# Retrospect vs Wise Journal

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Retrospect at 100% against Wise Journal's 0%. Retrospect also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Wise Journal's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 21 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Wise Journal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Retrospect asks for nothing beyond the download.

Retrospect holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 5 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Retrospect's written reviews are positive against 0% of Wise Journal's.

Retrospect ships an update every 21 months, Wise Journal every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retrospect | Wise Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrospect-smart-journal/id1635622908/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wise-journal-ai-daily-diary/id6633441732/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **5** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 4 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lowell Pence](https://appshunter.io/developer/1577559242) | [UofHappy, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986232304) |

## What reviewers say

### Retrospect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrospect-smart-journal/id1635622908)

This app offers a private and straightforward method for recording your thoughts, locations, and moods. It allows for daily reflection and helps you make informed future decisions by reviewing your life experiences from various perspectives. Your data is securely stored on your device and backed up to iCloud.

**Highlights:** Private journaling, Mood tracking, Location logging, On-device storage, iCloud backup, No account required

**In-app purchases:** none


### Wise Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wise-journal-ai-daily-diary/id6633441732)

This AI-powered app acts as a personal guide for self-discovery, helping you uncover hidden talents, passions, and purpose through insightful journaling prompts and exercises. It aims to boost confidence, foster self-awareness, and cultivate a more positive mindset.

**Highlights:** AI-powered journaling prompts, Uncover hidden talents and passions, Develop self-awareness, Cultivate positive mindset, Overcome self-doubt, Personal growth companion

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wise Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Wise Yearly | $35.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retrospect free?

Retrospect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Wise Journal free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Retrospect or Wise Journal?

Retrospect is rated higher. Retrospect averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Wise Journal averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Retrospect or Wise Journal have ads?

Neither Retrospect nor Wise Journal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retrospect or Wise Journal?

Retrospect ships an update every 21 months, and Wise Journal every 3 weeks. Most recently, Retrospect was updated on October 8, 2026 and Wise Journal on October 19, 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.*