# StarNote vs Notes for iPad

StarNote and Notes for iPad both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 74% of StarNote's written reviews are positive against 40% of Notes for iPad's. StarNote also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Notes for iPad's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StarNote sells 21 one-off in-app purchases and Notes for iPad sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for StarNote against 4.6 for Notes for iPad. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 94 and 99 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of StarNote's written reviews are positive against 40% of Notes for iPad's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarNote | Notes for iPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (94 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starnote-handwritten-notes/id6751570915/reviews)** | [4.6 (99 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 94 | **99** |
| Positive reviews | **73.5% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 422 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Onyx International Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1527846836) | [Brite Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620922833) |

## What reviewers say

### StarNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starnote-handwritten-notes/id6751570915)

This app offers a realistic pen-on-paper handwriting experience on tablets with an infinite canvas for notes and sketches. It includes advanced layering, PDF annotation, and a robust organizer for efficient digital note-taking and planning.

**Highlights:** Realistic low-latency handwriting, Infinite canvas for unlimited space, Layered design for complex projects, Deep PDF annotation and markup, Robust file management and search, Lifetime access with one-time purchase, Free templates and digital assets

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StarNote AI Trial | $0.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $3.90 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $4.49 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $4.79 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $5.00 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $5.79 | one-time |
| StarNote Lifetime PRO | $5.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $6.69 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $6.79 | one-time |
| StarNote AI Plus | $6.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $7.79 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $8.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $9.79 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $9.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $10.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $11.49 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $11.90 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $12.99 | one-time |
| StarNote AI Pro | $22.99 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $38.90 | one-time |
| Templates\Stickers | $42.90 | one-time |


### Notes for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665)

Transform your iPad into a digital notebook with a natural writing experience using Apple Pencil. Organize your life with over 60 templates, add stickers, and sync across devices. Perfect for students, professionals, and creatives.

**Highlights:** Natural handwriting with Apple Pencil, 60+ professionally designed templates, Extensive sticker library and import options, Unlimited notebooks with custom covers, iCloud sync across devices, Export notes as PDF

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notes for iPad - weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Notes for iPad for a year | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarNote free?

StarNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Notes for iPad free?

Notes for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, StarNote or Notes for iPad?

StarNote is rated higher. StarNote averages 4.6 out of 5 from 94 ratings, while Notes for iPad averages 4.6 from 99 ratings.

### Do StarNote or Notes for iPad have ads?

Neither StarNote nor Notes for iPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarNote or Notes for iPad?

StarNote ships an update every 2 weeks, and Notes for iPad every 2 weeks. Most recently, StarNote was updated on September 22, 2026 and Notes for iPad on September 22, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*