Best Simply Journaling Apps

219+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
18 free apps
Updated May 2026

Finding the right simply journaling apps can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 219+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Simply Journaling Apps (May 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Simply JournalingSimply JournalingFreeNoNoMay 2026
2My Diary - Journal with LockMy Diary - Journal with LockFree4.7★ (28K)YesYesSep 2026
3Day One: Daily Journal & DiaryDay One: Daily Journal & DiaryFree4.8★ (118K)NoYesSep 2026
4Prompted Journal - Shadow WorkPrompted Journal - Shadow WorkFree4.8★ (6.9K)NoYesSep 2026
5PenzuPenzuFree4.2★ (2.5K)NoYesSep 2026
6Clearful - Journal & DiaryClearful - Journal & DiaryFree4.8★ (3K)NoYesSep 2026
7Journey - Diary, JournalJourney - Diary, JournalFree4.6★ (5.1K)NoYesSep 2026
85 Minute Journal・Daily Diary5 Minute Journal・Daily DiaryFree4.8★ (18K)NoYesSep 2026

Top Picks for Simply Journaling

My Diary - Journal with Lock#2

My Diary - Journal with Lock by BetterApp Tech Co., Limited

Journaling Diary with password
Strong Contender
🌟 Lifestyle
4.7😊(28K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 1
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 2
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 3
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 4
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 5
My Diary - Journal with Lock screenshot 6

This app offers a secure and personalized digital journal for recording daily thoughts, memories, and emotions. Enhance entries with photos, themes, and mood tracking. It's designed to support mental well-being by providing a private space for self-reflection and emotional processing.

What We Love

  • 🔒 Secure with password, fingerprint, and security question options
  • 📝 Easy to write and express thoughts
  • 🎨 Customizable with themes, stickers, and photos
  • 🗓️ Helpful for tracking moods and daily activities

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Many features locked behind premium paywall
  • 🔍 Limited free theme and sticker options
  • 🐛 Issues with formatting, text editing, and photo placement
  • 🔄 Requires restoring purchases frequently
Day One: Daily Journal & Diary#3

Day One: Daily Journal & Diary by Bloom Built Inc

Private Gratitude Journaling
Worth Considering
💪 Health & Fitness
4.8😊(118K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#73in Health & Fitness
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Day One: Daily Journal & Diary screenshot 5
Day One: Daily Journal & Diary screenshot 6

Record your life with a private digital journal. Securely save text, photos, audio, and video. Features include reminders, prompts, and automatic data import to help you stay consistent and reminisce.

What We Love

  • 💻 Excellent journaling app
  • 🗓️ Ability to create multiple journals
  • 🎨 Customizable journal templates
  • 🔍 Powerful search and filtering
  • 🗺️ Location and weather tracking
  • 🔒 Secure and private
  • 🤖 Voice recording and transcription
  • 📚 Ability to print journal books
  • 🧠 Helps with mental health and personal growth

Room to Improve

  • 🔒 Subscription model for premium features
  • 🗓️ Issues with syncing and data loss
  • 🖌️ Limited customization options
  • 🔍 Clunky search and navigation
  • 🐛 Bugs and crashes
  • 🗣️ Poor customer support

More Simply Journaling apps to explore

FAQ about Simply Journaling

Are there free simply journaling apps for iPhone?
Yes — 18 of the top simply journaling apps we rank are free to download, including Simply Journaling and My Diary - Journal with Lock.
Simply Journaling has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of May 2026.
We track 219+ simply journaling apps on the iOS App Store as of May 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.