Habit Tracker Comparison 2025: 12 Apps Tested (Free vs Paid)

You've decided to build better habits. Now you need the right tool.

But here's the problem: there are dozens of habit tracking apps, each claiming to be "the best." Some use gamification. Others focus on streaks. Some add social features. And many charge $5-10 per month.

How do you choose?

We spent 60 days testing 12 popular habit trackers—free and paid—to answer one question: Which app actually helps you stick to habits?

This isn't a list of features. It's a comparison based on real usage, tested across different habit types (exercise, meditation, writing, learning), and evaluated by people with different personalities (introverts, extroverts, solo workers, group-oriented users).

What You'll Learn

In this guide, you'll discover:

• Side-by-side comparison of 12 habit tracking apps
• Which apps work best for different personality types
• Free vs paid: what you actually get for your money
• The one feature that matters most (it's not what you think)
• How to choose the right tracker for your specific needs

Let's break down what actually works.

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How We Tested These Apps

Our Testing Methodology

We didn't just download apps and read feature lists. Here's what we did:

30-day real-world testing: Each app was used daily for at least 30 days across 3 different habit types (physical, mental, skill-based)

Multiple testers: 12 people with different preferences tested each app (introverts, extroverts, visual learners, minimalists, power users)

Key criteria evaluated:

• Ease of use: How long does it take to check in?
• Motivation impact: Does it actually help you stay consistent?
• Feature balance: Helpful features vs overwhelming complexity
• Social features: Quality of accountability and community
• Value: Price vs functionality
• Long-term stickiness: Do people keep using it after 30 days?

Important note: We're comparing these apps objectively. Cohorty (our own app) is included in this comparison, but we've tested it with the same criteria as competitors.

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The 12 Apps We Tested

Here's the full lineup, organized by approach:

Solo Tracking Apps

1. Streaks – Minimalist iPhone tracker
2. Habitify – Feature-rich with analytics
3. Productive – Intelligent scheduling
4. Loop Habit Tracker – Open-source Android option

Gamification Apps

5. Habitica – RPG-style habit building
6. Todoist – Task manager with habit features
7. Forest – Focus timer with tree-planting

Social/Accountability Apps

8. Cohorty – Cohort-based quiet accountability
9. Coach.me – Community + optional coaching
10. Stickk – Financial commitment contracts
11. Habitshare – Share progress with friends

All-in-One Apps

12. Notion – Customizable database tracker

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Quick Comparison Table

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Detailed Reviews: Solo Tracking Apps

1. Streaks – Best for iPhone Minimalists

Price: $4.99 one-time purchase
Platform: iOS only

What makes it unique: Extreme simplicity. You can track exactly 12 habits. No more, no less. The app's design philosophy is "less is more," and it shows.

Pros:

• Beautiful, clean interface that matches iOS design
• One-time payment (no subscription)
• Apple Health integration
• Widget support for quick check-ins
• No social features (if you prefer solo tracking)

Cons:

• 12-habit limit (can't track more even if you want to)
• iOS only (no Android, no web)
• No social accountability features
• Limited customization

Best for: iPhone users who want a simple, distraction-free tracker and don't need more than 12 habits.

Our verdict: If you're an Apple ecosystem user who values design and simplicity, Streaks is excellent. The 12-habit limit is actually a feature—it forces you to focus. But if you need flexibility or social features, look elsewhere.

Rating: 4.2/5

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2. Habitify – Best for Data-Driven Users

Price: Free / $4.99/month premium
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: Deep analytics. Habitify tracks everything: completion rates, streaks, time of day, mood correlation, and more.

Pros:

• Comprehensive statistics and charts
• Unlimited habits (free tier: 3 habits)
• Cross-platform sync
• Flexible scheduling (daily, weekly, custom)
• Journal notes for each check-in
• Dark mode

Cons:

• Free version limited to 3 habits
• Can feel overwhelming for minimalists
• No built-in accountability features
• Premium price adds up ($60/year)

Best for: People who love data and want detailed insights into their habit patterns. Great for experimenting with habit formation and analyzing what works.

Our verdict: Habitify is powerful but can feel like overkill if you just want to check a box. The analytics are genuinely useful for optimization, but the free tier's 3-habit limit is restrictive.

Rating: 4.0/5

Learn more about tracking strategies in our guide on how to stay consistent with habits.

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3. Productive – Best for Scheduled Routines

Price: Free / $6.99/month premium
Platform: iOS, Android

What makes it unique: Intelligent scheduling system that adapts to your routine. Instead of just "daily," you can set habits for "weekday mornings" or "every Monday and Thursday."

Pros:

• Smart, flexible scheduling
• Helpful reminder system
• Morning/afternoon/evening categorization
• Progress tracking with statistics
• Clean, intuitive interface

Cons:

• Free version: only 5 habits
• Premium is expensive for what you get
• No social/accountability features
• Can feel rigid for spontaneous habits

Best for: People with structured routines who want habits tied to specific times of day.

Our verdict: Productive excels at time-based habit tracking. If your habits follow a schedule (morning meditation, lunchtime walk, evening reading), this is ideal. But for flexible or social habits, it's limiting.

Rating: 3.8/5

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4. Loop Habit Tracker – Best for Android (Free)

Price: Free (open-source)
Platform: Android only

What makes it unique: Completely free, no ads, no premium tier. It's open-source, privacy-focused, and minimalist.

Pros:

• 100% free forever
• No ads, no data collection
• Clean, Material Design interface
• Detailed statistics and charts
• Fully customizable
• Works offline

Cons:

• Android only
• No social features
• Basic design (functional, not beautiful)
• No cloud sync (data stays on device)

Best for: Android users who want a no-nonsense, privacy-first tracker without paying anything.

Our verdict: If you're on Android and want a simple, free tracker, Loop is unbeatable. But iPhone users and people who want social accountability need other options.

Rating: 4.3/5

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Gamification Apps: Do Games Actually Help?

5. Habitica – Best for Gamers

Price: Free / $4.99/month premium
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: Turns your life into an RPG. Complete habits to earn gold, level up your character, unlock equipment, and fight monsters. You can join guilds and go on quests with friends.

Pros:

• Genuinely fun for gamers
• Strong community features
• Guilds and parties for accountability
• Free tier is fully functional
• Tons of customization

Cons:

• Overwhelming interface for non-gamers
• Gamification can feel gimmicky
• Easy to get caught up in the game, forget the real goal
• Learning curve is steep

Best for: People who grew up playing RPGs and want to gamify their real-life goals. Great for groups of friends who enjoy games together.

Our verdict: Habitica works brilliantly for the right person—but that person needs to enjoy RPG mechanics. If you're not into games, the complexity will frustrate you. We've compared Habitica to group accountability apps in our Cohorty vs Habitica guide.

Rating: 3.5/5 (4.5/5 for gamers, 2.5/5 for everyone else)

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6. Forest – Best for Focus Sessions

Price: Free / $1.99 one-time (iOS)
Platform: iOS, Android

What makes it unique: You plant a virtual tree when you start a focus session. If you leave the app (to check social media), the tree dies. Over time, you grow a forest.

Pros:

• Beautiful, calming design
• Effective for phone addiction
• Partners with Trees for the Future (real trees planted)
• One-time purchase (iOS)
• Works as Pomodoro timer

Cons:

• Limited to focus/study habits
• Not ideal for physical habits (exercise, etc.)
• Gamification can wear off
• Requires phone to be present

Best for: Students, remote workers, or anyone struggling with phone distraction during work/study sessions.

Our verdict: Forest is excellent for what it does—helping you stay off your phone. But it's not a comprehensive habit tracker. It's more of a focus tool with gamification. Pair it with another tracker for non-focus habits.

Rating: 4.1/5 (for focus) / 2.5/5 (as general habit tracker)

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Social & Accountability Apps

7. Cohorty – Best for Quiet Accountability

Price: Free
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: Cohort-based tracking where 3-10 people start the same habit on the same day. You check in daily, others can see your progress and send a "heart" (silent support). No comments, no chat, no pressure.

Pros:

• Free forever
• Social accountability without overwhelm
• Perfect for introverts
• Simple one-tap check-in
• No recruiting required (get matched automatically)
• Works across all habit types

Cons:

• Less feature-rich than solo trackers (by design)
• No detailed analytics
• Cohorts are time-limited (30-90 days)
• Newer app (smaller user base than established competitors)

Best for: People who struggle with solo tracking but find traditional group accountability (chat groups, comments) overwhelming. Ideal for introverts.

Our verdict: Cohorty solves a specific problem: you need accountability, but you don't want the burden of group chat. The "quiet accountability" model works because you feel seen without feeling pressured. It's not for everyone—if you want detailed analytics or prefer solo tracking, choose something else. But for people who've failed at solo tracking and burned out on group chat, this hits the sweet spot.

Transparency note: This is our app, but we've tried to review it objectively. Check out real user experiences in our 30-day Cohorty challenge story.

Rating: 4.2/5

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8. Coach.me – Best for Professional Coaching

Price: Free (community) / $100-300/month (coaching)
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: Combines free habit tracking with optional professional coaching. You can track solo, join community challenges, or hire a coach for 1-on-1 support.

Pros:

• Strong community features
• Access to professional coaches
• Free tier is fully functional
• Encouragement from other users
• Works for any habit type

Cons:

• Coaching is expensive ($100+/month)
• Free community engagement has declined
• Interface feels dated
• Can be overwhelming with notifications

Best for: People willing to invest in professional coaching. If you just want free tracking, better options exist.

Our verdict: Coach.me's value depends entirely on whether you pay for coaching. The free tier is fine but nothing special. If you're serious about a major life change and can afford coaching, it's worth considering. For free tracking, we'd recommend other options. Compare approaches in our Cohorty vs Coach.me guide.

Rating: 3.6/5 (free) / 4.3/5 (with coaching)

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9. Stickk – Best for High-Stakes Commitment

Price: Free / Optional stakes ($20-500+)
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: You put money on the line. Set a goal, commit a financial stake (e.g., $50), and if you fail, the money goes to charity—or even worse, to an "anti-charity" you hate.

Pros:

• Incredibly effective for certain people
• Flexible commitment structure
• Free to use without stakes
• Accountability referee system
• Research-backed approach

Cons:

• Financial pressure can backfire
• Feels punitive rather than supportive
• Not suitable for people with financial stress
• Can create unhealthy relationship with habits

Best for: People who respond well to external pressure and can afford to lose the stake. Great for one-time goals (quit smoking, finish a project).

Our verdict: Stickk works through fear of loss—which is powerful but not sustainable or healthy for everyone. Use it for short-term, high-stakes goals, not long-term habit building. The financial commitment can motivate, but it can also create stress.

Rating: 3.8/5

Learn more about different accountability styles in our article on the psychology of accountability.

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10. Habitshare – Best for Friend Groups

Price: Free
Platform: iOS, Android

What makes it unique: Share your habits privately with a small group of friends. They see your check-ins, you see theirs. Like a private social network for habits.

Pros:

• Completely free
• Simple, focused interface
• Great for existing friend groups
• Private (not public social media)
• Easy photo sharing

Cons:

• Requires recruiting friends
• No automatic matching
• Limited features
• If friends quit, you lose accountability
• No community beyond your group

Best for: People with a group of friends who all want to track habits together.

Our verdict: Habitshare is perfect if you already have friends committed to tracking together. But if you don't have that group, it's useless—you can't find accountability partners through the app. Compare this to cohort-based approaches where you're automatically matched with others in our group accountability apps guide.

Rating: 4.0/5 (with friends) / 2.0/5 (starting solo)

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All-in-One Option

11. Notion – Best for Customization Obsessives

Price: Free / $10/month (Pro)
Platform: iOS, Android, Web

What makes it unique: It's not a habit tracker—it's a workspace where you can build your own tracker exactly how you want it.

Pros:

• Infinite customization
• Combine habits with notes, goals, projects
• Beautiful templates available
• Free tier is generous
• Can track anything, any way

Cons:

• Requires setup time (hours, not minutes)
• No built-in habit features
• Can become a procrastination tool (endless tweaking)
• Overkill for simple habit tracking
• No social accountability

Best for: People who love customization and already use Notion for everything else.

Our verdict: Notion is powerful but often overkill. Building the perfect habit tracker becomes its own project. If you already live in Notion, great—add habits. If you're starting fresh, use a dedicated habit app. Check out our Notion habit tracker template guide for setup help.

Rating: 3.5/5 (as habit tracker) / 4.5/5 (as workspace)

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Which App Should You Choose?

Here's how to decide based on your needs:

Choose a Solo Tracker If:

• You prefer working independently
• You don't need external accountability
• You want detailed analytics
• You like customizing your system

Best options: Habitify (data lovers), Streaks (minimalists), Productive (scheduled routines)

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Choose a Gamification App If:

• You're motivated by games and rewards
• Visual progress excites you
• You enjoy RPG mechanics
• You want to make habits fun

Best options: Habitica (RPG fans), Forest (focus sessions)

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Choose a Social/Accountability App If:

• You've failed at solo tracking
• External pressure helps you
• You want to feel connected
• You need low-pressure support

Best options: Cohorty (introverts, quiet accountability), Habitshare (friend groups), Coach.me (need coaching)

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Choose Financial Commitment If:

• Money motivates you
• You have a major one-time goal
• Other methods haven't worked
• You can afford to lose the stake

Best option: Stickk

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Choose Custom-Built If:

• You love designing systems
• No existing app fits your needs
• You already use Notion/Airtable
• You have time to build

Best option: Notion

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The One Feature That Actually Matters

After testing 12 apps, here's what we learned:

Fancy features don't matter if you don't open the app.

The best habit tracker is the one you'll actually use every day. That depends on three things:

1. Friction

How fast can you check in? If it takes more than 10 seconds, you'll skip it. Apps like Streaks (widget support) and Cohorty (one-tap check-in) win here.

2. Motivation Source

What keeps you going?

• Internal: Solo trackers with analytics (Habitify)
• External social: Accountability apps (Cohorty, Habitshare)
• External punishment: Financial stakes (Stickk)
• Gamification: RPG mechanics (Habitica)

Match your app to your motivation source.

3. Personality Fit

• Introverts: Quiet accountability (Cohorty) or solo tracking (Streaks)
• Extroverts: Active communities (Coach.me, Habitica)
• Data nerds: Analytics-heavy (Habitify)
• Minimalists: Simple interfaces (Streaks, Loop)

There's no "best" app—only the best app for you.

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Free vs Paid: Is Premium Worth It?

Here's what you typically get with paid versions:

Premium features usually include:

• Unlimited habits (vs 3-5 on free tiers)
• Cloud sync across devices
• Detailed analytics and charts
• Custom reminders
• Ad-free experience
• Priority support

Our take: Most people don't need premium.

Free tiers are enough for 80% of users. You only need premium if:

• You track more than 5 habits simultaneously
• You require detailed analytics
• You switch devices frequently and need sync
• Ads genuinely bother you

Otherwise, start free. Upgrade only if you hit limitations.

Exception: One-time purchases (Streaks, Forest) are worth it if you'll use the app long-term. Subscriptions should be evaluated carefully—$5/month = $60/year = $300 over 5 years.

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Common Mistakes When Choosing a Habit Tracker

Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Features, Not Usage

The app with the most features isn't always the best. A simple app you use daily beats a complex app you abandon after a week.

Mistake 2: Not Trying Before Committing

Most apps have free trials. Test for at least 7 days before paying. Does it fit your routine? Is check-in easy? Do you actually open it?

Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Personality

Gamification works for some people and annoys others. Social features help some and overwhelm others. Choose an app that matches how you naturally operate.

Mistake 4: Tracking Too Many Habits

Even the best app can't help if you're tracking 20 habits at once. Start with 1-3 habits maximum. Master those, then add more. Read our guide on how to build multiple habits.

Mistake 5: Expecting the App to Do the Work

No app makes habits automatic. The app is a tool—you still have to do the habit. Focus on making the behavior easy, then use the app to track it.

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Our Recommendations by Use Case

Best Overall Free App

Loop Habit Tracker (Android) or Streaks (iOS, one-time $5)
Simple, effective, no subscriptions.

Best for Accountability

Cohorty
Quiet social pressure without overwhelming group dynamics.

Best for Data Lovers

Habitify
Deep analytics and insights. Worth the premium if you love metrics.

Best for Gamers

Habitica
Full RPG experience. Fun for the right personality type.

Best for Serious Commitment

Stickk
Financial stakes create real consequences. Use carefully.

Best for Friend Groups

Habitshare
Perfect if you have friends who want to track together.

Best for Flexibility

Notion
Build exactly what you need. Time investment required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch apps later if I change my mind?

A: Yes, but you'll lose your streak history (most apps don't export data). If you're worried about lock-in, choose apps that allow CSV export (Habitify, Notion) or use simple apps where recreating your data is easy.

Q: Should I use multiple habit trackers at once?

A: Generally no. It creates extra friction and splits your focus. Pick one primary tracker. Exception: you might use a focus app (Forest) alongside a general tracker (Habitify) if they serve different purposes.

Q: Do habit tracking apps actually improve consistency?

A: Research shows tracking increases adherence, but the app itself matters less than the act of tracking. A 2018 study in Obesity found that people who self-monitored (even with pen and paper) had better outcomes than those who didn't track at all. The app just makes tracking easier.

Q: What about Apple Reminders or Google Tasks?

A: They work for simple tracking, but they lack habit-specific features like streaks, scheduling flexibility, and progress visualization. Fine for casual tracking, not ideal for serious habit building.

Q: How long should I commit to an app before deciding?

A: Give it at least 30 days of daily use. The first week you're learning the interface. Week 2-4 reveals whether it fits your routine. If you're not consistently opening it by day 30, try something else.

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Final Verdict: Which App Won?

There's no single winner because different apps excel for different people.

But if we had to recommend just one app for most people, it would be:

For solo tracking: Streaks (iOS) or Loop (Android)
For social accountability: Cohorty

Why? Because both prioritize the thing that matters most: actually using the app every day.

Streaks and Loop are simple enough that you'll never skip logging. Cohorty adds just enough social pressure to keep you consistent without adding stress.

Fancy analytics, gamification, and premium features are nice—but they don't matter if you abandon the app after two weeks.

Start simple. Add complexity only if you need it.

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Ready to Start Building Better Habits?

You now know the strengths and weaknesses of 12 popular habit trackers.

The next step? Pick one and commit for 30 days.

If you want quiet accountability without pressure:

Join a Cohorty Challenge – Get matched with 3-10 people starting the same habit. One-tap check-in. Silent support. No overwhelm.

Popular challenges:

• 30-Day Habit Challenge
• Accountability Partner Program

Browse all challenges →

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Want more habit-building strategies? Read our Complete Guide to Accountability Partners or learn how long it really takes to form a habit.