Comparison

CleanMD vs Thought Spark

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

Head to head
About

CleanMD

Features
Read full description

CleanMD turns PDFs, scans, screenshots, and document images into clean Markdown you can copy, save, or share. Built for people who collect knowledge on iPhone and iPad, CleanMD helps you move source material into note apps and AI tools without turning the workflow into a platform. What you can do: - Import PDFs or images from Files or Photos - Choose Obsidian-ready, AI-ready, or Plain Markdown output - Preview the converted Markdown before exporting - Copy, save, or share Markdown files - Keep recent results locally on your device Privacy-conscious by design: - No account required - No ads - Optional analytics only after your consent - Files are uploaded only when you choose to convert - Converted results stay on this device unless you export them To convert a file, CleanMD uploads it to a secure third-party parsing service. Please do not upload sensitive personal, legal, medical, financial, or confidential documents unless you accept third-party processing. CleanMD is a focused utility for turning static documents into portable Markdown for study, research, writing, and personal knowledge workflows. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Thought Spark

Capture fleeting thoughts instantly through voice or text, then use AI to refine them with targeted questions. Research your ideas by scanning the web for context and prior art. Turn concepts into actionable tasks, reminders, and calendar events.

Highlights
  • Instant voice and text capture
  • AI-guided idea refinement
  • Web-based idea research
  • Actionable task generation
  • Cross-platform synchronization
  • Automatic transcription and titling
Features
Read full description

Every good idea starts as a spark — and most of them vanish before you do anything with them. Thought Spark catches them the instant they strike. Capture in seconds. Tap once and talk, or type. Thought Spark transcribes and titles your idea automatically. Sharpen it. A short, AI-guided interview asks the right questions to turn a vague notion into something clear — tuned to how you think (founder, writer, researcher, designer, PM). Research it. Send your idea to the web: Thought Spark scans for prior art, key context, risks, and directions worth exploring, with sources. Act on it. Turn an idea into reminders, a calendar work-block, and concrete next steps — so it actually moves. Your ideas stay on your device. Capture and basic features are free; Pro unlocks unlimited refining and deep web research. Start with a 7-day free trial of Pro — unlimited refining and deep web research. Pro is an auto-renewing subscription ($7.99/month or $49.99/year). Payment is charged to your Apple ID; it renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the period ends; manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://thoughtsparkapp.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://thoughtsparkapp.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

CleanMD4 screens
Thought Spark4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CleanMD at none against Thought Spark's 2. CleanMD also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Thought Spark sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. CleanMD asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CleanMD ships an update monthly, Thought Spark every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
CleanMD versus Thought Spark: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCleanMDThought Spark
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer袁凯 张Edventure Design LLC

In-app purchases

None

CleanMD

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Thought Spark

Subscriptions2
  • Thought Spark Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Thought Spark Pro (Yearly)$49.991 Year

Questions

Is CleanMD free?
CleanMD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Thought Spark free?
Thought Spark is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CleanMD or Thought Spark have ads?
Neither CleanMD nor Thought Spark shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CleanMD or Thought Spark?
CleanMD ships an update monthly, and Thought Spark every 4 weeks. Most recently, CleanMD was updated on October 25, 2026 and Thought Spark on October 25, 2026.

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