Cozy
Cozy: A flexible offline journal for users who want their entries stored as local Markdown files. Ranked #8 of 35 in Journal Apps by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Paid; best for local Markdown journaling with offline control.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forLocal Markdown journaling with offline control
- Free planNo
- Paid from$19.99 one-time
- Media attachmentsYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Stores entries as plain Markdown files in a folder you choose
- Supports media, trackers, calendar and map views, search, and filters
- Works offline and connects with major folder-sync services
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; the desktop license costs $35 one time
- Privacy locking and end-to-end encryption are not part of its positioning
- Some mobile pricing and availability are described as beta or transition pricing
Our verdict on Cozy
Cozy is a journal app for macOS, Windows, iPhone, and iPad that stores entries as plain Markdown files in a user-selected folder instead of on Cozy’s servers. It is aimed at people who want local control over their journal while still having dated entries, rich media, tags, moods, locations, trackers, search, and multiple ways to browse their writing. Offline access and writing support a journal workflow that does not depend on a constant connection.
Pricing is straightforward but entirely paid. The $35 Cozy desktop license includes the macOS and Windows apps, the iPhone and iPad app, and one year of updates. An optional updates renewal costs $17 one time for another year, while the existing version continues working without renewal. The iPhone and iPad app can also be purchased separately for $19.99 one time, although that price and the app’s status are described as beta or App Store-transition pricing. There is no free plan, so users need to commit before evaluating the full desktop experience.
Its strongest fit is for a local-file workflow with broad journaling features rather than for a tightly managed, privacy-locked vault. Entries can be synchronized through iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Syncthing, and Cozy supports imports from Day One, Obsidian, Bear, and Notion. Photo, video, and audio attachments, calendar and map views, custom trackers, focus writing, and ambient sound options add breadth beyond basic text notes. Users who want plain Markdown, offline access, and flexible folder synchronization should consider Cozy; those prioritizing verified privacy locking or a free entry tier should choose another journal app.
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Cozy pricing
Cozy fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $19.99 one-time |
| Media attachments | Yes |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Privacy lock | Not verified |
| End-to-end encryption | No |
| Export formats | Basic |
| Platform coverage | Not verified |
| Search and filters | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 14 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Syncthing, YouTube … |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | cozyjournal.app |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Cozy integrations
Cozy lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- Syncthing
- YouTube
- Vimeo
Alternatives to Cozy
- Day OneA broad, privacy-focused journal with a strong free tier and richer paid features.9.4
- DiariumDiarium combines rich journaling, contextual views, offline access and flexible storage options.9.2
- JourneyA flexible journal for private memories across desktop, mobile, and web.9.1
Cozy vs the competition
Compare Cozy with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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