MiddleSpot / Shared journal apps compared

Shared journal apps compared

There are a lot of apps for writing with another person. They are not all after the same thing. This page says what each kind is for, in fairness to the others, and where MiddleSpot sits.

How to choose

Three questions settle most of it. Who is it for: a partner, or a few people? What do you want to keep: photos and moments, or words? And what makes you write: remembering to, or a question that shows up?

Waffle

Described in its store listing as a shared journal for partners, family, friends or anyone else. It has thousands of ratings on the App Store, and it is a general-purpose choice.

Duet

A journal for couples, built around memories with photos, videos and comments, private to the two of you. A good fit if the photographs are the point.

Agapé

One question a day for friends, family or a partner, with answers revealed once both people have answered. It is the nearest to MiddleSpot in how it works, and it is built around a daily habit.

Paired

An app for couples, with daily questions, quizzes and relationship exercises. It is made for two people in a relationship.

Question-card apps

Many apps sell banks of questions to read out at a table, such as Momentique and Deep Cards. They are good at that. Most are not journals, and several are subscription-based, so check the price before you start.

Where MiddleSpot is different

A kept book, not a stream. Each journal has a cover, pages and a monthly chapter that looks back on what came up.
One person or up to twelve. Couples, friends, siblings, roommates and families all use the same thing.
A page stays sealed until you have written yours, so you do not echo the last person.
No photos, no feed, no in-app chat and no streaks.
Decks of questions for when you are already sitting together.
Your first shared journal is free, and every journal you are invited to is free.

A note on accuracy

This is written from each app’s public store listing in November 2026. Features and prices change, so check the listing of any app you are weighing. If something here is out of date, tell us at gate@middlespot.app.

Try it with one person

Your first shared journal is free. Start it with the person you would most like to hear from.

Get the iOS app

Questions about choosing a shared journal app

What is the best shared journal app for couples?

It depends on what you want to keep. Apps built for couples, such as Duet and Paired, center on the two of you. MiddleSpot suits couples too, and also works when a third or fourth person joins, because a journal can have one person with you or up to twelve.

Is there a free shared journal app?

Your first shared journal in MiddleSpot is free, and so is every journal you are invited to. Other apps have their own free tiers, so check each store listing.

Can I keep a shared journal with friends instead of a partner?

Yes. MiddleSpot is made for that as much as for couples. A journal can be with one friend, or a small group of up to twelve.