# SteelNote vs PrivacyNotes

SteelNote and PrivacyNotes are too close to call on the numbers: across 7 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. SteelNote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year and PrivacyNotes sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, PrivacyNotes every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteelNote | PrivacyNotes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/privacynotes-zero-knowledge/id6785958812/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Claude Bezeaud](https://appshunter.io/developer/500254221) | [Lifetime Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6785958814) |

## What reviewers say

### SteelNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelnote/id6765892871)

This app stores your notes as plain Markdown files on your device, ensuring you always own your data. It offers seamless syncing across Apple devices, instant search, and robust import options from other note-taking applications.

**Highlights:** Plain Markdown file storage, iCloud sync across Apple devices, Local full-text search, Import from multiple note apps, Link notes and see backlinks, Organize with folders and tags, Mark notes as private

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Founder | $44.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


### PrivacyNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/privacynotes-zero-knowledge/id6785958812)

Securely manage your notes, tasks, and journal with end-to-end encryption. This app ensures your data is private by design, with no trackers or ads. It works offline and syncs encrypted across your devices without requiring an account.

**Highlights:** Zero-knowledge encryption, Markdown-native notes, Task management, Private journaling, Offline functionality, Cross-device sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 GB Encrypted Storage | $4.99 | per year |
| 2 GB Encrypted Storage | $8.99 | per year |
| 5 GB Encrypted Storage | $17.99 | per year |
| PrivacyNotes Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteelNote free?

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

### Is PrivacyNotes free?

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

### Do SteelNote or PrivacyNotes have ads?

Neither SteelNote nor PrivacyNotes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SteelNote or PrivacyNotes?

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, and PrivacyNotes every 3 days. Most recently, SteelNote was updated on September 28, 2026 and PrivacyNotes on October 7, 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.*