# Private Journal vs Caffeine Tracker +

The clearest difference is monetization model: Caffeine Tracker + at freemium against Private Journal's subscription. Private Journal's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Private Journal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Caffeine Tracker + sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Private Journal against 5.0 for Caffeine Tracker +. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Private Journal ships an update fortnightly, Caffeine Tracker + every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Journal | Caffeine Tracker + |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-journalhabit-tracker/id6504427387/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caffeine-tracker-plus/id6746387175/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 30 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.5** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [correlateencourage LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1752254883) | [Brightwood Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1776937863) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-journalhabit-tracker/id6504427387)

This app helps you track your thoughts, goals, and habits to understand what leads to your success. Create secure journal entries and customizable trackers to encourage positive behaviors and achieve personal growth. All your data is stored privately on your device.

**Highlights:** Secure journal entries, Customizable habit trackers, Goal setting, Freeform journaling, Data stored on device, Reflection and analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Quarterly subscription | $3.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual subscription | $7.99 | per year |


### Caffeine Tracker +

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caffeine-tracker-plus/id6746387175)

Take control of your caffeine intake with powerful tracking, personalized reduction plans, and real-time insights. Understand your habits, sleep better, and reduce anxiety with data-driven tools and visual progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Caffeine tracking for various beverages, Real-time metabolism and metabolism graphs, Personalized reduction plans, Sleep quality insights, Smart reminders and 'last call' notifications, Calendar view of caffeine habits

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Access \| 1 Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Journal free?

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

### Is Caffeine Tracker + free?

Caffeine Tracker + is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Private Journal or Caffeine Tracker +?

Private Journal and Caffeine Tracker + are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Private Journal or Caffeine Tracker + have ads?

Neither Private Journal nor Caffeine Tracker + shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Journal or Caffeine Tracker +?

Private Journal ships an update fortnightly, and Caffeine Tracker + every 3 months. Most recently, Private Journal was updated on October 20, 2026 and Caffeine Tracker + on October 8, 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.*