Day One alternatives: 5 journaling apps to try
By the MOJO team · Updated · 2 min read
The short answer
If Day One isn't the right fit: MOJO lets you journal by voice in 30 seconds and tracks your mood, sleep and activity; Stoic guides you with morning and evening prompts; Journey works across phones, the web and desktop; and Apple Journal is built into the iPhone.
What Day One does well
Day One is a polished, long-established journal: rich entries with photos, multiple journals, templates and reminders. If you enjoy writing longer entries, it's excellent.
Why people look for alternatives
- They don't have time or energy to write most days.
- They want prompts to get started.
- They want to see mood patterns, not just entries.
- They want something built in or cross-platform.
Our picks
Disclosure: we make MOJO, so it's listed first. Every other app here is one we'd genuinely suggest for the use case, and we've kept descriptions to what each app is known for.
Day One is a trademark of its owner. MOJO isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Day One; we mention it only to help you compare.
1. MOJOBest for: Journaling by voice
Talk about your day; MOJO writes the entry and tracks your mood, sleep and activity. Launching on iOS and Android on 1 December 2026.
2. StoicBest for: Guided morning and evening prompts
Prompt-led journaling built around morning and evening routines, with reflections inspired by Stoic philosophy.
3. JourneyBest for: Journaling across many devices
A diary app available on phones, the web and desktop, with photos, tags and journaling prompts.
4. Apple JournalBest for: A built-in journal on iPhone
Apple's own journaling app on iPhone, which suggests moments to write about from your photos, places and activity.
5. ReflectlyBest for: Structured, prompt-led entries
Walks you through short, structured journal entries with questions, which helps when you don't know where to start.
How MOJO compares to Day One
Day One is for writing. MOJO is for talking. You speak for about 30 seconds and MOJO turns it into a journal entry, then logs your mood, sleep and activity from what you said, so your journal also becomes a picture of what lifts or drains your energy. You can type too, when you want to.
More comparisons
Prefer a full round-up? See our guides to the best journaling apps and the best apps for stress and anxiety.
Apps help, but they're not treatment
Wellness apps are good at building habits and helping you notice patterns. They don't diagnose or treat anything. If low mood, anxiety or exhaustion last for weeks or make it hard to function, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. If you're in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line such as 988 in the US or Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What's an alternative to Day One for people who don't like writing?
A voice journal like MOJO: you speak for 30 seconds and it creates the entry for you.
Is there a free alternative to Day One?
Apple Journal is built into recent iPhones, and MOJO is free to start.
This guide is general wellbeing information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your mental health, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.