Comparison

Silky Brew vs Espresso Journal

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

Head to head
About

Silky Brew

Features
Read full description

Silky Brew is an app for coffee enthusiasts who want to track their coffee beans and find the optimal coffee grinder settings for each type of bean. The app lets users adjust and save their coffee grinder settings for different beans to achieve the best results. With Silky Brew, users will never miss a perfect espresso shot because of forgetting the ideal coffee grinder settings. Users can also rate each coffee bean to keep track of their favourites.

About

Espresso Journal

Log and analyze every aspect of your espresso brewing to understand what makes a great shot. Track details like timing, weight, bean origin, and tasting notes to refine your technique and achieve consistent results. Perfect for home baristas and coffee professionals seeking to improve their craft.

Highlights
  • Shot timing and yield tracking
  • Bean origin and roast details
  • Equipment and recipe logging
  • Tasting notes and ratings
  • Built-in shot timer
  • Recipe management
  • iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Espresso Journal is a simple log for home espresso. Record each shot, see what you changed, and get to a better cup sooner. LOG A SHOT IN SECONDS New shots start from your last one, so you only change what you're dialing in. Start the timer, pull the shot, and the brew time is filled in for you. Add dose, yield, grind setting, grinder RPM, grind time, temperature, a rating and notes. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BEANS AND GEAR Save the roaster, origin, process and roast date for each coffee, with a link to the shop for when you need more. Add your machine, grinder, portafilters and baskets. ON IPHONE AND IPAD Your journal syncs through iCloud. Export your shots as a spreadsheet whenever you like. ESPRESSO JOURNAL PRO A one-time purchase, shared with your family: • Take a photo of a bag and the app reads the label for you • Recipes for the drinks you make often • Charts comparing grind, ratio and time with how you rated each shot • The shot timer on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island, and a Pull a Shot button for Control Center and Siri • Bean stock, shot cards and flavor notes Questions or ideas? Use Send Feedback in Settings.

Screenshots

Silky Brew3 screens
Espresso Journal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Silky Brew at every 2 months against Espresso Journal's every 5 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Silky Brew sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Espresso Journal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Silky Brew ships an update every 2 months, Espresso Journal every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Silky Brew versus Espresso Journal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSilky BrewEspresso Journal
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.626.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB6 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperToomas VahterGruffydd Johnston

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Silky Brew

Subscriptions2
  • Barista Monthly (1 Month)$0.991 Month
  • Barista Annual (1 Year)$5.991 Year
1 purchases

Espresso Journal

One-time1
  • Espresso Journal Pro$9.99

Questions

Is Silky Brew free?
Silky Brew is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Espresso Journal free?
Espresso Journal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Silky Brew or Espresso Journal have ads?
Neither Silky Brew nor Espresso Journal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Silky Brew or Espresso Journal?
Silky Brew ships an update every 2 months, and Espresso Journal every 5 months. Most recently, Silky Brew was updated on October 25, 2026 and Espresso Journal on October 25, 2026.

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