What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you want a free, open-source alternative to Apple Journal, the strongest options in this group are Joplin, Standard Notes, and Notesnook. They are primarily notes apps you can adapt for diary entries—not one-to-one replicas of a dedicated journal interface. Standard Notes is the most explicitly journal-oriented; Joplin stands out for open-format notes and flexible sync; Notesnook combines encryption with a broad range of clients. The right choice depends on how you want to organize entries, which devices you use, and how you plan to sync and export your writing.
Which app is the best fit for your journal?
| App | How naturally it fits journaling | Notable strengths | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Notes | Its official site explicitly lists journaling and diary as use cases. | Encrypted notes, cross-platform syncing, and a free offering described as having unlimited notes and devices. | Check current plan details for advanced features and confirm which export formats meet your needs. |
| Joplin | A general-purpose notes app; you can build a diary structure with notebooks, tags, or plugins. | Open-format notes, broad platform support, multimedia attachments, plugins, and multiple sync options. | Choose an organization system and confirm the sync provider and current service terms you want to use. |
| Notesnook | A general encrypted notes app that can be organized for dated entries. | Notebooks, linked notes, reminders, attachments, Markdown, and clients for desktop, mobile, and web. | Its self-hosting sync-server roadmap is listed as in progress; do not assume self-hosted sync is currently available. Verify export formats before relying on easy migration. |
These descriptions reflect product-site claims, not independent security audits or hands-on testing. Features, platform availability, pricing, and sync options can change, so confirm the current details before moving a long-running journal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Standard Notes: the clearest journal use case
Standard Notes is a good starting point if you want an encrypted notes app whose maker explicitly names “Journaling and diary” among its use cases. Its site also describes Markdown, rich text, files, and other personal records. The company characterizes the product as a free, secure notes app with end-to-end encryption and cross-platform syncing; it also describes the free offering as allowing unlimited notes and devices.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11That positioning makes it the most directly journal-oriented choice here, but it is still a general secure notes product rather than an Apple Journal clone. Review the current plan details if you need advanced features, and verify the available export formats before treating it as a long-term archive. Standard Notes
#1 Best Overall
Joplin: flexible organization, attachments, and sync
Joplin describes itself as an open-source note-taking app. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and its site lists images, video, PDFs, and audio among the media it can handle. You can write in Markdown or use rich-text editing, then organize entries with notebooks, tags, and, if useful, plugins or themes.
For a journal, that flexibility means you may need to create the workflow yourself—for example, a notebook for each year and dated notes within it. Joplin emphasizes that notes are saved in an open format, which is useful to readers who value portability. Its site describes end-to-end encryption and synchronization options that include Joplin Cloud and other providers such as Dropbox and OneDrive. Check the setup and terms for the provider you select rather than assuming every sync route is free or self-hosted. Joplin
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.
Notesnook: encrypted notes across desktop, mobile, and web
Notesnook says its apps and sync server are open source under GPLv3 and that notes are encrypted by default. The product page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web clients, along with a free tier described as allowing unlimited notes. Its features include notebooks, linked notes, reminders, attachments, Markdown, and a web clipper, giving you several ways to collect and revisit personal writing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
It is a general notes app rather than a dedicated diary interface, so check whether its entry and retrieval workflow suits the way you reflect. The company lists its self-hosting sync-server roadmap as in progress; that is not a promise that self-hosted sync is presently available. Confirm export options if being able to move your journal later matters to you. Notesnook
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.
Compare the details that matter for a personal journal
Entry workflow
Decide whether you want an app to foreground diary writing or whether you are comfortable creating your own structure. Standard Notes explicitly names journaling and diary as use cases. With Joplin or Notesnook, think through how you will date entries and find them again—using notebooks, tags, reminders, linked notes, or a consistent title format.
Devices and synchronization
Check that the app supports the phone and computer operating systems you actually use. Joplin lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS; Notesnook lists those platforms plus the web; Standard Notes describes cross-platform syncing. For each product, check current availability and the terms of the sync option you intend to use. A free app or tier does not, by itself, establish that every hosted sync service or advanced feature is free.
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.
Privacy and encryption
Open-source licensing means code is available under its stated license; it does not, on its own, prove that an app is secure. Joplin describes end-to-end encryption, Standard Notes emphasizes encrypted notes, and Notesnook says notes are encrypted by default. These are product-site statements, not independent audit findings. If your journal contains sensitive material, review each app’s current security documentation and decide whether its sync model and account requirements suit you.
Portability and attachments
Joplin specifically advertises open-format notes. The product information here does not establish export formats for Standard Notes or Notesnook, so check their current export documentation before choosing either as your only journal archive. If you want to keep photos, recordings, or documents with entries, Joplin lists image, video, PDF, and audio support; Notesnook lists attachments. Standard Notes lists files among its use cases, but confirm current limits and formats for the features you plan to use.
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
- Start with your writing habit. Choose Standard Notes if explicit journal positioning matters most; choose a more configurable notes workflow if you want to arrange entries around your own notebooks, tags, or linked notes.
- Match the app to your devices. Verify current support for every phone and computer where you want to read or write entries.
- Decide how sync should work. Check the current cost and terms for the specific sync method you plan to use, and do not assume self-hosting is available unless the product currently documents it.
- Test your archive path before committing. Confirm export formats and make a sample export, especially if you expect to keep years of entries or may switch apps later.
- Try a small journal first. Create a few dated entries, attach any media you expect to use, and see whether search and organization work for you before moving a complete archive.
What to know about Apple Journal comparisons
This comparison focuses on open-source apps that can serve as journals, not on reproducing Apple Journal feature by feature. Apple’s current Journal feature set, device support, and privacy controls are not described here; check Apple’s current documentation before making a direct feature comparison. If your priority is a purpose-named diary use case, Standard Notes is the clearest match in this group. If your priority is open-format notes and flexible organization, consider Joplin. If you want encrypted notes across desktop, mobile, and web, consider Notesnook while verifying its export and sync details.
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.
