1 Bit Notes vs Retro Desktop Notes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
1 Bit Notes
Capture your thoughts with a stylish, retro terminal interface. Organize, secure, and set reminders for your notes. Export in Markdown or PDF and sync across devices.
- Terminal-style interface
- Note organization and search
- Passcode encryption for notes
- Reminder functionality
- Home screen widget support
- Multiple retro themes
- Markdown and PDF export
- iCloud synchronization
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1 Bit Notes brings the nostalgic charm of classic computer terminals to modern note-taking. With its authentic retro aesthetic and pixel-perfect design, taking notes has never been this stylish. FEATURES: > Terminal-Style Interface Clean, minimalist design inspired by vintage computer systems. Green phosphor text on dark background creates the perfect writing atmosphere. > Organize Your Thoughts Create categories, pin important notes, and mark favorites. Search through all your notes instantly. > Secure Your Notes Lock sensitive notes with passcode encryption. Your private thoughts stay private. > Reminders Set reminders for your notes and never forget important tasks. > Widget Support Quick access to your notes right from your home screen. > Multiple Themes Choose from different retro color schemes to match your style. > Export Options Export your notes as Markdown or PDF files. > iCloud Sync Keep your notes synchronized across all your devices. PREMIUM FEATURES: Unlock the full experience with a one-time purchase: - iCloud Sync - Extra Themes - Note Encryption - Reminders - Boot Screen Customization - Terminal Commands Whether you're a developer, writer, or just someone who appreciates retro aesthetics, 1 Bit Notes is the perfect companion for capturing your ideas. > START TAKING NOTES_
Retro Desktop Notes
Experience a nostalgic note-taking app that brings the charm of classic desktop computers to your mobile device. Enjoy a distraction-free writing experience with retro themes and essential organizational tools.
- Retro desktop themes
- Fast and simple editor
- Automatic saving
- Pin important notes
- Instant search
- Trash with restore
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Bring the charm of classic desktop computers to your pocket. Retro Memo is a nostalgic note-taking app inspired by vintage desktop operating systems. Designed for people who love retro interfaces, pixel-perfect details, and distraction-free writing. Instead of overwhelming you with unnecessary features, Retro Memo focuses on what matters most: writing, organizing, and enjoying the experience. FEATURES • Three beautiful retro desktop themes - Classic 95 - Platinum Mono - Luna Blue • Fast and simple note editor • Automatic saving • Pin important notes • Instant search • Sort your notes • Trash with restore support • Pixel-inspired desktop icons • Classic window interface • Retro typography • Privacy-friendly local storage NO SUBSCRIPTIONS. ONE-TIME PURCHASE. Whether you're capturing ideas, creating shopping lists, or writing quick reminders, Retro Memo makes every note feel like you're using a classic desktop computer again. A nostalgic experience, redesigned for modern iPhone.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Retro Desktop Notes at daily against 1 Bit Notes's every 2 months. Retro Desktop Notes also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). 1 Bit Notes's advantage is ratings volume (5 vs 1) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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
Both are free to download. 1 Bit Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retro Desktop Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for 1 Bit Notes against 5.0 for Retro Desktop Notes. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 1 Bit Notes has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
1 Bit Notes ships an update every 2 months, Retro Desktop Notes daily. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 1 Bit Notes | Retro Desktop Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Fatih Emir Onder | MARIE MORIKAGE |
Customer experience
1 Bit Notes
Retro Desktop Notes
In-app purchases
1 Bit Notes
- Premium Lifetime$1.99
Retro Desktop Notes
- Retroプレミアム$1.99





