Comparison

MeshNotes vs TakeNote

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

Head to head
About

MeshNotes

Features
Read full description

Now, configure your API key and enable "Allow sending notes to plugins" to use AI realtime chatting feature. Why MeshNotes? ► Simple And Focus • No ads, no clouds, no promotion, no VIP, no data harvesting, no KPI. • Just take your notes. ► Sync Across Devices – Without Cloud Service Securely sync notes between your own devices over LAN(Local Area Network) using a unique encryption key (requires MeshNotes installed on all devices). ► AI Refines Your Thought • Use voice UI to chat and generate your notes. • AI assistant to summarize, continue writing, inspire your ideas. * AI features require data transmission to Internet. Can turn off anytime. ► 100% Open Source Every line of code is in public. Anyone can get, contribute, modify, or release it.

About

TakeNote

Capture ideas effortlessly with a distraction-free, minimalist note-taking app. It supports Markdown, organizes notes with folders and tags, and syncs across Apple devices. Optional local AI features enhance formatting and search.

Highlights
  • Distraction-free minimalist design
  • Full Markdown support with live rendering
  • Organize with Folders, Tags, and Inbox
  • iCloud sync across Apple devices
  • Private by design, no data collection
  • Optional local AI for formatting and search
Read full description

TakeNote is a fast, elegant, and distraction-free way to capture your ideas. Built exclusively for Apple platforms with SwiftUI and SwiftData, it feels right at home on macOS and iOS. Why TakeNote? • Beautifully simple: A clean, minimal design that lets your words take center stage. • Markdown first: Write naturally in plain text with full Markdown support and live rendering. • Stay organized: Quickly sort notes into Folders, Tags, or your Inbox. Star, move, and search with ease. • Syncs with iCloud: Your notes are instantly available across all your Apple devices. • Private by design: TakeNote collects nothing and tracks nothing. Your notes are yours alone. • Power features: Use AI-powered formatting and smart search (macOS) when you want a boost—always optional, always local first. Perfect for Writers, thinkers, students, developers, or anyone who wants a fast, modern, and private note-taking app that just works. TakeNote is the notebook you’ll actually want to use every day.

Screenshots

MeshNotes4 screens
TakeNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: MeshNotes at 13.0 against TakeNote's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MeshNotes ships an update monthly, TakeNote every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
MeshNotes versus TakeNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMeshNotesTakeNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (4 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYifan LiAdam Drew

In-app purchases

None

MeshNotes

No in-app purchases

None

TakeNote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MeshNotes free?
MeshNotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TakeNote free?
TakeNote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MeshNotes or TakeNote have ads?
Neither MeshNotes nor TakeNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MeshNotes or TakeNote?
MeshNotes ships an update monthly, and TakeNote every 5 weeks. Most recently, MeshNotes was updated on October 30, 2026 and TakeNote on October 30, 2026.

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