Comparison

Pento Timer vs GridNote

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

Head to head
About

Pento Timer

Features
Read full description

Pento Timer is a simple and intuitive timer app that lets you see both the current time and your timer at a glance. - View an analog clock and timer together on a single screen - Set timers instantly with a single tap - See remaining time, current time, and your task all in one place - Get notified with alerts and haptic feedback when your timer ends - Personalize your experience with a variety of themes Stay focused, boost your productivity, and manage your time effortlessly with Pento Timer!

About

GridNote

This app offers a unique writing experience inspired by traditional manuscript paper. Its grid-based interface encourages structured thinking and visual organization for journaling, essays, and project planning. Customize your writing space with various themes and grid layouts.

Highlights
  • Unique manuscript paper UI
  • Flexible grid settings
  • Structured journaling with calendar view
  • Aesthetic customization (colors, themes)
  • Smart organization with folders
  • Ad-free writing experience (Pro)
Features
Read full description

GridNote: The Modern Evolution of Manuscript Paper (Genko Yoshi) Have you ever missed the focused, rhythmic feeling of writing on a classic grid? GridNote brings the timeless aesthetic of traditional manuscript paper (Genko Yoshi) into the digital age. It’s not just a note app; it’s a dedicated space for those who value the structure, beauty, and clarity of the written word. THE BEAUTY OF THE GRID GridNote’s unique UI is inspired by the classic 200/400-character manuscript paper. This structure naturally encourages logical thinking and helps you organize your thoughts into a clear, visual framework. Whether you are writing an essay, a daily journal, or a project plan, GridNote makes every sentence look like a piece of art. KEY FEATURES: - Unique Manuscript UI: A stunning, nostalgic interface that provides a refreshing break from typical flat note apps. - Flexible Grid Settings: Adjust columns and rows to recreate your favorite manuscript style or create a new custom framework. - Structured Journaling: Use the integrated calendar view to turn your daily records into a digital collection of manuscript pages. - Aesthetic Customization: Choose from a curated palette of traditional paper colors and vintage themes. Connect rows for a seamless writing flow or keep them separate for a crisp look. - Smart Organization: Group your "manuscripts" into folders. Perfect for managing book chapters, study notes, or personal letters. GRIDNOTE PRO: - Infinite Writing Space: Unlimited notes and folders for your growing collection. - Ad-Free Writing: Focus entirely on your words without digital distractions. Rediscover the joy of writing. Download GridNote and give your thoughts the beautiful structure they deserve. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Pento Timer4 screens
GridNote3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pento Timer at none against GridNote's 2. Pento Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown). GridNote's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.4). On price, update cadence 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. GridNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Pento Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pento Timer ships an update weekly, GridNote every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Pento Timer versus GridNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPento TimerGridNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.415.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB79 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSun Min ParkKyuman Kim

In-app purchases

None

Pento Timer

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

GridNote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Yearly$14.991 Year

Questions

Is Pento Timer free?
Pento Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GridNote free?
GridNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pento Timer or GridNote have ads?
GridNote shows ads; Pento Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Pento Timer or GridNote?
Pento Timer ships an update weekly, and GridNote every 6 days. Most recently, Pento Timer was updated on October 1, 2026 and GridNote on October 10, 2026.

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