Boreal Markdown Editor vs Zilli
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Boreal Markdown Editor
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Boreal Markdown is a focused iOS document tool for people who already keep notes, drafts, specs, and reports in plain Markdown files. Open a .md or .markdown file from Files, read the rendered preview, edit the source, then save intentionally or export a clean PDF. Boreal Markdown is built around the small document loop, not a new notes database or cloud workspace. Included for everyone: - Open Markdown and plain text files through iOS file access - Read a rendered Markdown preview with clear document typography - Switch between preview and source editing - Apply headings, bold, italic, links, lists, and code to the cursor or selected text - See saved and unsaved states near the document title - Choose Save, Discard, or Cancel before leaving a document with unsaved edits - Save changes back to the opened file when iOS file access allows it - Export the rendered document as a PDF with paper, theme, text size, and title options - Share the PDF or save it back to Files - Persist appearance, accent, editor text, and PDF defaults between launches Boreal Pro is an optional one-time purchase. It unlocks: - Document outline navigation - Find and replace - Markdown cleanup - Split editing and preview on supported layouts - Advanced PDF themes, margins, table of contents, page numbers, headers, footers, and reusable presets Boreal Markdown is local-first. There is no account, subscription, hosted sync service, AI processing, backend document storage, or collaboration system. Use Boreal Markdown when you want a quiet iPhone and iPad workbench for opening, editing, saving, and sharing Markdown files as PDFs.
Zilli
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Zilli is a private productivity suite with four quiet spacesβwithout a dashboard, feed, scores, or cross-feature noise. LOOP A deep-focus timer for work, study, writing, meditation, and creative sessions. β’ Custom focus, break, and long-break durations β’ Automatic loop mode β’ Lock Screen and Dynamic Island countdown β’ Background timing, alerts, and subtle haptics β’ Continues accurately while the screen is off SLATE A private voice journal for saying what is on your mind. β’ Record with a responsive waveform β’ On-device transcription β’ Playback, pause, and precise seeking β’ Optional reflections created locally by Zilli AI β’ Optional private iCloud backup for transcripts and reflections β’ Audio stays on your iPhone STACK A habit tracker with a finish line. β’ Exactly three habits β’ A 90-day cycle, then archive and begin again β’ One honest skip per habit per calendar week β’ A hand-filled 90-day grid β’ Home Screen widgets and local reminders VOID One distraction-free infinite note. β’ Fast plain-text writing with lightweight Markdown β’ Monospaced or system typography β’ Date and time tools β’ Private iCloud sync β’ Optional local Zilli AI writing tools PRIVACY BY DESIGN Zilli has no accounts, ads, analytics, or tracking. Your journal, recordings, habits, focus sessions, and notes are not collected. Features work locally; optional iCloud features use your private Apple account. Zilli AI is an optional download and runs on your iPhone. Four spaces. One calm app. Your focus and words stay yours.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Zilli at none against Boreal Markdown Editor's 1. Zilli also leads on device support (4 vs 2). Boreal Markdown Editor's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Boreal Markdown Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Zilli asks for nothing beyond the download.
Boreal Markdown Editor ships an update fortnightly, Zilli every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | Boreal Markdown Editor | Zilli |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly β better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No β better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV β better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 β better | 26.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 49 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Borealbit Technology Limited | oscar etlik |
In-app purchases
Boreal Markdown Editor
- Boreal Markdown Editor Pro$6.99
Zilli
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Boreal Markdown Editor free?
Is Zilli free?
Do Boreal Markdown Editor or Zilli have ads?
Which is updated more often, Boreal Markdown Editor or Zilli?
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