# Simpler vs JotJournal

The clearest difference is ads: Simpler at none against JotJournal's shown. Simpler also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). JotJournal's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simpler sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and JotJournal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Simpler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Simpler's written reviews are positive against 78% of JotJournal's.

Simpler ships an update every 3 weeks, JotJournal weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simpler | JotJournal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpler-diary-journal/id1443625358/reviews)** | [4.4 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jotjournal-private-diary/id1575315251/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 78.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 70 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wayne Williams](https://appshunter.io/developer/1116831128) | [Naohito Muraoka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1509204317) |

## What reviewers say

### Simpler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpler-diary-journal/id1443625358)

This prompt-based journal app makes reflection easy and fun. Capture moods, thoughts, and interests with guided questions, photos, videos, and voice-to-text entries. Personalize your diary and sync across devices.

**Highlights:** Prompt-based journaling, Add photos and videos, Voice-to-text entry, Customizable diary cover, Daily reminders, Touch/Face ID lock, Calendar view

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


### JotJournal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jotjournal-private-diary/id1575315251)

This app offers a simple and intuitive journaling experience with an SNS-style interface. Create a private timeline to record your thoughts and emotions without complicated settings. It's designed for users seeking an easy-to-use, visually appealing daily diary.

**Highlights:** SNS style diary, Simple and beautiful design, Easy to use interface, Private timeline creation, Stress-free diary management

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $5.99 | per year |
| Premium outright purchase | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simpler free?

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

### Is JotJournal free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simpler or JotJournal?

Simpler is rated higher. Simpler averages 4.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while JotJournal averages 4.4 from 14 ratings.

### Do Simpler or JotJournal have ads?

JotJournal shows ads; Simpler does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simpler or JotJournal?

Simpler ships an update every 3 weeks, and JotJournal weekly. Most recently, Simpler was updated on October 24, 2026 and JotJournal on October 27, 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.*