Apple Journal vs Lugelo

Apple Journal9.0Visit Lugelo8.8Visit

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

vs

Lugelo #6 in Journal Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Lugelo

• Apple Journal fits best

  Apple users wanting a polished free journal

• Lugelo fits best

  Free multimedia and shared memory journaling

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Apple Journal 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Lugelo 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.8
Ranking	#4 in Journal Apps	#6 in Journal Apps
Best for	Apple users wanting a polished free journal	Free multimedia and shared memory journaling
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	iOS, macOS	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support	Phone, Live chat, Docs	Email, Phone, Docs
Built for	Solo	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Apple Journal 4/5 · Lugelo 4/5
Media attachments	✓	✓
Offline access	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Privacy lock	✓	✓
End-to-end encryption	✓	✓
Search and filters	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Export formats	Multiple	Multiple
Platform coverage	Not checked yet	All
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	Unlimited journals and Moments at $0 forever Supports shared multimedia journals with contributor permissions Offline capture, biometric locks, AI tools, and multiple exports
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	Offline capture is specified for mobile rather than every platform Browser capture relies on Chrome and Firefox extensions Export options are eBook and PDF rather than a broader listed range
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 →	Lugelo is a free journaling and storytelling app for individuals, families, friends, and groups. It supports private journals as well as shared journals with contributor permissions, so it can cover personal reflection, family memories,… 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

• Lugelo — where it wins

  • Unlimited journals and Moments at $0 forever
  • Supports shared multimedia journals with contributor permissions
  • Offline capture, biometric locks, AI tools, and multiple exports

  Where it doesn't

  • Offline capture is specified for mobile rather than every platform
  • Browser capture relies on Chrome and Firefox extensions
  • Export options are eBook and PDF rather than a broader listed range

• Apple Journal9.0/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit Apple JournalFull verdict →
• Lugelo8.8/10 · Free plan

  A free journal for personal memories, family stories, and collaborative media capture.

  Visit LugeloFull verdict →