# Private Writer Markdown Editor vs FocusDown

The clearest difference is monetization model: Private Writer Markdown Editor at free with in-app purchases against FocusDown's subscription. Private Writer Markdown Editor also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 9 days) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Private Writer Markdown Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and FocusDown sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Private Writer Markdown Editor against 5.0 for FocusDown. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

Private Writer Markdown Editor ships an update daily, FocusDown every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Writer Markdown Editor | FocusDown |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-writer-markdown-editor/id6762291709/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusdown-face-down-focus/id6783893731/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 2 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hai Nam Trinh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1139152400) | [春城 贾](https://appshunter.io/developer/1501061855) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Writer Markdown Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-writer-markdown-editor/id6762291709)

A fast, distraction-free writing application focused on privacy and security. It offers a clean interface for writing in Markdown or plain text with live formatting and auto-save. All your notes are stored locally and can be locked with a PIN.

**Highlights:** Markdown and plain text writing, Live formatting, Auto-save, Local data storage, PIN app lock, PDF export, Search and pin notes

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Premium | $1.99 | one-time |


### FocusDown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusdown-face-down-focus/id6783893731)

This app encourages users to put their phone down by using a face-down timer. It detects movement and tilting to remind you to stay focused until the session ends. Build better focus habits with dedicated sessions for studying, work, or reading.

**Highlights:** Face-down focus timer, Custom session duration, Movement and tilt reminders, Focus history tracking, Daily and weekly statistics, Achievement badges

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Member | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual Member | $12.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Writer Markdown Editor free?

Private Writer Markdown Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is FocusDown free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Private Writer Markdown Editor or FocusDown?

Private Writer Markdown Editor and FocusDown are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Private Writer Markdown Editor or FocusDown have ads?

Neither Private Writer Markdown Editor nor FocusDown shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Writer Markdown Editor or FocusDown?

Private Writer Markdown Editor ships an update daily, and FocusDown every 9 days. Most recently, Private Writer Markdown Editor was updated on October 14, 2026 and FocusDown on September 30, 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.*