Comparison

Just Start vs Idea Capture

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

Head to head
About

Just Start

This app helps you overcome procrastination by providing a simple, focused timer. It features a virtual companion, unlimited categories, and historical statistics to track your progress. Connect with others through a unique 'starlight' feature that shows past user efforts.

Highlights
  • Minimalist timer interface
  • Virtual companion for focus
  • Unlimited custom categories
  • Full history and trend charts
  • Starlight mode for shared effort visualization
  • Pro features unlocked for free
Features
Read full description

【About Just Start】 We believe that "Starting" is the greatest action of all. Just Start is not just a timer; it’s your launchpad to beat procrastination. We stripped away the clutter so you can do one thing the moment you open the app: Act Now. 【Why Just Start?】 1. A Companion from the Stars: Laika Remember Laika, the first dog in space? She didn't disappear; she traveled to your phone. When you focus, Laika waits by your side on the screen. Whether you're studying late or working early, she is there. It’s not just a timer; it’s a warm, silent guardianship. 2. Pro Features Unlocked (Yes, Free) We believe your growth data belongs to you. No paywalls for self-reflection. 3. Unlimited Categories: Coding, Reading, Meditation—create as many tags as you need. Free. 4. Full History Stats: Your every minute counts. Access all history records, duration stats, and trend charts without paying a cent. Visualize your achievements. 5. Starlight Mode: A Connection Across Time Focusing can feel lonely, but not here. When you start the timer, you will see the glimmering starlight left by others who have traveled this path before you. Just like looking at the night sky, these lights are echoes of past efforts from people around the world. It’s a subtle "cloud companionship" that tells you: someone else has worked hard right here, just like you.

About

Idea Capture

Features
Read full description

Capture ideas instantly. ThreadPad is the fastest way to brain dump your thoughts and turn them into clean, structured notes. No clutter. No friction. Just start typing. Have an idea, A random thought, Something you do not want to forget? ThreadPad lets you capture it instantly like sending a message to yourself. Most notes apps slow you down. ThreadPad is built for speed Write like a chat No setup or formatting needed Everything stays clean and organised automatically It feels natural because it is. Key features: Chat style writing to capture ideas quickly Fast notes with no delay Brain dump your thoughts without overthinking Automatic structure keeps everything organised Private and simple with no accounts required Works offline so your notes are always available Perfect for: Capturing ideas on the go Quick thoughts and reminders Daily journaling Brainstorming Keeping your mind clear ThreadPad is designed for one thing, Capturing thoughts as fast as they come Start writing and capture your next idea in seconds No accounts. No tracking. No unnecessary features. Export your thoughts in your style to share with friends. If you’ve ever opened a notes app and felt overwhelmed — ThreadPad is for you. Terms of use can be found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Just Start4 screens
Idea Capture4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Just Start at none against Idea Capture's 2. Idea Capture's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs weekly) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement 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. Idea Capture sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Just Start asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Just Start ships an update weekly, Idea Capture every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Just Start versus Idea Capture: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJust StartIdea Capture
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.215.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer江涛 丁Edward Sutcliffe

In-app purchases

None

Just Start

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Idea Capture

Subscriptions1
  • ThreadPad Pro3 Days trial$4.991 Year
One-time1
  • ThreadPad Pro$29.99

Questions

Is Just Start free?
Just Start is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Idea Capture free?
Idea Capture is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Just Start or Idea Capture have ads?
Neither Just Start nor Idea Capture shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Just Start or Idea Capture?
Just Start ships an update weekly, and Idea Capture every 4 days. Most recently, Just Start was updated on October 6, 2026 and Idea Capture on October 11, 2026.

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