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Best jrnl alternatives in 2026

jrnl is command-line journal with plain text files and optional AES encryption. These 5 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

5 alternatives From best journaling apps How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Day One

    Also runs on iOS, Android, macOS. A polished journal with photos, video, audio, drawings and an On This Day view, on iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows. The core app is free, and the Gold plan adds more, so it is the strongest all-round choice here.

    Best for All-round journal with photos and memories

    iOS, iPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsWebFree plan, paid upgrades

    91.0of 100
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  2. 2

    Diarium

    Also runs on Windows, Android, iOS. A private diary with optional sync to your own storage and no account needed to start. Pro is a one-time purchase per platform, and cloud sync needs Pro on mobile and Mac, so budget for each device.

    Best for Private journal with your own cloud sync

    WindowsAndroidiOS, iPadOSmacOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    89.0of 100
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  3. 3

    Journey

    Also runs on iOS, Android, macOS. Map view of entries, templates, eBook printing and biometric locks, on mobile, desktop and the web. Premium features are in-app purchases on both mobile stores.

    Best for Location-based journals and printed eBooks

    iOSAndroidmacOSWindowsWebFree plan, paid upgrades

    87.5of 100
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  4. 4

    Penzu

    Also runs on Web, iOS, Android. A browser-first diary with unlimited entries on the free plan and iOS and Android apps. Pro costs $19.99 a year and Pro+ $49.99 a year, adding PDF export, writing prompts and version history.

    Best for Browser diary with unlimited free entries

    WebiOSAndroidFree plan, paid upgrades

    85.0of 100
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  5. 5

    Diaro

    Also runs on Android, iOS, Web. A multiplatform diary with search by keyword, date, tags and location, plus Dropbox sync and an online version. The Google Play listing shows ads and in-app purchases, and sync depends on Dropbox.

    Best for Simple diary with Dropbox sync

    AndroidiOSWebFree plan, paid upgrades

    82.5of 100
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jrnl alternatives for Windows

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About jrnl alternatives

What is the best alternative to jrnl?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Day One, followed by Diarium. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to jrnl?
Yes. Free options include Day One, Diarium, Journey.