Best FIVE Alternatives in 2026

Updated October 2026

20 apps from journal apps ranked against FIVE on the same published basis.

FIVE alternatives compared

#	App	Score	Free plan	From	Runs on
1	Day One	9.7	Free plan	$4.17/mo	Android, Browser, iOS, Mac, Windows
2	Journey	9.7	Free plan	$4.17/mo	Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
3	Apple Journal	9.5	Free plan	Free	iOS, Mac
4	Diarium	9.5	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS, Mac, Windows
5	Diarly	9.4	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS, Mac
6	Penzu	9.4	Free plan	—	Android, iOS, Web
7	Stoic	9.2	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS, Mac, Web
8	Daybook	9.0	Free plan	$3.33/mo	Android, iOS, Web
9	Diaro	8.6	Free plan	Free	Web, iOS, Android
10	Penso Notes	8.5	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS
11	Lugelo	8.4	No	—	Web, iOS, Android
12	Daylio	8.4	No	—	Android, iOS
13	Momento	8.4	Free plan	Free	iOS
14	Local Journal	8.3	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS
15	Rosebud	8.3	Free plan	$9/mo	Android, iOS, Mac, Web, Windows
16	Grid Diary	8.2	No	—	Mac, iOS, Android
17	Cozy	7.8	No	—	Windows, Mac, iOS
18	Everlog	7.8	No	—	iOS, Mac
19	Reflectly	7.6	Free plan	Free	Android, iOS
20	Clearful	7.5	Free plan	$5/mo	Android, iOS, Mac, Web

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What is the best alternative to FIVE?

Day One, number 1 in journal apps with a score of 9.7 out of 10. The others here: Journey, Apple Journal, Diarium and 16 more.

What is the best free alternative to FIVE?

Day One is the best-ranked alternative with a free plan. 15 of the 20 alternatives here publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.

How are these alternatives ranked?

Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation.