Comparison

Need List vs Recall

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

Head to head
About

Need List

Features
Read full description

Looking for an easy-to-use inventory app? NeedList lets you build your own structure — create categories, subcategories, items and invoices just the way you like!  Customize colors, priorities, and layouts to suit your needs. Plus, printing and organizing your lists has never been easier.

About

Recall

This app helps you learn and retain information using spaced repetition flashcards. It supports offline study, private cloud syncing, and importing from other popular flashcard formats.

Highlights
  • FSRS spaced repetition algorithm
  • Offline study support
  • Private CloudKit sync
  • Native Anki import
  • Selective deck syncing
  • Local-first architecture
Features
Read full description

A flashcard app using the FSRS algorithm. Features offline support, private CloudKit sync, and native Anki imports. App Store Description Recall is a local-first (on Mac) spaced repetition flashcard app built for privacy, and efficiency. It uses a custom SQLite backend and the Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler (FSRS) to manage your reviews. Core Features: Anki Import: Natively imports Anki .apkg files. Preserves your existing media, cloze deletions, and Image Occlusion masks. (When exporting your Anki file check - Support older Anki versions; otherwise it will not import to Recall). Infinite Whiteboards: Can create infinite whiteboards that can be shared and exported. Supports Recall flashcards being added to them and can be flipped. Supports occluding parts of your whiteboard to help you recall information. Local-First Architecture: The app runs entirely from a local database. It does not require an active internet connection to study, search, or edit cards. Advanced Scheduling: Uses the FSRS algorithm to calculate review intervals, minimizing daily workload while maintaining retention. Private CloudKit Sync: Syncs via your personal iCloud account using Advanced Data Protection. Your data and media are encrypted before leaving your device. Selective Sync: Choose which decks sync to iCloud and which stay local, saving storage space on your iPhone for large, media-heavy decks. Standalone Mode: Can be used completely offline with sync permanently disabled.

Screenshots

Need List4 screens
Recall4 screens

Verdict

The call

Need List and Recall are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Need List versus Recall: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNeed ListRecall
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEmanuel LunaKedarnath Malapati

In-app purchases

None

Need List

No in-app purchases

None

Recall

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Need List free?
Need List is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Recall free?
Recall is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Need List or Recall have ads?
Neither Need List nor Recall shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Need List or Recall?
Need List ships an update every 3 weeks, and Recall every 3 weeks. Most recently, Need List was updated on October 14, 2026 and Recall on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons