Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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_

About

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.

Highlights
  • Retro desktop themes
  • Fast and simple editor
  • Automatic saving
  • Pin important notes
  • Instant search
  • Trash with restore
Features
Read full description

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

1 Bit Notes4 screens
Retro Desktop Notes4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
1 Bit Notes versus Retro Desktop Notes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter1 Bit NotesRetro Desktop Notes
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (5 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings5 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFatih Emir OnderMARIE MORIKAGE

Customer experience

1 Bit Notes

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Retro Desktop Notes

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

1 Bit Notes

One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$1.99
1 purchases

Retro Desktop Notes

One-time1
  • Retroプレミアム$1.99

Questions

Is 1 Bit Notes free?
1 Bit Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Retro Desktop Notes free?
Retro Desktop Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, 1 Bit Notes or Retro Desktop Notes?
1 Bit Notes and Retro Desktop Notes are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do 1 Bit Notes or Retro Desktop Notes have ads?
Neither 1 Bit Notes nor Retro Desktop Notes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 1 Bit Notes or Retro Desktop Notes?
1 Bit Notes ships an update every 2 months, and Retro Desktop Notes daily. Most recently, 1 Bit Notes was updated on September 4, 2026 and Retro Desktop Notes on October 1, 2026.

Other comparisons