Manual journal vs ProfitPulse (what you gain)
This table keeps it honest: templates are great to start - the app wins when review friction prevents consistency.
| Requirement | Manual template | ProfitPulse |
|---|---|---|
| Net results after costs | Possible, but often skipped over time. | Costs treated as core to “true edge” review. |
| Risk normalization (R) | Requires formulas + disciplined inputs. | Designed for risk-weighted review. |
| Setup + session segmentation | Manual tagging; consistency problems accumulate. | Built for segmentation and review by context. |
| Weekly review workflow | Easy to skip; analysis time grows. | Dashboard-first review to reduce friction. |
What the best trading journal should include
If your journal doesn’t capture these fields, you can’t compute the metrics that matter.
- • date/time, symbol, direction, size
- • entry/exit + outcome
- • setup name + notes
- • stop distance (ticks/pips)
- • planned risk ($ or R)
- • commissions/slippage/spread
- • net P&L + realized R
FAQ
Best trading journal
The best trading journal is one you’ll use daily and review weekly. Start with templates if you want free. Upgrade to an app or software when review friction stops consistency. Prioritize net-after-costs, risk normalization (R), tagging, and PF/expectancy-driven review.
Best trading journal app
The best app makes review fast and accurate: net-after-costs, R, segmentation by setup/session, and clear weekly outputs. See: trading journal app.
Best trading journal software
The best software supports consistent inputs, tagging/segmentation, exports, and PF/expectancy metrics. See: trading journal software.
Free trading journal
Start with a free template that tracks risk and costs, then review weekly using PF and expectancy. See: free trading journal and templates hub.