MoodHaven Journal vs Rosebud

MoodHaven Journal is a free, open-source journaling app with guided prompts and end-to-end encryption. It runs on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web; its browser PWA needs no installation or account. Native desktop apps are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Wear OS supports voice captures and memos. Entries use AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 and 600,000 iterations. Keys are derived in memory and cleared when the app is locked, and passwords are not stored or transmitted. The app requires no account or email, and data is not uploaded or shared unless the user exports it. Devices can sync over a local network using encrypted transport without a cloud relay. Entries can be exported as encrypted .moodhaven backups or plaintext files. Wear OS voice memos are transcribed locally with Whisper.cpp. AI analyzes metadata such as mood scores and patterns; journal text stays on the device. The app includes 15 predefined activities and supports up to 50 custom activities.

Rosebud is an AI journaling app for personal growth and self-reflection. It analyzes entries to surface moods, topics, relationships, and patterns, then offers personalized prompts and ways to explore an entry. In the web app, Dig Deeper provides either a follow-up question or three questions to choose from. Long-term memory can recall information from previous entries and is automatically enabled for Rosebud Bloom subscribers. Voice journaling includes speech-to-text transcription and text-to-speech playback. The mobile app adds custom journals, editable daily check-ins, photo attachments, handwritten-journal scanning, AI model selection, and language settings. Rosebud says data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and that journal content sent to AI providers is anonymized and discarded after processing. The free plan is available; Rosebud Bloom costs $12.99 a month or $107.99 a year. Weekly AI usage is limited, and Dig Deeper is unavailable at the limit until it resets or the user upgrades. Rosebud says it is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis support.