# SteelNote vs Reflect Open

SteelNote and Reflect Open are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 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 Reflect Open sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, Reflect Open weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteelNote | Reflect Open |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 17 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Claude Bezeaud](https://appshunter.io/developer/500254221) | [Reflect App, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1575595409) |

## What reviewers say

### SteelNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelnote-markdown-notes/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 |


### Reflect Open

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reflect-open/id6787385615)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reflect Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Reflect Pro Yearly | $99.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteelNote free?

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

### Is Reflect Open free?

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

### Do SteelNote or Reflect Open have ads?

Neither SteelNote nor Reflect Open shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SteelNote or Reflect Open?

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, and Reflect Open weekly. Most recently, SteelNote was updated on October 14, 2026 and Reflect Open on October 9, 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.*