# HighNotes vs DailyBean

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HighNotes at none against DailyBean's 32. HighNotes also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). DailyBean's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DailyBean sells 25 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. HighNotes asks for nothing beyond the download.

DailyBean holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DailyBean has 71K ratings behind it against 47, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of HighNotes's written reviews are positive against 86% of DailyBean's.

HighNotes ships an update every 2 months, DailyBean every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HighNotes | DailyBean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/highnotes/id1249114868/reviews) | **[4.8 (71K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dailybean-simplest-journal/id1553223828/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 47 | **71K** |
| Positive reviews | 72.7% of reviews | **86.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 219 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aleksandr Fiodorov](https://appshunter.io/developer/571378481) | [BlueSignum Corp.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1553223830) |

## What reviewers say

### HighNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/highnotes/id1249114868)

This app encourages frequent, brief journaling to build a consistent habit. Easily add photos to your entries to make them more engaging and enjoyable to revisit.

**Highlights:** Frequent, brief note-taking, Builds journaling habit, Attach photos to notes, Enhances memory, Improves emotional health

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### DailyBean

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dailybean-simplest-journal/id1553223828)

This app provides a simple and enjoyable way to log daily experiences and moods. Customize your journal with themes and icons, and gain insights into your patterns with analysis reports. Easily integrate health data and special moments.

**Highlights:** Record in seconds, Fully customizable icons and blocks, Decorate with themes, Personal analysis reports, Sync health data, Record special moments

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (25)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pass | $3.99 | per month |
| 1-Month Pass | $4.99 | per month |
| 1-Month Pass | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Pass | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly Pass | $7.99 | per month |
| Annual Pass | $19.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Pass | $19.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Pass (Limited) | $24.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Pass | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Pass | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Pass | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Pass | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Pass | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Pass | $49.99 | per year |
| KittyBean | $0.99 | one-time |
| Cactus Bean | $0.99 | one-time |
| Planet Bean | $0.99 | one-time |
| Spring Picnic Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Autumn Leaves Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Halloween Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Midnight Moon Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Clovers | $1.99 | one-time |
| 300 Clovers | $4.99 | one-time |
| 700 Clovers | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Pass | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Great app for journaling and mood tracking
- 🎨 Cute and visually appealing design
- 🕰️ Easy to use and quick to record daily entries
- 📊 Helpful data insights and analytics
- 🔒 Secure with password/fingerprint option

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Premium subscription required for full features
- 🗓️ Limited data history without premium
- 🚫 Inability to customize/add new categories
- 📂 No option to export data
- 🔍 Lack of search functionality in journal entries

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional app crashes
- Issues with uploading photos after extended use

**Requested features**

- Ability to add custom categories and icons
- Option to record multiple moods per day
- Yearly/monthly review and analytics features
- Data export and backup functionality
- Text search within journal entries


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HighNotes free?

HighNotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DailyBean free?

DailyBean is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, HighNotes or DailyBean?

DailyBean is rated higher. HighNotes averages 4.4 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while DailyBean averages 4.8 from 71K ratings.

### Do HighNotes or DailyBean have ads?

DailyBean shows ads; HighNotes does not.

### Which is updated more often, HighNotes or DailyBean?

HighNotes ships an update every 2 months, and DailyBean every 6 days. Most recently, HighNotes was updated on October 22, 2026 and DailyBean on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*