Best Habit Tracking App (My Top 7 Picks)
Who said building habits had to be boring? It turns out, using an app to track your habits can be a kooky and fun way to create healthy routines that last. Especially for us students, who can easily get distracted by our phones…oops.
But fear not, all you busy bees, because I’ve got some great news. I’ve already gone ahead and tested a bunch of habit trackers so you don’t have to! No more scrolling through the app store, no more confusing and frustrating decision-making.
What’s more, these apps won’t cost you a penny. Yep, that’s right, free. So, if you want to swap your negative habits for positive ones, like going to the gym or studying, then read on.
We’ve got seven free app recommendations that’ll help you build better habits and kick procrastination to the curb. Get ready to become the most productive version of yourself. Let’s go!
How I review
I conducted testing and review of all these habit tracker apps, taking into account the experiences and feedback of other users to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their quality and long-term value
1. Habit Tracker (Habitbull)
(IOS and Android)
Most user-friendly
Have you tried HabitBull? It’s an amazing app that can help you in building habits and keeping track of your day-to-day progress.
Personally, I adore this app. It’s simple yet very effective and guides you through the process of creating habits.
You can effortlessly keep a record of your habit streak, stats, and success rate.
The app allows you to customize your habit streaks by displaying them per day or week, and you can view one or multiple habits at a time. Additionally, graphs and charts display how much progress you have made and how far you have relapsed.
The statistics may appear confusing at first, but the app is really user-friendly.
KEY FEATURES
- The app is highly customizable to fit your needs.
- You can track your progress with detailed stats and graphs.
- Connect with a community through discussion forums.
- Get daily motivational quotes within the app.
- Keep progress synced across devices with cloud backup.
- Secure your data with the Pin Lock feature.
What I like
- The app features a simple and practical interface.
- It’s user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Stay motivated with daily inspirational and humorous quotes.
- Create and track customized habits with ease.
- Easily export all your data in CSV format.
What I don't like
- The free version limits you to tracking five habits.
- The app is only available in English.
- The forum doesn’t have a lot of activity.
- Some bugs have been reported.
- Progress graphs and statistics can be confusing at times.
VERDICT
Habitbull is simple, practical, and easy to use.
This App is for you if :
- You’re looking for a simple and practical interface.
- You want an app that’s user-friendly and guides you step-by-step through the habit creation process.
- You prefer to analyze your progress on an Excel sheet.
This App may not be for you if:
- You’re looking for a more complex app with lots of features and a fancy design.
- You’re seeking an app that offers coaching or advice.
- You’re looking for an app with a highly active community forum.
2. HabitNow
(Android)
Most customizable
If you’re an Android user looking for an awesome habit tracker, HabitNow is definitely worth trying out!
It’s a great tool for keeping track of your daily routines and to-do lists. Plus, it helps you stay motivated by challenging you to maintain a streak of good habits.
Even better, the app is super customizable. You can name your habits, categorize them, set reminders, and adjust the frequency of each one to suit your needs. And if you’re working toward a specific goal, you can link your habits to that objective.
The reminder system is top-notch, and the interface is really user-friendly. You can also analyze your progress with detailed graphs and stats.
All in all, HabitNow is a fantastic app that can help you achieve your goals and stay on track!
KEY FEATURES
- Create and manage customizable habits and tasks.
- Organize your habits and tasks into categories.
- Set up a configurable reminder system.
- Analyze your progress with advanced charts and statistics.
- Utilize built-in tools like a countdown, stopwatch, and interval timer.
- Secure the app with biometric support for the lock screen.
What I like
- The app has an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Choose from a wide range of languages.
- Create highly customizable habits, to-do lists, and reminders (the best available).
- The free plan allows tracking of up to seven habits.
- Built-in stopwatch and countdown features are available.
What I don't like
- The app is not available for iOS devices.
- The Pomodoro feature is only available in the paid version.
VERDICT
Habitnow has an intuitive interface, is feature-rich, and has sophisticated stats.
This App is for you if :
- You want a personalized habit tracker that you can customize extensively.
- You’re detail-oriented and enjoy customizing many aspects of your habit tracker.
- You’re looking for an app that’s simple and easy to use.
This App may not be for you if :
- You don’t use an Android devices.
- You’re looking for an app that offers coaching or advice.
- You want an app with a highly active community forum.
3. Fabulous
(IOS and Android)
Most sophisticated
Fabulous is an excellent app that really feels like a personal trainer or a life coach to me. The visuals are so bright and colorful, and the app is full of features that will help guide you on your journey towards change.
What stood out to me was the scientific approach to habit tracking that the developers took.
After filling out a short questionnaire about my personal goals and fitness level, the app was able to develop a tailored plan just for me! It even provided me with tasks that were split into morning, work, and bedtime routines.
Whenever I complete a task, the app provides me with both visual and verbal encouragement. And as I go through my tasks and activities, I can unlock other habits!
The most refreshing part of this app is its supportive community. You can always ask questions or share tips or experiences to keep you motivated.
To help myself stay accountable, I love adding activities to “I pledge to,” an interesting feature where I check off activities as I complete them.
KEY FEATURES
- The app features a gamified interface.
- A built-in list of habits is available to choose from.
- Daily coaching sessions are included.
- The app includes workouts, breathing exercises, and meditation practices.
- Users can journal their progress.
- Engage with a large community of users.
What I like
- The app has a beautiful and engaging interface.
- Users can enjoy a gamified experience that makes goal tracking fun.
- The app offers a large collection of exercises and coaching sessions.
- A large and active community of over 3.2 million users is available.
- The “I pledge to” feature helps users hold themselves accountable.
What I don't like
- Users cannot set non-daily habits.
- Notifications can be easy to ignore.
- Many key features are only available in the full version, including coaching series and an unlimited number of habits.
- Users have raised complaints about the subscription policy.
VERDICT
Fabulous is a life coach and habit tracker with a beautiful design, an easy-to-use interface, and a lot of features.
This App is for you if :
- You enjoy using apps with colorful and gamified interfaces.
- You appreciate having a coach-like app that can help you make healthier choices and monitor your progress.
- You find motivation in sharing your experience with an active community and holding yourself accountable.
This App may not be for you if :
- You are looking to implement non-daily habits, this app might not be the best fit as it currently doesn’t offer that feature. *
- You prefer a straightforward and simple habit tracker without too many bells and whistles, this app may not be for you.
4. Productive
(IOS and Android)
Best for the challenges
Are you excited to dive into the world of habit tracking with Productive Habit Tracker?
It’s an app that’s designed to make your life a lot easier with its friendly and intuitive interface. Not only does it help you keep a record of your habits and to-do lists, but it even makes it fun with competitions and challenges to participate in with other members of the “Productive” community.
What’s great is that the app asks insightful questions to help tailor your experience to your specific needs, providing advice and encouraging messages based on your goals, procrastination tendencies, and potential distractions.
Plus, the categories it offers are so impressive, with themes like morning routines, preventive care, and activities you can do while staying at home.
It’s a fantastic tool to bring some positivity and solid daily routines into your life. Why not give it a try?
KEY FEATURES
- Explore a vast collection of pre-made habits to help you stay on track
- Create, monitor, and evaluate your habits and tasks with ease
- Receive daily tips, reflections, and motivational messages to keep you motivated and focused
- Join challenges with friends to stay accountable and competitive
- Access personalized expert insights to help you make the most out of your habit-building journey
- Set smart reminders that are personalized to your needs, and upgrade to the premium version to enjoy location-based reminders.
What I like
- The app offers progress tracking features that are excellent.
- It has a simple and user-friendly interface.
- You can choose from a large curated set of habits.
- The iOS app includes Siri shortcuts, which allow you to use your voice.
- Competitions around some tasks you can do with friends are available, and there’s a large and active community.
- Educational articles and ADHD assistance are also available.
What I don't like
- Free version is limited (four-habit cap, one-time tasks are premium).
- No data backup or syncing capability.
- Limited customization options compared to other apps.
VERDICT
Productive is easy to use, has a lot of features, and a lot of challenges to keep you motivated.
This App is for you if :
- You want an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- You want a challenging habit-building approach.
- You want competitive and social features to bet with friends.
This App may not be for you if :
- You want a highly customizable habit tracker.
- You want detailed data and stats to analyze your progress.
- You want a wide range of features and habits to choose from.
- You want a free habit tracker that doesn’t require payment.
5. Rabit: Habit Tracker & Planner
(IOS and Android)
Grow your virtual garden
Rabit app has a really sleek and modern design that you’ll love. It even comes with a bunch of daily habits curated just for you to choose from. And once you get the hang of it, you can even grow your own plant by completing your daily habits!
All you have to do is swipe right when you finish a habit, or left if you didn’t quite get to it that day.
The best part is, as you continue to succeed, your plant will start to flourish! It’s important to remember, though, that if you happen to fall off track and miss a few days, your plant won’t make it. But don’t worry, Rabit makes it super easy and motivating to stay on track.
Just keep in mind that some of the features are only available in the full version, which does require a purchase. But if that’s not an issue for you, you’ll definitely love all the extra to-do lists, reminders, and habits that come along with it!
KEY FEATURES
- Customizable habits
- Intelligent reminders
- Detailed progress tracking
- Home screen widgets
- Smart planning for habits
- Inspirational quotes
What I like
- Virtual garden that grows as you progress
- Elegant and smooth interface
- Curated list of habits and tasks to choose from
What I don't like
- Free version limited to 3 habits
- Many limitations in the free version
- Intrusive subscription ads
VERDICT
Rabit is a practical and easy-to-use app, but it has very limited features in the free version.
This App is for you if :
- You find the idea of growing a garden as you progress to be motivating.
- You appreciate simple yet effective features.
This App may not be for you if :
- You prefer not to pay for a subscription to access important features.
- You dislike advertisements.
6. Habitica
(IOS, Android and Web)
Most gamified
Habitify is an excellent habit monitoring app that is compatible with multiple platforms. However, it does come with limited features in the free version.
With Habitify, you can add habits and create an “Action List” for each one, breaking down routines into more manageable tasks.
I particularly appreciate the ability to categorize habits by location, making it easier to take action depending on where you are. Plus, you can sort habits and tasks by time of day, including your own custom periods.
Habitify also tracks your mood using emojis and allows you to add notes to keep track of your progress.
Of course, Habitify also boasts excellent tracking and data viewing capabilities, as expected from a top-notch habit tracking tool.
But that’s not all. Habitify also offers social challenges that you can participate in with a friend or coworker. Join an existing challenge, like holding a plank for 2 minutes, or create your own challenge. It’s an innovative strategy to motivate yourself to stick with new routines.
KEY FEATURES
- Schedule habits and to-do lists daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Gamified experience with leveling system to track progress.
- Customizable avatars and collect rewards.
- Collaborate with friends for challenges and tasks.
- Reminders and widgets for easy tracking.
- Accessible on Android WearOS devices.
What I like
- Gamified habit tracker with numerous features.
- Robust reward system to keep you motivated.
- Involve friends in challenges.
- Available in 21 languages.
- Add and track negative habits.
- Compatible with Android WearOS devices.
What I don't like
- You may find that habits and tasks are not very customizable.
- Progress tracking and statistics are very basic, and the interface can be perplexing.
- The app does not have an offline mode.
- Some users may feel that the game elements have a low quality.
VERDICT
Habitica is a gamified and challenge focused app.
This App is for you if :
- You enjoy gamifying your habit-building journey.
- You want a robust reward system to keep you motivated.
- You like involving friends in challenges and shared tasks.
This App may not be for you if :
- You want a simple and easy-to-use habit tracker.
- You prefer a high-quality design interface.
- You need robust statistics and graphs to track progress.
- You desire a highly customizable habit tracker.
7. Habitify
(iOS, Android, macOS, Web.)
Most comprehensive
Looking for a unique and engaging way to track your habits? Look no further than Habitica! This app takes habit tracking to the next level by incorporating elements of role-playing games, social networking, and even rewards and penalties.
One of the most fun aspects of Habitica is designing your own avatar, which gains gold and gems as you complete tasks and habits. You can use these rewards to buy items and equipment to advance in the game and level up your character.
But that’s not all. As you make progress with your habits, your avatar evolves into a warrior, rogue, healer, and more. Plus, Habitica lets you track negative habits, like smoking or snacking, at the frequency you specify. You can see how your progress affects your avatar’s health and well-being.
Looking for more accountability? Habitica offers the chance to take on challenges with friends, so you can motivate each other to reach your goals. And with support for multiple platforms like iOS, Android, macOS, and the web, you can stay on top of your habits wherever you go.
KEY FEATURES
- Create and manage habits and to-do lists.
- Plan daily routines.
- Receive intelligent habit reminders.
- Track progress in detail.
- Use mood tracker and habit notes for reflection.
- Participate in challenges with friends or colleagues.
What I like
- You can create and track habits with a high level of customization
- Ability to categorize habits and tasks by area, such as home, office, or outside.
- The interface is elegant and user-friendly.
- Available on multiple platforms like iOS, Android, macOS, and Web.
- Participate in or create challenges with friends or colleagues.
- Track your mood.
- Get detailed progress tracking data and statistics.
- Includes a built-in countdown and Pomodoro feature.
What I don't like
- Important features are only available in the paid version.
- The free version is limited to tracking only three habits.
- Some users have reported encountering bugs while using the app.
VERDICT
Habitify is the most comprehensive habit tracker on the list.
This App is for you if :
- You need in-depth statistics and tracking features.
- You want a habit tracker with numerous features.
- You enjoy challenging yourself or others.
- You want to combine habit tracking with task planning.
This App may not be for you if :
- You like using straightforward apps.
- You are unwilling to spend money on a habit tracker.
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Published December 21, 2022
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About the author
My name is Sam David. I am the founder of "Proactivity Lab," a website that provides comprehensive strategies and resources for understanding and overcoming procrastination.
The website's resources are the culmination of more than 20 years of research and experience, during which I embarked on a long and gruelling journey of study and self-discovery.
Being a former procrastinator myself, it took me years of investigation and numerous trials and errors to gain a clear understanding of the underlying causes of procrastination and the most effective and scientifically supported strategies to permanently conquer the vicious cycle of procrastination.
I would like to share my knowledge with you, for free.
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Hey Sam,
Love your post, very well researched. It’s evident you put a lot of effort into your research. Your dedication to quality content is truly commendable.
I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to Habituator, an app I’ve poured my heart into. Would love if you could consider it for any future updates to this post.
It’s available on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS and is designed to infuse joy into the habit-building process. Because let’s face it, forming habits should be a delightful journey, not a burdensome task!
You can check it out here: https://apple.co/3PqueKO
Here’s more info and a press kit https://habituator.app
Here’s a free lifetime promo code to thank you for the content: HXH6AWHENTX3
Feel free to reach out if you need anything. Thank you again for your work!
Cheers,
Alain