Same beautiful journaling.
Actually private. Actually yours.
Tired of paying $35/year for a journal that stores your thoughts on someone else's server? Plume keeps everything on your device — with a $59.99 lifetime option.
Core journaling is free forever. No account required.
Plume vs. Day One
An honest, side-by-side comparison.
| Plume | Day One | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99/yr or $59.99 lifetime | $34.99/year |
| Lifetime option | $59.99 — pay once, own forever | Not available |
| Where data lives | Your device only | Day One's servers |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Structured prompts | Gratitude, Memories, Accomplishments | Basic templates |
| Zen mode | Built-in | No |
| Biometric lock | Face ID / Touch ID | Face ID / Touch ID |
| Platforms | Mac, iPhone, iPad | Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Web |
| Calendar view | With filters & streaks | Basic calendar |
| Photo/media support | Coming soon | Full media support |
Day One is great for media-heavy journaling and Android/Web users. Plume is for people who value privacy, simplicity, and not paying forever.
Why people switch from Day One
Subscription fatigue
$35/year forever adds up. Plume offers a one-time $59.99 lifetime purchase — pay once, own it. No more annual renewals for a journal.
Privacy concerns
Day One syncs through their cloud. In 2023, they were acquired by Automattic. Your most intimate thoughts sit on corporate servers. Plume stores everything locally.
Feature bloat
Day One keeps adding complexity. Plume focuses on what matters: structured prompts, a calm writing space, and getting out of your way.
Calendar view with entry type filters
Zen Mode — distraction-free writing
Stop renting your journal
Lifetime — pay once, own forever
/year with 30-day free trial
Core journaling is free forever. Upgrade for sync & insights.
Ready to own your journal?
Download Plume free and see the difference. Your words, your device, your rules.
Free forever for core journaling. No account required.