# My journal vs DOT Notebook

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DOT Notebook at none against My journal's 2. DOT Notebook also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.4). My journal's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. My journal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. DOT Notebook asks for nothing beyond the download.

My journal ships an update every 3 days, DOT Notebook monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | My journal | DOT Notebook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 186 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Antoine Gaia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482839378) | [Aaron Roodhart](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895659129) |

## What reviewers say

### My journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-journal-diary-with-lock/id6476698193)

Securely record your daily thoughts, memories, and emotions in a private digital space. This app offers a minimalist interface, PIN code protection, and customizable reminders to encourage consistent journaling. Personalize your experience with custom icons and colors.

**Highlights:** Private and secure diary entries, PIN code protection, Simplified daily journaling, Minimalist and intuitive interface, Customizable app icons and colors, Reminders and notifications

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| bonjour • monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| bonjour • lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |


### DOT Notebook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-notebook/id6764144989)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is My journal free?

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

### Is DOT Notebook free?

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

### Do My journal or DOT Notebook have ads?

Neither My journal nor DOT Notebook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, My journal or DOT Notebook?

My journal ships an update every 3 days, and DOT Notebook monthly. Most recently, My journal was updated on September 28, 2026 and DOT Notebook on October 7, 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.*