Comparison

MDash vs FocusFlow

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

Head to head
About

MDash

This app offers a live split-view editor for Markdown with real-time preview and syntax highlighting. It also supports Mermaid diagram rendering directly within documents, allowing for efficient text formatting and creation of visual aids.

Highlights
  • Live split-view Markdown editing
  • Real-time preview with syntax highlighting
  • Mermaid diagram rendering
  • Export to MD, TXT, or PDF
  • Auto-save functionality
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

MDash is a Markdown editor that keeps your notes as plain text on your device. No lock-in, no account, no sync you did not ask for. Write on iPhone, iPad and now Mac — the full workspace on every screen. MARKDOWN, RENDERED LIVE Type plain Markdown and watch the preview update as you type: headings, lists, task checkboxes, tables, code blocks with syntax awareness, links and images. Show the text, the preview, or both side by side. MERMAID DIAGRAMS — FREE FOR EVERYONE Describe a flowchart, sequence diagram, Gantt chart, class diagram or state machine in plain text and MDash draws it instantly. Rendering is built into the app: no network, nothing leaves your device. ON MAC AND APPLE WATCH The complete MDash workspace runs on macOS — a three-column library, keyboard-first editing and the same live preview and Mermaid rendering. On Apple Watch, browse your library and read any note on your wrist. One purchase covers iPhone, iPad, Mac and Watch. YOUR LIBRARY, ORGANIZED • Pinned notes, Last 7 Days, and Trash with restore • Full-text search across every note, with jump to match • In-document find and replace with match highlighting • Attach photos to notes; files stay ordinary Markdown • Folders keep related notes together; create one right from the sidebar • Tags under the title, a Tags section in the sidebar, and search by tag • Smart folders collect notes automatically from the tags you choose • Scan documents into a note, and search the text inside photos and scans — on device, free • Import from Obsidian, Bear, Apple Notes, TextBundle or any folder of Markdown files — free • Version History keeps earlier versions of every note on device, ready to restore — free EXPORT AND SHARE • Export Markdown and plain text — free • Copy as rich text for mail and documents • PDF, HTML, Word (DOCX), ePub, RTF, JPG and TextBundle export with MDash Pro MDASH PRO — LIFETIME OR MONTHLY MDash Pro unlocks iCloud sync across your devices, export to PDF, HTML, Word, ePub and more, and watermark-free Mermaid diagrams. Choose a one-time lifetime purchase or a monthly subscription — both unlock exactly the same features. The monthly subscription renews automatically until cancelled; manage or cancel it anytime in your App Store account settings. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Notes are stored on device; sync is optional and uses your iCloud. Mermaid rendering is local. There is no tracking and no account. Questions or ideas? Leave a review or reach out through the App Store page — MDash is built by an independent developer and shaped by user feedback. Terms of Use: https://nightcodeapps.com/apps/markdown-editor/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://nightcodeapps.com/apps/markdown-editor/privacy/

About

FocusFlow

Features
Read full description

Master Deep Work with the Pomodoro Technique FocusFlow Pomodoro is the ultimate productivity companion for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to get more done. Built on the scientifically-proven Pomodoro Technique, FocusFlow helps you work smarter, not harder -- breaking your day into focused 25-minute sprints with refreshing breaks in between. WHY THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE WORKS The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, is one of the most widely used time management methods in the world. By working in short, focused intervals separated by brief breaks, your brain maintains peak concentration while avoiding the mental fatigue that comes from prolonged work sessions. Studies show that this structured approach can increase productivity by up to 25%. FEATURES DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS FOCUS Persistent Timer -- Our intelligent timer uses date-based calculation so it never loses track of your session, even when you switch apps or lock your phone. Your focus session keeps running in the background, and you'll get a notification the moment your Pomodoro is complete. Beautiful Statistics -- Track your productivity journey with rich charts powered by Swift Charts. See your daily progress ring, weekly bar charts, current streak, total focus hours, and your personal bests. Data that motivates. Focus Sound Engine -- Immerse yourself in productivity-boosting audio. Choose from White Noise for deep concentration, Lo-Fi Vibes with binaural beats (200/240 Hz) to enhance focus, or soothing Rain sounds with pink noise for creative flow. All sounds are generated in real-time by our DSP audio engine. Home Screen Widget -- Glance at your daily progress without opening the app. The FocusFlow widget shows your completed sessions and goal right on your home screen or lock screen. Fully Customizable -- Tailor every aspect to your workflow: adjust focus sessions from 5 to 90 minutes, set short breaks from 1 to 30 minutes, configure long breaks, choose how many Pomodoros before a long break, and set your daily session goal. Smart Notifications -- Never miss the end of a session. FocusFlow schedules precise notifications so you're always in the loop, even in the background. FOCUSFLOW PRO Unlock the complete experience with FocusFlow Pro: - Unlimited daily sessions (free tier: 5/day) - Full statistics dashboard with weekly charts - All focus sounds including Lo-Fi Vibes and Rain - Priority support Available as monthly ($1.99/month) or yearly ($9.99/year) subscription. Cancel anytime. Start your first Pomodoro today. Your best work is one session away.

Screenshots

MDash4 screens
FocusFlow1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FocusFlow at none against MDash's 3. MDash's advantage is device support (6 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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. MDash sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. FocusFlow asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MDash ships an update every 4 days, FocusFlow every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MDash versus FocusFlow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMDashFocusFlow
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArtur GorbaczewskiDatachain Consulting Pty Ltd

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MDash

Subscriptions2
  • MDash Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • MDash Pro Yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • MarkdownEditor Pro Lifetime$24.99
None

FocusFlow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MDash free?
MDash is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusFlow free?
FocusFlow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MDash or FocusFlow have ads?
Neither MDash nor FocusFlow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MDash or FocusFlow?
MDash ships an update every 4 days, and FocusFlow every 2 days. Most recently, MDash was updated on October 28, 2026 and FocusFlow on October 28, 2026.

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