# PassFM vs Hacker Note

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hacker Note at 86% against PassFM's 48%. Hacker Note also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). PassFM's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $9.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

PassFM costs $2.99 and Hacker Note $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PassFM ships an update every 3 months, Hacker Note fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PassFM | Hacker Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | **[3.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passfm-private-file-manager/id980936769/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | 48.3% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 29 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [刘生 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/948768792) | [yuki okada](https://appshunter.io/developer/1505937141) |

## What reviewers say

### PassFM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passfm-private-file-manager/id980936769)

Securely store and manage your private files, including photos, videos, documents, and notes. This app offers a private browser for safe web activity and allows for easy file import, export, and sharing. Protect your sensitive information with password protection and local storage.

**Highlights:** Password-protected file storage, Private photo and video viewer/player, Built-in private web browser, Import, export, and share files, Private contact and note management, WiFi file transfer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hacker Note

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-note-cool-design/id1541110936)

This note-taking app offers a unique "coolness" with a design inspired by hackers and sci-fi movies. Enjoy a futuristic feel with a transparent background option and customizable themes. It includes essential features like categorization, password protection, and cloud backup.

**Highlights:** High-performance and simple functionality, Transparent app background, Theme color customization, Category management, HTML and Markdown output, Password protection, Google Drive backup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PassFM free?

PassFM costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hacker Note free?

Hacker Note costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do PassFM or Hacker Note have ads?

Neither PassFM nor Hacker Note shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PassFM or Hacker Note?

PassFM ships an update every 3 months, and Hacker Note fortnightly. Most recently, PassFM was updated on October 7, 2026 and Hacker Note on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*