Head-to-head · Journal Apps
Day One vs Apple Journal
Day One leads on 0 checks, Apple Journal on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDay One · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Day One
- Most featuresDay One · 5 of 5
Day One scores higher on our rubric for journal apps: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Day One is the better fit for most people wanting a full-featured journal. Apple Journal is the better fit for apple users wanting a polished free journal.
- Day One fits best
Most people wanting a full-featured journal
- Apple Journal fits best
Apple users wanting a polished free journal
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Side by side
| Feature | Day One 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Apple Journal 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Journal Apps | #4 in Journal Apps |
| Best for | Most people wanting a full-featured journal | Apple users wanting a polished free journal |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $49.99/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Phone, Live chat, Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Day One 5/5 · Apple Journal 4/5 | ||
| Media attachments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Privacy lock | ✓ | ✓ |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ | ✓ |
| Search and filters | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Multiple | Multiple |
| Platform coverage | All | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Day One is a digital journaling app for recording thoughts, memories, and daily experiences. It supports text entries alongside photos, video, audio, drawings, documents, location context, prompts, reminders, and streaks. Its platform… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Day One — where it wins
- End-to-end encryption, passcode protection, and biometric lock
- Works across web, desktop, mobile, and browser extensions
- Supports rich media, offline editing, search, filters, and exports
Where it doesn't
- Cross-device journaling is limited to the Silver plan and above
- Unlimited photos and videos require a paid plan
- AI reflection tools are limited to the Gold plan
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
- Day One9.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A broad, privacy-focused journal with a strong free tier and richer paid features.
Visit Day OneFull verdict → - Apple Journal9.0/10 · Free plan
A polished free journal with rich attachments, privacy controls and Apple ecosystem integration.
Visit Apple JournalFull verdict →
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All journal apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update