Free and open first
Best Journaling apps in 2026
Journaling apps help you write, organize, search, and revisit personal entries. They can support text, media, prompts, and exports across iOS, Android, web, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- 37 apps
- Research read 28 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Islet
Free plan Open source AndroidiPhoneIslet combines notebook-based journaling with media entries and user-selected storage. Note that syncing is required across devices, and Android installation uses an APK.
- 2
- 3
Journey
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Journey offers multimedia journaling, privacy controls and ways to share selected entries or collaborate.
- 4
- 5
MoodHaven Journal
by MoodHaven JournalFree plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3MoodHaven Journal centers on encrypted personal journaling across desktop, mobile, and web platforms, without requiring an account.
- 6
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- 10
Apple Journal
by Apple JournalFree plan iPhoneMacJournal combines varied entry formats, organization tools and on-device suggestions in a free app.
- 11
Journiv
Free plan Self-hostedWebJourniv offers a substantial self-hosted journaling toolkit, including tracking, prompts, search, and export options.
- 12
- 13
jrnl
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose jrnl if you want a free, open-source command-line journal with offline access, multiple journals, and plain-text files.
- 14
- 15
Diaro
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebChoose Diaro if you want a diary with flexible search, organization, and web exports, or want to keep notes and track moods.
- 16
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tinythoughts
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebChoose tinythoughts if you want a guided daily journal with reminders, tags, and mood tracking.
- 19
Grid Diary
by Grid DiaryFree plan AndroidiPhoneMacGrid Diary offers structured journaling with prompts, planning periods, media attachments and flexible exports.
- 20
Penso Notes
Free plan AndroidiPhoneChoose Penso Notes if you want a free mobile journal for quick entries, organization, drawing, and rediscovery.
- 21
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Local Journal
by Local JournalFree plan AndroidiPhoneChoose Local Journal if you want an offline diary that keeps entries on your device and does not require an account.
- 24
Five Minute Journal
by Five Minute JournalFree plan AndroidiPhoneFive Minute Journal combines structured prompts, reminders, media entries, exports, and privacy controls in a mobile journal.
- 25
Reflectly
Free plan AndroidiPhoneChoose Reflectly if you want a phone-based journal that pairs guided writing with mood tracking and regular summaries.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Compare free plans, paid starting prices, end-to-end encryption, media support, prompt features, search scope, available platforms, and export formats. If code access matters, check the open-source licence. Review free-trial limits and renewal terms before choosing.
Questions
Do journaling apps offer free plans?
Yes. Items in this category include apps with free plans, as well as freemium, free-trial, and free options. Check the specific plan limits before signing up.
Which platforms can journaling apps run on?
Platforms represented here include iOS, Android, web, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Support differs by app, so check the platform list for the one you want.
Can I find an open-source journaling app?
Open-source code is available from items in this category. Check the individual project’s licence if reading or changing the code is important to you.
Do these apps support end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is a comparison point for this list. Check the app’s details to see whether it provides that protection for your entries.
Can I add media to journal entries?
Media support is compared for the apps here. Check the formats and attachment types an app accepts before choosing it.
Can I export my journal?
Export formats are compared for the apps here. Review the available formats and make sure they suit your backup or migration needs.