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Apple Journal alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Apple Journal: apple devices only, and basic export options. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Apple Journal, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Day One currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Journey logoJourneyFree plan + paidNoAndroid, iOS, macOS +45 of 559.6
  1. Journey logo

    1. JourneyTop pick

    Best for: People who journal across many devices and operating systems, including Linux

    Free plan + paidSelf-hostableAndroid, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Web, Self-hosted

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Apple Journal

    Works on Android, Windows and Linux too if you leave Apple.

    Pros

    • Runs on nearly every platform, including Linux and Chrome OS
    • End-to-end encrypted sync
    • Self-hosted sync option via Docker
    • Exports to PDF, DOCX and ePUB

    Cons

    • Most features need a paid membership
    • Busy interface with many add-ons
    • Self-hosting is still early
    Visit Journey Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Journey a good Apple Journal alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Platforms
    Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Web, Chrome OS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026journey.cloud(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux app
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026journey.cloud(opens source in a new tab)
    End-to-end encryption
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026journey.cloud(opens source in a new tab)
    Self-hosting
    Docker image for sync
    Checked Oct 25, 2026journey.cloud(opens source in a new tab)
    Export
    ePUB and DOCX
    Checked Oct 25, 2026journey.cloud(opens source in a new tab)

The best Apple Journal alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Day One logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for most people

Day One

The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books.

Stoic logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Stoic

Guided prompts, mood tracking and breathing exercises on Apple devices and web.

Journey logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for self-hosting

Journey

Works on Android, Windows and Linux too if you leave Apple.

Day One logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for Mac

Day One

The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books.

Day One logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for Windows

Day One

The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books.

Journey logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for Linux

Journey

Works on Android, Windows and Linux too if you leave Apple.

Daylio logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for iPhone and Android

Daylio

Quick mood and activity logging with detailed statistics.

Day One logo

Best Apple Journal alternative for working in the browser

Day One

The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books.

Apple Journal alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Apple Journal?

Day One ranks first right now. The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books. Stoic and Journey follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Apple Journal?

Yes. Day One (free plan + paid), Stoic (free plan + paid), Journey (free plan + paid) and Daylio (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Apple Journal?

None of the 4 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which Apple Journal alternatives work on Linux?

Journey runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Apple Journal?

The complaints we hear most: apple devices only; basic export options; fewer templates and statistics than dedicated apps.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Apple Journal, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.