# PencilDiary vs Grind Card

The clearest difference is ads: PencilDiary at none against Grind Card's shown. PencilDiary also leads on ratings volume (41 vs 5) and iOS requirement (18 vs 26.2). Grind Card's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PencilDiary sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Grind Card sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Grind Card holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PencilDiary has 41 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

PencilDiary ships an update weekly, Grind Card every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PencilDiary | Grind Card |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencildiary-notes-pdf-markup/id6739626574/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grind-card/id6760800162/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 212 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [RABBITEYE LAB LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482497034) | [JAREN ANDREW GARBER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886303520) |

## What reviewers say

### PencilDiary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencildiary-notes-pdf-markup/id6739626574)

This app provides a daily handwritten journal experience with a new page automatically generated each day, organized by date. It offers seamless light and dark mode adaptation with smart color inversion for optimal readability and a minimalist design for focused reflection.

**Highlights:** New page generated daily, organized by date, Automatic light and dark mode with color inversion, Pure handwriting input with Apple Pencil support, Minimalist and distraction-free interface, Ideal for personal growth and reflection, No manual sorting or folder management

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $19.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


### Grind Card

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grind-card/id6760800162)

Gamify your life by tracking daily activities across five core areas: body, mind, wealth, connection, and vitality. Earn XP, coins, and climb leaderboards by completing challenges and maintaining streaks. Customize your player card and compete with friends.

**Highlights:** Daily check-ins for stats growth, Track body, mind, wealth, connection, vitality, XP and coin earning system, Weekly leagues and rankings, Customizable player card, Social features for friends, Mystery crates and cosmetic unlocks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grind Pass | $4.99 | per month |
| Starter Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Daily Grinder Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Warrior Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Challenger Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Season 1 Pass | $9.99 | one-time |
| Elite Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Pack | $24.99 | one-time |
| Champion Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Founder's Edition | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PencilDiary free?

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

### Is Grind Card free?

Grind Card is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PencilDiary or Grind Card?

Grind Card is rated higher. PencilDiary averages 4.8 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while Grind Card averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do PencilDiary or Grind Card have ads?

Grind Card shows ads; PencilDiary does not.

### Which is updated more often, PencilDiary or Grind Card?

PencilDiary ships an update weekly, and Grind Card every 3 days. Most recently, PencilDiary was updated on October 4, 2026 and Grind Card on October 9, 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.*