# ExplainThisDoc vs SteelNote

The clearest difference is update cadence: SteelNote at every 4 days against ExplainThisDoc's every 2 months. SteelNote also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ExplainThisDoc sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and SteelNote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ExplainThisDoc ships an update every 2 months, SteelNote every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ExplainThisDoc | SteelNote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 54 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Julian Heger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874584074) | [Claude Bezeaud](https://appshunter.io/developer/500254221) |

## What reviewers say

### ExplainThisDoc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explainthisdoc-document-ai/id6758720729)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5 Credits | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50 Credits | $24.99 | one-time |
| 200 Credits | $69.99 | one-time |


### SteelNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelnote/id6765892871)

This app stores your notes as plain Markdown files on your device, ensuring you always own your data. It offers seamless syncing across Apple devices, instant search, and robust import options from other note-taking applications.

**Highlights:** Plain Markdown file storage, iCloud sync across Apple devices, Local full-text search, Import from multiple note apps, Link notes and see backlinks, Organize with folders and tags, Mark notes as private

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Founder | $44.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ExplainThisDoc free?

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

### Is SteelNote free?

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

### Do ExplainThisDoc or SteelNote have ads?

Neither ExplainThisDoc nor SteelNote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ExplainThisDoc or SteelNote?

ExplainThisDoc ships an update every 2 months, and SteelNote every 4 days. Most recently, ExplainThisDoc was updated on September 30, 2026 and SteelNote on September 28, 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.*