Pixy
Pixy app iconvsGoogle Journal app icon
Free Google Journal alternative

Pixy vs Google Journal: a mood journal for any phone

Google Journal only runs on Pixel phones. Pixy is a free mood journal for any Android phone, including Samsung, and for iPhone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
4.9 App Store4.7 Google Play700+ ratings
Google Play rating
4.68 ★
Google Journal: 3.37 ★
Share of 1 and 2 star reviews
4.0%
Google Journal: 38%
Platforms
iPhone and Android
Google Journal: Pixel phones only

Side by side

Pixy vs Google Journal at a glance

5 reasons people pick Pixy over Google Journal, based on public store listings.

Checked on September 29, 2026. Sources: App Store (US), Google Play (US), and public store reviews. "Not in store listing" means Google Journal does not advertise it.
CategoryPixy app iconPixyGoogle Journal app iconGoogle Journal
Google Play ratingUS Google Play4.68 ★3.37 ★
Share of 1 and 2 star reviewsSample of 273 Pixy and 433 Google Journal store reviews4.0%38%
PlatformsiPhone and AndroidPixel phones only
Year in pixels calendarBuilt inNot in store listing
Open sourceYes, MIT licenseClosed source

Why Pixy

Why people switch from Google Journal to Pixy

Pixy does one job well: it helps you notice how your days feel. Everything is free, and nothing gets in the way.

Your year in pixels
Every day becomes one colored square. A full year of moods fits on one screen, so patterns jump out.
Log a day in seconds
Pick a color and you are done. Add emotions, tags, sleep, or a note only when you want to. You choose which steps show up.
Name what you feel
Choose from a long list of emotions, each with a short description. Log as many entries per day as you like.
Patterns you can act on
Weekly, monthly, and yearly statistics show when your mood peaks and which tags come up most often.
Private by default
No account and no sign-up. Entries stay on your phone, behind Face ID or a passcode. Export a backup any time.
Free and open source
No ads, no subscription, no paywall. The code is public on GitHub under the MIT license.

Reviews

Loved by people who tried other apps

Pixy is rated 4.9 on the App Store and 4.7 on Google Play. Here is what reviewers say.

“Finally, a mood app that isn’t overwhelming! I’ve tried so many tracking apps but they all ask 50 questions and the actually useful stuff is paywalled. I’m pleased this one isn’t like that.”
Verified App Store review · Jun 2025
“Absolutely superb app with the right balance of functionality and simplicity. I tried a couple of other tracker apps but they were too complex and time consuming to fill in. Pixy’s biggest strength is that it can be used quickly.”
Verified Google Play review · Jun 2024
“Out of all the mood tracker apps I’ve tried, Pixy is by far the best. I love the simple and easy to use design, it also has a very neat layout and aesthetic.”
Verified Google Play review · Nov 2024
“Tested a bunch of tracker apps. This UX is perfect and intuitive. And customizable!”
Verified Google Play review · Aug 2024
“Plenty of emotions to choose from and can select multiple options. Color coded so you can easily spot patterns throughout the weeks and months. Developer cares and it shows.”
Verified Google Play review · Aug 2024
“I have honestly tried a good few of these apps and I think this is the best. #1 it’s free, #2 it’s clear and easy, #3 it’s not childish.”
Verified Google Play review · Sep 2023

Switching

How to switch from Google Journal to Pixy

  1. Step 1
    Download Pixy for free
    Get Pixy from the App Store or Google Play. No account, no sign-up, no trial.
  2. Step 2
    Keep your Google Journal history
    Export your old entries from Google Journal before you leave, so nothing gets lost.
  3. Step 3
    Log today in seconds
    Tap a color for today. Your first pixel is in, and your year starts to take shape.

FAQ

Pixy vs Google Journal: frequently asked questions

Ready to switch from Google Journal?

Free on iPhone and Android. No ads, no subscription, no account.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
4.9 App Store4.7 Google Play700+ ratings

More comparisons

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Google Journal is a trademark of Google LLC. Pixy is not affiliated with Google Journal. Facts about Google Journal come from its public store listings and reviews, checked on September 29, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.