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With benefits ranging from evoking mindfulness to increasing your IQ, keeping a journal is popular for multiple reasons – but which are the best journal apps on the market?

By documenting daily thoughts and feelings, experts suggest that individuals are more likely to achieve goals, increase emotional intelligence and improve healing.

However, the old school ‘Dear Diary’ approach has been replaced with easy-to-use journal apps available for a variety of devices. With such a large range to choose from, here’s a guide to the top recommended.

Day One

This app is arguably the best journal app for IOS. From minimalist initial designs, the app has developed a host of features from cloud-based back up and syncing to Markdown compatibility.

Elements of the app which made it initially so popular have remained despite advances. Critics describe the app interface as ‘beautiful’ and features such as an option to auto-capture weather and location data have seen this journal app remain ahead of its competitors.best journal apps - compelo

At £4.99 and an extra fee to get the app for Mac, Day One isn’t the cheapest option but fans are convinced that it’s well worth the investment. Described as ‘so much more than “Dear Diary” each day’, it seems the app provides the perfect space to document your legacy.

Journey

Reminiscent of Day One, Journey is an app free for Android. Intuitively laid out, this journal app is credited for its customisable elements. Whether to inspire your writing or simply brighten your day, Journey provides users with a thought for the day.best journal apps - compelo

The app is free to use but in-app purchases such as night mode and Markdown support are available. It seems Journey provides the closest alternative to Day One for Android users.

Momento

Rather than a place to express your deepest thoughts and feelings, Momento provides a platform to record daily activities more briefly.

The app allows users to drag in posts from social networks as well as photos and videos from your phone. For those who live to Tweet or update statuses, Momento is the one for you.best journal apps - compelo

Although free for IOS, some features such as in-app locking and extra social network options are only available through in-app purchases.

Penzu

Not only is Penzu available for IOS and Android, users can log in via web interfaces anywhere. The app also works offline so for the intrepid explorers, data isn’t essential in order to post.best journal apps - compelo

Penzu uniquely focusses on gaining insight from your previous journal articles. The app uses algorithm that provides snapshots of prior posts to help identify themes and provide inspiration for new pieces.

Like Momento, advanced security settings come at a small fee but general usage is free.

Diaro

Similar to Penzu, Diaro appeals to those who hop between devices because it works across IOS, Android and the web. Although critics deem the app less attractive than its rivals, it seems Diaro has everything you need to get journaling.best journal apps - compelo

Distinctively, Diaro introduces a search function which allows users to quickly jump through posts and relive memories in a heartbeat.

This journal app is free but strongly recommended is the in-app purchase to remove embedded adverts.