Comparison

PencilDiary vs MoodRiver Journal

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

Head to head
About

PencilDiary

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
Read full description

Pencil Diary is the only handwritten journal app that gives you a new page every day, automatically organized by date. Whether you're jotting down daily reflections, tracking your moods, ADHD, every note is instantly saved and accessible by date—so you never have to manage folders or files. With seamless light and dark mode adaptation, your notes automatically invert colors to match your iPad’s theme. This ensures that your handwritten text remains readable and aesthetically consistent, no matter when or where you write. If you love writing by hand with an Apple Pencil, Pencil Diary is your perfect digital alternative to a traditional journal. KEY FEATURES: 1. New Page Every Day, Organized by Date - Automatically starts a fresh blank page every day—just like a real notebook. - No need to create or sort notes—your entries are stored by date for easy browsing. - Go back and review past notes without clutter or folders. 2. Auto Light & Dark Mode With Smart Color Inversion - When switching modes, your handwritten notes automatically adjust, ensuring perfect contrast - In light mode, notes appear on a white page in dark mode, they seamlessly invert for a comfortable nighttime writing experience 3. Pure Handwriting —No Typing, No Distractions - Write naturally with Apple Pencil —no keyboards, just a real pen-on-paper feel. - Perfect for journaling, planning, mood tracking, or creative sketching. - Supports freehand drawing, doodling, and note-taking. 4. Minimalist & Aesthetic Design - A clean, distraction-free interface to help you focus on your thoughts. - Inspired by artful agendas, aesthetic planners, and mindful journaling techniques. 5. Ideal for Personal Growth & Reflection - Use it as a gratitude journal, mood tracker, self-care planner, or time management tool. - Great for stoic journaling, mental health tracking, and personal development. - WHY CHOOSE PENCIL DIARY? Most journaling apps rely on templates, stickers, or typing. Pencil Diary is different. A fresh page every day — just open the app and start writing. No manual sorting — everything is saved by date. Automatic light & dark mode — your notes adapt perfectly. Handwriting only — for a truly paper-like experience on iPad. No clutter — just a simple, elegant space for your thoughts. If you love handwriting, daily journaling, and a clean, distraction-free experience, Pencil Diary is the perfect app for you. Start Your Journaling Journey Today!

About

MoodRiver Journal

Features
Read full description

MoodRiver Journal is a privacy-first mood journal that helps you log emotions quickly, notice patterns, and reflect with gentle insights. Track your mood with one tap, add optional tags and notes, review your mood flow over time, and generate shareable PDF wellness reports when you want to reflect on your progress. MoodRiver is for personal reflection and wellness tracking only. It does not provide medical diagnoses, treatment advice, or emergency support. Always seek a doctor's or qualified health professional's advice before making medical decisions.

Screenshots

PencilDiary4 screens
MoodRiver Journal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MoodRiver Journal at none against PencilDiary's 4. MoodRiver Journal also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18). On price, ads 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. PencilDiary sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. MoodRiver Journal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
PencilDiary versus MoodRiver Journal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPencilDiaryMoodRiver Journal
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (41 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings41 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1816.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size214 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRABBITEYE LAB LLPGeeker Technology (Sanhe) Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

PencilDiary

One-time4
  • Premium$29.99
  • LifeTime$39.99
  • Premium$49.99
Show 1 more
  • LifeTime$59.99
None

MoodRiver Journal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PencilDiary free?
PencilDiary is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MoodRiver Journal free?
MoodRiver Journal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PencilDiary or MoodRiver Journal have ads?
Neither PencilDiary nor MoodRiver Journal shows ads.

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