Comparison

Zettel vs MindCastle

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

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.

About

MindCastle

Features
Read full description

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

Zettel4 screens
MindCastle4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Zettel ships an update monthly, MindCastle every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 5, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Zettel versus MindCastle: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZettelMindCastle
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS26.026.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander Moritz WeichartCode Maxima

In-app purchases

None

Zettel

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

MindCastle

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$1.291 Month
  • Annual Subscription$10.991 Year
One-time2
  • Reset Password$0.99
  • Save Password$0.99

Questions

Is Zettel free?
Zettel costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MindCastle free?
MindCastle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Zettel or MindCastle have ads?
Neither Zettel nor MindCastle shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Zettel or MindCastle?
Zettel ships an update monthly, and MindCastle every 3 weeks. Most recently, Zettel was updated on October 5, 2026 and MindCastle on October 5, 2026.

Other comparisons