Comparison

Cogito vs Retro Desktop Notes

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

Head to head
About

Cogito

Features
Read full description

Cogito — Think. Capture. Organize. Cogito is a clean, minimalist note-taking app designed to help you capture ideas and stay organized — with no accounts, no cloud, and no data collection. Your thoughts stay private on your device. Write fast, organize with labels, and find anything in seconds. Organize with Labels Tag notes with color-coded labels — Work, Personal, Ideas, Finance, Health, Travel, and more. Filter your list in one tap. Powerful Search Find any note by title or content instantly with a fast, always-visible search bar. Sort Your Way Order notes by name, date modified, or date created — ascending or descending. Bulk Actions Select multiple notes to delete them at once and keep your list clean. Trash & Recovery Deleted a note by mistake? Cogito moves it to trash first so you can restore it before it's gone for good. Light, Dark & System Theme Switch between light mode, dark mode, or follow your system setting. Adjustable Font Size Choose from four sizes to make writing and reading comfortable for you. Cogito Premium Unlock unlimited notes and a custom accent color to make the app truly yours. Why Cogito? Unlike cluttered note apps packed with features you'll never use, Cogito focuses on what matters: capturing your thoughts quickly, organizing them intuitively, and keeping them private on your device. Perfect For - Quick notes and reminders - Project and work organization - Study notes - Personal journals - Ideas and to-do lists Download Cogito and keep your thoughts to yourself. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Retro Desktop Notes

Experience a nostalgic note-taking app that brings the charm of classic desktop computers to your mobile device. Enjoy a distraction-free writing experience with retro themes and essential organizational tools.

Highlights
  • Retro desktop themes
  • Fast and simple editor
  • Automatic saving
  • Pin important notes
  • Instant search
  • Trash with restore
Features
Read full description

Bring the charm of classic desktop computers to your pocket. Retro Memo is a nostalgic note-taking app inspired by vintage desktop operating systems. Designed for people who love retro interfaces, pixel-perfect details, and distraction-free writing. Instead of overwhelming you with unnecessary features, Retro Memo focuses on what matters most: writing, organizing, and enjoying the experience. FEATURES • Three beautiful retro desktop themes - Classic 95 - Platinum Mono - Luna Blue • Fast and simple note editor • Automatic saving • Pin important notes • Instant search • Sort your notes • Trash with restore support • Pixel-inspired desktop icons • Classic window interface • Retro typography • Privacy-friendly local storage NO SUBSCRIPTIONS. ONE-TIME PURCHASE. Whether you're capturing ideas, creating shopping lists, or writing quick reminders, Retro Memo makes every note feel like you're using a classic desktop computer again. A nostalgic experience, redesigned for modern iPhone.

Screenshots

Cogito4 screens
Retro Desktop Notes4 screens

Verdict

The call

Cogito and Retro Desktop Notes are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Cogito sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Retro Desktop Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Cogito versus Retro Desktop Notes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCogitoRetro Desktop Notes
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Daily
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.217.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFranck HuMARIE MORIKAGE

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Cogito

Subscriptions2
  • Cogito Premium$3.991 Month
  • Cogito Premium$5.991 Year
One-time1
  • Cogito Premium$12.99
1 purchases

Retro Desktop Notes

One-time1
  • Retroプレミアム$1.99

Questions

Is Cogito free?
Cogito is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Retro Desktop Notes free?
Retro Desktop Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Cogito or Retro Desktop Notes have ads?
Neither Cogito nor Retro Desktop Notes shows ads.

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