Comparison

Markdown Cards vs Thread to Self

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Markdown Cards

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Markdown Cards is the fastest way to make a stack of flashcards on iPhone — and the simplest way to study them. You can build a stack in two ways: WRITE IT: Open the markdown sheet and type. The format is deliberately tiny: • # for the stack title • ## for the front of a card • ### for the back of a card GENERATE IT: Tap "Generate with Apple Intelligence", describe what you want to memorize (e.g. "top AI terms", "interview Q&A", "art movements", etc.), and the on-device model writes a full deck in the format above. The result drops straight into the editor — edit it like anything else, or save as-is. That's it. No body text, no lists, no formatting. The editor lints your file in real time and saves when it's valid. DESIGNED FOR STAYING OUT OF THE WAY: • Every stack is a markdown file. Nothing proprietary. Copy, paste and share. No accounts, no exports, no import wizards. • Apple Intelligence runs on-device. Or use your favorite AI tool to generate a markdown. • No subscription, no paid to unlock, no login. • Open a stack. Tap a card to flip. Swipe to advance. Tap and hold to edit a card or stack. WHO IT'S FOR: • Anyone who wants a dedicated and simple flashcard app. • Devs or any technical professionals who would rather write markdown than fight a clunky UI. • Students who don't want overly complicated flashcard app with subscriptions. • Anyone who remembers HyperCard and wonders why apps today stopped being simple and elegant. REQUIREMENTS: • In-app generation of cards requires iOS 26 or later on a device with Apple Intelligence enabled in Settings. The rest of the app works on older iPhones — you just won't see the generate button do its thing. PRIVACY: This app uses GlitchTip to report crashes and errors so bugs can be diagnosed and fixed. No personal data is collected, and nothing is used for tracking or advertising.

About

Thread to Self

Features
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Thread to Self is a private message thread with yourself. Capture a thought, observation, idea, or memory, then move on with your day. Everything lives in one continuous stream, arranged from oldest to newest. When you want to revisit something, jump directly to a month and year. Thread to Self is intentionally simple: • No AI • No ads • No account, nothing to sign up for • No social features • No folders, tags, or filters • Text only, no photos or attachments • No editing after you send • Messages can be deleted, but never changed Your messages are stored on your iPhone and synchronized through your private iCloud account. Export your thread as text whenever you choose. Optional weekly or monthly reminders are quiet and simple. No streaks, badges, or guilt. Try Thread to Self free for 30 days. After the trial, unlock writing permanently with a one-time $4.99 purchase. No subscription. Your messages are always yours to read and export, whether or not you buy.

Screenshots

Markdown Cards4 screens
Thread to Self3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Markdown Cards at none against Thread to Self's 1. On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Thread to Self sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Markdown Cards asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 4 level
Markdown Cards versus Thread to Self: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMarkdown CardsThread to Self
PriceFreeFree
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Devices—iPhone — better
Requires iOS18.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJINSOO ANYou-R-Here LLC

In-app purchases

None

Markdown Cards

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Thread to Self

One-time1
  • Thread to Self Unlock$4.99

Questions

Is Markdown Cards free?
Markdown Cards is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Thread to Self free?
Thread to Self is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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