Alexis Kestler
Forming new habits is no easy feat. With constant distractions and busy schedules, it‘s challenging to implement lasting change. Fortunately, habit tracking apps make it a bit easier.
As a productivity geek and habit tracking enthusiast, I‘ve tested dozens of these apps over the years. And I‘m excited to share my insights with you, from how habit trackers work to deep dives on the top 15 apps.
By the end of this guide, you‘ll understand the science behind habit tracking, why it‘s effective, and how to choose the right app for your personal goals. Let‘s get started!
Why Habit Tracking Works
According to researchers, it takes an average of 66 days to cement a new habit. The key is consistency. With daily repetition, the habit becomes automatic over time.
Habit tracking apps utilize several science-based techniques to help you stay consistent:
Reminders and Accountability
Apps provide reminders to complete your habit each day. Accountability to the app (and social features) provide external motivation to stay on track.
Reinforcement
Apps use positive reinforcement to motivate you. Trackers and streaks allow you to visualize progress. Milestone rewards also provide reinforcement.
Data and Analytics
Tracking provides concrete data on your habits. Analytics help identify patterns, optimal timing, and environmental factors that impact consistency.
Simplified Routines
Apps break big goals down into manageable daily habits. This makes it easier to implement consistently.
Cues
Many apps let you customize cues like locations and times that trigger habit reminders throughout your day.
Using these proven techniques, habit trackers provide the structure, motivation and insights to help any habit stick.
Benefits of Habit Tracking Apps
Now that we‘ve looked at why habit trackers work, let‘s discuss key benefits:
Increased Self-Discipline
Tracking keeps you focused. Checking off each habit builds self-discipline over time.
Improved Consistency
Reminders ensure you complete habits every day. Consistency is vital for cementing habits long-term.
Awareness
Tracking brings awareness to habit patterns and influences. You gain insights into what motivates and derails you.
Accountability
Sharing habits socially or with a coach adds accountability which boosts motivation.
Faster Progress
Apps provide data, charts and tools to optimize your habits for faster improvement.
Motivation
Features like progress bars, milestones and streaks provide ongoing motivation to keep habits up.
Clearly, habit tracking apps provide huge value. But with hundreds of trackers available, how do you choose the right one? I‘ll cover that next.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Habit Tracking App
All habit tracking apps share the same core purpose – to monitor your habits. But they vary significantly in their exact features and implementations.
As you evaluate options, here are 12 factors to look for:
1. User Interface
The interface design impacts your daily experience. Look for a tracker with a clean, intuitive interface that‘s easy to use on a regular basis.
2. Habit Customization
You should be able to customize habits with unique schedules, reminders, colors, icons and more to fit your preferences.
3. Tracking Flexibility
Make sure the app offers tracking options to suit your specific habits. For example, some apps track frequency while others log pass/fail.
4. Reminders and Alerts
The best apps let you set custom reminders and cue-based alerts to complete each habit.
5. Data Visualization
Charts, graphs and calendars that display habit data help spot trends and optimize performance.
6. Tagged Data
The ability to tag habits with keywords like #health, #family, #work allows smarter data analysis.
7. Tracking Frequency
Most apps track daily habits, but some allow tracking by week, month or specific dates for more flexibility.
8. Reporting
Reports and PDF summaries bring insights from your habit data over weeks, months and years.
9. Syncing
Choose an app that syncs across devices so you can track anywhere and access previous data.
10. Social Features
Some apps let you share habits with friends or join groups for accountability and motivation.
11. Platform Availability
Consider availability on iOS, Android, web, etc. to access your habits anywhere.
12. Premium Features
Many apps offer advanced features like exports and analytics for a subscription fee. Evaluate which matter most to you.
By weighing each of these key factors, you can identify the perfect habit tracking app for your needs. With the basics covered, let‘s explore the top 15 habit tracking apps available in 2023.
The Top 15 Habit Tracking Apps for 2023
Based on extensive research and testing, these 15 habit trackers stand out from the pack in popularity, features and user experience:
1. Habitify
Habitify is a favorite for its clean interface focused solely on habit tracking.
Key Features
- Simple design
- Customizable habit reminders
- Motivational quotes
- Habit streak tracking
- Data analysis
- Tagging habits
- Shared accountability
Why It‘s Great
Minimalist yet powerful. Perfect balance of tracking, motivation and analytics. All the essentials without being overwhelming.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium version ($2.99+/month)
2. Habitica
Habitica gamifies habit tracking by turning it into an RPG.
Key Features
- RPG game elements like quests and loot
- Avatar representation
- Parties for group accountability
- Items and rewards for habit completion
- Custom rewards and punishments
- Habit reminders
- To-do list
Why It‘s Great
The entertaining game mechanics keep you engaged and motivated. Makes habit tracking fun.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium version ($4.99+/month)
3. loop habit tracker
loop is an open-source habit tracker focused on data analysis.
Key Features
- Fully customizable tracker
- Habit notes and tagging
- Charts and calendar view
- Analyze habit factors and patterns
- Clean, minimalist design
- Works offline
Why It‘s Great
Complete transparency and advanced analytics. Everything is customizable.
Platforms
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- 100% free
4. TickTick
TickTick combines habit tracking with a robust task manager.
Key Features
- Habits integrated with customizable task lists
- Progress bars and productivity scores
- Natural language date parsing
- Reminders and smart lists
- Calendar Heatmap
- Tagging tasks and habits
Why It‘s Great
Complete tracking solution with habits, tasks and goals in one place. Interconnectivity brings insights.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($2.79/month)
5. Coach.me
Coach.me offers personalized habit coaching.
Key Features
- One-on-one habit coaching
- Communities for accountability
- Reminders and progress tracking
- Plan customization after completing coach questionnaire
Why It‘s Great
Expert coaching tailored to your needs helps form habits that stick.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- 7-day free trial
- Monthly coaching packages ($15+/month)
6. Strides
The Strides app focuses on habit and goal tracking.
Key Features
- Customizable habit reminders
- Flexible schedule builder for habits
- Tracking by completion, frequency or numeric target
- Habit notes and photos
- Progress reports
- Integration with HealthKit and Google Fit
Why It‘s Great
Flexible tracking and reminders for each individual habit. Simple but powerful tracking.
Platforms
- iOS
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($39.99/year)
7. HabitHub
HabitHub emphasizes habit guidance and motivation.
Key Features
- Science-based habit plans
- Motivational quotes and images
- Reminders and streak tracking
- Progress graphs and trends
- Comprehensive journal
- Group challenges
- Customizable themes
Why It‘s Great
Focus on growth mindset and motivation alongside traditional tracking.
Platforms
- Android
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($19.99/year)
8. Habitica
Habitica gamifies your habits into an RPG-style game.
Key Features
- RPG gameplay reward mechanics
- Social accountability through parties
- Habits become in-game tasks
- Item rewards
- Customizable avatars
- To-Do list and habits in one app
Why It‘s Great
Makes habit tracking fun! Game elements provide motivation and accountability.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($4.99+/month)
9. Done
Done offers a simple yet effective habit tracker.
Key Features
- Simple habit tracking
- Custom reminders
- Calendar view of progress
- Notes for each habit
- Analysis of patterns and consistency
- Integrations with HealthKit
Why It‘s Great
Straightforward focus exclusively on habit tracking. Nothing fancy, just the essentials.
Platforms
- iOS
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($14.99/year)
10. Habitica
Habitica is the most popular gamified habit tracking app.
Key Features
- RPG gameplay mechanics
- Social parties for accountability
- Avatar customization
- Habits become in-game tasks
- Earn coins, pets, armor for completing habits
- To-Do integrated with habits
Why It‘s Great
The addictive gameplay makes habit tracking entertaining. Unique social dynamics.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($4.99+/month)
11. Way of Life
Way of Life promotes mindfulness and self-awareness.
Key Features
- Track one good habit and one bad habit
- Simple tracking interface
- Reminders and notifications
- Notes section for journaling
- Charts and statistics
- Custom themes
Why It‘s Great
Focusing on one good and bad habit makes tracking easy. The simplicity fosters mindfulness.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Pricing
- $4.99 one-time fee
12. Streaks
Streaks is great for tracking a few daily habits.
Key Features
- Track up to 12 habits
- Simple progress dot interface
- Time and location-based reminders
- Integration with HealthKit
- Ability to link habits together
- Custom schedules for each habit
Why It‘s Great
Extremely simple yet effective tracking of your few most important habits.
Platforms
- iOS
Pricing
- $4.99 one-time purchase
13. Momentum
Momentum focuses on motivation and mindfulness.
Key Features
- Custom dashboard
- Daily motivational quotes
- Trackers for habits, mood, gratitude and goals
- Reminders for habits and tasks
- Notes and journal
- Community chat room
Why It‘s Great
Tracking paired with motivational tools to build mindfulness and growth mindset.
Platforms
- macOS
- iOS
- WatchOS
- Web
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($35.99/year)
14.Habit Bull
Habit Bull is optimized for customization.
Key Features
- Text, photo or #hashtag tracking
- 100% customizable
- Robust reminders
- Habit groups and tagging
- Variety of habit repetition settings
- Info graphs with habit stats
Why It‘s Great
Tracking tailored to your exact preferences. Every detail is customizable.
Platforms
- Android
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium ($5.99/month)
15. Fabulous
Fabulous focuses on building motivation and self-discipline.
Key Features
- Personalized habit plans and science-based recommendations
- Wake up routines
- Short motivation exercises and journaling
- Community challenges
- Reminders and accountability
- Progress dashboard
Why It‘s Great
Complete behavior change system focused on mindset shifts paired with traditional tracking.
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
Pricing
- Free version
- Premium coaching ($9.99+/month)
As you can see, there is incredible variety among top habit tracking apps. Each takes a slightly different approach while offering unique motivational features.
By identifying your personal needs and priorities, you can pinpoint the perfect app to drive new habits long-term.
Next let‘s dig into best practices for optimal habit tracking.
How to Make the Most of Habit Tracking
Once you‘ve chosen the best habit tracking app for your needs, make sure you use it effectively. Here are some proven techniques:
Start Small
Resist tackling 10 new habits at once. Start with just ONE new habit so you can focus without becoming overwhelmed. Once it sticks, gradually add more.
Focus on Positives
It‘s more effective to track habits you want to build rather than habits you want to eliminate. Structure tracking around positives.
Double Up on Existing Routines
Tie new habits to existing routines for built-in reminders. For example, floss after brushing teeth.
Schedule Reminders
Leverage reminder features to keep habits top of mind. Unique cues can remind you at the right moments.
Avoid Tracking Failures
Don‘t track slipped habits. Only track habit completions to reinforce the behavior.
Analyze the Data
Evaluate habit data regularly to spot trends, see connections, and optimize performance.
Enlist Accountability Partners
Share habits with others and join groups for added accountability and peer support.
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge streaks and milestones. Use as mini rewards to motivate ongoing consistency.
By applying these best practices, you get the most from your habit tracker. But tracking alone isn‘t enough. You have to put in the work day-after-day.
The key is patience. It takes an average of 66 days for a habit to stick. Trust the process, focus on progress not perfection, and stay motivated using your new habit tracking app!
Final Thoughts
Habit tracking apps provide powerful tools to monitor and build habits through motivation, accountability, and insights. But their impact depends on selecting the right app for your needs and sticking to habits consistently.
I hope this comprehensive guide provided tons of value around habit science, tracking benefits, choosing an app, implementing strategies, and the advantages of popular habit builders.
The habit tracking world advances rapidly, so I‘ll continue testing new apps as they emerge. Subscribe to my blog to stay updated on the latest and greatest habit trackers and productivity tech.
Now that you‘re armed with this in-depth knowledge, you‘re ready to crush your habit goals. Remember to start small, focus on positives, analyze your data, and celebrate milestones.
With consistency and commitment, you‘ve got this! Here‘s to building habits that improve your life with the help of the perfect tracking app.
