Comparison

Diary vs Lucy Diary

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

Lucy Diary

A private and cozy digital journal for daily thoughts, dreams, and memories. Offers a clean writing space with optional premium features for enhanced customization and photo attachments.

Highlights
  • Daily diary entries
  • Distraction-free writing space
  • Privacy-focused experience
  • Customization and cozy themes
  • Photo attachments
  • Premium diary layouts
Features
Read full description

Lucy is a private, cozy diary for daily thoughts, dreams, reflections, gratitude notes, and memories. Free features: - Create diary entries and keep a daily writing habit. - Write in a clean, distraction-free space. - Keep personal notes in a privacy-focused diary experience. Diary+ features require an optional in-app purchase: - Extra diary customization and cozy themes. - Photo attachments for memories. - Additional personalization tools. - Premium diary layouts and styles. Whether you use the free journal or choose Diary+ for more customization, Lucy helps you keep life organized in one beautiful place. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://tahjx.github.io/lucy-legal/

Screenshots

Diary4 screens
Lucy Diary4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Lucy Diary at 5.0 against Diary's 1.0. Lucy Diary also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 99 months) and device support. Diary's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price and ratings volume 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. Lucy Diary sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Diary asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Lucy Diary holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Diary ships an update every 99 months, Lucy Diary weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Diary versus Lucy Diary: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDiaryLucy Diary
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 99 monthsWeekly — better
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Devices—iPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjong-chan PARKTahj Elliott

Customer experience

Diary

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

Lucy Diary

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Diary

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Lucy Diary

Subscriptions2
  • Diary+ Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Diary+ Yearly$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Diary+ Lifetime$11.99

Questions

Is Diary free?
Diary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Lucy Diary free?
Lucy Diary is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Diary or Lucy Diary?
Lucy Diary is rated higher. Diary averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Lucy Diary averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Which is updated more often, Diary or Lucy Diary?
Diary ships an update every 99 months, and Lucy Diary weekly. Most recently, Diary was updated on November 2, 2026 and Lucy Diary on October 31, 2026.

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