Comparison

Just Write vs Permanote

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

Head to head
About

Just Write

A minimalist text editor designed to streamline the writing process. It supports both RTF and TXT formats, offering rich text editing and Markdown support. Sync your work across devices with iCloud integration.

Highlights
  • RTF and TXT file support
  • Markdown styling
  • iCloud file syncing
  • Rich text editing tools
  • Multiple themes
  • Smart selection tool (iPad)
Features
Read full description

Just Write text editor aims to simplify writing process. The app is carefully designed so that the only things that are absolutely essential to the writing process are included. Just Write supports RTF (rich text format) and TXT (plain text format) that are cross-platform formats you can open and edit in virtually any platforms. + RTF , a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) format, is best suitable for creating your next big story. + While TXT, supported Markdown styles, is best for notes, outline, to-do list and anything else you do with a plaintext format. Just Write has iCloud support (opt-in) so you can sync your rtf and txt files across all your devices. RTF editing features include: - Font size increase and decrease - Text color selection - Text style editing such as Bold, Italic, Underline and Strikethrough - Text alignments: Left, Right, Center, Justified - Undo, Redo - Move arrow to jump the cursor - Selection tool to select paragraph, sentence and word super fast and easy (iPad only). Using smart selection tool, you can select paragraph, sentence and word in just 1 tap!!!!!! TXT editing features include: - Accessory row includes many characters essential to writing Markdown. - Multiple fonts to choose from - Preview Markdown (in left menu) - Three themes (Light, Dark, Sepia) - Support plain text format extensions: txt, text, md, mmd, markdown, markdn, mdown, mkdn, markd, fountain - Selection tool to select paragraph, sentence and word super fast and easy (iPad only). Using smart selection tool, you can select paragraph, sentence and word in just 1 tap!!!!!! * Note: Just Write is supported by ads, but you can buy an in app purchase to remove the ads.

About

Permanote

This app allows writers to organize ideas and edit text files directly within Dropbox, synchronizing across devices. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and extensive customization options, with advanced features available through a Pro subscription.

Highlights
  • Dropbox file synchronization
  • Customizable macro key strip
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Multiple file preview formats
  • TextExpander support
  • Customizable themes and fonts
Read full description

Writers utilize Permanote to arrange their ideas while maintaining control and flexibility over their files. Permanote enables you to modify text files in your Dropbox and synchronize them across all your devices. Enhance your experience with a customizable macro key strip above the keyboard through a Pro subscription. Unlike other text editors that impose specific themes to set the mood or require storing notes in a single folder or exclusive file system, Permanote offers you freedom. Permanote is the go-to tool for organizing thoughts among writers from the New Yorker, BBC correspondents, and CEOs. Cherish your written work. IN-APP PURCHASES Permanote is free to use, with all main features included. To access extra Pro features, opt for a Pro subscription. FEATURES - Synchronize any text file within any folder of your Dropbox - Robust macro key strip above the keyboard - Personalize your macro strip (Pro) - Editor pinch-to-zoom functionality (Pro) - Full-screen, distraction-free "Writeroom" style editing - Touch ID / Passcode privacy support (Pro) - Create custom themes (Pro) - iPad Pro Smart Keyboard shortcuts - "Insert Tab" key - Email as PDF - Adjustable word wrapping - Word/Character/Line count - International file encoding options - Convenient scratchpad - Notepad/CRLF line options - Comprehensive Dropbox Search - TextExpander Support (Pro) - Hashtag support - Preview files in PDF, HTML, Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Rich Text-RTF - Customize CSS and Base URL for markup previews - Personalize editor colors (Pro) - Alter editor fonts (Pro) - Adjust line-spacing and margins - AirPrint - Built in photo editor with advanced features for Pro users REVIEWS "I absolutely LOVE your app." - Merlin Mann, creator of 43 Folders "Permanote is arguably the best tool for writers, bloggers, or journalists who need to work on the go." - AppAdvice.com "Permanote is worth a try if you're particular about your note-taking." - geek.com

Screenshots

Just Write4 screens
Permanote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Just Write at 4.3 against Permanote's 3.5. Just Write also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 10 months) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 4). Permanote's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Just Write sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Permanote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Just Write holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Just Write has 1.8K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Just Write's written reviews are positive against 50% of Permanote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Just Write ships an update every 11 days, Permanote every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Just Write versus Permanote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJust WritePermanote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (1.8K ratings) — better3.5 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.8K — better4
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 10 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTung VuScreenplay & Script Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

Just Write

All ratings1,749 ratings
Positive83.8%
Neutral4.7%
Negative11.5%
Written reviews426 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral8.0%
Negative25.4%

Permanote

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

Just Write

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Frequent crashes and data loss
  • Inability to reopen saved documents
  • Unreliable auto-save functionality
  • Compatibility issues on older devices

Requested features

7 requests
  • Add dark mode option
  • Implement more font and formatting choices
  • Introduce paragraph spacing and indentation controls
  • Integrate spell check and grammar tools
  • Enable file syncing across devices
Show 2 more
  • Add image/multimedia support
  • Provide better file management and organization

Permanote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Just Write

One-time1
  • No Ads$6.99
2 purchases

Permanote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro Subscription1 Month trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is Just Write free?
Just Write is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Permanote free?
Permanote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Just Write or Permanote?
Just Write is rated higher. Just Write averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Permanote averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.
Do Just Write or Permanote have ads?
Both Just Write and Permanote show ads.
Which is updated more often, Just Write or Permanote?
Just Write ships an update every 11 days, and Permanote every 10 months. Most recently, Just Write was updated on October 22, 2026 and Permanote on October 17, 2026.

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