A free alternative to the Five Minute Journal
3 min read
If you like the Five Minute Journal's gratitude list but don't keep up with a book or another app, 3gratitudes does the evening part by email: one question each night, you reply with 3 good things, and they're kept in a private journal. It's free, with an optional Plus plan.
How they compare
| Five Minute Journal | 3gratitudes | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you write | A paper book, or its app | A reply to an email, or the website |
| When | Morning and evening | Once a day, at a time you pick |
| What you write | Gratitude, intentions and an affirmation in the morning; highlights and a reflection at night | 3 good things from your day, and why |
| What reminds you | The book on your table, or app notifications | An email in your inbox |
| Price | Buy the book, or a subscription for the app | Free; Plus €29 a year |
Details about the Five Minute Journal checked October 2026. See its maker's site for current prices.
Try it by email, free
One email each evening. Reply with your 3 good things and we keep them in a private journal.
Which one fits you
Pick the Five Minute Journal if you love writing on paper, or want a guided morning routine with intentions and affirmations as well as gratitude.
Pick 3gratitudes if you've started journals before and they ended up in a drawer. The question comes to you, you answer in two minutes, and there's nothing to install or carry. It's built on the 3 good things exercise, the evening half of what the Five Minute Journal asks.
Questions
Can I do a morning version with 3gratitudes?
Yes. Set the email to the morning and write about yesterday, or about something you're looking forward to. There's one question a day, not a separate morning and evening page.
Is 3gratitudes really free?
Yes. The daily email and your whole journal are free for good. The optional Plus plan adds search, all your photos, insights and a year book.
Are you connected to the Five Minute Journal?
No. The Five Minute Journal is made by Intelligent Change. We're a separate, small service.