Comparison

Pacts vs Folio

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

Head to head
About

Pacts

Define personal rules and set ambitious goals to create lasting change. Commit to daily actions that build momentum and shape your identity through consistent repetition.

Highlights
  • Define personal rules (Protocols)
  • Set and track Goals
  • Create time-bound Pacts (daily commitments)
  • Automatic rule application and reminders
  • Streak risk warnings
  • Flexible check-in options
Features
Read full description

Pacts is built on a simple idea: lasting change starts with identity, not just behavior. Before you track a single day, you define your Protocols — the personal rules that are non-negotiable for you. Then you set Goals — where you actually want to go. Then you make Pacts — specific daily commitments that build momentum through repetition. Protocols are the personal rules that shape everything else. Things like "I don't skip two days in a row" or "No phone after 9 PM." You write them in plain language; Pacts understands them automatically and applies them as real constraints — adjusting your schedule, surfacing reminders at the right moment, and warning you before a streak is at risk. Goals give your daily work direction. Link multiple pacts to a single goal to see how your commitments connect to your bigger picture. Active and inactive goals keep your focus clear without deleting the progress you've made. A Pact is a time-bound commitment. Pick how often you'll show up, how long the commitment runs, and when you'll check in. Check-ins are flexible — match your activity frequency, do a weekly reflection, or schedule a final review when your pact ends.

About

Folio

Features
Read full description

Folio is a local-first library for Markdown and plain text on Mac. Bring notes and docs into one place, organize them with folders and tags, explore connections with Link Map, and write with private on-device assistance—without juggling loose files in the Finder. Library & organization • Import Markdown and text via the file picker, drag-and-drop, or Import from Git Link for public GitHub repositories and individual files. • Needs Organizing gives new imports a clear inbox before you file them. • Folders and nested structures help you group work the way you think. • Tags cut across folders so you can filter by topic or project. • Pinned favorites and Recently Opened put what you need one click away. Explore connections • Link Map visualizes connections between your notes. • Follow links to explore related ideas and navigate your library from a new perspective. Reading & writing • Use Editor, Preview, or Split View to draft and see rendered Markdown side by side. • Use Writing Assistant to refine drafts, improve wording, and turn rough ideas into clearer notes with private on-device help. • Find text within the current document. • Sort notes by title, date added, last opened, and more. • Search across your library from the sidebar. Share & export • Share notes as Markdown or plain text. • Export documents to a folder you choose in Finder. Whether you’re collecting research, drafting READMEs, or building a personal knowledge base, Folio keeps your Markdown connected, organized, searchable, and easy to revisit.

Screenshots

Pacts4 screens
Folio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pacts at none against Folio's 1. Folio's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Folio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pacts asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pacts ships an update every 2 weeks, Folio every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Pacts versus Folio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPactsFolio
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Mac — better
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOdd OmensDinh Bao Thang Duong

In-app purchases

None

Pacts

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Folio

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$9.99

Questions

Is Pacts free?
Pacts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Folio free?
Folio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pacts or Folio have ads?
Neither Pacts nor Folio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pacts or Folio?
Pacts ships an update every 2 weeks, and Folio every 3 weeks. Most recently, Pacts was updated on October 3, 2026 and Folio on October 15, 2026.

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