MoodHaven Journal vs Stoic

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.

Stoic is a mental health journaling app that combines Stoicism with modern psychological science to support self-reflection and well-being. Users can customize morning and evening reflections, respond to prompts that change daily around a weekly theme, and return to guided journals. It tracks moods and influencing factors and offers insights based on entries and activities. Guided meditation and breathing exercises are also included. Premium AI tools can provide personalized prompts, analyze past entries and create reminders based on journaling patterns; these features are optional and require consent. Stoic is available on Android, iOS, macOS and the web, with multiple export formats, media attachments, search, filters and a privacy lock. iCloud sync works across Apple devices, but the iOS and Android apps do not sync with each other. The free plan includes daily prompts, quotes and affirmations, basic guided journals and a limited selection of breathing practices and meditations. The annual plan offers a 7-day Premium trial or a 3-day Premium + AI trial, with one trial activation per Apple ID.