# Compose Notes vs FlatNote

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FlatNote at none against Compose Notes's 3. FlatNote also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 10 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compose Notes sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. FlatNote asks for nothing beyond the download.

Compose Notes ships an update every 10 months, FlatNote every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compose Notes | FlatNote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flatnote/id6781590712/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 10 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tanish Mittal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800886719) | [Kate Benediktsson](https://appshunter.io/developer/6781590714) |

## What reviewers say

### Compose Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compose-notes/id6743021076)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $6.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


### FlatNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flatnote/id6781590712)

This app allows you to create and organize notes using markdown formatting. It offers live formatting, image support, and robust organization features. Your notes are stored as plain files and sync via iCloud across your Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Live markdown formatting, Image embedding in notes, Folder organization and pinning, Real checkboxes, In-note search, Cross-device iCloud sync, Plain .md file export

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compose Notes free?

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

### Is FlatNote free?

FlatNote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Compose Notes or FlatNote have ads?

Neither Compose Notes nor FlatNote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compose Notes or FlatNote?

Compose Notes ships an update every 10 months, and FlatNote every 3 months. Most recently, Compose Notes was updated on September 9, 2026 and FlatNote on September 28, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*