# Grid Diary Classic vs Simple Daily Diary

The clearest difference is update cadence: Grid Diary Classic at every 3 weeks against Simple Daily Diary's every 50 months. Grid Diary Classic also leads on review sentiment (77% vs 52%) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Grid Diary Classic sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and Simple Daily Diary sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Grid Diary Classic against 4.5 for Simple Daily Diary. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 773 and 1.3K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 77% of Grid Diary Classic's written reviews are positive against 52% of Simple Daily Diary's.

Grid Diary Classic ships an update every 3 weeks, Simple Daily Diary every 50 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grid Diary Classic | Simple Daily Diary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (773 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-diary-classic/id597077261/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-daily-diary/id1232014505/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 773 | **1.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **76.6% of reviews** | 52.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 50 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sumi Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/597077264) | [Dmytro Vynokurov](https://appshunter.io/developer/350017076) |

## What reviewers say

### Grid Diary Classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-diary-classic/id597077261)

This journaling app offers a unique grid-based format with prompts to overcome writer's block. It allows for photo attachments, full-text search, and health data integration. Advanced features like passcode lock and cloud sync are available through a subscription or one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Unique grid format for journaling, Prompt library for writing inspiration, Photo attachment to entries, Full text search functionality, Backup and restore options, HealthKit integration for steps and calories

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Subscription | $2.49 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 📝 Helps with daily reflection and journaling
- 🎨 Clean and minimalist design
- 🔍 Customizable prompts and templates
- 🌐 Syncs across devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paid version required for password protection
- 🖼️ Limited photo storage in free version
- 🌐 Sync issues for some users
- 💰 Concerns over transition to subscription model
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Upgrade issues and failed purchases
- Entries disappearing or being deleted
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- More font and color customization options
- Integration with calendar and other apps
- Ability to export/backup journal entries
- More emotion/mood options
- Desktop/web version


### Simple Daily Diary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-daily-diary/id1232014505)

Capture your everyday moments with a fast, easy, and beautifully designed journaling app. Add custom titles, personalize with themes, and easily find past entries with smart search. Sync across devices and enjoy local backups for peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Add custom titles to entries, 20+ handpicked color themes, Smart search by date or keywords, Share thoughts and memories, iCloud sync between iPhone and iPad, Local device backup

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Diary | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 💡 Straightforward diary format
- 🚀 Clean and fast interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 No password or lock feature
- 📤 Limited storage space without paid upgrade
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior with paid upgrade
- 🔄 Inability to edit/add past entries

**Reported bugs**

- Paid upgrade not working as expected
- Entries disappearing or not saving properly
- Freezing or crashing when using certain features

**Requested features**

- Add password/lock feature
- Increase storage space or make it truly unlimited
- Allow editing and adding of past entries
- Provide cloud backup/sync option
- Offer more customization options (colors, fonts, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grid Diary Classic free?

Grid Diary Classic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Simple Daily Diary free?

Simple Daily Diary is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Grid Diary Classic or Simple Daily Diary?

Simple Daily Diary is rated higher. Grid Diary Classic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 773 ratings, while Simple Daily Diary averages 4.5 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do Grid Diary Classic or Simple Daily Diary have ads?

Neither Grid Diary Classic nor Simple Daily Diary shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Grid Diary Classic or Simple Daily Diary?

Grid Diary Classic ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Daily Diary every 50 months. Most recently, Grid Diary Classic was updated on October 7, 2026 and Simple Daily Diary on October 18, 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.*