Comparison

Diary vs Dear 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

Dear Diary

Features
Read full description

Dear Diary is a calm, personal space to capture your thoughts, memories, and everyday moments. Write freely or use gentle prompts when you need inspiration. Add moods, tags, photos, and voice notes to preserve the details that matter. As your journal grows, Dear Diary helps you reflect on patterns and revisit meaningful memories. Features include: • Guided writing prompts across multiple categories • Mood tracking and a visual mood calendar • Photos and voice notes • Tags, favourites, search, filters, and sorting • Journaling streaks, trends, and personal insights • Weekly reflections and “On This Day” memories • Customisable themes and daily reminders • Face ID, Touch ID, and passcode protection • Journal backup, import, export, and account sync Whether you’re building a daily habit, practising mindfulness, or preserving life’s important moments, Dear Diary makes reflection simple and meaningful.

Screenshots

Diary4 screens
Dear Diary4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Dear Diary at every 6 days against Diary's every 99 months. On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Diary ships an update every 99 months, Dear Diary every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Diary versus Dear Diary: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDiaryDear Diary
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 99 monthsEvery 6 days — better
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Devices—iPhone — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjong-chan PARKErin Welch

In-app purchases

None

Diary

No in-app purchases

None

Dear Diary

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Diary free?
Diary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Dear Diary free?
Dear Diary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which is updated more often, Diary or Dear Diary?
Diary ships an update every 99 months, and Dear Diary every 6 days. Most recently, Diary was updated on November 2, 2026 and Dear Diary on November 5, 2026.

Other comparisons