Short answer
ShotNote's page is simple: OCR extracts text, turns screenshots into editable notes with tags and optional voice memos, and keeps data on the device. ScreenNote goes a step further on the same job: on-device OCR, payment screenshots logged as expenses, to-dos pulled out as reminders, a Mac version and free core features. If you want a bare-bones screenshot-to-text note, ShotNote is enough; if you want screenshots to keep producing expenses and reminders, pick ScreenNote. Both are free to download, so the quickest way to decide is to run five of your own screenshots through each. Third-party facts checked 2026-10-16.
The differences at a glance
| ShotNote | ScreenNote | |
|---|---|---|
| What it mainly does | Per its page: built-in OCR extracts text, turns screenshots into editable notes, custom tags, group and filter by tag, voice memos with transcription, edit the extracted content before saving | Keeps what is inside screenshots: on-device OCR, payment screenshots logged as expenses, to-dos created automatically, find the original from one word |
| Platform and requirements | iPhone; iOS 16.0 or later; English interface only (languages listed on the store page) | iPhone (iOS 17 or later) and Mac (macOS 13 or later) |
| Price | Free to download in the US store; in-app purchases and subscriptions: not verified | Free app, core features cost nothing; AI optional (official AI has a free monthly quota; Pro subscription or your own key) |
| Where data goes | The page says all data is stored locally on the device and that the developer does not collect, access or store your files | OCR runs on the device; with AI off, neither images nor text leave it |
| Update status (check date) | Store page shows version 1.0, released 2025-08-06; no ratings yet | See each App Store page for current details |
Third-party entries come from the other product's official pages (read on 2026-10-16) and are its own statements, not our tests. Prices and requirements change, so check the official page on the day you download. "Not verified" means we did not see it on an official page, not that it does not exist. Our own column comes from our home page and privacy policy.
When to pick ShotNote
- You want the simplest flow: OCR, edit, tag, and nothing about expenses or to-dos.
- You want voice memos on screenshots, which its page says it supports.
- Your device is on iOS 16 and cannot meet ScreenNote's iOS 17 requirement.
When to pick ScreenNote
- Your screenshots include payments and you want them logged as expenses instead of copying amounts by hand.
- You want screenshots with to-dos to become reminders, and to sync between iPhone and Mac through your own iCloud.
- You need a Chinese interface or want an app with regular releases.
Limits of ScreenNote
- ScreenNote is not a pure cleaner: it focuses on keeping what is inside screenshots; batch cleanup with a receipt before deleting is ScreenStack's job.
- With AI turned on, the content being processed is sent to an AI service, so it is no longer purely on-device; keep AI off if you want nothing to leave the device, and on-device OCR, full-text search and sorting still work.
- Every automatic sorter gets some wrong, so try a few of your own screenshots before switching.
Three things to test yourself before you commit
- Take 5 screenshots with text and compare how accurately each app extracts it and whether you can edit the result directly.
- Take 3 payment screenshots and see which app logs them as expenses and which only keeps the text.
- Look at the update date on its App Store page and make sure you are comfortable with the release cadence before handing it important screenshots.
Moving over from ShotNote, or using both
ShotNote keeps notes in its own on-device store and its page does not describe an export (not verified). To move, copy the text of the notes that matter into Notes or another app. The original screenshots are still in your photo library, and once ScreenNote is installed and given photo access they are picked up again, so there is nothing to move by hand.
FAQ
What is the difference between ShotNote and ScreenNote?
Both turn screenshots into notes. ShotNote's page stresses OCR, tags and voice memos; ScreenNote adds payment screenshots logged as expenses, to-dos as reminders and a Mac version.
Is ShotNote free?
The US store shows a free download; whether there are in-app purchases or subscriptions is not stated, so we mark it not verified. The ScreenNote app is free and its core features cost nothing.
Is ShotNote still updated?
The store page shows version 1.0, released 2025-08-06. We state that fact and make no claim about maintenance; check its App Store page before choosing.
Are my screenshots uploaded?
ShotNote's page says all data stays on the device. With AI off, ScreenNote also keeps images and text on the device.
Sources and check dates
- ShotNote App Store 页面（美区，Apple iTunes Lookup 读取） (checked 2026-10-16)
