Joplin is an open-source note-taking app with end-to-end encryption support.
Best Apple Journal Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
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Apple Journal is a free journaling app for iPhone that supports text, photos, audio, locations, and personalized writing suggestions. It is intended for Apple users who want an integrated private diary connected to daily activities.
Top 6 Apple Journal alternatives
Journey is a journal app that helps you record your thoughts, memories, and daily activities with a beautiful user interface.
Free with in-app purchases
Day One is a highly acclaimed journaling app for Mac and iOS devices, known for its beautiful design and ease of use....
Free to download with in-app purchases for premium features
Echoes is a digital journaling app designed for personal reflection and capturing thoughts. It uses AI-assisted prompts and organization to help users...
Pros
- AI-assisted reflection is more interactive than traditional blank-page journals
- Supports capturing personal thoughts in a private journaling environment
- More focused on self-reflection than general-purpose note-taking apps
Cons
- Less established than Day One or Journey
- Smaller ecosystem and fewer integrations than mature journaling platforms
- AI features may be less predictable for sensitive personal reflections
Bear is a Markdown-based notes app with web clipping and annotation tools for Apple devices. It targets writers and personal knowledge workers...
Pros
- Polished Markdown editor and note organization
- Web captures become editable notes rather than static bookmarks
- Excellent tagging, search, and Apple platform integration
Cons
- Limited to Apple platforms compared with MarkDownload
- Web clipping is tied to the Bear notes ecosystem
- Sync and advanced export require a Pro subscription
Freemium, Pro from $2.99/mo
Emery is a private writing and journaling app for people who want a focused place to capture thoughts and personal notes. It...
Pros
- More focused on personal writing than general-purpose tools such as Notion
- Cleaner, less distracting interface than many feature-heavy note apps
- Designed for private journaling and reflective writing
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem and integration catalog than Day One or Obsidian
- Less flexible for databases and structured project notes than Notion
- Limited cross-platform reach compared with web-first alternatives
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