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| Consideration | Nostella | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | In development; early-access waitlist | Available now |
| App cost | Planned USD $20 one-time purchase | Free app |
| Personal capture | Notes, sketches, voice memos and reminders | Notes, sketches, checklists and audio |
| Local notes | No account needed for local use | On My iPhone account |
| Across devices | Optional paid cloud | iCloud Notes |
Which notebook fits your day?
If you need to start today, Apple Notes is an available option. It already handles everyday writing, checklists, attachments and shared notes. If it meets your needs, there is no need to move your notebook.
Consider the Nostella waitlist if you want to follow a notebook built around personal capture. Living Ink responds to your activity with small gestures and can be turned off. On wider layouts, you can place the sidebar on either side. The app is still in development.
Writing, sketching and speaking
Apple Notes supports sketches and recording audio inside notes; transcription depends on device and language support.
Nostella brings notes, sketches, Flash voice memos and reminders into its personal notebook. Its AI features are coming soon. Try the writing, drawing and voice routines that matter to you when comparing notebooks.
Local notes and optional cloud
Apple Notes offers an On My iPhone account for notes kept on that device. Those notes can be included in iCloud device backups. Its separate iCloud Notes option keeps notes updated across Apple devices.
Nostella is planned at USD $20 once for iPhone and iPad. Local notes, sketches, voice memos and reminders do not require an account or cloud subscription. Optional cloud is USD $10 per month for 5 GB. Storefront prices will be shown before purchase.
Common questions
Is Nostella a free Apple Notes alternative?
No. Nostella has planned one-time app pricing and is still in development. Apple Notes is available as a free app.
Does Apple Notes require iCloud for every note?
No. Apple documents an On My iPhone account for device-local notes. Check your device backup settings separately.
Sources
Competitor details checked on October 25, 2026 against the official documentation below. Features and plans can change. This comparison is written by Nostella.