Day One alternative: meet Diarly
Day One is a long-established journaling app that many people have used for years. If you’re looking for an alternative that feels lighter, faster, and more private, without losing the essentials, Diarly may be the right fit.
Switching is simple: check out our Day One migration guide, or learn how to import from 15 other platforms.
Day One vs Diarly
Diarly has been a trusted journaling app for 8 years — fully established, stable, and feature-rich. Both apps offer powerful journaling features, but they differ in approach and philosophy.
- Local-first storage with optional sync gives you privacy and reliability. You own your data.
- A clean, writing-focused, flexible, and customizable interface refined based on user feedback.
Below we highlight feature differences and what makes each app distinct.
Day One | Diarly | |
|---|---|---|
Local-First StorageLocal-first storage with optional sync means your data lives on your device by default. You choose if and when to sync. | ||
Markdown SupportWrite with full Markdown support for powerful formatting, lists, and styling without leaving the editor. | ||
Extensive CustomizationDozens of themes, custom backgrounds, and fully customizable layouts let you make Diarly truly yours. | ||
Data PortabilityExport to Markdown or PDF anytime. Your data is always yours to take with you. | Limited | Full |
Advanced Search & OrganizationPowerful search, tags, smart filters, and full-text search help you find what you need. | ||
Journal TemplatesCreate custom templates to streamline your writing and establish routines. | ||
Attachments and MediaAdd photos, audio, PDFs, and other files directly to your entries. | ||
Apple Ecosystem IntegrationTwo-way Apple Health sync, Apple Watch support, Siri, and deep system integration. |
Diarly offers all the core features you’d expect, like powerful search, templates, attachments, and exports, with a modern interface designed for how people journal today.
Availability
Diarly is available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Journal on the device that fits your day, including quick Apple Watch entries using dictation or voice recordings.
Privacy, philosophy, and support
Diarly is built by a small, remote team with a clear focus on privacy, data ownership, and user control. This approach shapes everything from where your data is stored to how we support and engage with our users.
Day One | Diarly | |
|---|---|---|
Data PrivacyYour journal lives on your device by default. You choose if and when to enable cloud sync. | ||
Direct SupportGet support directly from the people building the app. We respond personally to every request. | ||
User-Driven DevelopmentBuilt by a small, independent team. User feedback directly shapes what we build and how the app evolves. |
Try Diarly: a fresh, modern, private journaling app.
If you’re looking for a journaling app that’s fast, private, and built by a team that listens to its users, give Diarly a try. Migrating from Day One is easy: simply import your existing entries and see if it’s the right fit for you.