Compare Disciplined and PaperSpan: Which App is the Best?

Disciplined covers the basics of habit tracking well without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. It focuses on what matters most - helping you build and maintain good habits. The app keeps things simple, which many users actually prefer.

Here's what works well:

• Easy Habit Setup: Creating habits with custom schedules and goals is straightforward
• Clear Progress Views: You can easily see how you're doing with visual trackers and calendar views
• Helpful Reminders: Custom notifications that actually help you stay consistent
• Sync Across Devices: Your data follows you from phone to tablet to computer
• Home Screen Widgets: Quick habit checking without opening the app

But there are some limitations. The free version locks away detailed statistics, which frustrates some users. People also want features like grouping related habits together, adding notes to habits, and better streak tracking. While the core tracking works great, the feature set feels a bit basic compared to some alternatives.

That's why we give features a 7.5. It's solid for basic habit tracking but missing some advanced capabilities that power users might want.

Disciplined's performance is generally solid, but there are concerning reports about lag and stability issues that prevent a higher rating. Performance seems to vary depending on your device and how you use the app.

Here's what works well:

• Quick Launch: The app starts fast and navigation feels responsive
• Reliable Core Functions: Basic habit tracking and UI interactions work consistently
• Stable Widgets: Home screen widgets work well without causing system issues
• Smooth Sync: Data synchronization across devices appears to work reliably

But there are performance concerns that impact the rating. Several users report that the latest version became "laggy" on their devices, with one user noting that the app made their phone slow and eventually stopped working. Some mention bugs that prevented them from getting value from the app, especially after paying for premium. These issues appearing in recent reviews suggest ongoing performance challenges that need attention.

We give performance a 7.0 - generally good, but the reported lag issues and occasional bugs prevent a higher score. Users with older devices should be particularly cautious.

Disciplined's design is one of its best features. Users consistently praise the clean, intuitive interface. We love how it keeps things simple and focuses on what matters most.

Here's what makes the design great:

• Clean Layout: No clutter or distractions - just what you need to track habits
• Easy Navigation: Finding and using features feels natural and logical
• Clear Progress: Visual indicators that motivate you to keep going
• Consistent Look: The design feels cohesive throughout the app
• Good Widgets: Home screen widgets that look good and work well

Some users mention areas for improvement, especially around widget customization. One user wished the widget could be more transparent to better match their home screen. The "less is more" approach works well for a habit tracker, though some users might want more visual feedback or customization options.

We give design an 8.5 - excellent for its clean, functional approach, with room for minor aesthetic improvements.

Disciplined is really easy to use. Most users find it intuitive and straightforward. We can't think of a simpler habit tracker to get started with. The app's simplicity is its biggest strength when it comes to ease of use.

Here's what makes it user-friendly:

• Quick Start: You can begin tracking habits almost immediately after installing
• Simple Menus: Clear structure and logical flow between features
• Easy Management: Adding, editing, and tracking habits takes minimal effort
• Intuitive Design: Most functions are easy to discover without tutorials
• Responsive: Smooth interactions and quick response times

But there are some usability issues that prevent a higher rating. Several users find the repeatability settings confusing, especially when setting up habits for quitting bad behaviors. Some also want features like adding notes to habits or grouping related habits together. While the basics are easy to use, some advanced features could use better guidance.

That's why we give ease of use an 8.0. It's extremely user-friendly for basic operations, though some advanced features might take a little time to figure out.

Disciplined's approach to security and privacy seems standard for a habit tracking app, though we found limited specific information about their data practices during testing.

Here's what we know:

• Cross-Device Sync: The app syncs data across devices, suggesting cloud storage or an account system
• Standard Permissions: Requests typical permissions for notifications and basic functionality
• Data Storage: Your habit data is stored and accessible across platforms

But there are some concerns that prevent a higher rating. The app has privacy policy and terms of service on their website, but we couldn't find details about data encryption, third-party sharing, or specific security measures. The fact that it syncs data across devices raises questions about how secure the data transmission and storage are.

We give security and privacy a 7.5 - adequate for basic use, but users concerned about data privacy should check the app's privacy policy for more specific details.