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MoodHaven Journal
MoodHaven Journal · founded 2025
What it is
MoodHaven Journal is a free, open-source journaling app with guided prompts and end-to-end encryption. It is available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web; its browser app can be used without installation or an account. No account or email is required. Entries use AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256, and encryption keys are derived in memory and cleared when the app locks. Passwords are not stored or transmitted. Devices can sync over a local network using encrypted transport without a cloud relay, and data is not uploaded or shared unless users choose to export it. Entries can be exported as an encrypted .moodhaven backup or a plaintext file. Wear OS supports voice captures and memos, transcribed locally with Whisper.cpp. AI analyzes metadata such as mood scores and patterns, while journal text stays on the device. The app includes 15 predefined activities and allows up to 50 custom activities. Its maker says all features are included free; no trial or refund policy is stated.
For and against
For
- No account or email is required.
- Entries are end-to-end encrypted.
- Local-network sync does not use cloud relay.
- Wear OS voice memos are transcribed locally.
- Exports encrypted backups or plaintext files.
Against
- No team workspace or administrator features are stated.
- No trial or refund policy is stated.
The verdict
MoodHaven Journal combines guided journaling with encryption, local-network sync, and several export options. Its free plan includes all features, and the supplied details state no trial or refund policy.
Who it suits
MoodHaven Journal suits people seeking a private journal across desktop, mobile, and browser platforms without creating an account. It may also suit Wear OS users who want to capture voice memos and people who prefer local-network syncing.
Plans and prices
Free
Open-source MIT license · No subscription · No paid features · All features included
Read 28 Sep 2026 · moodhaven.app
On the record
- Account requirement
- No account or email is required to use the app.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Activity limits
- There are 15 predefined activities and up to 50 custom activities.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- AI privacy
- AI analyzes metadata such as mood scores and patterns; journal text never leaves the device.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Browser app
- A browser PWA is available at journal.moodhaven.app without installation or an account.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Company builder
- MoodHaven Journal was built by Ken LaCroix and is open source under the MIT license.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Data export
- Entries can be exported as an encrypted .moodhaven backup or as a plaintext file.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Desktop platforms
- Native desktop apps are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Encryption method
- Entries use AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 and 600,000 iterations.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- End-to-end encryption
- Yesmoodhaven.app · read 20 Sep 2026
- Export formats
- .moodhaven encrypted backup,plaintextmoodhaven.app · read 20 Sep 2026
- Free tier limits
- Everything ships to everyone; the page does not state feature limits for the free plan.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Key storage
- Keys are derived in memory and cleared on lock; passwords are never stored or transmitted.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Peer sync
- Devices can sync over a local network using Ed25519 identity and encrypted transport, without cloud relay.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Pricing model
- The app is completely free with no Pro tier, subscription, or paid features.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Prompt features
- guidedmoodhaven.app · read 20 Sep 2026
- Search scope
- entrymoodhaven.app · read 20 Sep 2026
- Sharing model
- Data is not uploaded or shared unless the user chooses to export it.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
- Teams and admin
- No team workspace or administrator features are stated in the supplied page text.moodhaven.app · read 28 Sep 2026
