Apple Journal vs Diarly

Apple Journal9.0Visit Diarly8.9Visit

Higher score Apple Journal #4 in Journal Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Apple Journal

vs

Diarly #5 in Journal Apps 8.9/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Diarly

• Apple Journal fits best

  Apple users wanting a polished free journal

• Diarly fits best

  Privacy-focused Apple and mobile journaling

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Side by side

Feature	Apple Journal 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Diarly 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.9
Ranking	#4 in Journal Apps	#5 in Journal Apps
Best for	Apple users wanting a polished free journal	Privacy-focused Apple and mobile journaling
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	iOS, macOS	macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Phone, Live chat, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	5 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo	Solo, Small business
Features Apple Journal 4/5 · Diarly 5/5
Media attachments	✓	✓
Offline access	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Privacy lock	✓	✓
End-to-end encryption	✓	✓
Search and filters	✓	✓
Specs
Export formats	Multiple	Multiple
Platform coverage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Rich attachments for photos, video, audio, locations, drawings and music Search, calendar, Places views, filters and multiple journals Passcode, biometric and Mac password locks with iCloud sync	Offline editing with iCloud sync across Apple devices Rich attachments, Markdown, search, tags, and multiple views Password protection, biometric unlocking, and encryption options
Cons	Availability centers on iPhone, iPad and Mac Apple ecosystem integrations may limit cross-platform flexibility Export is limited to ZIP files and PDFs, plus printing	Pricing varies by region, complicating direct cost comparison Advanced AI capabilities are separated into the Monthly AI+ plan Apple-centered features may suit Apple users better than Android-first users
Our verdict	Apple Journal is a free personal journaling app for recording everyday experiences and special events. It supports text entries, writing prompts and journaling suggestions, while allowing users to add photos, videos, audio recordings,… Read the review →	Diarly is a digital journal and diary app from PureForm Studio for people who want private, structured journaling across Apple devices and mobile platforms. It supports daily entries and notes, Markdown editing, mood tracking, reminders,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Apple Journal — where it wins

  • Rich attachments for photos, video, audio, locations, drawings and music
  • Search, calendar, Places views, filters and multiple journals
  • Passcode, biometric and Mac password locks with iCloud sync

  Where it doesn't

  • Availability centers on iPhone, iPad and Mac
  • Apple ecosystem integrations may limit cross-platform flexibility
  • Export is limited to ZIP files and PDFs, plus printing

• Diarly — where it wins

  • Offline editing with iCloud sync across Apple devices
  • Rich attachments, Markdown, search, tags, and multiple views
  • Password protection, biometric unlocking, and encryption options

  Where it doesn't

  • Pricing varies by region, complicating direct cost comparison
  • Advanced AI capabilities are separated into the Monthly AI+ plan
  • Apple-centered features may suit Apple users better than Android-first users

• Apple Journal9.0/10 · Free plan

  A polished free journal with rich attachments, privacy controls and Apple ecosystem integration.

  Visit Apple JournalFull verdict →
• Diarly8.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A privacy-focused journal with rich media, offline editing, and strong Apple integration.

  Visit DiarlyFull verdict →