If you're looking for an app to track your mood and understand your emotional patterns, Dayora and Reflectly are both excellent choices. But they serve different needs.
Reflectly is laser-focused on mood tracking with psychology-backed check-ins. Dayora combines mood tracking with AI-powered journaling for deeper reflection. Let's compare them honestly.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Dayora | Reflectly |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | AI journaling + mood tracking | Mood tracking + guided reflection |
| AI Model | GPT-5.2 (latest) | Custom NLP |
| Free Writing | Unlimited entries | Guided prompts only |
| Voice Journaling | Real-time transcription | Not available |
| Daily Check-ins | Simple 7-point scale | Multiple daily prompts |
| Advanced Mood Factors | Sleep, movement, connection, etc. | Activities, emotions, gratitude |
| AI Insights | Deep pattern analysis | Psychology-backed insights |
| Access | All features included | Limited access, then subscription required |
Where Dayora Excels
Free-Form Journaling with AI Analysis
Dayora lets you write anything you want. No guided prompts unless you want them. The AI analyzes your free-form entries to find patterns and provide personalized insights. This is perfect if you want to journal naturally, not answer predetermined questions.
Most Advanced AI (GPT-5.2)
Dayora uses OpenAI's GPT-5.2, the most advanced language model available. The insights are more nuanced, the pattern recognition is sharper, and the summaries feel more human.
Voice Journaling
Speak your thoughts and see them transcribed in real-time. Dayora's voice journaling makes reflection effortless, especially on busy days when typing feels like too much work.
Completely Free
Dayora is 100% free with all features included. No premium tier, no trial period, no credit card. Just free mood tracking and AI journaling forever.
Where Reflectly Excels
Reflectly is a beautiful, well-designed app with real strengths:
- •Structured daily check-ins: If you prefer guided questions over free writing, Reflectly's daily prompts keep you on track.
- •Beautiful design: Reflectly has one of the most polished interfaces in the mood tracking space.
- •Psychology-backed approach: Reflectly incorporates CBT principles and positive psychology into its prompts.
- •Longer track record: Reflectly has been around since 2017 with millions of users and refined workflows.
- •Mobile-first: Excellent iOS and Android apps with seamless sync.
The Key Difference: Structure vs Freedom
The biggest difference between these apps is philosophy:
Dayora: Freedom-First
Write whatever you want, whenever you want. The AI adapts to your style and finds patterns in your natural writing. Mood tracking is simple and optional depth is available when you need it.
Best for: People who want to journal naturally and let AI provide insights, not structure.
Reflectly: Structure-First
Answer daily prompts designed by psychologists. Track specific emotions, activities, and gratitude. The app guides you through proven reflection techniques.
Best for: People who prefer structured daily check-ins and psychology-backed prompts.
Access Comparison
Dayora
All Features Included
Completely free, forever
Everything included:
Mood tracking, AI insights, voice journaling, daily summaries, unlimited entries
Reflectly
Limited access period
Then subscription required
Subscription Required
Full features require ongoing subscription
Key Difference: Dayora includes all features at no cost, while Reflectly requires a subscription for full access.
Who Should Choose Dayora?
Dayora is the better choice if you:
- •Prefer free-form journaling over answering predetermined questions
- •Want the latest AI technology (GPT-5.2) for deeper insights
- •Want voice journaling as a primary feature
- •Need both mood tracking and deep journaling in one app
- •Want all features included without subscription requirements
Who Should Choose Reflectly?
Reflectly might be better if you:
- •Prefer structured daily prompts over free writing
- •Want explicit CBT and positive psychology techniques built in
- •Value a longer track record and larger user community
- •Need native mobile apps with proven sync
- •Don't mind paying for a premium mood tracking experience
The Honest Verdict
Both apps are excellent at what they do. The right choice depends on how you want to reflect:
If you want to write freely and let AI find the patterns, choose Dayora. If you prefer answering psychology-backed prompts that guide your reflection, choose Reflectly.
Since Dayora includes all features and Reflectly offers limited access, you can try both and see which style of reflection feels more natural to you.