Simple Memo vs Moca
Which Should You Choose?
Moca shares the same "email memo to yourself" concept. Both are great for quick capture. Simple Memo adds on-device AES-GCM encryption for the Outbox and send history, an Outbox that resends memos sent while offline once you reconnect, and one-tap sending through its Cloudflare Workers relay.
What is Moca?
Moca is an iOS app by developer Hiroki Ogata, designed as a "memo pad that sends emails to yourself." Launched in 2023, it intentionally omits edit and delete functions — a deliberate design choice reflecting the philosophy of "write it, send it, move on." Its App Store description says it does not store memos in the app; it sends them to the address you set. It shares Simple Memo's core concept: emailing notes to yourself.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs Moca
| Feature | Simple Memo | Moca |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Speed (warm launch, iPhone 16e) | 0.4s (type immediately) | Not measured by us |
| One-Tap Send | Yes (direct email) | Yes |
| No Account Required | Use existing email | Use existing email |
| Offline Support | Outbox auto-resend | Not stated publicly |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device) | Not stated publicly |
| Edit / Delete | Manageable in Outbox | Intentionally none |
| Free Tier | 3 sends/day (Obsidian-only saving is Premium) | Free |
| App languages | 10 (including Japanese and English) | Japanese only |
| Relay Infrastructure | Cloudflare Workers + Resend | Not stated publicly |
4 Differences from Moca
-
1
Where memos go: email only, or Obsidian too
Moca does not keep memos in the app; it emails them to the address you set (per its App Store description). Simple Memo also sends memos to your inbox, and if you set up the integration it appends them to a note in your Obsidian vault as well. If you want memos in Obsidian as well as email, Simple Memo fits. -
2
Measured Launch Speed
Simple Memo is ready to type about 0.4 seconds after the tap (developer's measurement, iPhone 16e, warm-launch median). We have not measured Moca, so we don't compare speed. -
3
Memos before they are sent
With both apps, sent memos stay in your email inbox, so your email provider's storage applies. Simple Memo keeps unsent memos in an on-device Outbox encrypted with AES-GCM and resends them once you reconnect. We could not find how Moca behaves offline in its public information. -
4
Development Activity
Simple Memo continues to receive updates in 2026. According to the App Store, Moca's latest version is v1.0.1 from September 2023 (checked October 1, 2026). Whether an app is still being updated is worth weighing when you choose.
How to Switch from Moca
Switching from Moca to Simple Memo - for Obsidian is remarkably simple. Since both apps send memos to your email, there is no data migration needed. Here's how: First, download Simple Memo - for Obsidian from the App Store. Then, set the same email address you use with Moca as your send destination. That's it — setup is complete. From now on, memos sent via Simple Memo - for Obsidian will arrive in the same inbox as your Moca memos. Your existing Moca emails stay right where they are in your inbox — nothing is lost. We recommend using both apps side by side for a while to feel the difference.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Want memos written offline to send once you're back online
- Require on-device encryption for security
- Want one-tap sending
- Need English language support
- Want a free plan with 3 sends a day, with no time limit
- Prefer the most minimal app possible
- Don't need edit or delete functions
- Are happy with a free app
- Only need Japanese language
- Resonate with Moca's design philosophy
FAQ
Do Moca memos arrive in your email inbox?
Yes. According to its App Store description, Moca does not store memos in the app; it emails them to the address you set. Simple Memo also sends memos to your inbox, and if you set up the integration it appends them to a note in your Obsidian vault too.
Can I keep my memos when switching devices from Moca?
Moca emails your memos instead of keeping them in the app (per its App Store description), so sent memos stay in your inbox. Memos sent with Simple Memo also stay in your inbox, so you can look them up from any device.
Does Simple Memo share Moca's no-edit/no-delete philosophy?
Simple Memo is also focused on sending, but unsent Outbox memos can be reviewed and managed. It shares Moca's "write it, send it" ethos while adding AES-GCM encryption and offline support.
How do I migrate from Moca to Simple Memo?
Download Simple Memo from the App Store, then set and verify your email address. Using the same email address as Moca unifies all your memos in one inbox.
Related Pages
References
- MOCA (App Store)
- G2 Note-Taking Software Category
- Harvard Business Review - Productivity