# Basic Checklist vs Simple List App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Basic Checklist at none against Simple List App's 3. Basic Checklist also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). Simple List App's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 26 months). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simple List App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Basic Checklist asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple List App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple List App has 398 ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Basic Checklist's written reviews are positive against 88% of Simple List App's.

Basic Checklist ships an update every 26 months, Simple List App every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 20, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Checklist | Simple List App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-checklist/id676943983/reviews) | **[4.7 (398 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-list-app/id1348383972/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **398** |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 26 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Derek Carter](https://appshunter.io/developer/676943986) | [Peter Rule](https://appshunter.io/developer/1209080654) |

## What reviewers say

### Basic Checklist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-checklist/id676943983)

Create unlimited checklists for groceries, to-dos, or any organizational need. This free, ad-free app helps you stay organized and track accomplishments by crossing items off your lists.

**Highlights:** Unlimited checklist creation, Ad-free experience, Grocery list organizer, To-do list management, Track accomplishments

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple List App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-list-app/id1348383972)

Organize your items with a clean, single-screen list. Assign colors to your entries for quick visual identification. This app is designed for speed and simplicity, perfect for managing any type of list without complex navigation.

**Highlights:** Single screen design, Color-coded items, Quick and easy use, Item organization, No folders

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advert Free Usage. | $0.49 | per month |
| Advert Free Usage. | $5.99 | per year |
| Advert Free Usage | $16.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Extremely simple and easy to use
- 👍 Great for shopping lists
- 👍 Helpful for organization
- 👍 Color coding for categories
- 👍 Items automatically alphabetized

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot create multiple distinct lists (workaround suggested)
- 🐛 Checked off items disappear/not easily visible
- 🐛 Difficulty reordering items
- 🐛 Colors could be bolder
- 🐛 Not fully accessible for visually impaired

**Reported bugs**

- Checked off items no longer go to the top
- Items become unchecked and stay in place after being selected

**Requested features**

- Ability to save or move lists
- Way to see/restore checked off items
- Bolder colors
- Rearrange items by pressing and holding
- Better help function


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Basic Checklist free?

Basic Checklist is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple List App free?

Simple List App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Basic Checklist or Simple List App?

Simple List App is rated higher. Basic Checklist averages 4.2 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Simple List App averages 4.7 from 398 ratings.

### Do Basic Checklist or Simple List App have ads?

Simple List App shows ads; Basic Checklist does not.

### Which is updated more often, Basic Checklist or Simple List App?

Basic Checklist ships an update every 26 months, and Simple List App every 2 months. Most recently, Basic Checklist was updated on October 20, 2026 and Simple List App on October 20, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*