# One Year: Daily Journal — user reviews

> 210 indexed App Store user reviews of One Year by Wind Down Studio, LLC, rated 4.60/5 from 439 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-year-daily-journal/id6740510762/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-year-daily-journal/id6740510762.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 376 · 4★ 17 · 3★ 12 · 2★ 9 · 1★ 25

## What do users think of One Year?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and beautiful design
- 💕 Visually satisfying
- 🥰 Cute and adorable
- 🤩 Motivational and brings time into perspective

**Cons**

- 🤔 Questionable pricing model
- 🤨 Limited functionality in free version
- 🙄 Lack of customization options

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Cannot download on iOS 16.3.1
- Flower version set as default, no option to choose black dot

**Most requested features**

- Adapt to Chinese language
- Add dark mode and dark icons
- Smaller widget size option
- Add garden widget or zoom in feature

## Newest reviews (13 of 210)

### 4/5 — Love my memory garden!

*2026-08-01, version 3.0*

It’s so satisfying watching my memory garden grow and the haptic feedback it gives. Perfect for my ADHD brain! I gave it 4 stars only because I wish there was an easier way to recall or be reminded of memories. You can add a widget for photos, but nothin in app. Other than that, it’s lovely!

### 2/5 — Cute Idea but disappointed

*2026-07-30, version 3.0*

I saw an ad by somebody promoting this on TikTok and I thought it looked like a super cute idea, so while I was bored on the train, I decided to download it and try it out. 
My first impression was very positive, I loved the theming, the concept, and everything about it. I made my first journal and was excited to make my garden. When i came back another day and went to journal, I was prompted with the fact I had ti pay for a subscription to continue my journaling. This made me super sad. I understand having a subscription for features within the app, but a journaling app should allow you to journal for free, even if its limited to features. I cannot justify the price. I hope you guys find a way to make the journaling free, as it is a very cute app.

### 2/5 — Cute idea but…

*2026-07-28*

I did my first entry yesterday and I really liked it. However, when I wanted to do my second entry today the app immediately pushed me into a paywall and wanted me to start a three day trial or to subscribe immediately. It is a very cute idea and I would have totally accepted watching an advertisement before doing an entry but the immediate push to get a subscription ruined it for me :(
I will deinstall it now after just one entry and go back to my notes app

**Developer response:** Hi there!

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year. 

Tysm for checking out the app and leaving some thoughts for us. 

Totally understand where you’re coming from. I know we can use some work on giving a bit more information in app on what to expect. 

But, we make sure to always give everyone free trials with no strings attached! You can literally cancel at anytime if you don’t want to pay for it. 

There is also a free tier that gives you access to daily mood tracking. 

I would love to drop you a much longer trial to try out the app! Just drop me an email at alec@wndn.studio

Tysm again for the thoughts, hope to hear from you soon. 
Alec

### 2/5 — Disappointed

*2026-07-17*

The app design is beautiful and I really appreciate the clean, minimalist aesthetic. However, I’m disappointed that writing, which is the core function of a journal, is locked behind a subscription. I hope the developers consider making at least a limited letter count a part of the free version.

**Developer response:** Hi there

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year.

Appreciate you taking some time to drop some thoughts our way.

Really sorry to see you felt like there wasn't enough information around how the free vs paid structure works. Honestly, I'd agree with you, and it's something we work on every update to make way more clear!

I just want to clarify what One Year offers:
Free - some widgets, daily mood tracking, multiple device syncing
Full Access - all widgets, daily journaling with images & mood tracking, multiple device syncing

We put a ton of work into this app, and it supports multiple families, but at the end of the day we would love for people to just use it :).

With that said, I'd love to drop you free access for a while. If you're interested, drop me an email at alec@wndn.studio.

Thanks again for dropping some thoughts.

Hope to talk soon.
Alec

### 2/5 — Loved the app but it wasn’t made clear I would have to pay

*2026-07-16, version 2.5.2*

I loved using the app for my first daily log but after that you have to pay to continue using it. I feel like this hasn’t been made clear in the advertising of the app and is really disappointing as it is a great no AI alternate which can be hard to find nowadays. Great app for the people who can afford it though.

### 2/5 — Pay to use :(

*2026-07-15, version 2.5.2*

I assumed that you’d have to pay money for extra perks but you can not use this app without paying for a subscription. You get to write one entry the day you download the app and upload one photo to go with it. After that, you can only log your mood by selecting a colour and it will ask you to pay for a subscription to actually write another entry. I understand that people need to make their money but just a heads up to not bother downloading the app if you aren’t planning on paying.

### 2/5 — pay

*2026-07-15, version 2.5.2*

cute but why do i have to pay extra to do more than 1 day 😭

### 3/5 — Good idea but…

*2026-07-12*

I really liked this app when I first downloaded it, it’s so minimalistic and nice to look at. After three days you have to subscribe to keep using it. Maybe I would have, but in those three days I missed one day because I was so busy and then by the time I wanted to go back and put my journal entries in, my free trial was over. So I got exactly one journal entry out of it. If I’d been able to use it for a week or something, maybe I would’ve been more open to committing to the app (especially since I think the price it not insane, considering this is just a nicer looking alternative to journaling in your notes app). But now I’m just gonna deinstall it

**Developer response:** Hi there!

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year.

Tysm for dropping some thoughts for us! Always extremely helpful.

We offer 2 different free trials 3 days for the weekly subscription and 7 days for the other ones! But, I do get wanting to use the app more to see if it's something you'd use long term.

I'm more than happy to drop you a free month to see how it feels! If you're interested just drop me an email at alec@wndn.studio and I'll get you hooked up :).

Again, thanks for the thoughts. Hope to hear from you soon!
Alec

### 2/5 — Unable to use :(

*2026-07-09*

HELP!
I installed the app and it allows me to plant the seeds but the moment I click on ‘tap to add first memory’ the app just shuts?

**Developer response:** Hi there!

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year :).

Tysm for dropping this our way, though it would be suuuuper helpful if you could send me an email at alec@wndn.studio with what's going on!

I'll make sure to get you sorted ASAP.

Tysm again!
Alec

### 3/5 — Let down by the need to pay after one entry

*2026-07-09*

I was super excited to start something like this, because I had never done journaling before and this seemed like a very happy thing to do. So I downloaded and did for a day, but came back to see I have to pay to continue journaling. 

Its pretty sad that they showed it as “free” and then this happens.

**Developer response:** Hi there!

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year :).

Thanks for dropping some thoughts out our!

At the end of the day, pricing is hard lol. We've put a ton of effort and love into this app and really believe it provides such a different experience compared to other journaling apps out there.

I do want to make sure people know though:
- All of our subscriptions have a free trial. We want people using the app to see if it fits with what they are looking for
- We offer a one time purchase, so no need to get a subscription if you don't want
- The free version includes some widgets, daily mood tracking, and multiple device syncing

Thank you again for dropping some thoughts our way. I'd love to give you full access to the app for a bit! Just drop me an email at alec@wndn.studio.

Tysm!
Alec

### 3/5 — cute, however inefficient

*2026-07-09, version 2.5.2*

for an app that has about two sole uses, one of them being behind a paywall seems a bit ineffective. 

to preface, i really enjoy these types of apps. i think the design of this is really cute and everything about how the app worked and looked really stuck out to me as simple and unique :) i just have one small criticism, and its not about those factors of the app itself. everything, besides this, looks lovely. 

there really is not enough provided in the app for one of the two functions— journaling— to be blocked. 
i and someone else were excited to use this, but the subscription offers nothing new or interesting, just delays what is given entirely elsewhere; my main gripe is that. 

maybe i’d pay for one if it was something new. i’d be glad to, honestly ! but putting a price tag on one of the two options you advertise it for? unfortunately not a good way to go about it

### 4/5 — 意见

*2026-07-07*

能不能有搜索以前的记录的功能呀

**Developer response:** Hey there!

这是Alec，One Year的开发者 :)。

非常感谢你的反馈，真的很有意义。

搜索以前的日记记录是个很棒的建议，我会把它加入接下来要开发的功能清单！

如果你想聊聊或者分享更多想法，随时欢迎发邮件给我：alec@wndn.studio。

Tysm!
Alec

### 2/5 — Subscription based

*2026-06-29, version 2.5.2*

A little sad it’s subscription based :( I did one entry then was unable to access any other without the subscription page popping up which was not advertised 
Shame, seemed a really cool app…

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Why do i need to add memories to see my garden in home screen?

*2026-07-31, version 3.0*

Why do i need to add memories to see my garden in home screen?

### 1/5 — Why must there be a price to all things good?

*2026-07-30, version 3.0*

Love this app. And I was actually really stoked to be able to effortlessly journal my days. But the fact that I literally can’t do ANYTHING past the first day sucks. I get the devs have to make money too but like I can’t even write stuff down? Like idk. Definitely can’t keep the app anymore tho. :/

### 1/5 — Nothing in free tier

*2026-07-24, version 2.5.2*

Literally have to pay to do anything

### 1/5 — Definitely not worth the price

*2026-07-23, version 2.5.2*

I'm incredibly unimpressed with the "free" version of this journal. The repeated criticism that the advertised journalling is paywalled feels frequently ignored. -"There's a trial period." Is not good enough reasoning for having the primary purpose for a journal paywalled. This is the bare minimum to be expected and delivered by a subscription plan. -"Pricing is hard, lol." Is also not an adequate enough reason to justify a DIGITAL journal app. I am not paying for materials, shipping, craftsmanship, etc. like I would for a physical journal. The lifetime option price is more expensive than all of the actual quality physical journals I pay for. I was excited to try out this cute looking journal, but with how minimalist and limited my options are, I remain disappointed and unimpressed. A PREMIUM PAID version of an app should ADD to the core concept. The main core of this is "journalling," and it is advertised as that.

### 1/5 — ????

*2026-07-17, version 2.5.2*

Whats the point of making the app free if we still have to pay the second day?? Also why pay for an app that you can basically do in the notes app like Whats the point in paying when it’s a basic note app?

### 1/5 — Journaling behind a Paywall

*2026-07-16, version 2.5.2*

Downloaded this as it seemed like a distraction-free journaling app that I can access on the go, shows my mood, and shows my consistency in a way I really enjoyed. So disappointed to see this isn’t exactly the case if you’re unwilling to pay. It doesn’t explain this in the description at all. There’s not really any functionality to it after the first day without paying. You can only write one journal entry the day you download it, and then beyond that it’s paywalled. Really disappointing to see - I appreciate people need to make their money somewhere but it wasn’t made clear at all that you can’t journal on the journaling app without paying. I expected it would be additional features that would be paid - like customising the plants or something. Such a shame that the whole purpose of the app - to be a daily journal - is locked behind a paywall.

### 1/5 — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*2026-07-10, version 2.5.2*

this app is simple, yet very cute! the simplicity of the layout makes it really straightforward and easy to use!

### 1/5 — i want to love it

*2026-06-23, version 2.5.2*

i love the idea of this app, from the design to the colours and concept. i love everything about it EXCEPT you can’t put in journal entries with the free version of the app. i understand the time, money and effort that goes into developing an app but times are tough and money is tight for a lot of people. i wish there was a free version with ads or something, just an idea. without being able to put in journal entries, the app is pointless to me.

### 1/5 — Pay for everything

*2026-06-18, version 2.5.1*

I take back my previous good review of this app. To use the apps function for journaling, you have to subscribe. I don’t mean to put down the work that went into this app, but this is an incredibly simple, easy app to make, and show not cost any money. To make you subscribe to an app like this low-key makes it seem like they just made it for the money. I’m more likely to make one for my own which I most likely will. It’s a cool app, cute, but not worth money for it. I take this back if there is a way to journal without paying. However, I see no way to do that. If there is then I apologize.

### 1/5 — absolute rip off 😭 be serious

*2026-06-04, version 2.5.1*

the free version has One feature and the rest of the app is not worth paying any money for. the app daylio is less cute but works well and gives the same features for free - as does a physical journal. it’s a shame because this app is very nice to look at

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Signing option

*2026-08-19, version 3.0.1*

I see this app on social media and I really like the idea. But when I download it I realized for signing I must use my apple account and unfortunately I can’t use it for some reason. 
After my review the developer team reached me and they really try to solve my problem but it was not from them. But I really like their behavior and support too.

### 5/5 — best digital diary ever

*2026-08-19, version 3.0.1*

one year is the most intuitive and aesthetically-pleasing digital diary. i love how fun and easy it is to save a memory. my fave part is that every diary entry = a flower in your garden — such a cute incentive to build a habit of writing daily :)

### 5/5 — Hard to select a single day from the year view

*2026-08-08*

I’m using this app on iPhone 16 and absolutely love it. But while looking back at days in the default year view, I find it hard to select a particular day. I have to click slightly below to where the day touch area is

**Developer response:** Hi there!

This is Alec, the dev behind One Year :).

Tysm for taking the time to leave us some thoughts, and thanks for all the kind words!!

So happy you're enjoying the app, and great thoughts.

We are working on a new update to resurface memories in a much easier way.

If you ever need anything else you can drop me an email at alec@wndn.studio anytime!

Tysm again
Alec

### 5/5 — the cutest way to journal digitally

*2026-07-14, version 2.5.2*

love this app!! it’s so cute and the developers are just the best. I had a really lovely conversation with Alec and he was super helpful :))

### 5/5 — I love this journal

*2026-07-10, version 2.5.2*

First journal app I’ve stuck to! Super cute, simple and easy to use. I like that you get a new icon every day, aesthetically pleasing to look at.

### 5/5 — such pretty graphics!

*2026-07-09, version 2.5.2*

I love the whole concept of this app, but I just wish it was free to use :)

### 5/5 — Great app, I’m just sad I can’t use it at the moment :,)

*2026-07-08, version 2.5.2*

This is so cute! From the sample I love the journaling features (the main thing for me) which include the ability to add photos and write little memories. I think it is a wonderful for daily mindfulness and noticing the little whimsical things in your everyday, even if it’s just an ant you see on your walk or a morning cup of tea. 
I see that a lot of people seem upset that the app is paid, but I mean, I do get it. Development takes a lot of work, time, effort and funds, so ya gotta make money somehow! I think also that it’s nice that it being paid allows for an experience without harassment from annoying advertisements. As a broke-ahh-no-job high school student, it is a bit disappointing, but ah well. Maybe one day!
As for the app itself, I really like the ui design! it’s simple and intuitive to use. One thing I’d like to note is that it’d be nice if the settings menu was more obvious. At the moment (on iOS) it’s only accessible through clicking the year on the calendar screen, which could be confusing for some!
I really like the doodle illustrations, too. They are soooo cute, and as an artist I appreciate the dedication to make individual drawings for each day of the year! Even tho I can’t journal right now, I like to check in and view what new little surprises have popped up on the year-view! My favourite one so far is the ducky-goose from June 21st 🪿:)

### 5/5 — 提问🙋‍♀️

*2026-07-03*

很可爱，我想把我以前的日记也导入进来，不能选去年，或者更早以前的日期吗

**Developer response:** 你好！

我是 Alec，One Year 的开发者:)

非常感谢你联系我们并给我们支持！！

你可以回去为今年添加回忆，但无法为过去的年份添加:(。

不过，到了 2027 年，你就可以回顾并查看今年所有的回忆了！

如果你还需要其他帮助，随时可以发邮件给我：alec@wndn.studio :)

非常感谢！
Alec

### 5/5 — Gorgeous

*2026-07-01, version 2.5.2*

Beautiful and simple

### 5/5 — 非常可爱又轻松的日记软件

*2026-06-30*

很喜欢这种每日种下一朵花的感觉。已经连续记录快10天了。有种每天看到自己，一点点记录生活的感觉。

心情记录对应小花颜色的设计很可爱。在花园里一目了然，又有情绪价值，又能快速回溯和分析。

想提个小建议：单篇日记如果可以增加照片上传数量就好了。比如3张或是5张。因为当天有很多喜欢的时刻moments，很想要记录起来。将来看到也会很有意义的。

最后，非常感谢制作者给这个世界带来这个可爱又治愈的app。希望One Year会越来越好～

**Developer response:** Hey there!
这是Alec，One Year的开发者 :)。
非常感谢你的这些暖心留言，真的很有意义。
很高兴这个app能让你每天都感受到意义！
很喜欢你提出的增加单篇日记照片数量的建议，这正是我目前在努力开发的功能 :)。敬请期待！
如果你想聊聊或者分享更多想法，随时欢迎发邮件给我：alec@wndn.studio。
Tysm!
Alec

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-12.*