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Microsoft Journal vs The Great Discarder

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Microsoft Journal icon
Microsoft Journal
The Great Discarder icon
The Great Discarder

Microsoft Journal vs The Great Discarder: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Microsoft Journal: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

The Great Discarder: The Great Discarder is a browser extension that helps free up memory by automatically discarding unused browser tabs. It allows you to set rules to discard tabs that have been open for a certain period of time or tabs that have not been accessed recently.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Microsoft Journal The Great Discarder
Sugggest Score — —
Category Office & Productivity Os & Utilities
Pricing — Free

Product Overview

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Description: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Type: software

The Great Discarder
The Great Discarder

Description: The Great Discarder is a browser extension that helps free up memory by automatically discarding unused browser tabs. It allows you to set rules to discard tabs that have been open for a certain period of time or tabs that have not been accessed recently.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal Features
  • Freeform inking with a stylus
  • Text typing
  • Inserting images and clippings
  • Basic note organization
The Great Discarder
The Great Discarder Features
  • Automatically closes unused tabs based on custom rules
  • Lets you whitelist tabs to keep open indefinitely
  • Closes tabs in the background without disrupting your workflow
  • Provides statistics on tabs closed and memory freed up
  • Available as extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Pros

  • Intuitive handwriting and sketching
  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Variety of pen and highlighter options
  • Easy to insert images and screenshots

Cons

  • Limited formatting options
  • No collaboration features
  • Windows-only
  • Discontinued by Microsoft
The Great Discarder
The Great Discarder

Pros

  • Frees up memory by removing forgotten open tabs
  • Customizable auto-close rules
  • Lightweight extension with little impact on browser performance
  • Open source and available for free

Cons

  • No cloud sync between devices
  • No mobile app version
  • Requires some trial and error to configure optimal rules
  • Tabs reloaded when reopened later

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
  • Not listed
The Great Discarder
The Great Discarder
  • Free

Related Comparisons

Learn More About Each Product

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
The Great Discarder
The Great Discarder
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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