Comparison

Shadow Notes vs Stash

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

Head to head
About

Shadow Notes

Features
Read full description

This app offers a unique way to manage your personal notes using a hash-based system, securely stored in your private iCloud • You can only access your notes with a hash. • Your notes are saved exclusively in your private iCloud. • Access your notes across devices via iCloud synchronization. Privacy Policy: https://www.apps-laboratory.com/privacy-policy-shadow-notes Terms of Use: https://www.apps-laboratory.com/terms-of-use-shadow-notes

About

Stash

Securely hide your photos, videos, and files with advanced encryption. Disguise the app as a calculator or other utility, with features like intruder detection and guest mode for enhanced privacy.

Highlights
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Disguise as calculator/game
  • Intruder detection
  • Guest mode
  • Encrypted cloud backup
  • Secure notes
Features
Read full description

Your private files deserve real protection. Stash encrypts every photo, video, document, and file with AES-256 — the same standard used by banks and governments. HIDE IT YOUR WAY Choose how Stash looks on your phone. Switch between a working calculator, step tracker, or puzzle game — all fully functional. Only your secret PIN reveals the vault inside. ENCRYPT ANYTHING PRIVATE - Photos & Videos - PDFs & Documents - MP3s & Audio files - Any file — any format Every file is instantly encrypted on your device. Optional encrypted backup to iCloud or Google Drive — your backup, your key, your control. GUEST MODE Set up a second PIN that opens a separate, empty vault. If someone asks to see your app — show them the guest vault. Your real files stay hidden. INTRUDER DETECTION Someone trying to guess your PIN? Stash silently snaps a photo with the front camera. Check your intruder log anytime to see exactly who tried. CHANGE YOUR APP ICON Match your app icon to your chosen theme. Stash can look like a calculator, fitness app, or game right on your home screen. MORE FEATURES - Secure Notes — encrypted notepad for passwords, journals, private text - Albums — organize your vault into folders - Face ID & Touch ID — unlock instantly - Auto-lock — vault locks the moment you switch apps - Cloud Backup — encrypted backup to iCloud & Google Drive - Recovery Key — never lose access to your vault YOUR PRIVACY, YOUR RULES No ads. No analytics. No data collection. Zero tracking. Everything stays on your device. We can't see your files — even if we wanted to. Privacy Policy: https://www.eduardbruch.com/vault/privacy Terms of Service: https://www.eduardbruch.com/vault/terms

Screenshots

Shadow Notes4 screens
Stash4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Stash at monthly against Shadow Notes's every 2 months. Stash also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). 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. Shadow Notes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Stash sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shadow Notes ships an update every 2 months, Stash monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Shadow Notes versus Stash: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShadow NotesStash
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB64 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperKaramanets OleksandrEduard Bruch

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Shadow Notes

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly3 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Annually7 Days trial$9.991 Year
3 purchases

Stash

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$34.99

Questions

Is Shadow Notes free?
Shadow Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stash free?
Stash is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Shadow Notes or Stash have ads?
Neither Shadow Notes nor Stash shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Shadow Notes or Stash?
Shadow Notes ships an update every 2 months, and Stash monthly. Most recently, Shadow Notes was updated on November 8, 2026 and Stash on November 9, 2026.

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