Comparison

ExtMemo vs DarklingNotebook

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

Head to head
About

ExtMemo

Capture, secure, and intelligently recall your ideas with an AI-powered external memory system. Offers end-to-end encryption for absolute privacy and seamless collaboration features. Export your data anytime without vendor lock-in.

Highlights
  • Smart Recall AI
  • Zero-Knowledge E2EE
  • Conflict-Free Collaboration
  • Encrypted Team Sharing
  • Web and Desktop App
  • Markdown Data Export
  • AI-Powered Mind Extension
Features
Read full description

[+] Unique Info-Chain Architecture - Group related information into sequential chain, not folders. - Connect fragmented information into one organized thread. - Quick Chain Creation — create a new chain and connect it to the current one. - Add daily or milestone updates to track projects end-to-end. - Track height changes and dental visits in chronological chains. - Give each travel day its own note, with plans and bookings in one chain. [+] End-2-End Encrypted, and Searchable - Granular Flexible Encryption: Encrypt an entire note or only its most sensitive content. - Chain-Wide Search: Unencrypted notes can index and search the entire Note Chain. - Stored neither on the server nor on your device: only briefly in memory when needed for decryption. - Flexible Face ID & Fingerprint Protection — for encrypted content, app access, or not at all. [+] Visible Todos In Context - Todos stay in context: Part of your meeting notes, not a separate task list. - Simple by design: Just set a due date. No complicated setup. - Visualize dependencies: See what to do first and what comes next at a glance. - Organize your thoughts: Turn ideas and tasks into a visual mind map. - Track completion automatically: Completion time is recorded automatically. - Stay on track: Get daily reminders for todos due within the next 5 days. - Manage time-sensitive benefits: Never lose track of unused coupons, credits, or expiring offers. [+] Synced to Desktop (Web App), More Powerful, Maximum Efficiency - Work seamlessly across devices: Stay in sync and handle information more efficiently on the desktop. - Import with ease: Bring your notes into ExtMemo with JSON or Markdown. - Export everything: Export your entire note collection in Markdown for easy access and portability. - Explore your knowledge visually: Use the Nebula View to see semantically connected Note Chains at a glance. - Build your todo flow visually: Drag todos into place and connect them with dependencies. [+] Valuable & Private Information, Shared Securely - Share entire chains: Share Note Chains securely with teammates or family members. - Share encrypted content: E2EE-protected information can be shared without giving up privacy. - Everyone adds their own notes: Members can add or update notes without interfering with each other. - Keep information up to date: Multiple people can update the same chain, keeping everyone aligned on the latest status. [+] More Features - AI Assistant — Your intelligent companion for understanding, finding, and managing your information. - Turn off AI Assistant anytime — it won't access your information. - Sign in instantly with Apple or Google — no separate account needed. - Markdown Editor: Write and format notes with Markdown. - Cross-Chain Links: Link chains together and jump between them instantly. - Bookmarks: Save important notes for quick access. - Dark Mode: A comfortable experience in low-light environments. - Flexible E2EE Rules: Choose what to encrypt: manually, everything, or everything except the top note. - Two Visual Styles: Choose between Simple and Classic styles. - Arrange the information in your Info-Chain in any order you like. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

DarklingNotebook

Features
Read full description

DarklingNotebook is a dark-themed note-taking app designed for creative workers and writing enthusiasts. Capture fleeting inspirations in the darkness, record every precious thought, and make writing a pleasure. With a pure dark design style, it protects your eyes and keeps you comfortable during late-night creative sessions.

Screenshots

ExtMemo4 screens
DarklingNotebook4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DarklingNotebook at none against ExtMemo's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. ExtMemo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. DarklingNotebook asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
ExtMemo versus DarklingNotebook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterExtMemoDarklingNotebook
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.1 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB70 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperExtMemo AI Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd雪莲 张

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ExtMemo

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
  • Annually2 Months trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Linked Note AI$3.99
None

DarklingNotebook

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ExtMemo free?
ExtMemo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DarklingNotebook free?
DarklingNotebook is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ExtMemo or DarklingNotebook have ads?
Neither ExtMemo nor DarklingNotebook shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ExtMemo or DarklingNotebook?
ExtMemo ships an update every 2 weeks, and DarklingNotebook every 2 weeks. Most recently, ExtMemo was updated on October 24, 2026 and DarklingNotebook on October 25, 2026.

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