Comparison

MyZettel vs OpenScribe

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

Head to head
About

MyZettel

This app helps you build a connected network of ideas using the Zettelkasten method. It offers an infinite canvas for brainstorming and spatial exploration, with features like floating panels and inline previews to keep you in flow.

Highlights
  • Infinite canvas for spatial idea exploration
  • Floating panels for multiple notes
  • Inline previews for linked content
  • Minimap for navigation
  • iCloud sync across devices
Features
Read full description

We learn better when we write. Putting an idea in our own words forces us to understand it. Connecting it to other ideas helps it last. MyZettel is a canvas for that work. Each thought gets its own short note. Related notes sit near each other. Links come as you write. Over time, the canvas becomes a map of what you understand. - An infinite canvas: put notes where they make sense, and move them as your thinking changes. - Links from writing: link a note while you write. Every link shows which way it goes, even to a note far away. - Read in place: open a linked note without leaving the one you are reading. - Note types: keep rough thoughts, your own conclusions, and ideas from a source apart. - Search and a minimap to find any note on a large canvas. - Made for iPhone, iPad and Mac. - Free to use. No sign-up. No third-party servers. MyZettel is inspired by the Zettelkasten method, but you do not need to know it to start. A sample canvas in the app shows how it works. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://myzettel.innerworks.one/privacy.html Contact: myzettel@innerworks.one

About

OpenScribe

This app transforms handwriting, PDFs, and audio into searchable, organized notes. It offers powerful OCR for instant retrieval, PDF annotation, and audio recording with transcription. Seamless iCloud sync keeps your work updated across devices.

Highlights
  • Handwriting to text conversion
  • PDF annotation and signing
  • Audio recording and transcription
  • Universal search
  • Offline work capability
  • iCloud synchronization
Features
Read full description

OpenScribe turns handwriting, PDFs, and audio into searchable, organized notes—fast, reliable, and private. Capture ideas in class, meetings, or on the go, then find anything instantly with powerful OCR and search. Annotate PDFs, record while you write, and export in formats that fit your workflow. iCloud keeps your library in sync across devices. What you can do - Capture handwriting: Write or sketch and convert ink to text with OCR. - Annotate PDFs: Import handouts, highlight, comment, sign, and export. - Record and transcribe: Take audio notes; transcriptions make everything searchable. - Search everything: Instantly find text in handwriting, PDFs, and transcripts. - Organize your library: Notebooks, pages, and quick actions for tidy projects. - Export and share: Send PDFs or text and keep your edits intact. - Work offline: Capture and edit without a connection; sync when you’re back online. - iCloud sync: Keep notes up to date across your Apple devices. Why OpenScribe - Focused and fast: A clean workspace built for study, research, and meetings. - Accurate OCR: Turn handwriting and scans into searchable text. - Private by design: Your data stays yours; iCloud sync and secure networking. - Built for iOS 17: Modern performance, smooth canvas, and system integration. Great for - Students: Lecture notes, scanned handouts, and quick study packs. - Professionals: Meeting minutes, whiteboard photos, and annotated briefs. - Researchers: Paper markup, audio interviews, and cross‑document search. Get started by importing a PDF, creating a notebook, or tapping record. OpenScribe helps you capture, understand, and share your work—without friction. ******************* Terms of Use ********************** Please read the terms of use under: https://openscribe.app/terms.html ******************* Privacy Policy ********************** Please read our privacy policy under: https://openscribe.app/privacy.html

Screenshots

MyZettel4 screens
OpenScribe1 screens

Verdict

The call

MyZettel and OpenScribe are too close to call on the numbers: across 7 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. MyZettel sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and OpenScribe sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MyZettel ships an update every 2 months, OpenScribe every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
MyZettel versus OpenScribe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMyZettelOpenScribe
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJunsong LiVidOpt LLC

Customer experience

MyZettel

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

OpenScribe

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

MyZettel

Subscriptions2
  • Plus (Monthly)$1.991 Month
  • Plus (Yearly)$9.991 Year
1 purchases

OpenScribe

Subscriptions1
  • OpenScribe Pro7 Days trial$1.991 Month

Questions

Is MyZettel free?
MyZettel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OpenScribe free?
OpenScribe is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MyZettel or OpenScribe have ads?
Neither MyZettel nor OpenScribe shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MyZettel or OpenScribe?
MyZettel ships an update every 2 months, and OpenScribe every 3 months. Most recently, MyZettel was updated on October 30, 2026 and OpenScribe on October 30, 2026.

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