# LightNote vs CogniPen

The clearest difference is update cadence: LightNote at every 6 days against CogniPen's every 2 months. CogniPen's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LightNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month and CogniPen sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

LightNote ships an update every 6 days, CogniPen every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LightNote | CogniPen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 months |
| Size | 63 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ABV Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/595885253) | [iradukunda usama](https://appshunter.io/developer/1848023785) |

## What reviewers say

### LightNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightnote-ai-note-taker/id6754012063)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly Plan | $17.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly Plan | $79.99 | per year |


### CogniPen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognipen-ai-smart-notes/id6754354276)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LightNote free?

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

### Is CogniPen free?

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

### Do LightNote or CogniPen have ads?

Neither LightNote nor CogniPen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LightNote or CogniPen?

LightNote ships an update every 6 days, and CogniPen every 2 months. Most recently, LightNote was updated on September 19, 2026 and CogniPen on September 21, 2026.

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