Steno Notes vs ZenSlate

Steno is a fast, distraction-free Markdown editor designed for focused, beautiful writing. Built natively for Apple platforms with CloudKit, Steno keeps your documents automatically synced across your devices—without ads, tracking, or external servers. Why Steno? • Seamless iCloud sync across Mac, iPhone, and iPad • Native performance—no bloat, no lag, just fast • Clean typography with powerful, design-forward customization • Sub-block-level references for linking directly to the exact passage you mean • Deep system integration—Handoff, Spotlight, Siri, and Widgets • Customizable PDF export for polished sharing • No data collection, no AI. Your documents stay on your device and in iCloud • All documents stored as plain Markdown files Whether you're drafting essays, making lists, or capturing ideas, Steno combines speed, clarity, and privacy in a focused writing environment.

ZenSlate is a calm, minimal notes app for iPhone and iPad. Capture quick thoughts, draft ideas, manage checklists, and keep your writing in sync with your Mac through iCloud. ZenSlate keeps the interface quiet so your slate stays center stage. Write in plain text or use live inline Markdown for a cleaner editing experience. Headings, lists, checklists, links, code, quotes, tables, and fenced code blocks render gently while preserving your original Markdown source. Key Features: • Made for iPhone and iPad A compact writing space on iPhone, with a sidebar workflow on iPad for moving between slates quickly. • iCloud sync Read and edit your slates across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. • Live inline Markdown Use Markdown for headings, bold, italic, links, inline code, lists, task lists, block quotes, tables, and code fences. • Raw text mode Switch to plain source editing whenever you want the simplest possible canvas. • Keyboard accessory controls When the keyboard is open, use quick controls for Markdown formatting, lists, indentation, undo/redo, and keyboard dismiss. • Pin and manage slates Keep important slates close, duplicate drafts, clear a slate, or delete what you no longer need. • Calm themes and typography Choose the mood and reading feel that fit your writing. • Hardware keyboard friendly On iPad, core shortcuts work where iPadOS supports them. ZenSlate is a simple place for slates, drafts, checklists, notes, and loose thoughts. Write with clarity. Stay organized with ease.