Comparison

JustNotes vs OpenNotes

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

Head to head
About

JustNotes

Features
Read full description

JustNotes is a free, offline notebook for iPad. Other apps require payments, or have limitations, but not this one. Write with Apple Pencil, import and annotate PDFs, organize notes in folders and subfolders, and export exactly what you need—no ads, no tracking. All the features of other apps, but without the money or ads. Why you’ll like it: • Beautiful handwriting with Apple Pencil • Pinch-to-zoom & one-finger pan while drawing • Per-page orientation: portrait or landscape • Paper styles: plain, lined, or grid • Import PDFs (auto-saved in Imported Files) • Organize with folders & subfolders; drag to reorder pages • Export as PDF or images (PNG) • Works offline with continuous autosave

About

OpenNotes

Create handwritten notes, import and annotate PDFs, and organize your thoughts with folders. This free, open-source app prioritizes privacy by keeping all your data local and on your device.

Highlights
  • Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
  • PDF import and annotation
  • Folder-based organization
  • Add images and text
  • Local-first data storage
  • Export and share notes
Features
Read full description

OpenNotes is a simple, free, open-source notes app built for handwriting, PDFs, and focused organization. Create notebooks, import PDFs, write with Apple Pencil, add images or text, organize notes into folders, and export your work when you need it. OpenNotes is local-first and privacy focused. There are no accounts, no analytics, no tracking, no cloud sync, and your notes never leave your device unless you choose to export or share them.

Screenshots

JustNotes4 screens
OpenNotes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: OpenNotes at every 4 days against JustNotes's every 2 months. OpenNotes also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JustNotes ships an update every 2 months, OpenNotes every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
JustNotes versus OpenNotes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJustNotesOpenNotes
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.3 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings—16 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.515.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB43 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNeel RoyMark Miller

In-app purchases

None

JustNotes

No in-app purchases

None

OpenNotes

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is JustNotes free?
JustNotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is OpenNotes free?
OpenNotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do JustNotes or OpenNotes have ads?
Neither JustNotes nor OpenNotes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JustNotes or OpenNotes?
JustNotes ships an update every 2 months, and OpenNotes every 4 days. Most recently, JustNotes was updated on September 27, 2026 and OpenNotes on September 20, 2026.

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