Comparison

Start Page HQ vs Notepad with Browser

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

Head to head
About

Start Page HQ

This app transforms your browser's new tab into a personalized dashboard with over 60 widgets. Organize tasks, feeds, developer tools, and more across multiple pages with custom themes. Sync your workspace across all devices for seamless productivity.

Highlights
  • 60+ customizable widgets
  • Multiple pages for organization
  • Custom themes and layouts
  • Cross-device syncing
  • Developer tools included
  • RSS, tasks, calendar integration
Features
Read full description

Start Page HQ replaces your new tab with a fully customizable dashboard packed with 60+ widgets. RSS feeds, tasks, bookmarks, weather, developer tools, AI features, and more — organized exactly how you want across multiple pages with custom themes. Create separate pages for work, personal, or side projects. Add widgets like Hacker News, Reddit, YouTube feeds, Google Calendar, Pomodoro timer, habit tracker, kanban boards, and notes. Developer tools include JSON formatter, regex tester, text diff, QR code generator, and Base64 encoder. Your workspace syncs across all your devices. Choose from dark and light themes with 8 accent colors and flexible layouts. Everything lives in one tab — no switching between apps. Terms of Use (EULA): https://startpagehq.com/legal/terms

About

Notepad with Browser

Features
Read full description

Sprout is a powerful note-taking app that seamlessly combines web research and writing. Its clean, refined UI is packed with features for writing, helping your ideas grow from Seed to Sprout. [Key Features] ◆ Built-in browser that connects research and writing Research without switching apps and take notes instantly. From discovery to writing, everything happens in one app. ◆ Simple yet powerful editor Supports character count, find & replace, Undo/Redo, and more—from everyday notes to serious writing. ◆ Reminder notifications Set reminders per note for task management and idea follow-ups. ◆ Multi-device support and iCloud sync Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. iCloud sync is available on iPhone. iCloud sync on iPad/Mac is available with Sprout Pro. ◆ Widget support Quickly access pinned and recent notes from Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets. ◆ Customize your experience Supports Dark Mode, accent color changes, and font size adjustments for a comfortable writing environment. ◆ Standard file format Notes are saved as .md (Markdown), offering great compatibility with other apps and direct access from the Files app. ◆ Privacy-focused Your note content is never collected or viewed by the developer. Data is stored only on your device and in iCloud. [Sprout Pro] Enjoy more with Sprout Pro, a premium plan available with a one-time purchase. • iCloud sync on iPad/Mac • Unlimited favorites • Advanced reference preview (write while viewing photos/PDFs) • App lock with Face ID / Passcode Features and availability may vary based on in-app display. --- Organize your thoughts and grow your ideas with Sprout.

Screenshots

Start Page HQ4 screens
Notepad with Browser4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Start Page HQ at 4 against Notepad with Browser's 1. Start Page HQ also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Start Page HQ sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Notepad with Browser sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Start Page HQ ships an update every 2 weeks, Notepad with Browser every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Start Page HQ versus Notepad with Browser: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStart Page HQNotepad with Browser
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB4 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperNOLIMITS4WEB LLCyuma araki

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Start Page HQ

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription$24.991 Year
One-time5
  • 2000 AI Credits$4.99
  • 5000 AI Credits$9.99
  • 10000 AI Credits$14.99
Show 2 more
  • Lifetime Deal$49.99
  • 50000 AI Credits$49.99
1 purchases

Notepad with Browser

One-time1
  • Sprout Pro (Lifetime)$9.99

Questions

Is Start Page HQ free?
Start Page HQ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Notepad with Browser free?
Notepad with Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Start Page HQ or Notepad with Browser have ads?
Neither Start Page HQ nor Notepad with Browser shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Start Page HQ or Notepad with Browser?
Start Page HQ ships an update every 2 weeks, and Notepad with Browser every 6 days. Most recently, Start Page HQ was updated on October 24, 2026 and Notepad with Browser on October 6, 2026.

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