# Notes for iPad vs Penlog

Notes for iPad and Penlog both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Penlog's written reviews are positive against 40% of Notes for iPad's. Penlog also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). Notes for iPad's advantage is ratings volume (401 vs 6) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Notes for iPad sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Penlog sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Penlog holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Notes for iPad has 401 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Notes for iPad's written reviews are positive against 100% of Penlog's.

Notes for iPad ships an update every 2 weeks, Penlog every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Notes for iPad | Penlog |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (401 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665/reviews) | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penlog-handwriting-journal/id6765667652/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **401** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 14 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brite Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620922833) | [RT Indianapolis Holdings LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896030549) |

## What reviewers say

### Notes for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-for-ipad-pencil-notes/id6757370665)

Transform your iPad into a digital notebook with a natural writing experience using Apple Pencil. Organize your life with over 60 templates, add stickers, and sync across devices. Perfect for students, professionals, and creatives.

**Highlights:** Natural handwriting with Apple Pencil, 60+ professionally designed templates, Extensive sticker library and import options, Unlimited notebooks with custom covers, iCloud sync across devices, Export notes as PDF

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notes for iPad - weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Notes for iPad for a year | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |


### Penlog

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penlog-handwriting-journal/id6765667652)

This app allows you to write handwritten notes and tasks using an Apple Pencil on your iPad. It automatically syncs these entries with your Notion workspace, converting your handwriting into actionable tasks and organized notes. The app also offers features like task carry-forward and a morning briefing with integrated AI.

**Highlights:** Handwritten task and note creation, Two-way Notion task synchronization, Automatic notation reading (tasks, notes, headings), Carry-forward of unfinished tasks, Morning briefing with calendar and AI integration, REST API and MCP server for developers

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Penlog Pro Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Penlog Pro Annual | $89.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Notes for iPad free?

Notes for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Penlog free?

Penlog is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Notes for iPad or Penlog?

Penlog is rated higher. Notes for iPad averages 4.6 out of 5 from 401 ratings, while Penlog averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do Notes for iPad or Penlog have ads?

Neither Notes for iPad nor Penlog shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Notes for iPad or Penlog?

Notes for iPad ships an update every 2 weeks, and Penlog every 4 days. Most recently, Notes for iPad was updated on November 9, 2026 and Penlog on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*