# VAULT by Toolkit vs Penlog

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VAULT by Toolkit at none against Penlog's 2. VAULT by Toolkit also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). Penlog's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Penlog sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. VAULT by Toolkit asks for nothing beyond the download.

VAULT by Toolkit ships an update every 2 weeks, Penlog every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VAULT by Toolkit | Penlog |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penlog-handwriting-journal/id6765667652/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **6** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 62 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Remy Borsboom](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871312204) | [RT Indianapolis Holdings LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896030549) |

## What reviewers say

### VAULT by Toolkit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vault-by-toolkit/id6758169016)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 VAULT by Toolkit free?

VAULT by Toolkit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Penlog free?

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

### Do VAULT by Toolkit or Penlog have ads?

Neither VAULT by Toolkit nor Penlog shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VAULT by Toolkit or Penlog?

VAULT by Toolkit ships an update every 2 weeks, and Penlog every 4 days. Most recently, VAULT by Toolkit was updated on November 5, 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.*