Comparison

Diary vs DayBits

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Diary

This is a straightforward journaling application designed for simplicity and iOS synchronization. It allows users to export their entries as plain text or Markdown files, ensuring their data is portable. The app aims to provide a clean and reliable space for personal reflection.

Highlights
  • Simple and clean interface
  • iOS synchronization
  • Plain text export
  • Markdown file export
  • Annual updates (historically)
Read full description

Diary - Record Repeater is a very simple app. I built it with just three goals: 1. Simple and clean. 2. Sync with iOS. 3. Updates every year, in step with iOS. I built it for myself. But if these traits speak to you, it might be for you too. The description above was written at launch. I'm adding to it now, in 2026. About goal #3, I owe you an apology. I didn't update this app for eight years. I'm truly sorry. I know some of you were disappointed. Some may never want to use it again — and honestly, I'd probably feel the same. I know this doesn't make up for it. But at least, I worked to make sure the diaries you've kept can come with you. In this new version, the backup feature lets you take your entries with you as plain text files and Markdown files. I'm sorry, again, for making you worry about the diaries you've trusted to this app. Thank you for reading this.

About

DayBits

Effortlessly capture daily experiences with a fast and uncluttered journaling app. Add text, photos, and view entries on a map. Enjoy a simple, pleasant experience designed for speed and ease of use.

Highlights
  • Fast, one-tap entry
  • Add photos to entries
  • View entries on a map
  • Search journal entries
  • Customizable fonts
  • Export to PDF
Read full description

Less is more with DayBits! Looking for a quick and easy way to capture experiences from your day? Seeking a fast and uncluttered experience? DayBits leaves you one tap away from effortlessly capturing your memories. DayBits opens with a blank page ready for immediate writing. Write as much or as little as you would like. Add a picture or two, if you would like. Done! - View your journal in a variety of formats. - View on a map where you were when you wrote a journal entry. - Search your journal entries. - Add Photos. - Choose custom fonts. - Make it your own! - Export to PDF There are many wonderful journaling apps available. DayBits was carefully designed to be unique among many. It was designed to allow fast entry and a simple and pleasant viewing experience. No distracting bells and whistles. Capture your memories fast and easily. Enjoy them later. Find the beauty in simplicity and speed with DayBits!

Screenshots

Diary4 screens
DayBits4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DayBits at 100% against Diary's 0%. DayBits also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 99 months). Diary's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.2). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DayBits holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DayBits has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Diary's written reviews are positive against 100% of DayBits's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Diary ships an update every 99 months, DayBits every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Diary versus DayBits: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDiaryDayBits
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings18 — better
Update frequencyEvery 99 monthsEvery 3 days — better
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Devices—iPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjong-chan PARKJay Levy

Customer experience

Diary

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

DayBits

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Diary

No in-app purchases

None

DayBits

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Diary free?
Diary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DayBits free?
DayBits is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Diary or DayBits?
DayBits is rated higher. Diary averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while DayBits averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.
Which is updated more often, Diary or DayBits?
Diary ships an update every 99 months, and DayBits every 3 days. Most recently, Diary was updated on October 3, 2026 and DayBits on October 9, 2026.

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