# Notes vs Notes 3

The clearest difference is rating: Notes 3 at 5.0 against Notes's 4.6. Notes 3 also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). Notes's advantage is monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and ratings volume (9 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Notes 3 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Notes ships an update weekly, Notes 3 every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Notes | Notes 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-simple-notepad/id6760331456/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-3-in-1/id6761738361/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 31 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stijn Aa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1782102905) | [Zekun Xu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812246777) |

## What reviewers say

### Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-simple-notepad/id6760331456)

Capture thoughts, reminders, and ideas in a secure, private space. Notes save automatically as you type, with fast search and optional biometric locking for your peace of mind. Organize with color-coding and choose from classic or modern themes.

**Highlights:** Automatic saving as you type, Biometric note locking (Face ID/fingerprint), Fast search across all notes, Color-coded organization, Lined paper mode, Modern and classic themes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Notes 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-3-in-1/id6761738361)

This utility app combines note-taking, task management, and freeform drawing into a single, intuitive interface. Capture ideas, organize to-dos, and sketch concepts without needing multiple applications.

**Highlights:** Note-taking and organization, Task reminders and to-do lists, Freeform drawing canvas, Customizable backgrounds, Seamless workflow between features

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Notes free?

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

### Is Notes 3 free?

Notes 3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Notes or Notes 3?

Notes 3 is rated higher. Notes averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Notes 3 averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Notes or Notes 3 have ads?

Both Notes and Notes 3 show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Notes or Notes 3?

Notes ships an update weekly, and Notes 3 every 2 days. Most recently, Notes was updated on October 3, 2026 and Notes 3 on September 25, 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.*