# SteelNote vs markdown notes

The clearest difference is update cadence: SteelNote at every 4 days against markdown notes'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 3 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year and markdown notes 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, markdown notes every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteelNote | markdown notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/markdown-notes-smolpad/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 | 71 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/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 |


### markdown notes

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

A minimalist Markdown editor that stores all your notes as plain text files, accessible across your devices. It offers beautiful writing tools, seamless cloud sync, and powerful organization features without any bloat.

**Highlights:** Plain .md file storage, iCloud Drive sync, Markdown syntax highlighting, Task list checkboxes, Folder and instant search organization, Menu bar app on Mac, Export to PDF, HTML, RTF (Pro)

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro 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 markdown notes free?

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

### Do SteelNote or markdown notes have ads?

Neither SteelNote nor markdown notes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SteelNote or markdown notes?

SteelNote ships an update every 4 days, and markdown notes every 10 days. Most recently, SteelNote was updated on September 28, 2026 and markdown notes on October 10, 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.*