Comparison

MD vs Honest Journal

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

Head to head
About

MD

Features
Read full description

Embark on a unique journey with MD-Journal — the secure Markdown-friendly diary app designed to capture your life with depth and clarity. With advanced encryption, flexible view modes, and full Markdown compatibility, MD-Journal offers a writing experience that’s both expressive and safe. Key Features: • End-to-End Encryption: Keep your memories private with local encryption and secure iCloud backup. • Markdown-Friendly Editor: Write naturally with syntax highlighting and full Markdown preview. • Various View Modes: Enjoy your journal in Summary, Card, or Calendar modes. • Customization Options: Choose from 10+ color themes and fonts to match your style. • Add Photos & Videos: Capture unforgettable moments visually. • Backup & Restore: Sync securely with iCloud and never lose your data. • Security Features: Protect your entries with biometric or PIN authentication. • Self-Discovery Questions: Reflect deeply with 100 curated prompts. • Trash Bin & Recovery: Safely recover deleted entries anytime. • Smart Search: Instantly find any journal entry. • Dark Mode: Write comfortably day or night. Your thoughts deserve privacy, clarity, and beauty. Download MD-Journal today and start your encrypted, Markdown-powered journaling journey. This app is subject to Apple's standard terms and conditions (EULA). For more information, see Apple's Standard Terms and Conditions(https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/).

About

Honest Journal

This app offers a serene space for daily reflection and gratitude journaling. It features a clean interface, gentle reminders, and a focus on privacy by storing entries locally. Track your progress with a streak counter and enjoy a clutter-free writing experience.

Highlights
  • Clean writing experience
  • Calendar history
  • Daily reminders
  • Private local storage
  • Daily prompt
  • Streak tracking
Features
Read full description

Make space for what matters. Honest Journal is a calm, beautifully designed place to reflect, write, and remember. Thoughtful daily prompts help you begin, while free writing lets you follow wherever your thoughts lead. CAPTURE THE MOMENT • Write guided or free-form journal entries • Add up to six photos to an entry • Save meaningful moments without distractions SEE YOUR STORY UNFOLD • Browse entries in a visual monthly calendar • Revisit past reflections and attached photos • Build a gentle daily writing rhythm MADE FOR PEACE OF MIND • Protect the app with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode • Choose an optional daily reminder • Keep your journal on your device • No account required Whether you are practicing gratitude, processing a difficult day, or simply noticing what is already here, Honest Journal gives your thoughts room to breathe. Start with one honest moment.

Screenshots

MD4 screens
Honest Journal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Honest Journal at none against MD's 3. Honest Journal also leads on ads (none vs shown). MD's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence 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. MD sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Honest Journal asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
MD versus Honest Journal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMDHonest Journal
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 6 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size86 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRaynearSoft LLCJose Garcia

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MD

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly Subscription$1.991 Month
  • Annual Premium Subscription$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • remove advertisement$49.99
None

Honest Journal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MD free?
MD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Honest Journal free?
Honest Journal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MD or Honest Journal have ads?
MD shows ads; Honest Journal does not.
Which is updated more often, MD or Honest Journal?
MD ships an update every 6 months, and Honest Journal every 6 months. Most recently, MD was updated on November 4, 2026 and Honest Journal on October 30, 2026.

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