Comparison

note(ノート) vs Rakuten Link

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

Head to head
About

note(ノート)

A media platform for creators and their supporters. Discover new content, connect with interesting people, and share your passions. Build communities around shared interests and expand your creative network.

Highlights
  • Post your passions and thoughts
  • Read articles from favorite creators
  • Create article collections (magazines)
  • Connect with like-minded individuals via memberships
  • Discover new content and creators
Features
Read full description

note(ノート)は、創作をする人、それを応援する人のためのメディアプラットフォームです。 https://note.com/ さまざまな思いを持ったクリエイターが混ざり合って、好きなものを見つけたり、おもしろい人に出会えたりするチャンスが広がっています。 noteでできること ・自分の好きなことや伝えたいことを投稿する ・好きなクリエイターの記事を読む ・記事をまとめたマガジンをつくる ・同じ趣味や思いを持った人と、メンバーシップでつながる いっしょに、創作の輪を広げていきましょう!

About

Rakuten Link

This app offers unlimited domestic calling and messaging for subscribers. It also provides access to Rakuten Group services, point rewards, news, and weather updates. Manage your Rakuten points and payments easily within the app.

Highlights
  • Unlimited domestic calls
  • Group messaging up to 100 people
  • Access to Rakuten Group services
  • Earn Rakuten points by viewing ads
  • Participate in campaigns for points
  • News and weather updates
  • Rakuten Cash and Point Card integration
Features
Read full description

Rakuten Link's basic features ■Calls: Unlimited domestic calling Rakuten Mobile subscribers can make unlimited calls and send Link message to Rakuten Link users, as well as to other mobile networks and landline numbers in Japan and in 66 designated countries and regions through Rakuten Link. Calls to mobile phones and landlines including other carriers in Japan are free when calling to a Japanese number (some numbers not included). ■Messages: Fun group messages You can create chat groups with other Rakuten Link users for up to 100 people, and share photos, videos, and documents, as well as messages. ■Home: Your gateway to all of Rakuten Group’s exciting offers and services! As a Rakuten Mobile user, you can now enjoy easier, one-stop access to not only your favorite services in Rakuten Link but also exclusive deals across Rakuten Group services! Call, message, Check data usage and billing, earn points by using the Rakuten Link‘s Super Point Screen, chat with AI, access key Rakuten Group services and do much more - all from one screen! ■my Rakuten Mobile: Manage Account, Check Data Usage & Billing, and Get Customer Support As a Rakuten Mobile user, you can check your data usage, billing information, payment status, and service details anytime. You can also apply for or modify optional services directly in the app. In Customer Support, you can find answers by browsing categories, searching by keyword, or using chat support. *Chat response times may vary depending on inquiry volume. ■Wallet : Check Rakuten point status and access payment services easily Using Rakuten Link's Wallet, you can send Rakuten Cash to anyone, pay and collect Rakuten Points through Rakuten Point Card, quickly check your Point balances such as "Available Points", "Term limited Points", etc., and conveniently access the Rakuten Pay app! ■Rakuten Link Super Point Screen : Earn Rakuten points easily just by looking at ads. This is the Rakuten official “Point Reward” App. You can earn point quickly and effortlessly without any hassle. It’s not just about earning points; you can also discover promotional information and discounts. ■Missions: Earn points by using the app and participating in campaigns! Earn Rakuten points by using the app and participating in exciting campaigns. You can also check Start 1000, SPU (Super Point Up program), and the completion status of Start Bonus. Additionally, follow the Mission Official Account and never miss out on current Point Campaigns and other promotions. Look out for updates from your favorite Official Accounts! ■News: Get news and weather info. You can get the latest news every day and clip news for reading later. You can also check the weather forecast for the area you live in. * Certain numbers may not be supported. A 30-second call costs 22 yen when not using the app.  * Certain numbers may not qualify for free calls. For more detail information, please refer below links (Japanese). https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/service/rakuten-link/index.html How to use https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/guide/rakuten-link/index.html FAQ https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/cms/faq/service/link [Applicable device models/OS] -Compatible with iPhone only (Not compatible with iPad, iPod touch) Please see details from: https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/service/rakuten-link/ --- If a problem occurs, please uninstall the application and try install it again. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.

Screenshots

note(ノート)4 screens
Rakuten Link4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rakuten Link at none against note(ノート)'s 13. Rakuten Link also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). note(ノート)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, ratings volume, monetization model 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. note(ノート) sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Rakuten Link asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

note(ノート) holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 202 and 279 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of note(ノート)'s written reviews are positive against 32% of Rakuten Link's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

note(ノート) ships an update every 2 weeks, Rakuten Link monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
note(ノート) versus Rakuten Link: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameternote(ノート)Rakuten Link
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (202 ratings) — better4.4 (279 ratings)
Positive reviews46.7% of reviews — better32.3% of reviews
Number of ratings202279 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size90 MB369 MB
Age rating17+4+
Developernote inc. (Tokyo)Rakuten Group, Inc.

Customer experience

note(ノート)

All ratings202 ratings
Positive93.6%
Neutral2.5%
Negative4.0%
Written reviews60 reviews
Positive46.7%
Neutral15.0%
Negative38.3%

Rakuten Link

All ratings279 ratings
Positive83.5%
Neutral5.0%
Negative11.5%
Written reviews93 reviews
Positive32.3%
Neutral9.7%
Negative58.1%

In-app purchases

13 purchases

note(ノート)

One-time13
  • ポイント100$0.99
  • ポイント300$2.99
  • ポイント500$3.99
Show 10 more
  • ポイント700$5.99
  • ポイント1030$8.99
  • ポイント2070$17.99
  • ポイント3140$24.99
  • ポイント5260$39.99
  • ポイント10550$89.99
  • ポイント21100$179.99
  • ポイント31650$299.99
  • ポイント52750$399.99
  • ポイント105500$899.99
None

Rakuten Link

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is note(ノート) free?
note(ノート) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Rakuten Link free?
Rakuten Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, note(ノート) or Rakuten Link?
note(ノート) is rated higher. note(ノート) averages 4.7 out of 5 from 202 ratings, while Rakuten Link averages 4.4 from 279 ratings.
Do note(ノート) or Rakuten Link have ads?
Rakuten Link shows ads; note(ノート) does not.
Which is updated more often, note(ノート) or Rakuten Link?
note(ノート) ships an update every 2 weeks, and Rakuten Link monthly. Most recently, note(ノート) was updated on October 12, 2026 and Rakuten Link on October 15, 2026.

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