# Compose vs Bear Notes

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Compose at none against Bear Notes's 1. Bear Notes's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bear Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Compose asks for nothing beyond the download.

Compose ships an update weekly, Bear Notes every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compose | Bear Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compose-app-blocker-and-journal/id6758591149/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 38 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Samir Thapa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489892009) | [Charly Nelson](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804728089) |

## What reviewers say

### Compose

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compose-app-blocker-and-journal/id6758591149)

This app helps you reduce screen time and increase focus by blocking distracting apps until you write in your private journal. It offers a simple interface, AI organization, and secure storage for your thoughts and memories.

**Highlights:** App blocking, Private journaling, AI organization, Smart search, Customizable themes, Scheduled blocking, Journal prompts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bear Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bear-notes/id6804727937)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all the doors | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compose free?

Compose is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bear Notes free?

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

### Do Compose or Bear Notes have ads?

Neither Compose nor Bear Notes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compose or Bear Notes?

Compose ships an update weekly, and Bear Notes every 2 days. Most recently, Compose was updated on October 17, 2026 and Bear Notes on October 1, 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.*