Comparison

Notes vs Washipad

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

Head to head
About

Notes

This minimalist note-taking app focuses on efficient documentation with features like quick entry, OCR, voice input, and reminders. It offers seamless iCloud sync and a recycle bin for accidental deletions, all within a clean interface.

Highlights
  • Quick note-taking
  • Photo text recognition (OCR)
  • Voice input (speech-to-text)
  • Reminder setup
  • Recycle bin for deleted notes
  • Home screen widgets
  • iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Notes is a minimalist note-taking app designed specifically for efficient documentation. It strips away unnecessary complexity while delivering a "just-right" experience for key features: from quick note-taking and widget previews to photo text recognition, speech-to-text, iCloud sync, and recycle bin recovery—all to help you focus on the core of "documenting" itself. Quick Note-Taking: Open and start writing instantly, minimizing interruptions and distractions. Photo Text Recognition (OCR): Extract text from images with one tap and convert it into editable content for more efficient organization and searching. Voice Input: Convert speech to text in real time, freeing your hands to quickly capture ideas anytime, anywhere. Reminder Setup: Add reminders to important notes so you never miss a critical moment. Recycle Bin: Recover accidentally deleted notes for peace of mind when you make a mistake in editing or deletion. Widget: Quickly view or select notes directly from your home screen to access key information without opening the app. iCloud (CloudKit) Sync: Keep notes consistent across all your devices for worry-free cross-device creation. We care about your privacy. Your content is stored on your devices and iCloud account, with secure sync via Apple’s CloudKit; developers do not access your private note content. Some advanced features may require a subscription to support ongoing development and maintenance (see in-app details for more). Whether you subscribe or not, Notes is committed to delivering a top-tier basic note-taking experience. Who It’s For - Anyone who needs to quickly and reliably document ideas, meeting key points, to-do lists, or study notes - Users who prefer minimalist design and focus on content over complex menus - Those who need seamless sync across devices like iPhone and iPad What Makes Us Different - Purity: No redundant settings—seize the "golden 3 seconds" for note-taking. - Power: OCR, voice input, reminders, and widgets work together seamlessly, hitting the perfect balance. - Peace of Mind: Data is stored in your iCloud, giving you greater privacy and control. Auto-Renewal Membership Service Terms Subscription Period - Continuous Annual Subscription (1 year) - Continuous Monthly Subscription (1 month) Subscription Price - The auto-renewal price for the Continuous Annual Membership is $9.99 per year. - The auto-renewal price for the Continuous Monthly Membership is $0.99 per month. Payment Upon confirmation of purchase, the fee will be deducted from your iTunes account. Auto-Renewal The renewal fee will be deducted from your iTunes account 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. Upon successful payment, the subscription period will be extended by one cycle. Cancel Auto-Renewal If you wish to cancel your subscription, manually open "Settings" on your iOS device --> tap "Apple ID", select "View Apple ID", enter the Account Settings page, tap "Subscriptions", then cancel the subscription. If you do not turn off the subscription at least 24 hours before the end of the subscription period, the subscription will auto-renew. Subscription Terms https://docs.qq.com/doc/DVXhmbmhiUkx5QURs

About

Washipad

This app provides a digital wall for your thoughts, offering a tactile, paper-like space for reminders, photos, and checklists. It features fast dictation, home screen widgets, and photo notes, keeping your ideas visible and accessible.

Highlights
  • Digital sticky wall for notes
  • Fast on-device speech transcription
  • Home screen widgets for instant access
  • Photo notes with visual previews
  • Private and on-device storage
  • Optional cloud sync subscription
Features
Read full description

Washipad is your digital wall for thoughts that stick. Whether you're dictating a quick reminder, snapping a photo of a receipt, or organizing your thoughts, Washipad gives you a tactile, paper-like space right on your home screen. KEY FEATURES: • STICKY WALL: A visual, clutter-free board for all your quick thoughts, reminders, and checklists. • FAST DICTATION: Turn what you say into crisp notes instantly with on-device speech transcription. • HOME SCREEN WIDGETS: Keep your freshest notes and todo reminders always in sight. • PHOTO NOTES: Snap photos straight into notes with instant visual previews. • PRIVATE & ON-DEVICE: Your notes stay on your device, private by default. • LIGHTNING FAST: Opens instantly so you never lose an idea. • WASHIPAD CLOUD (optional subscription): your notes on any computer at app.washipad.com, synced across your devices and backed up to your Washi account. iCloud sync stays free. Perfect for daily reminders, quick thoughts, meeting notes, shopping lists, and visual inspiration. SUBSCRIPTION Washipad Cloud is an optional auto-renewable subscription: US$0.49/month or US$4.99/year (or the equivalent in your local currency, shown before you buy). Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase, and the subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel any time in your Apple Account subscription settings. All other Washipad features, including iCloud sync, are free. Terms of Use (EULA): https://washipad.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://washipad.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

Notes4 screens
Washipad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Washipad at 5.0 against Notes's 3.0. Washipad also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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. Notes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Washipad sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Washipad holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Notes ships an update every 2 weeks, Washipad every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Notes versus Washipad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNotesWashipad
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings23 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerxiaorichang Technology Co., Ltd.SoriStory

Customer experience

Notes

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Washipad

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Notes

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$0.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription$9.991 Year
2 purchases

Washipad

Subscriptions2
  • Washipad Cloud (Monthly)$0.491 Month
  • Washipad Cloud (Yearly)$4.991 Year

Questions

Is Notes free?
Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Washipad free?
Washipad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Notes or Washipad?
Washipad is rated higher. Notes averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Washipad averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Notes or Washipad have ads?
Neither Notes nor Washipad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Notes or Washipad?
Notes ships an update every 2 weeks, and Washipad every 3 days. Most recently, Notes was updated on November 5, 2026 and Washipad on October 31, 2026.

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