Do you tend to promise yourself, “I’m finally going to stick to my habits” every new year, only to
forget about it a few weeks down the line?
One year, you downloaded a shiny new planner, only to leave it unfilled. Another year, you carefully mapped out a detailed morning routine but abandoned it by the following week.
It seems like every time you try to live up to a resolution, life would get in the way—a Sisyphean battle you didn’t ask for. To-do lists pile up, notifications never stop. And building lasting habits? It can indeed feel like you’re pushing a boulder of expectations uphill with no end in sight.
That’s where having the best habit tracker apps at hand can help. They can be the support you need to turn daily actions into compounding wins.
Why the best habit tracker apps can help you thrive
Between AI-powered everything making decisions in milliseconds and your phone buzzing every five seconds, staying focused has become a superpower.
Research shows our attention spans are shrinking due to all the digital noise, with people now spending an average of just 47 seconds on a screen before losing focus. It’s no wonder you often struggle to finish a podcast episode without doomscrolling on Instagram.
With so much competing for your attention, good habits can keep you grounded amidst distractions. The science behind this lies in your brain’s love for structure. The basal ganglia—that is, the part of your brain responsible for forming routines—thrives on consistency.
When you establish triggers, actions, and rewards, this system streamlines repetitive tasks, freeing up your mental energy for more demanding decisions.
Habits like drinking water or sticking to a bedtime tap into this mechanism, steering your brain toward positive outcomes. But be warned: the same principle powers harmful habits like endless scrolling or skipped meals. This goes to show that the brain doesn’t differentiate between helpful and harmful patterns; it simply reinforces what you do most often.
That’s why deliberately cultivating positive routines can break you free from cycles that no longer serve you. As you master how to reprogram your subconscious mind with these new “patterns,” they become second nature.
Here’s where the best habit tracker apps are invaluable. They provide the structure you need to turn abstract ambitions into actionable steps amidst life’s chaos.
The best habit tracker apps to try in 2025 at a glance
With so many habit tracker apps out there, it’s tough to know where to start. But fret not—there’s always an app for any goal, whether you’re after mindfulness boosts, fitness tracking, or even a fun, gamified way to stay on top of things.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best free habit tracker apps—that also offer premium features—to help you find the perfect fit.
| App | Key features | Pricing |
| Mindvalley | 100+ personal growth quests, 1000+ meditations, AI-driven personalization, global community access | Free with limited access; $49/month or $299/year |
| Habitica | Gamified habit tracking, collaborative quests, customizable goals | Free with optional premium at $4.99/month |
| Habitify | Minimalist design, detailed analytics, flexible notifications | Free with limited access; $4.99/month or $39.99/year |
| BetterMe | Personalized workouts, meal plans, mindfulness tools, community challenges | Free with limited access; $9.99/month or $59.99/year |
| Fabulous | Guided routines, daily tips, habit stacking, motivational prompts | 7-day free trial; $39.99/year (no monthly option) |
| Calm | Guided meditations, sleep stories, expert-led masterclasses, stress reduction tools | Free with limited access; $14.99/month or $69.99/year |
| Headspace | Daily meditations, mindfulness exercises, sleep aids, focus soundscapes | Free with limited access; $12.99/month or $69.99/year |
1. Mindvalley
As one of the top microlearning apps out there, Mindvalley comes with transformation tools that empower you in six key areas of modern life: mind, body, spirituality, relationships, career, and entrepreneurship.
The app is designed to help you become a powerhouse at whatever you do in life. It does so by helping you turn daily actions into habits that support lasting growth.
“Choose any category you want to dive into,” says Vishen, the company’s founder and CEO. “It’s all unlocked for you on our Mindvalley desktop app or smartphone app.”
Here’s a deep dive into why the Mindvalley app stands out from the rest:
- 100+ personal development courses—called quests—led by world-class experts in the personal growth domain like Jeffrey Allen, Marisa Peer, and Vishen himself.
- 1000+ powerful meditation and sound journeys, guided by leading forces like The Monroe Institute and record producer Maejor.
- Advanced neuro-training for optimal focus, relaxation, and mental clarity.
- Access to a global community of like-minded individuals who crave growth
- A powerful AI-guided learning experience.
Download the app (it’s free), and you’ll get to explore the latest enhancements:
- Pathways, which personalize your learning journeys.
- Streaks, the daily habit tracker to keep you motivated and consistent.
- An intuitive user experience for a more seamless in-app experience.
- Easy progress tracking with visual tools that let you see how far you’ve come.
- Milestone badges to help you celebrate your wins.
- Advanced search, enabling you to find the resources you need quickly.
- Custom sound options to personalize your experience to be more enjoyable.
Ifran Suleman Chohdry, Mindvalley’s head of product engineering, explains the app is now faster and more engaging, so “users can spend less time waiting and more time growing.”
Cost
Free with limited access (which unlocks the first few lessons from selected quests); $49 per month or $299 annually for premium content.
Who will love it?
Growth seekers and high achievers who want to build positive habits in different areas of life. Plus, expert-backed insights and guidance are available in every nook and cranny, so expect the learning journey to have depth and variety.
What people are saying about it
“Vishen and Mindvalley bring together the best people and the best in people. You are firing on all cylinders and nurturing your best self… It’s a gift for yourself that reaps great benefits.” — Vanessa Rubio, actress on Netflix’s Cobra Kai
“I have worked through the traumas in my childhood to let go of the emotional pain and limiting beliefs to create a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. My mission in life is now to help others do the same [as a transformational coach, hypnotherapist, and mindset mentor.] I am grateful to Mindvalley for offering such brilliantly inspiring quests, which always support me on this path.” — Nicole Garnier, a Mindvalley member
2. Habitica
Let’s face it: building good habits can feel tedious from time to time. Here’s where Habitica helps break the struggle.
This app flips the script on habit-building by reframing it as a game. It’s where productivity meets play: completing tasks levels up your avatar and unlocks rewards in a virtual role-playing game (RPG) world.
Habitica supports a wide range of habits, from fitness and productivity to self-care and wellness, making it adaptable to your personal goals. It transforms good habits into fun, rewarding quests, making it easy to stay motivated as you work toward your personal goals, from workouts to creative routines.
By signing up on Habitica, you get to experience:
- Gamified tracking turns daily habits and to-dos into quests that earn you points, rewards, and achievements.
- Collaborative quests, where you can team up with friends or join groups to tackle shared challenges.
- Customizable goals that fit your unique lifestyle. Do this with a friend or loved one, and you’ll eventually notice that no two personal growth journeys on Habitica are the same.
- Visual progress in the form of an avatar that you can grow as you complete more tasks.
- A supportive community to share motivation and tips.
Cost:
Free with limited access; $4.99 per month for premium content.
Who will love it?
Gamers and creative minds who want to make habit-building exciting and collaborative, all while leveling up in a playful, virtual world. And with its budget-friendly fee, it’s definitely great for anyone who’s looking to build better habits without breaking the bank.
What people are saying about it
“The UI is a bit weird, but not so bad once you get used to it. Works really well for my brain and has been helping me do things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Gives me the dopamine for tasks that I’m missing as a neurodivergent person. So I’d say yes.” — AlternativeSea6870 on Reddit
“Habitica has so much to explore… Due to how many layers and capabilities the app offers, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when using [the app] at first—it feels like there is so much to learn and maintain on a regular basis. That said, I feel Habitica’s gamification elements make it a helpful tool for people with ADHD or those who have symptoms of executive dysfunction, as the app adds fun and structure to their daily routines, goals, and productivity.” — Lena Suarez-Angelino on Choosing Therapy
3. Habitify
If you’re the type who wants more efficiency in their lives without sacrificing simplicity, Habitify might be your perfect match.
This sleek, minimalist app cuts through the noise with its clean design and easy-to-navigate system, allowing you to track and analyze your habits without fuss.
Here’s what Habitify has to offer:
- Customizable habit tracking that fits your day-to-day schedule.
- Detailed analytics so you can spot trends in your behavior and identify areas for improvement.
- Flexible notifications that you receive precisely when you need them.
- Dark mode and customization options to suit your preferences and reduce screen fatigue.
Cost
Free with limited access; $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually for premium content.
Who will love it?
Data-driven minimalists who want a straightforward, efficient tool to track habits while gaining meaningful insights.
What people are saying about it
“We believe Habitify is a good deal to nail down those healthy habits. It’s like having a helpful friend that keeps you on track and cheers you on. [The app] has lots of cool stuff to help you. The free part is nice, but if you’re all in, the premium version gives you even more, like unlimited habits and notes.” — Monika Dimitrovska on CRM.org
“I’ve been using the app for the past 11 months to track my studies and other good and bad habits that I want to form or eliminate. This app has completely changed my life. It has a very simple user interface, which makes it very easy to use, and the best part is the data from the habits can be extracted in .json file format. I bought the premium subscription for one year… and I’ll be upgrading my subscription to Lifetime once the subscription ends.” — Sakib Medic on Apple Store
4. BetterMe
If you’ve ever started a fitness routine or a diet plan only to get overwhelmed by all the moving parts, BetterMe is the app that simplifies it all. It’s a one-stop solution for fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness, designed for people who want to tackle their wellness goals and metrics without juggling multiple apps.
Here’s how BetterMe keeps things simple and effective:
- Personalized fitness plans that match your goals, whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up.
- Easy-to-follow nutrition plans and recipes to complement your habits.
- Meditation and stress-relief tools for a balanced lifestyle.
- Community challenges that keep you motivated and connected to others.
Cost
Free with limited access; $9.99 per month or $59.99 annually for premium content.
Who will love it?
Health-conscious individuals who want an all-in-one app that combines fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness into one seamless habit-building experience.
What people are saying about it
“Love the app. Some confusion regarding subscription and cancelation. My subscription was canceled after I was told it was going to be renewed. Enjoyed the coaching. [However] I prefer a cheaper annual charge instead of quarterly billing. [But] I love the chair yoga and the numerous options for working out. Would like a vibration board included as an exercise for those of us who are disabled and can’t do other exercises.” — Kat on TrustPilot
“BetterMe is a life-changing app for me. I don’t have time to ever go to the gym. I have continued to stay in shape with it. It is easy to use, and personalized just for me and my needs. I had a problem with my account, and the customer service was quick to get back to me and fix the problem. I will continue to use better me to get in shape!” — Sara Kerlick on Quora
5. Fabulous
Perhaps you’ve been feeling like your mornings are slipping away before you’ve even had a chance to center yourself. Or maybe you’ve tried setting up a new routine, only to give up after a week because life is just… hectic.
Well, change doesn’t happen overnight—and the creators of the Fabulous apps get it. This is why the app comes equipped with science-backed features that help you build new habits through small, consistent steps.
Its mission statement? To adapt to you wherever you are in life, whether you’re navigating conditions like ADHD, practicing gratitude during tough times, or seeking clarity on your life’s purpose.
Why it’s worth adding Fabulous to your habit-building routine:
- Step-by-step routines to improve sleep, productivity, and mindfulness.
- Daily coaching that is tailored to your goals, whether it’s more sleep or enhanced focus.
- Motivational prompts delivered daily to keep you on track and maintain consistency, even when life gets busy.
- Habit stacking to help build your growth mindset.
- Custom routines to match your lifestyle seamlessly on the app.
- Visual progress tracking to celebrate milestones along the way.
Cost
A 7-day free trial is available, with premium access billed annually at $39.99 (which comes down to about $3.33 per month). No official monthly subscription is available.
Who will love it?
Wellness enthusiasts, neurodivergent individuals (including those with ADHD), and anyone seeking structured, science-backed guidance to build routines that enhance mental clarity and emotional resilience.
What people are saying about it
“At first, the app was not as intuitive and easy to use as other self-care or habit-tracking apps that I have used in the past. I also felt the cost difference between the website and the app was confusing, and ultimately, I was unable to sign up for an account on the website. However, once I got used to how the app works (and it went through a much-needed update while I was testing it), I really fell in love with the app. Not only is Fabulous aesthetically pleasing, but the wide range of content is engaging and interesting.” — Caitlin Bell on Choosing Therapy
“Now that my routines and reminders are set, I love it. I’m a single 29-year-old who lives alone and has ADHD with autism, so It’s very important that I stay on a routine, or my days can crumble. My old way was tolerable, but it consisted of reminders and notes and alarms on my phone in different apps as well as calendars and random post-it notes scattered throughout my life. After almost a month of Fabulous, those things became easier to keep track of.” — jstinrchie on Apple Store
6. Calm
Life will always throw you lemons. And when it does, it’s vital to hit pause, breathe, and not mindlessly panic. And with Calm, you can do just that.
It’s more than just a meditation app. It’s a digital sanctuary for your mental well-being, designed to help you build habits that bring more balance and clarity into your life.
Renowned for its guided meditations, expert-led masterclasses, and sleep stories, the app can be your accountability buddy when you’re stepping from the chaos zone into “monk mode.”
A Calm membership unlocks:
- Daily Calm sessions or short meditations that easily fit into your schedule so you can easily set a positive tone for the day, no matter what time it is.
- Masterclasses from experts like Jay Shetty and Tamara Levitt on habit-building topics such as mindfulness and emotional resilience.
- Sleep tools in the form of soothing soundscapes, bedtime stories, and breathing exercises that allow you to maintain good sleep hygiene.
- Stress reduction techniques with which you can regularly navigate challenges with a calmer mindset.
- Personalized reminders that you can set to remind yourself to meditate, reflect on daily experiences, unwind, and more (because good habits are built on self-accountability).
Cost
Free with limited access; $14.99 per month or $69.99 annually for premium content.
Who will love it?
People who seek to cultivate specifically build mindfulness-based habits like regular meditation, better sleep, and ongoing stress management.
What people are saying about it
“I believe this app can make you a better person. To be happier, to live life longer—it can be a real life changer. And just know that it’s never too late to start fresh again. It’s never too late to change yourself. But most of all, it’s never too late to be the big change in the world that you have wished for. And Calm can help with all of that.” — calm girl10 on Apple Store
“Honestly, I had come to a point in my life where my insomnia and anxiety were at an all-time high… [Then I decided to try this app out because even doctors recommend it. The price tag can seem like a lot, but [it’s worth it.] I used this one night while my anxiety was setting in, and I was asleep halfway through a sleep story. I woke up the next morning in disbelief. Nothing—and I mean nothing— had helped me until I found this app.” — CaylieHan on Apple Store
7. Headspace
Whenever your to-do list feels endless and you find it increasingly hard to find moments of peace in your day, it’s easy to forget that everything starts in your mind.
But thankfully, there’s Headspace. As its name suggests, the app is all about creating clarity and focus where it matters most: in your mind. And it doesn’t spotlight external tasks to get you there. On the contrary, it helps you build habits from the thought level, teaching you to anchor your day in mindfulness while you explore your external reality.
By teaching you to prioritize calm and intentionality, this app primes you to train your mind to work for you, not against you.
With Headspace, you’ll get:
- Daily meditations that fit into your day, helping you develop razor-sharp focus.
- Sleep support like bedtime stories, relaxing soundscapes, and wind-down exercises to improve your sleep quality.
- Themed programs, which are tailored to specific goals like managing stress, boosting productivity, or increasing self-compassion.
- Mindfulness exercises for managing overwhelm, whether it’s spurred out of nowhere or slow-burning over time.
- Focus music and soundscapes to help you concentrate or unwind.
Cost
Free with limited access; $12.99 per month or $69.99 annually for premium content.
Who will love it?
Seekers of a gentle, mind-first approach to building consistent focus and mental and emotional resilience.
What people are saying about it
“It’s user-friendly. Its mediation teachers come from all different walks of life, and you can tell that they truly love what they do. The app even has things for families and kids. I’ve grown into a better person in all aspects of my life and was able to accomplish things that the “old” me would’ve never imagined.” — Debbieamy112495 on Apple Store
“There are approximately 60 guided meditations to start the beginner off. In the first few meditations, [meditation expert] Andy [Puddicombe] would speak almost the entire time, so you don’t have to worry whether you are doing it right. If you are not sure what to do, he will be talking pretty soon. As you progress through the meditations, he talks less and less, so eventually, you have learned to meditate—sort of like training wheels for the meditator. This was very valuable and, I would say, the primary reason to join Headspace.” — Garry Frank on Quora
How to choose the right habit tracker app for you in 5 steps
Finding the right habit tracker app is like picking a gym buddy—it should match your personality, goals, and lifestyle so you can make the most of your experience.
With so many options out there, here’s how to narrow it down and find your perfect fit:
1. Identify and flesh out your goals
Best-selling author and habit-building expert Nir Eyal said it best: “Without understanding and tackling root causes [of our patterns], we envision ourselves as helpless victims in tragedies of our creation.”
Understanding what drives your current behaviors and what you tend to avoid is, as he says in his Becoming Focused. Indistractable Quest on Mindvalley, the key to breaking negative cycles. And this insight is how you’ll choose the right app for you.
So, if you want to focus on mindfulness and mental health, apps like Calm or Headspace are likely the better options. If fitness or nutrition is your priority, then it’s BetterMe you should consider.
And in the event that you’re seeking transformation across multiple life areas at once? Then, Mindvalley may just be the go-to tool you’ve been looking for.
2. Always test an app first
The easiest way to find the best habit tracker app for you is to give it a try. Most apps offer free trials or freemium versions, allowing you to explore their features before committing.
For example, Mindvalley lets you experience the first few lessons of its quests for free. And thanks to the recent collaboration between Mindvalley and Apple, you can even get a taste of what the app offers on demo devices in Apple Stores worldwide before deciding on a membership.
Others, like Fabulous, provide a timed trial period, giving you limited access to explore its guided routines before deciding if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
3. Consider your habit-tracking style
The way you track habits can make all the difference in sticking to them.
Are you someone who loves data and a structured approach? If so, Habitify’s sleek, minimalist design and detailed analytics might be the best match for you.
On the other hand, if you’re the kind of person who thrives on fun and creativity, Habitica’s knack for turning habit-tracking into a gamified experience may be more of your thing.
And if you’re one to follow a science-backed, sequential approach to a tee, then apps like Habitify and Fabulous may be your best bet for more seamless habit grooming.
But if you’re pressed for time yet still want meaningful progress, Mindvalley’s microlearning format—with lessons averaging just 20 minutes—helps you learn amidst a busy schedule.
4. Factor in your budget
For most, the cost of a premium app membership is likely a big, if not the biggest, deciding factor. It’s all about landing on a choice that gives you the most bang for your buck.
If you’re on a tight budget, Habitica gives you access to gamified habit-tracking without spending a dime. Meanwhile, Fabulous’s $39.99 annual subscription makes it one of the most cost-effective options for science-backed routines.
And for those ready to invest full-on into their personal growth, Mindvalley’s premium membership—whether at $49 per month or $299 annually—offers transformative programs that cover every aspect of life, from enhancing your mindset and unlocking creativity to deepening relationships and improving health.
5. Prioritize personalization that fits where you’re at
Point blank, a great habit tracker app should be able to cater to your unique needs. But even the degree of personalization differs from app to app. And the level of personalization you require depends mainly on the distractions and triggers you’re trying to overcome.
As Nir points out, “Distractions often stem from internal triggers—like boredom or uncertainty—or external ones, like phone notifications or a talkative colleague.” The key to regaining control, he notes, is addressing the root causes of these triggers rather than simply avoiding them. This is where personalization in habit tracking becomes vital, helping you tackle specific challenges and achieve your goals more effectively.
If you want to start managing stress or improving sleep, then Calm or Headspace’s curation ability can keep you grounded. If you’re in a phase where you want existing routines to grow with you without fuss, then Fabulous can provide that habit-stacking avenue. And if you’re looking specifically at personalized fitness and meal plans, BetterMe’s the more appropriate option to go for.
Of course, if you want to tackle all these areas in one sitting, Mindvalley’s the one. With a wide array of expert-led programs spanning health, relationships, career, and more, it offers something for every aspect of life. Also, don’t forget that Pathways, the app’s new AI-powered feature for personalized journeys, helps your learning experience “grow” with you—to fit where you currently are and where you want to go.
Great change starts here
Imagine freeing yourself from the guilt of breaking the promises to yourself that you couldn’t keep despite your best intentions. In this vision, you’re finally at the top of the hill, steady discipline embodied, with your goals inevitably achieved.
With Mindvalley, you can turn this picture into your very own lived experience. By downloading the free Mindvalley app, you’ll gain access to habit-building tools designed to amplify your strengths in all areas of life and transform your challenges into opportunities for lasting change.
As Vishen likes to say, “Epic things start with small, humble steps.” So, see this as your chance to honor and deliver on the promises you’ve made to yourself… and finally flourish in life.
Welcome in.
