NMDC Field Notes vs Klad
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NMDC Field Notes
This app allows microbiome researchers to record biosample metadata directly in the field. It streamlines data documentation at the point of collection, offering features like ORCID login and automatic syncing with a web portal. Designed in collaboration with researchers, it provides a mobile alternative to browser-based submission.
- Record biosample metadata in the field
- Streamline data documentation
- ORCID login
- One-tap entry of user info, coordinates, and dates
- Dynamic UI forms from LinkML schema
- Automatic syncing with NMDC Submission Portal
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Notice: Due to a shift in program budget and priorities for 2026, the NMDC is not actively developing or maintaining the Field Notes Mobile App. Please visit the NMDC website for more information about our other products to submit, access and share microbiome data. --- NMDC Field Notes is an iOS/iPadOS app microbiome researchers can use to record metadata about the biosamples they collect while they are working in the field. It is a mobile alternative to the browser-based NMDC Submission Portal web app, designed specifically to streamline the process of documenting metadata at the time of biosample collection. Its features (all of which were designed in collaboration with microbiome researchers) include: ORCID login, entry of study and biosample metadata, one-tap entry of user information, geographical coordinates, and dates, user interface forms that are dynamically generated from a LinkML schema, and automatic syncing of study and biosamples metadata with the NMDC Submission Portal.
Klad
This app offers a fast, offline-first note-taking experience for developers and privacy-focused users. It syncs notes directly to your own Git repository, ensuring you own your data without proprietary formats or cloud lock-in.
- 100% Data Ownership
- Native Git Sync
- Frictionless Markdown Editor
- Daily Notes Calendar View
- Local Organization with Folders
- Plain-text Markdown Files
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Klad is a lightning-fast, offline-first Markdown notebook built specifically for developers and privacy-conscious thinkers. Instead of locking your notes in a proprietary database or charging you a monthly fee for cloud storage, Klad syncs directly to your own remote Git repository. You own your data, plain and simple. Whether you are tracking daily tasks, writing code snippets, or building a second brain, Klad stays out of your way. Your vault lives on your device as standard, plain-text Markdown files. This makes Klad perfectly interoperable with desktop tools like Obsidian, VS Code, or any other text editor you choose. CORE FEATURES • 100% Data Ownership: Bring your own vault. No proprietary formats, no forced cloud accounts, and zero vendor lock-in. • Native Git Sync: Choose between seamless background Auto-Sync to keep your devices updated, or take full manual control with dedicated Push/Pull commands. • Frictionless Markdown: A fast, native-feeling editor that perfectly renders headers, task lists, code blocks, and wikilinks. • Daily Notes: A built-in calendar view instantly drops you into today's note, perfect for daily standups, journaling, or habit tracking. • Local Organization: Manage your vault your way with standard folder and file structures. Built for speed and simplicity, Klad gives you the power of version-controlled, offline-first note-taking right in your pocket. Terms of Use: https://kladnotes.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://kladnotes.com/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: NMDC Field Notes at 5.0 against Klad's 3.5. NMDC Field Notes also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Klad's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, ads 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
Both are free to download. Klad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NMDC Field Notes asks for nothing beyond the download.
NMDC Field Notes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
NMDC Field Notes ships an update every 5 months, Klad daily. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NMDC Field Notes | Klad |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 3.5 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | LAWRENCE BERKELEY | Mauricio Coelho |
Customer experience
NMDC Field Notes
Klad
In-app purchases
NMDC Field Notes
No in-app purchases
Klad
- Klad Pro Lifetime$29.99









