# Grid Diary Classic vs Simple Diary

The clearest difference is ads: Grid Diary Classic at none against Simple Diary's shown. Grid Diary Classic also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). Simple Diary's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 Diary sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Simple Diary holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 774 and 908 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Grid Diary Classic's written reviews are positive against 78% of Simple Diary's.

Grid Diary Classic ships an update every 3 weeks, Simple Diary every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grid Diary Classic | Simple Diary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (774 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-diary-classic/id597077261/reviews) | **[4.8 (908 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-diary-daily-journal/id1388195923/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 774 | **908** |
| Positive reviews | 76.6% of reviews | **78.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 206 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sumi Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/597077264) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## 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 Diary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-diary-daily-journal/id1388195923)

This app provides a simple and convenient way to journal your thoughts and experiences. It allows you to add images, secure your entries with a passcode, and customize the app's appearance. Data backup and search functions ensure your memories are safe and easily accessible.

**Highlights:** Insert images into entries, Secure passcode lock (Face ID/Touch ID), Customizable theme colors and app icon, Data backup to iTunes/PC and cloud services, Tag-based search for entries, Adjustable text font size and color, Daily reminder notifications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium (Annual) | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium Service (Lifetime) | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 📷 Ability to add photos
- 🔒 Password protection
- 🗓️ Organized by calendar view
- 🔍 Effective search functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 📁 Limited photo upload capacity
- 💰 Paywall for some features
- 🔄 Inconvenient manual backup/restore process
- 🎨 Limited font and theme options in free version

**Reported bugs**

- Some characters not displaying properly
- Calendar dates not always accurate
- Deleted entries not recoverable

**Requested features**

- Automatic iCloud/Google Drive sync
- More font and theme customization options
- Video recording and embedding
- Ability to add tags or categories to entries
- One-tap access to previous day's entry


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grid Diary Classic free?

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

### Is Simple Diary free?

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

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

Simple Diary is rated higher. Grid Diary Classic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 774 ratings, while Simple Diary averages 4.8 from 908 ratings.

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

Simple Diary shows ads; Grid Diary Classic does not.

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

Grid Diary Classic ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Diary every 2 months. Most recently, Grid Diary Classic was updated on October 29, 2026 and Simple Diary on October 29, 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.*