked notes and a whiteboard tool, helping you record more efficiently, think more clearly, and easily build your personal knowledge system.

About

Folio

Features
Read full description

Folio is a local-first library for Markdown and plain text on Mac. Bring notes and docs into one place, organize them with folders and tags, explore connections with Link Map, and write with private on-device assistance—without juggling loose files in the Finder. Library & organization • Import Markdown and text via the file picker, drag-and-drop, or Import from Git Link for public GitHub repositories and individual files. • Needs Organizing gives new imports a clear inbox before you file them. • Folders and nested structures help you group work the way you think. • Tags cut across folders so you can filter by topic or project. • Pinned favorites and Recently Opened put what you need one click away. Explore connections • Link Map visualizes connections between your notes. • Follow links to explore related ideas and navigate your library from a new perspective. Reading & writing • Use Editor, Preview, or Split View to draft and see rendered Markdown side by side. • Use Writing Assistant to refine drafts, improve wording, and turn rough ideas into clearer notes with private on-device help. • Find text within the current document. • Sort notes by title, date added, last opened, and more. • Search across your library from the sidebar. Share & export • Share notes as Markdown or plain text. • Export documents to a folder you choose in Finder. Whether you’re collecting research, drafting READMEs, or building a personal knowledge base, Folio keeps your Markdown connected, organized, searchable, and easy to revisit.

Screenshots

CoffeeNote4 screens
Folio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CoffeeNote at none against Folio's 1. CoffeeNote also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Folio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CoffeeNote asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CoffeeNote ships an update every 3 days, Folio every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
CoffeeNote versus Folio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCoffeeNoteFolio
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Mac — better
Requires iOS1817.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeijing Haobangyang Technology Co., LtdDinh Bao Thang Duong

In-app purchases

None

CoffeeNote

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Folio

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$9.99

Questions

Is CoffeeNote free?
CoffeeNote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Folio free?
Folio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CoffeeNote or Folio have ads?
Neither CoffeeNote nor Folio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CoffeeNote or Folio?
CoffeeNote ships an update every 3 days, and Folio every 3 weeks. Most recently, CoffeeNote was updated on October 27, 2026 and Folio on October 25, 2026.

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