# Simplify Notes vs OpenNotes

The clearest difference is ads: OpenNotes at none against Simplify Notes's shown. OpenNotes also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Simplify Notes ships an update every 6 days, OpenNotes every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplify Notes | OpenNotes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **16** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mario Guzman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874125399) | [Mark Miller](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836539324) |

## What reviewers say

### Simplify Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplify-notes-pdf-notebook/id6758640857)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### OpenNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004)

Create handwritten notes, import and annotate PDFs, and organize your thoughts with folders. This free, open-source app prioritizes privacy by keeping all your data local and on your device.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, PDF import and annotation, Folder-based organization, Add images and text, Local-first data storage, Export and share notes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplify Notes free?

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

### Is OpenNotes free?

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

### Do Simplify Notes or OpenNotes have ads?

Simplify Notes shows ads; OpenNotes does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simplify Notes or OpenNotes?

Simplify Notes ships an update every 6 days, and OpenNotes every 4 days. Most recently, Simplify Notes was updated on September 11, 2026 and OpenNotes on September 6, 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.*