Zettel vs MindCastle
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Zettel
This app offers a minimalist note-taking experience, focusing on a single, full-screen note at a time. It features a unique swipe-to-clear gesture with haptic feedback and simple tag functionality for easy organization. Notes are saved as plain Markdown files for versatile use.
- Single full-screen note interface
- Swipe-to-clear gesture with haptic feedback
- Simple hashtag tagging system
- Plain Markdown file export
- Works with Files app
- Dark mode support
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Zettel - Quick Notes for iOS. Write. Swipe to tear. Done. Zettel brings the satisfying feeling of ripping paper to your iPhone. What makes it different: - One note at a time: Full screen. No tabs, no folders, no mess. Just you and your thoughts. - Tear to clear: Swipe from the edge and drag across the screen. Your note tears away with haptic feedback that actually feels real. - Tags that work: Type #anything and it becomes a tag. Find notes instantly without setting up complicated systems. - Your files, anywhere: Notes are plain Markdown files. Edit them in other apps, sync however you want, or just keep them local. Perfect for: - Quick thoughts - Meeting notes - Daily journaling - Project ideas Simple by design: - iPhone only (as it should be) - Works with Files app - Dark mode included - No account required - Zero tracking Built by someone who got tired of overcomplicated note apps. Sometimes the best tools are the simplest ones.
MindCastle
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MindCastle Overview MindCastle is a location-based memory management app that lets you capture and store inspirations and memories tied to special places. Users create a MindCastle on the map and organize their memories through a 5-level hierarchy: Castle → Room → Cabinet → File → Mind. In Mind View — the final level — users can save a Title, Tags, Media (photos, videos, PDFs, Markdown files), Content, GPS Location, and Reminders. Key Features: * MindCastle Tab: Create Castles on the map and store memories through the 5-step structure. * Repository Tab: View the complete list of MindCastles and organize them into groups. * Search Tab: Find saved memories using keywords, dates, and view-level filters. * iCloud sync and Data Export/Import support. * 2D and 3D display modes. * Universal App: supports both iOS and macOS. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Added Subscription Information. 'MindCastle' Max is available as a monthly or yearly subscription. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the same price. You can manage subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal in your Account Settings after purchase. No refund will be provided for the unused portion of a subscription term. *End User License Agreement https://codemaxima.co.kr/z_eula/eula-mindcastle.html StoreView link : Licensed Application End User License Agreement *Privacy Policy https://codemaxima.co.kr/z_privacypolicy/privacypolicy-mindcastle.html StoreView link : Privacy Policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: MindCastle at Free against Zettel's $2.99. Zettel's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
MindCastle is free to download; Zettel costs $2.99 up front. MindCastle sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.29 per month. Zettel asks for nothing beyond the download.
Zettel ships an update monthly, MindCastle every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 5, 2026.
| Parameter | Zettel | MindCastle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (6 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Alexander Moritz Weichart | Code Maxima |
In-app purchases
Zettel
No in-app purchases
MindCastle
- Monthly Subscription$1.291 Month
- Annual Subscription$10.991 Year
- Reset Password$0.99
- Save Password$0.99









