# Notes by Color vs Genius Catalyst

The clearest difference is rating: Genius Catalyst at 5.0 against Notes by Color's 4.8. Genius Catalyst also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Notes by Color sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Genius Catalyst sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $19.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Genius Catalyst holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 6 respectively.

Notes by Color ships an update monthly, Genius Catalyst fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Notes by Color | Genius Catalyst |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-by-color-toono/id6762279647/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/genius-catalyst/id6794343659/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **6** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 5 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Two Moon Tree](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893631516) | [Michael Neill](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580875959) |

## What reviewers say

### Notes by Color

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notes-by-color-toono/id6762279647)

This app uses color as a primary organizational tool, allowing users to create custom color labels for notes. It offers a visual system for quick scanning and filtering, simplifying note management without complex folder structures. Users can capture ideas, track tasks, or organize study materials with an intuitive, clutter-free interface.

**Highlights:** Custom color labels, Visual note filtering, Clutter-free interface, Full-text search, iCloud sync, AI summaries (Premium)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Premium | $6.99 | one-time |


### Genius Catalyst

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/genius-catalyst/id6794343659)

This AI-powered coach offers real-time guidance and support for personal and professional challenges. Get unstuck, brainstorm ideas, and explore thoughts in a private, conversational format.

**Highlights:** AI-powered coaching, Real-time responses, Brainstorming assistance, Thought spiral management, Private and judgment-free, On-demand access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DMN Monthly - Basic | $19.00 | per month |
| DMN Monthly - Standard | $99.00 | per month |
| DMN Monthly - Premium | $249.00 | per month |
| DMN - 25 Q&As (50% off) | $12.49 | one-time |
| DMN - 25 Q&As | $25.00 | one-time |
| DMN - 50 Q&As (20% off) | $36.00 | one-time |
| DMN - 50 Q&As | $45.00 | one-time |
| DMN - 500 Q&As (50% off) | $100.00 | one-time |
| DMN - 500 Q&As (20% off) | $159.99 | one-time |
| DMN - 500 Q&As | $200.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Notes by Color free?

Notes by Color is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Genius Catalyst free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Notes by Color or Genius Catalyst?

Genius Catalyst is rated higher. Notes by Color averages 4.8 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Genius Catalyst averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Notes by Color or Genius Catalyst have ads?

Neither Notes by Color nor Genius Catalyst shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Notes by Color or Genius Catalyst?

Notes by Color ships an update monthly, and Genius Catalyst fortnightly. Most recently, Notes by Color was updated on November 5, 2026 and Genius Catalyst on October 31, 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.*