Alternatives · Journaling
Waffle alternatives
Waffle compared with 4 alternatives: Day One, Journey, Reflection and Gratitude.
Waffle has a free plan. Paid plans start at $14.99 per month, or $9.99 per week (US App Store in-app purchases). All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| WaffleThis tool | Free plan · from $14.99/mo | Yes | iOS, Android |
| Day One | Free plan · from $49.99/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Journey | Free plan · from $17.99 one-time | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Reflection | Free plan · from $5.75/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Gratitude | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Waffle
- Free plan · from $49.99/yr
Day One
Encrypted journal for text, photos, audio and video across devices
- Day One starts at $49.99 per year. Waffle starts at $14.99 per month, or $9.99 per week (US App Store in-app purchases).
- Only Day One lists a web app.
- Only Day One lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Only Day One lists a browser extension.
- Day One is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
Suits: People who want one journal across Apple, Android, Windows and the web
- Free plan · from $17.99 one-time
Journey
Cross-platform diary with maps, mood tracking and guided programs
- Journey starts at $17.99 one-time per platform, or $49.99 per year for Membership. Waffle starts at $14.99 per month, or $9.99 per week (US App Store in-app purchases).
- Only Journey lists a web app.
- Only Journey lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Journey is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Journey also covers templates and mood tracking.
Suits: People who want one journal on phone, desktop (including Linux) and web
- Free plan · from $5.75/mo
Reflection
AI-coached journal with guided programs and voice entries
- Reflection starts at $5.75 per month, billed annually ($69 per year). Waffle starts at $14.99 per month, or $9.99 per week (US App Store in-app purchases).
- Only Reflection lists a web app.
- Only Reflection lists a macOS app.
- Reflection also covers dictation, chat assistant and templates.
Suits: People who want follow-up questions from an AI coach as they write
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Gratitude
Gratitude journal with affirmations and vision boards
- Gratitude starts at $4.99 per month, or $29.99 per year (US App Store in-app purchases). Waffle starts at $14.99 per month, or $9.99 per week (US App Store in-app purchases).
Suits: People building a daily gratitude habit with prompts and reminders
Limits worth knowing in Waffle
- Phone only: the FAQ says laptops are not supported, and the App Store listing is for iPhone.
- The free plan has no photos, video, voice notes, comments, read receipts, search or PDF export.
- A journal's creator cannot remove a member; the FAQ says members have to leave on their own.
- Plus prices are not on the website. The App Store lists ten purchases, and only the weekly and monthly ones name a billing period.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Waffle?
The alternatives to Waffle in this directory are Day One, Journey, Reflection and Gratitude. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Waffle.
Is there a free alternative to Waffle?
Yes. Day One, Journey, Reflection and Gratitude have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Waffle alternatives work on Windows?
The Waffle listing does not include a Windows app. Day One and Journey list one.
Which Waffle alternatives work on macOS?
The Waffle listing does not include a macOS app. Day One, Journey and Reflection list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.