Best apps like Lively Daily Planner & Journal

8+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.8 avg rating
8 free apps
Updated September 2026

Looking for something like Lively Daily Planner & Journal? We've analyzed 8+ similar apps to help you find the best alternative. Each app is compared by ratings, features, and real user reviews, so you can make the right choice.

Top Alternatives to Lively Daily Planner & Journal

Penjo: Pencil Journal, Planner#1

Penjo: Pencil Journal, Planner by Zafer ARICAN

Handwritten Diary & Calendar
Editor's Choice
🌟 Lifestyle
4.7😊(273 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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Penjo: Pencil Journal, Planner screenshot 6

This app combines journaling, planning, and note-taking with a pencil-first interface. It offers powerful handwriting search, creative image tools, and seamless integration with calendars and reminders. Organize your thoughts and tasks with flexible layouts and personalized tools.

What We Love

  • ✍️ Excellent Apple Pencil integration and handwriting experience
  • πŸ“… Seamless calendar and reminders integration
  • πŸ’° One-time lifetime purchase option (no subscriptions)
  • 🎨 Clean, minimalist, and intuitive user interface
  • ⚑ Fast and responsive performance
  • πŸ“± Works flawlessly across iOS and iPadOS devices
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Easy image insertion and manipulation on pages
  • πŸ” Handwriting search functionality
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Responsive and helpful developer support
  • 🎯 Focused design that avoids unnecessary clutter
  • πŸ“– Perfect for daily journaling and note-taking
  • πŸ”„ Cloud syncing capability (when working properly)

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Unreliable cloud sync across multiple devices
  • πŸ’³ Confusing payment model and paywall messaging
  • πŸ” Missing security features like screen lock
  • πŸ“± Limited macOS support (Intel Macs incompatible)
  • 🎨 Limited customization options for colors and themes
  • πŸ“„ Cannot export entire notebooks as PDF
  • πŸ–ŠοΈ Text selection and editing tools are clunky
  • ❌ Restore purchases button broken for some users
  • ⚠️ Automatic app updates without user permission
  • πŸ”— Broken support page links
  • πŸ“Š Limited page layout and template options
  • 🎯 Calendar-centric design limits non-daily use cases
Weekly Planner & Dairy : DoIt!#2

Weekly Planner & Dairy : DoIt! by Farid Fakhnavar

Daily Todo Organizer Notebook
Strong Contender
🌟 Lifestyle
4.6😊(228 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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Organize your week effortlessly with a voice-powered planner. Dictate tasks, appointments, and notes, and let the app automatically create your schedule. Features include customizable categories, reminders, and cross-device syncing.

What We Love

  • πŸ‘ Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 🎀 Excellent voice-to-text recognition
  • πŸš€ Quick and easy task entry
  • πŸ“± Cross-device synchronization (phone to Mac)
  • πŸ“… Clean weekly view layout
  • ⚑ Fast performance
  • 🎯 Helpful for organization and productivity
  • 🀝 Responsive developer support
  • βœ… Effective for ADHD and task management

Room to Improve

  • ❌ Limited calendar views (weekly only)
  • πŸ› Time picker dial disappears when adjusting
  • πŸ› App freezes/spinner loops on button clicks
  • πŸ“… No monthly view available
  • ⚠️ Aggressive rating request on first launch
  • πŸ“ Unclear time-setting instructions
  • πŸ”” Missing notification/reminder features