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Apple Journal alternatives · Journaling

Alternatives to Apple Journal with a one-time purchase

The Apple Journal listing shows no one-time purchase. 6 of the 35 other journaling apps in this directory can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Apple Journal is free to use. All of them are free or have a free plan.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from Apple Journal

  1. Diarium

    Private journal with a one-time Pro purchase and your own cloud sync

    • Diarium starts at $14.99 one-time purchase per platform. Apple Journal is free.
    • Only Diarium lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Diarium can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Apple Journal is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Diarium vs Apple JournalDiarium pricing and details

  2. 1 Second Everyday

    Video diary that stitches one second a day into a movie

    • 1 Second Everyday starts at $49.99 per year. Apple Journal is free.
    • Only 1 Second Everyday lists an Android app.
    • Only Apple Journal lists a macOS app.
    • 1 Second Everyday can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    1 Second Everyday vs Apple Journal1 Second Everyday pricing and details

  3. Everlog

    Markdown journal for iPhone, iPad and Mac with threaded comments

    • Everlog starts at $1.99 per month (Premium Monthly on the US App Store). Apple Journal is free.
    • Everlog can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Apple Journal is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Everlog also covers Markdown and templates.
    Everlog vs Apple JournalEverlog pricing and details

  4. Five Minute Journal

    Guided gratitude journal with short morning and evening prompts

    • Five Minute Journal starts at $4.99 to $9.99 per month (US App Store in-app purchase list). Apple Journal is free.
    • Only Five Minute Journal lists an Android app.
    • Only Apple Journal lists a macOS app.
    • Five Minute Journal can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    Five Minute Journal pricing and details

  5. My Diary

    Locked diary with themes, stickers and a mood calendar

    • My Diary starts at $2.99 per month (US App Store in-app purchase). Apple Journal is free.
    • Only My Diary lists an Android app.
    • Only Apple Journal lists a macOS app.
    • My Diary can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    My Diary pricing and details

  6. Penzu

    Private online journal for the browser, with iOS and Android apps

    • Penzu starts at $19.99 per year, or $4.99 per month. Apple Journal is free.
    • Only Penzu lists a web app.
    • Only Penzu lists an Android app.
    • Only Apple Journal lists a macOS app.
    Penzu pricing and details

Common questions

Is there an alternative to Apple Journal that you buy once?

Yes. Diarium, 1 Second Everyday, Everlog, Five Minute Journal, My Diary and Penzu can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Can you buy Apple Journal once instead of subscribing?

The Apple Journal listing shows no one-time purchase. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Apple Journal: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.