Recommended Free Tools
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If you want a best free and open-source alternative to Apple Journal, start with the kind of diary you want to keep: Standard Notes explicitly lists journaling and diary as use cases, Joplin is a flexible choice for dated entries with attachments, and Notesnook offers encrypted notes across a wide range of devices. All three are general-purpose note apps rather than one-to-one copies of a dedicated diary interface, so the best fit depends on how much structure you want to create yourself.
Which open-source journal alternative should you choose?
| App | Best suited to | Diary workflow | Platforms listed by the product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Notes | People who want a secure notes app that explicitly supports journaling | Journaling and diary are named use cases; it is not a dedicated Apple Journal replica | Cross-platform; check the current platform list on the Standard Notes site |
| Joplin | People who want flexible organization, multimedia attachments, and sync-provider choice | Build a diary structure with notebooks, tags, or plugins | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, according to the Joplin site |
| Notesnook | People who want encrypted notes and a broad mix of desktop, mobile, and web access | Use notebooks, linked notes, reminders, and attachments to shape a journal | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web, according to the Notesnook site |
Platform lists and plans can change. Verify the current details on each product’s site before choosing, especially if you need a particular operating system, export format, or sync arrangement.
What to look for in a journal app
How naturally it handles dated entries
A diary app typically centers the experience on entries and dates. These candidates are primarily note-taking apps, so consider whether you are comfortable creating an entry for each day and organizing entries yourself. Standard Notes has the clearest explicit journal positioning among these three; Joplin and Notesnook can support a diary through their notes and organization features.
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All three products describe privacy or encryption features, but an app being open source does not by itself establish that it is secure. Treat vendor descriptions as product claims, not independent audit results. If your journal will contain sensitive information, review each service’s current encryption documentation, account and recovery options, and how encryption works when you use sync or attachments.
#1 Best Overall
Portability, media, and organization
Joplin specifically advertises open-format notes and support for images, video, PDFs, and audio. Its Markdown and rich-text editors, notebooks, tags, plugins, and themes can help adapt it to a personal journal. For Standard Notes and Notesnook, check the current export formats and attachment behavior before relying on easy migration or a particular media workflow.
Sync and cost
Separate the app’s free offering from hosted sync and advanced paid features. Joplin supports synchronization through Joplin Cloud and other providers, including Dropbox and OneDrive; do not assume every sync route has the same cost or setup. Standard Notes describes unlimited notes and unlimited devices on its free offering, while advanced features may be associated with plans. Notesnook lists unlimited notes on its free tier. Check current plan details before committing.
Rank #2
- IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH: Use this journal to improve mindfulness, uncover triggers, track physical and emotional sensations, document your worries, evaluate evidence for and against your automatic thoughts and ultimately walk away, in control, with more constructive ways of thinking.
- PERFECTLY DISCREET: Finally a wellness journal that doesn’t spell out “worry” or “anxiety” on the cover. This sleek journal looks beautiful on your bedside table, in the office, or wherever you may take it.
- BACKED BY RESEARCH: The exercise in this journal is backed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapists who use these prompts in their own work to help clients learn how to own their thoughts to overcome anxiety and reduce stress.
- HABIT BUILDING: This therapy journal features repetitive worksheets featuring the same journal prompts designed to enhance your mental resilience against anxious thoughts (anti anxiety). With consistent use, this exercise will naturally integrate into your daily routine.
- TAKE ON THE GO: It’s best to use this journal whenever anxiety strikes which is why we created it in a size that's perfect to travel with (5-7/8" x 8-1/4”). With the professional cover and convenient diary size, you’ll be mastering your thoughts in no time.
App-by-app comparison
Standard Notes: the most explicitly journal-oriented option
Standard Notes names “Journaling and diary” among its use cases, alongside other kinds of personal notes. That makes it the most direct starting point here if your main goal is to write private daily entries rather than assemble a customized note system. Its product site describes it as a free, secure note-taking app with end-to-end encryption and cross-platform syncing.
The trade-off is that it remains a general secure notes product, not a dedicated Apple Journal clone. Review the current feature and plan details if you need particular editors, file handling, or other advanced capabilities.
Rank #3
- 180 GUIDED PROMPTS: 180 thoughtful prompts for intention, healing, gratitude, and growth—this guided daily journal with prompts helps you gain clarity, process emotions, and support your mental health.
- A TOOL FOR SELF-DISCOVERY: More than a journal, this guided journal helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Use it as a mental health journal, gratitude journal, self care journal, or mindfulness journal to gain emotional clarity and grow with intention.
- 6 POWERFUL THEMES FOR GROWTH: Includes Intention, Healing, Gratitude, Presence, Purpose, and Growth—this wellness journal goes beyond a simple gratitude journal for deeper reflection.
- UNDATED PAGES & BEGINNER-FRIENDLY: Start anytime with no missed days or pressure—this flexible gratitude journal supports both daily journaling and occasional reflection at your own pace.
- A THOUGHTFUL SELF-CARE GIFT: A meaningful guided gratitude journal, therapy journal, wellness journal, or self-care gift—designed to inspire mindfulness, emotional clarity, and personal growth.
Joplin: the flexible option for attachments and sync choices
Joplin is an open-source note-taking app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its site says it supports Markdown and rich text, can handle images, video, PDFs, and audio, and can be extended with plugins and themes. It also describes its notes as saved in an open format and offers end-to-end encryption.
For a diary, you can organize entries with notebooks and tags or explore plugins, but the dated-entry workflow is something you build rather than a dedicated diary interface. Joplin’s synchronization options include Joplin Cloud and providers such as Dropbox and OneDrive; choose a setup based on your own cost, privacy, and maintenance preferences.
Rank #4
- Guided Daily Journal: 180 thoughtful prompts for intention, healing, and growth. Get to know yourself on a deeper level with a meaningful addition to your daily routine.
- Undated Pages: Start your journal on any day and go at your own pace. This self care journal for women and men will help you with personal growth and wellness.
- 6 Journaling Themes: Including intention, healing, gratitude, presence, purpose, and growth. Easily prioritize self-care daily. Reach the end of each chapter with more clarity
- A Thoughtful Self-Care Gift: Treat yourself and your loved ones with this wellness gift idea. Learn more about each other and grow closer in your relationship.
- Hardcover Journal: Features textured, vegan leather with gold detailing and a ribbon bookmark. The Dig Deeper Journal is your companion for journaling.
Notesnook: encrypted notes across many device types
Notesnook says its apps and sync server are open source under GPLv3 and that notes are encrypted by default. Its product page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web clients, plus notebooks, linked notes, reminders, attachments, Markdown, and a web clipper. It also lists unlimited notes on a free tier.
These features can support a personal journal, but Notesnook is a general notes app rather than a dedicated diary product. Its self-hosting sync-server roadmap is listed as in progress, so do not select it on the assumption that self-hosted sync is currently available.
Best Value
- 180 prompts to help you check in with yourself. What are you feeling? What are you avoiding? Who are you becoming? This notebook journal will help you unlock the answers.
- Measuring 6.4 x 8 x .7 inches - you can take this journal wherever your path to self-discovery leads. It's built for everyday use, offering guided prompts for self-reflection and personal growth.
- A matte, durable journal that says "LOOK INSIDE" on the cover for a reason. It's your invitation to do just that - look inside journal pages designed to help you reflect on what matters most to you.
- Store memories with the built-in envelope - write yourself a letter, tuck away momentos, or hold onto reminders as you move through the journal at your own pace.
- New to journaling? Let these pages be your guide. With prompts for when you don’t know where to start, this journal helps you uncover thoughts and feelings you didn’t realize were there.
How to choose for your situation
- Choose Standard Notes if you want a secure notes app whose own site explicitly includes journaling and diary as use cases.
- Choose Joplin if you want broad desktop and mobile support, multimedia notes, open-format note storage, and a choice of sync providers.
- Choose Notesnook if its listed device coverage, encrypted-notes approach, and features such as reminders or linked notes suit how you want to keep entries.
- Before moving an existing journal, verify the export and import formats you need, then confirm that the selected sync method and plan meet your requirements.
What these apps do not establish about Apple Journal
This comparison does not depend on claims about Apple Journal’s current features, supported devices, or privacy controls. For those details, consult Apple’s current Journal documentation at Apple Support rather than assuming that any of these apps matches Apple’s product feature for feature.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
