| Core Identity |
| Developer | Agile Tortoise | Dynalist Inc. | Information Architects AG | Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG | Cultured Code GmbH & Co. KG | Notion Labs, Incorporated | Reflect App, LLC |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity | Productivity | Productivity | Productivity | Productivity | Productivity |
| Platform | iOS | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS | iOS, Android | Android, iOS | iOS |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 10,478 | 2,454 | 1,478 | 2,615 | 27,499 | 82,804 | 84 |
| Price | Free | Free | $19.99 | Free | $9.99 | Free | Free |
| Release Date | Apr 22, 2018 | Jul 10, 2021 | Dec 19, 2013 | Aug 10, 2017 | May 18, 2017 | Sep 14, 2017 | Apr 16, 2024 |
| Last Updated | Apr 15, 2026 | Mar 23, 2026 | Feb 9, 2026 | Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 25, 2026 | May 5, 2026 | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | positive | mixed | - | - | mixed | negative | - |
| Score | 78/100 | 55/100 | - | - | 45/100 | 35/100 | - |
| Praises | - Extensible automation actions allow users to build custom text processing workflows for daily productivity
- Frictionless capture interface enables rapid note entry without distracting UI elements or complex menus
| - High Customizability and Flexibility
- Powerful Knowledge Management
| - | - | - UI/UX Design
- One-Time Purchase Model
| - Relational database structure provides powerful organization for personal and professional knowledge management
| - |
| Complaints | - Editor display failures following the latest update render text invisible and inaccessible for some users
- Aggressive subscription prompts and review requests disrupt the writing flow for long-term users
| - Poor Mobile UI/UX and Navigation
- Syncing and Cloud Issues
| - | - | - Progress-Blocking Bugs
- Ecosystem Restrictions
| - Frequent app crashes and UI freezing during text editing sessions on mobile devices
| - |
| Requests | - Passcode protection option requested to secure sensitive personal notes and private thoughts within the app
| - | - | - | - | - Toggle switch to disable or hide AI features from the primary interface
| - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - High-speed capture UX reduces friction for rapid note entry.
- Deep automation library creates high switching costs for power users.
- Cross-platform Apple ecosystem sync ensures consistent availability.
| - Unmatched extensibility through community plugins and themes.
- Robust local-first architecture ensuring data sovereignty.
- Strong 'second brain' brand identity among power users.
| - | - | - Award-winning UI/UX design and Apple-centric polish
- One-time purchase model (no subscription)
- Deep integration with Apple system features (Shortcuts, Widgets)
| - Relational database engine enables complex knowledge management systems
- Template library lowers barrier to entry for new users
| - |
| Weaknesses | - Editor display failures in the latest update erode trust.
- Aggressive subscription prompts disrupt the core writing flow.
- Steep learning curve for advanced automation features.
| - Declining mobile UI/UX quality causing user frustration.
- Performance bottlenecks (load times) on mobile devices.
- High learning curve for non-technical users.
| - | - | - No cross-platform access (Windows/Web)
- Fragmented pricing (separate purchase per device)
- Lack of collaboration/sharing features
| - Mobile app crashes during long editing sessions
- Forced AI elements disrupt core UI
| - |
| Pricing | subscription | freemium | paid | freemium | paid | freemium | subscription |
| Momentum | Intense | - | Active | Active | Steady | Active | Active |
| Update Cadence | 5 versions | - | 5 versions | 5 versions | 3 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~43d avg | 5 versions, ~5d avg | 5 versions |