# LightNote vs Simply Transcribe

The clearest difference is update cadence: LightNote at every 6 days against Simply Transcribe's every 5 weeks. LightNote also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). 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 Simply Transcribe sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

LightNote ships an update every 6 days, Simply Transcribe every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LightNote | Simply Transcribe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-transcribe/id6797474097/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 63 MB | 832 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ABV Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/595885253) | [Fusion Codeworks, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792508478) |

## 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 |


### Simply Transcribe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-transcribe/id6797474097)

Record audio and convert it to text with this on-device transcription app. It supports numerous languages and offers features like speaker labeling and filler word removal. All processing happens locally for enhanced privacy.

**Highlights:** On-device audio recording, Automatic transcription, 25 language support, Speaker labeling, Filler word removal, Import audio files, Searchable transcripts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Long Transcription Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LightNote free?

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

### Is Simply Transcribe free?

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

### Do LightNote or Simply Transcribe have ads?

Neither LightNote nor Simply Transcribe shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LightNote or Simply Transcribe?

LightNote ships an update every 6 days, and Simply Transcribe every 5 weeks. Most recently, LightNote was updated on November 5, 2026 and Simply Transcribe on November 6, 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.*