Simple Memo vs Moca
Which Should You Choose?
Moca shares the same "email memo to yourself" concept. Both are great for quick capture, but Simple Memo adds enterprise-grade security (AES-GCM encryption), reliable offline delivery (Outbox architecture), and ultra-fast one-tap send times via 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." Moca shares the same core concept as Simple Memo: emailing notes to yourself. It is one of the few apps in the iOS memo-to-email category, making it a natural point of comparison.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs Moca
| Feature | Simple Memo | Moca |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Speed | 0.4s (type immediately) | Fast |
| One-Tap Send | Yes (direct email) | Yes |
| Send Speed | one-tap (Cloudflare Workers) | Standard |
| No Account Required | Use existing email | Use existing email |
| Offline Support | Outbox auto-resend | No |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device) | No |
| Edit / Delete | Manageable in Outbox | Intentionally none |
| Free Tier | 3 sends/day, no feature gates | Available |
| Bilingual | Japanese / English | Japanese only |
| Relay Infrastructure | Cloudflare Workers + Resend | Standard email |
4 Differences from Moca
-
1
Email Delivery vs In-App Storage
While Moca brands itself as a "memo pad that emails yourself," its memos primarily stay within the app. Simple Memo is fully dedicated to email delivery — memos arrive in your inbox immediately. If you value email's searchability, permanence, and cross-device access, Simple Memo has the advantage. -
2
Measured Launch Speed
Simple Memo displays the keyboard in 0.4 seconds, ready for immediate input. Moca also launches quickly, but Simple Memo's instant-keyboard design is specifically optimized to minimize the gap between app launch and first keystroke. -
3
Backup Architecture
Simple Memo sends memos to your email inbox, so your email provider's backup infrastructure applies automatically. Moca stores memos in-app, which means data can be lost if the device is damaged or replaced. Email-as-backup gives Simple Memo a built-in safety net. -
4
Development Activity
Simple Memo continues to receive regular updates in 2026 with new features and security improvements. Moca's last update can be checked on the App Store. Choosing an app with active, ongoing development is an important factor for long-term reliability.
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 (takes under a minute). 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. After experiencing Simple Memo - for Obsidian's AES-GCM encryption, Outbox offline auto-send, and ~1-second launch, most users consolidate to Simple Memo - for Obsidian.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Need reliable memo delivery even offline
- Require on-device encryption for security
- Want the fastest send speed (one-tap)
- Need English language support
- Want a free plan with 3 sends a day, forever
- Handle sensitive or work-related memos
- Prefer the most minimal app possible
- Don't need edit or delete functions
- Always have internet connectivity
- Don't require encryption
- Only need Japanese language
- Resonate with Moca's design philosophy
FAQ
Do Moca memos arrive in your email inbox?
Moca's "email yourself" concept primarily stores memos within the app. Simple Memo delivers memos directly to your email inbox, enabling email search and cross-device access.
Can I keep my memos when switching devices from Moca?
Moca stores memos in-app, so data may not transfer when changing devices. Memos sent via Simple Memo live in your email inbox and are always accessible regardless of which device you use.
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 and set your email address. You will be ready in under a minute. Using the same email address as Moca unifies all your memos in one inbox.
Related Pages
References
- MOCA (App Store)
- Wirecutter Best Note-Taking Apps
- G2 Note-Taking Software Category
- Harvard Business Review - Productivity