BlackBook vs Monica at a glance
| BlackBook | Monica | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | iPhone-native personal CRM focused on follow-through and privacy | Open-source personal CRM for friends, family and everyone who matters |
| Platforms | iPhone (iOS 17.6+) | Web; self-hostable. Monica v3, rebuilt from scratch, is announced for before the end of 2026 |
| Setup | Download the app; no account | Self-host on your own server, or sign up for the hosted version |
| Where data lives | On your iPhone + your private iCloud | Your own server (self-hosted) or Monica’s hosted service |
| Pricing | Free plan (25 people); optional Pro subscription | Free to self-host; hosted version available, see their site for current prices |
Sources (checked October 20, 2026): monicahq.com. Competitor details change; check their site for current information. Full disclosure: we make BlackBook.
When BlackBook is the better fit
- You want a native iPhone app rather than a web app in your phone’s browser.
- You don’t want to run, update or back up a server.
- You don’t want to create an account at all.
- You want Pulse to suggest who to follow up with next, built from your notes and reminders.
- You want AI recaps that run on-device with Apple Intelligence.
When Monica may suit you better
If you want open-source software, full control of your own server, or a web app you can use from any computer, Monica is built for that, and its no-ads, no-data-resale stance is admirable.
BlackBook facts
- Platform: iPhone, iOS 17.6 or later
- Price: free download; optional BlackBook Pro subscription (prices shown in the app)
- Free plan: 25 people, 2 notes per person, 30 days of interaction history
- Pro: unlimited people and full history, VIP reminders and insights, relationship notes with tags, duplicate detection, BlackBook AI
- AI: on-device via Apple Intelligence (Pro, iOS 26, compatible iPhone)
- Privacy: data on your device and private iCloud, no account, no ad SDKs, data never sold
- Developer: Preston Earnest / Earnestly Studios LLC
Frequently asked questions
Is BlackBook a good Monica alternative?
Yes, if you want a native iPhone personal CRM without hosting anything. BlackBook needs no account, keeps data on your device and private iCloud, includes no ad SDKs, and is free to start with 25 people.
Is BlackBook open source like Monica?
No. BlackBook is not open source. It is a native iPhone app from Earnestly Studios LLC with a free plan and an optional Pro subscription.
Does BlackBook work on Android or the web?
No. BlackBook is iPhone-only and requires iOS 17.6 or later.
Can I move from Monica to BlackBook?
Start by adding the people you actively want to keep up with; for exporting your data from Monica, check Monica’s own documentation.
Keep your promises.
BlackBook is free to download for iPhone (iOS 17.6+). Start with 25 people—no account needed.
Get BlackBook – Personal CRM