Comparison

321 Diary vs Buddy Journal

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

Head to head
About

321 Diary

This app helps you capture daily memories, track habits, and express your mood with a customizable interface and engaging features. It offers a digital space for journaling and personal growth, enhanced with decorative elements.

Highlights
  • Customizable entries
  • Mood calendar
  • Habit tracking with punch details
  • Page turning clock for habit formation
  • Exquisite sticker materials for journaling
Features
Read full description

321 Diary is a beautiful and interesting diary. Collect your little memories, record your little habits, and grow with you! - Function - 1. Custom adding: add your own custom; 2. Mood calendar: record the mood every day with lovely expressions; 3. Page turning clock: a variety of page turning clocks make it easier to form habits; 4. Punch details: display all punch details and habits; 5. Keep a diary: exquisite sticker material to record a good life. Come and form good habits with 《321Habit》! This subscription will be automatically renewed through your iTunes account, and the renewal fee will be deducted from your package within 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. You can manage or cancel the automatic renewal at the account settings. Cancellation of the automatic renewal must be at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. If your trial has not ended, the remaining days will automatically expire after you start the subscription. To activate the subscription, you need to agree to the following terms: Terms of Service: https://dongnan2022.github.io/posts/dongnan/fuwu Privacy Policy : https://dongnan2022.github.io/posts/dongnan/privacy

About

Buddy Journal

This app provides a user-friendly space to record daily thoughts, moods, and memories. It offers extensive customization options with backgrounds and stickers to personalize your entries and is accessible on mobile devices.

Highlights
  • Intuitive interface for easy journaling
  • Personalized backgrounds and stickers
  • Add text and images to entries
  • Record daily moods and memories
  • Mobile convenience for on-the-go use
  • iPad compatibility
Features
Read full description

Buddy Journal - Capture the traces of time, with every page filled with stories and warmth. Buddy Journal is a thoughtfully designed notebook and diary, dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and free space for recording. Whether you want to document daily mood changes or cherish those unforgettable moments, Buddy Journal has you covered. [Simple Operation, Easy to Use] The diary app features an intuitive and sleek interface design, making it easy for you to get started right away. Adding text, inserting images, or adjusting the layout only takes a few simple steps, ensuring a smooth recording process. [Personalized Customization, Show Your True Self] We understand that everyone has their unique aesthetics and style. Therefore, Buddy Journal offers a wealth of personalization options. You can freely choose backgrounds, stickers, and create a diary style that's exclusively yours, making every page full of personality and charm. [Mobile Convenience, Anytime, Anywhere] Compatible with iPad, Buddy Journal allows you to record life's moments wherever you go. No matter where you are, simply open the app and add new entries anytime, enriching your life with color and diversity. Experience Buddy Journal now! Let's record the beauty of life together and cherish precious memories! Subscription instructions: The subscription fee will be deducted from the iTunes account when the user confirms the purchase and can be automatically renewed; Cancel automatic renewal at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period, otherwise it will be automatically renewed; Users can manage subscription services by going to their account settings to disable automatic subscriptions after purchasing. To enable subscriptions, you need to agree to the following terms and conditions Service Terms: https://ruimeiyang.github.io/posts/ruimeiyang/fuwu Privacy Policy: https://ruimeiyang.github.io/posts/ruimeiyang/privacy

Screenshots

321 Diary4 screens
Buddy Journal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Buddy Journal at 100% against 321 Diary's 33%. Buddy Journal also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5). 321 Diary's advantage is ratings volume (58 vs 17) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. 321 Diary sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Buddy Journal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Buddy Journal holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 58 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of 321 Diary's written reviews are positive against 100% of Buddy Journal's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

321 Diary ships an update every 3 months, Buddy Journal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
321 Diary versus Buddy Journal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter321 DiaryBuddy Journal
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (58 ratings)4.8 (17 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings58 — better17
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size63 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer楠 董瑞媚 杨

Customer experience

321 Diary

All ratings52 ratings
Positive86.5%
Neutral9.6%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral33.3%
Negative33.3%

Buddy Journal

All ratings14 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

321 Diary

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly subscription3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Quarterly subscription3 Days trial$8.993 Months
One-time1
  • Pro Version$8.99
3 purchases

Buddy Journal

Subscriptions2
  • Plus version3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Plus Quarterly3 Days trial$6.993 Months
One-time1
  • Pro version$9.99

Questions

Is 321 Diary free?
321 Diary is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Buddy Journal free?
Buddy Journal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, 321 Diary or Buddy Journal?
Buddy Journal is rated higher. 321 Diary averages 4.5 out of 5 from 58 ratings, while Buddy Journal averages 4.8 from 17 ratings.
Do 321 Diary or Buddy Journal have ads?
Both 321 Diary and Buddy Journal show ads.
Which is updated more often, 321 Diary or Buddy Journal?
321 Diary ships an update every 3 months, and Buddy Journal every 2 months. Most recently, 321 Diary was updated on November 3, 2026 and Buddy Journal on November 4, 2026.

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