# Penzu vs Algonize Portal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Algonize Portal at none against Penzu's 3. Algonize Portal also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs weekly) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Penzu sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Algonize Portal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Penzu ships an update weekly, Algonize Portal every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Penzu | Algonize Portal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penzu/id452674732/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.5K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 62 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Penzu Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/452674735) | [Algoramming Systems Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780018440) |

## What reviewers say

### Penzu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penzu/id452674732)

This app provides a secure and private space for journaling, note-taking, and storing personal thoughts. It offers robust security features like password and PIN locks, encryption, and cloud syncing across devices. Users can also add photos and tags to their entries, making it a comprehensive digital diary.

**Highlights:** Unlimited journaling, Cloud sync for free, Password and PIN locks, Journal encryption, Add photos to entries, Search and tag entries, Offline writing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Penzu Pro Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Penzu Pro Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Penzu Pro Upgrade | $18.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 📝 Convenient journaling on the go
- 🗓️ Helpful reminders and date tracking
- 💻 Syncs across devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔑 Password issues and lockout problems
- 📁 Syncing and data loss issues
- 📱 Limited functionality on mobile app
- 💰 Expensive premium subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Keyboard disappearing during use
- Entries not saving or syncing properly
- Inability to access account after updates

**Requested features**

- More customization options for fonts, themes, and layouts
- Ability to export/backup journal entries
- Improved mobile app stability and features
- Better customer support and communication


### Algonize Portal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algonize-portal/id6783723078)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Penzu free?

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

### Is Algonize Portal free?

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

### Do Penzu or Algonize Portal have ads?

Neither Penzu nor Algonize Portal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Penzu or Algonize Portal?

Penzu ships an update weekly, and Algonize Portal every 4 days. Most recently, Penzu was updated on October 23, 2026 and Algonize Portal on October 12, 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.*