Comparison · Journaling apps
Journey vs jrnl: which is better in 2026?
Journey ranks higher in our list of journaling apps (#3 against #5, score 87.5 against 84.5).
- 87.5Editorial score84.5
- 5Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Journey if you want
Location-based journals and printed eBooks.
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.
Choose jrnl if you want
Plain-text journaling in the terminal.
An open-source command-line journal under GPL-3.0 that keeps plain text files and can encrypt them with AES. It has no mobile app or sync, which suits terminal users but rules it out for daily phone use.
The main differences
- Only Journey runs on Windows.
- Only Journey runs on macOS.
- Only Journey runs on iOS.
- Only Journey runs on Android.
- Only Journey runs on Web.
- jrnl is open source; Journey is not.
Side by side
 Journey |  jrnl | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.5 | 84.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 9 | #5 of 9 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to use; premium features are in-app purchases | Free and open sourceFree and open source; installs from PyPI and Homebrew |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOSAndroidmacOSWindowsWebiOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Web | Command lineCommand line |
| Made by | Two App Studio Pte. Ltd. | jrnl contributors |
| App lock or encryption | Passcode, Face ID, Touch ID | AES encryption option |
| Sync | Cloud account | None built in |
| Export | Print entries as eBooks | Plain text files |
| Best for | Location-based journals and printed eBooks | Plain-text journaling in the terminal |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Journey vs jrnl
- Is Journey better than jrnl?
- Journey ranks higher in our list of journaling apps (#3 against #5, score 87.5 against 84.5). Journey is best for: location-based journals and printed eBooks. jrnl is best for: plain-text journaling in the terminal.
- Which is cheaper, Journey or jrnl?
- Journey: Free to use; premium features are in-app purchases. jrnl: Free and open source; installs from PyPI and Homebrew.
- Do Journey and jrnl run on the same platforms?
- Journey supports iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Web. jrnl supports Command line.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
