Comparison

Klad vs Elm

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

Head to head
About

Klad

This app offers a fast, offline-first note-taking experience for developers and privacy-focused users. It syncs notes directly to your own Git repository, ensuring you own your data without proprietary formats or cloud lock-in.

Highlights
  • 100% Data Ownership
  • Native Git Sync
  • Frictionless Markdown Editor
  • Daily Notes Calendar View
  • Local Organization with Folders
  • Plain-text Markdown Files
Features
Read full description

Klad is a lightning-fast, offline-first Markdown notebook built specifically for developers and privacy-conscious thinkers. Instead of locking your notes in a proprietary database or charging you a monthly fee for cloud storage, Klad syncs directly to your own remote Git repository. You own your data, plain and simple. Whether you are tracking daily tasks, writing code snippets, or building a second brain, Klad stays out of your way. Your vault lives on your device as standard, plain-text Markdown files. This makes Klad perfectly interoperable with desktop tools like Obsidian, VS Code, or any other text editor you choose. CORE FEATURES • 100% Data Ownership: Bring your own vault. No proprietary formats, no forced cloud accounts, and zero vendor lock-in. • Native Git Sync: Choose between seamless background Auto-Sync to keep your devices updated, or take full manual control with dedicated Push/Pull commands. • Frictionless Markdown: A fast, native-feeling editor that perfectly renders headers, task lists, code blocks, and wikilinks. • Daily Notes: A built-in calendar view instantly drops you into today's note, perfect for daily standups, journaling, or habit tracking. • Local Organization: Manage your vault your way with standard folder and file structures. Built for speed and simplicity, Klad gives you the power of version-controlled, offline-first note-taking right in your pocket. Terms of Use: https://kladnotes.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://kladnotes.com/privacy

About

Elm

Features
Read full description

Elm is a fast, distraction-free workspace for your notes, docs, and ideas. Write and organize everything in one place — nested pages, a real block editor, and search that actually finds what you're looking for. No bloat, no fifty menus, no forced AI. NOTES & DOCS Write with a clean block editor built for speed. • Headings, checklists, code blocks, images, and multi-column layouts • Slash commands to add anything without touching a mouse • Nest pages as deep as you need — build your own personal wiki STAY ORGANIZED • Star and pin your most-used pages • Recent pages, always one tap away • Fast, full-text search across your entire workspace SHARE WHEN YOU WANT TO • Share any page with a link — view or edit access • Collaborate without giving up your whole workspace YOUR DATA, YOUR CALL • Export everything, any time — Markdown or HTML • Delete your account and all your data whenever you want FREE TO START Unlimited pages and blocks on the free plan — no credit card required. An optional paid plan with more storage is available on our website. LIGHT OR DARK Looks right at home either way. Simple, fast, and yours.

Screenshots

Klad4 screens
Elm4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Elm at none against Klad's 1. Klad's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support 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. Klad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Elm asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Klad ships an update daily, Elm every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Klad versus Elm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKladElm
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMauricio CoelhoJoshua Arnold

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Klad

One-time1
  • Klad Pro Lifetime$29.99
None

Elm

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Klad free?
Klad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Elm free?
Elm is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Klad or Elm have ads?
Neither Klad nor Elm shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Klad or Elm?
Klad ships an update daily, and Elm every 2 months. Most recently, Klad was updated on October 20, 2026 and Elm on October 31, 2026.

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