Jrnl AlternativesJournaling Apps & Private Diaries like Jrnl

Jrnl is described as 'Simple journal application for your command line. Journals are stored as human readable plain text files. Optionally, your journal can be encrypted using the 256-bit AES' and is a Journaling app in the social & communications category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Jrnl for a variety of platforms, including iPhone, Android, iPad, Web-based and Mac apps. The best Jrnl alternative is Memos, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Jrnl are Ichinichi, Day One, Perfice and memoria — private journal.

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Alternatives
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Alternatives list

  1. Memos icon
     22 likes

    An open-source, minimalist note-taking tool emphasizing privacy, easy self-hosting through Docker, Markdown support, customizable sharing, RESTful API connections, and rapid setup. Offers distraction-free note capture, to-do management, and user control of data.

    105 Memos alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
    • Docker
    Good alternative?
     
  2. Ichinichi icon
     10 likes

    A minimalist daily notes application designed to help you build and maintain a consistent writing habit. With end-to-end encryption and a focus on great UX, it's the perfect tool for personal reflection and daily journaling.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
  3. Day One icon
     94 likes

    Day One is a simple way to journal application for the Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android

    221 Day One alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Google Chrome
    • US flagUnited States
    Day One screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Perfice icon
     9 likes

    Perfice is an open-source self-tracking platform that helps you track anything you like, and see how different metrics impact other areas of your life. It is built to be heavily customizable and local-first, leaving you in control of your tracking journey.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Docker
    Good alternative?
     
  5. Frustrated with endless subscriptions and the unpredictability of closed-source apps? Longing for a diary that is as private as it is stylish? memoria offers a minimalist, modern design where your data remains with you — no analytics, no tracking, and fully self-hostable.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  6. AI companion with infinite long-term memory, secure private journaling, deep understanding of preferences, emotionally intelligent guidance, adaptive recommendations, confidential conversations, and continuous learning to support self-reflection and personal growth.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Piruetas icon
     5 likes

    Minimalist self-hosted journaling app with day-per-page entries, rich text editing via Tiptap, drag-and-drop image uploads, multi-user management, public sharing, English and Spanish UI, calendar navigation, dark and light modes, and Docker deployment.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Docker
    Good alternative?
     
  8. still is a journaling app for people who want to actually understand who they are. Talk about whatever’s on your mind — still listens, AI breaks it down, and you get instant insights about your emotions and patterns, allowing you to understand yourself fully.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  9. StoryPad icon
     8 likes

    StoryPad is an open source, privacy-focused, local-first journal that lets you capture your life: notes, thoughts, emotions, and memories on a single, continuous timeline. No folders. No tabs. Just your life, beautifully organized.

    69 StoryPad alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Daily You icon
     11 likes

    Capture the moments that matter. Daily You helps you log your thoughts, track your mood, and keep a diary of meaningful moments, every day. Whether you're journaling, reflecting, or just noting what made you smile, Daily You gives you a private space that's truly yours.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
  11. Diarium icon
     11 likes

    The most functional journal app for Windows lets you keep all your precious memories in one place and even reminds you to write down your experiences every day.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  12. OpenJot icon
     3 likes

    OpenJot is a minimal and open-source journaling app designed for privacy and simplicity. All your thoughts, memories, and ideas are stored securely on your device, never in the cloud.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
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