Published on Apr 21, 2025 4 min read

4 Journal Apps in 2025 That Make Writing a Habit

There’s something grounding about journaling. Whether you're venting, planning, or just documenting your lunch, it works. While classic pen and paper have their charm, we don't always carry a notebook around, and typing can be more convenient. That's where journal apps come in.

With so many options available, finding the right one can be challenging. Some are too cluttered, others overcomplicate things. After testing numerous apps in 2025, four stood out for all the right reasons.

The Four Best Journal Apps in 2025

Day One – Still the Gold Standard for a Reason

If you’ve looked into digital journaling, you've likely heard of Day One. In 2025, it remains a top choice, now better than ever.

Day One stands out for its simplicity and functionality. The clean layout, easy entry creation, and seamless device syncing make it a favorite. It automatically logs location, weather, and even the music playing while you write, adding a unique memory layer.

Supporting photos and voice entries, Day One feels like a digital scrapbook. You can lock entries with Face ID or a passcode for privacy. While there's a free version, the premium option offers unlimited photos and cross-device syncing, making it a worthwhile investment for avid journalers.

Diarium – For People Who Like Things Organized

Diarium doesn’t try to reinvent journaling; it excels at providing structure and simplicity, making it a favorite for those who value order.

The interface is straightforward and functional. You open it, see your calendar, and click on the day you want to write about. It's user-friendly and distraction-free.

Diarium integrates seamlessly with your life, importing fitness stats, social media posts, calendar events, and travel logs. This integration enriches your entries effortlessly.

Diarium is a one-time purchase with no monthly fees, offering a rare, cost-effective solution in today's app world.

Grid Diary – A Journaling App That Gives You a Gentle Push

Many struggle with journaling due to uncertainty about what to write. Grid Diary addresses this by providing prompts and structured templates.

Instead of a blank page, Grid Diary presents a set of boxes with questions or prompts, facilitating a structured conversation with yourself.

A sample day might ask:

• What made you smile today?
• What challenge did you face?
• What are you grateful for right now?

These prompts alleviate mental blocks, making journaling feel more like a check-in than a chore. You can customize your questions, and the app offers backup support, reminders, and sync options.

Reflectly – For the Ones Who Want Journaling to Feel Like Self-Care

Reflectly intertwines mindfulness and journaling, creating a therapeutic experience. It emphasizes self-care through gentle prompts and mood tracking.

From its soothing colors to its reflective prompts, Reflectly focuses on emotional processing rather than event documentation. It begins each entry with a mood check-in, guiding you toward introspection.

Reflectly's emotional timeline feature helps track mood patterns over time. It's ideal for those seeking a reflective, stress-free journaling experience. The free version suffices for basic needs, while the paid version unlocks mood analytics and additional prompts.

So, Which One Should You Pick?

Each app offers unique features. Your choice depends on your journaling goals and personal preferences.

• Day One: The full-featured, memory-rich journaling experience.
• Diarium: A structured, one-time paid solution.
• Grid Diary: Ideal for prompts and gentle structure.
• Reflectly: Perfect for mindfulness and emotion tracking.

Choose one that aligns with your needs and give it a real chance. Let it become a habit. Journaling is more about the act than the app, but a good app makes the process easier.

Final Thought

Journaling is not about writing the perfect thing but about pausing, checking in with yourself, and expressing whatever comes up. Whether through voice notes, typed entries, mood sliders, or photo memories, what matters is the act of doing it. These four apps simplify the process, providing a valuable tool in a fast-paced world.