- Gratitude journal apps side by side
- Ten gratitude journal apps to try
- Which app fits your routine
- What NIH News in Health says about gratitude
- How to make the habit stick
- Writing, prompts or photos
- Common gratitude journal mistakes
- Signs the habit is working
- My plain advice on gratitude journal apps
- Frequently asked questions
A gratitude journal app gives you a quick daily space to write down things you're thankful for, often with prompts, reminders and a record you can look back on. The useful ones make an entry take a minute or two, keep your notes private and nudge you at a time that suits your routine. Ten options follow, in no particular order.
Most days, the good bits slip by without a second thought: a kind message, a decent coffee, a problem that sorted itself out. Writing a few of them down is one of the simplest habits there is, and one of the easiest to forget.
Gratitude journal apps keep the habit going with prompts, reminders and a feed of past entries you can scroll back through on a hard day. Some add photos, some add affirmations and some let you share with friends. The ten below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and each description comes from the app's own website or store listing, read this week. If you'd rather start on paper, my gratitude journal prompts work in any notebook.
Gratitude journal apps side by side
I checked the free plan column on each app's own website or store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names the app, an account or a plan or version of it as free. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a download button or a free first try, so check before you commit.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 365 Gratitude Journal | Gratitude journal with daily prompts | A new prompt every day | Not stated |
| 5 Minute Journal | Daily gratitude and mood journal | A short morning and evening routine | Trial only |
| Good Things | Three good things journal | Writing down small daily moments | Yes |
| GraceNotes | Gentle gratitude journaling app | Reflecting and recording in one place | Not stated |
| Grateful | Prompt-led gratitude journal | One question to start each entry | Yes |
| Gratitude Jar | Simple gratitude journal for iPhone | A minimal jar of thankful notes | Not stated |
| Gratitude Plus | Social gratitude journal | Sharing gratitude with friends | Yes |
| Gratitude: Self-Care Journal | Gratitude journal with affirmations | A vision board and daily motivation | Yes |
| Orca | Photo and video gratitude journal | Visual memories and group sharing | Yes |
| Stoic | AI journal for daily reflection | Morning planning and evening reflection | Yes |
Ten gratitude journal apps to try
365 Gratitude Journal
Best for: People who like being given a fresh prompt and an affirmation each day, with the option to listen to today's prompt.
5 Minute Journal
Best for: A structured few minutes of gratitude each day in a daily diary that also includes a mood tracker and optional trials.
Good Things
Best for: Building the habit of writing down the small moments you appreciate each day, in a calm, gratitude-focused bullet journal.
GraceNotes
Best for: iPhone users who want a gentle space to reflect, record and give thanks, from a highly rated journaling app.
Grateful
Best for: People who freeze at a blank page and want one question to answer, a photo to add and entries to browse by prompt.
Gratitude Jar
Best for: Anyone who wants the simplest possible way to note what they're thankful for each day and be more present.
Gratitude Plus
Best for: Reflecting on your day with science-based tools while sharing gratitude with the people you care about through community support.
Gratitude: Self-Care Journal
Best for: Building a self-love routine with a private gratitude journal, affirmations, a vision board and daily motivation content.
Orca
Best for: Recording good moments with photos and short videos, keeping them private or sharing them in groups like a micro social network.
Stoic
Best for: Preparing for the day each morning and reflecting at night, with guided prompts, AI journaling and a gratitude diary.
Which app fits your routine
- A prompt to answer when the page is blank: Grateful.
- A minimal daily note: Gratitude Jar.
- Photos and videos of good moments: Orca.
- Sharing gratitude with friends: Gratitude Plus.
- A short morning and evening routine: 5 Minute Journal.
What NIH News in Health says about gratitude
NIH News in Health says studies suggest that making a habit of noticing what's going well in your life could have health benefits, and that taking time to feel gratitude may improve emotional well-being by helping you cope with stress. It also describes research on keeping a daily gratitude journal.
The advice it shares is practical: reflect on the good things that happened, big or small, then let yourself enjoy them for a moment. That's what these apps are built to prompt, but a journal isn't a substitute for support, so speak to a professional if you're struggling.
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How to make the habit stick
- Pick one time of day, such as with your morning coffee or before bed.
- Set a single reminder at that time rather than several.
- Write three small, specific things instead of one big one.
- Add why each one mattered, in a sentence.
- Scroll back through old entries once a week.
Writing, prompts or photos
A plain writing app suits people who like to think in sentences. You open it, type and close it, and the simplicity is the point.
A prompt-led app suits anyone who freezes at a blank page, because one question gets you started. Photo journals suit visual people and families, and they become a lovely record to look back on. Try one style for a couple of weeks before switching.
Another comparison readers ask for is in our roundup of read it later apps.
Common gratitude journal mistakes
- Writing the same three things daily. Look for something new each time.
- Treating it as a chore. A short entry beats a skipped one.
- Waiting for big moments. Small ones count most.
- Ignoring privacy settings. Check who can see your entries.
Looking for something different? The AI journal apps comparison rounds up another set of tools.
Signs the habit is working
- You notice good moments as they happen.
- Entries take less time than they did.
- Old entries lift your mood when you reread them.
- You miss it on the days you skip.
Do you make gratitude or journaling apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on gratitude journal apps
Choose the app you'll open without thinking about it, because the habit matters far more than the features. A two-line entry every day does more than a long one once a month, so keep it quick, specific and at the same time each day.
If you enjoy the practice, branch out into other kinds of writing. My list of journaling ideas has plenty of ways to keep it fresh.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gratitude journal app?
An app that gives you a daily space to note things you're thankful for, usually with prompts, reminders and a record of past entries.
Are gratitude journal apps free?
Several apps on this list name a free app or a free version on their own page, while others list a trial, as the table shows.
How many things should I write each day?
Three small, specific things is a common approach, and it keeps each entry quick.
When is the best time to write in a gratitude journal?
Whenever you'll do it consistently, and many people choose first thing in the morning or just before sleep.
Is a gratitude journal app private?
Most offer private entries, but some have sharing or social features, so check the settings before you write.
Can a gratitude journal help with stress?
NIH News in Health says gratitude may help people cope with stress, though it isn't a replacement for professional support.
