Inkwell vs Nib
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Inkwell
Read full descriptionHide full description
Inkwell connects Apple Pencil handwriting and audio on one timeline. • Record audio while taking handwritten notes • Tap handwriting to play from that moment • Navigate multiple pages and recording segments • Share the writing process as a real MP4 time-lapse • Export single- or multi-page PDFs • Organize with folders, note locks, pens, and paper templates • Back up notes and recordings in one .inkwell file • One-time Pro purchase with no monthly subscription Your notes are stored on your device. You can now import PDFs, write on them with Apple Pencil, and replay audio from your handwriting.
Nib
Read full descriptionHide full description
■ Where thoughts unfold Nib is a warm handwritten diary for iPad and Apple Pencil. The feeling of writing with a fountain pen on paper — captured in digital form. For anyone who wants to record today, organize class notes, or let ideas flow freely on the page. ■ Features ▸ Natural handwriting - Fountain pen, pencil, highlighter, eraser, lasso — optimized for Apple Pencil - 21 colors to express yourself - Blank, lined, and grid backgrounds ▸ Write directly on PDFs - Import textbooks, handouts, papers and annotate right away - Import from iCloud Drive, Files app, or anywhere - Select page ranges to import only what you need - Your annotations save separately — the original PDF stays intact ▸ Daily journal - End the day with a short note - Five moods (Heavy · Quiet · Even · Bloom · Radiant) to capture the feeling - Browse past days in the calendar ▸ Recording + auto-transcription - Record lectures or meetings while you write - Automatic transcription in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish - Notes and audio live side-by-side on the same page ▸ Organize by subject - Create subjects with 31 icons or draw your own - Tag notes with subjects - Browse by subject in the Shelf ▸ Six languages supported - 한국어 · English · 日本語 · 简体中文 · 繁體中文 · Español - Switch language directly in the app ■ Made for - People who want a handwritten journal on iPad - Students annotating PDF textbooks - Anyone recording lectures while taking notes - Those looking for a beautifully-designed diary app - Digital note-takers who miss the feel of paper ■ What's coming Nib is actively being improved. Dark mode and iCloud sync (across devices) are on the way. Feedback and suggestions welcome at hello@stockhub.kr ■ About the developer Nib is crafted by an independent developer. stockhub.kr
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nib at none against Inkwell's 1. Nib also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 weeks). Inkwell's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price 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
Both are free to download. Inkwell sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Nib asks for nothing beyond the download.
Inkwell ships an update every 4 weeks, Nib every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Inkwell | Nib |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 27 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NOH HIYEONG | YONGGYU KIM |
In-app purchases
Inkwell
- Inkwell Pro$4.99
Nib
No in-app purchases








