# SteelNote vs Smolpad

The clearest difference is update cadence: SteelNote at every 4 days against Smolpad's every 10 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SteelNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year and Smolpad sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, Smolpad every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteelNote | Smolpad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smolpad-markdown-notes/id6792438749/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 17 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Claude Bezeaud](https://appshunter.io/developer/500254221) | [BaconWorks, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783126115) |

## 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 (2)**

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


### Smolpad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smolpad-markdown-notes/id6792438749)

A minimalist Markdown editor that stores your notes as plain .md files, accessible across all your devices via iCloud. Offers beautiful writing tools and robust file management without bloat.

**Highlights:** Plain .md file storage, iCloud sync, Markdown syntax highlighting, Task list checkboxes, Folder organization and search, File version history, Menu bar app on Mac

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smolpad Pro | $1.49 | per month |
| Smolpad Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| Smolpad Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteelNote free?

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

### Is Smolpad free?

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

### Do SteelNote or Smolpad have ads?

Neither SteelNote nor Smolpad shows ads.

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

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, and Smolpad every 10 days. Most recently, SteelNote was updated on October 31, 2026 and Smolpad on November 6, 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.*