Compare Habitica and Habit Diary: Which App is the Best?

Habit Diary is a comprehensive habit tracking app that helps you build good habits through customizable tracking, 30-day challenges, and progress visualization.
A fun, RPG-inspired habit tracker that turns your daily tasks into a game. Great for motivation, with strong social features and lots of customization.
Key Features
  • Customizable Daily Habits – Create and customize your daily habits with a clean, intuitive interface and preset library of popular habits
  • 30-Day Challenge System – Follow scientifically proven 3-stage habit-building journeys designed to help you form lasting habits
  • Focus & Time Management – Built-in timer and white noise features to help you stay focused and boost productivity
  • Smart Reminders – Customizable notifications to keep you on track throughout the day
  • Progress Visualization – Track your progress with detailed statistics, streaks, and achievement medals
  • Multi-Type To-Do Lists – Manage daily, monthly, and annual habits alongside one-time tasks
  • Gamified Habit Tracking – Turn daily tasks into RPG-style quests
  • Customizable Avatars & Collectibles – Personalize your character and earn rewards
  • Flexible Task Types – Track habits, dailies, and to-dos
  • Party & Social Features – Team up with friends for accountability
  • Reminders & Widgets – Stay on track with notifications and widgets
Our Rating
7.2
7.8
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
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Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
7.0

Habit Diary offers a solid foundation of habit tracking features that cover the essential needs of most users. The app's core functionality includes customizable daily habits, progress tracking, and a unique 30-day challenge system that sets it apart from many competitors.

What we found particularly effective during our testing:

  • Core Habit Tracking: The basic habit creation and tracking works smoothly, with users consistently praising how easy it is to set up and monitor daily habits
  • Progress Visualization: Users specifically mentioned appreciating the "good progress visual" elements, which help maintain motivation
  • Reminder System: The notification system appears to work reliably, with users noting "good reminders" that help them stay on track
  • 30-Day Challenge: The structured approach to habit building provides a clear framework for users to follow

However, there are some limitations that impact the overall feature score. The free version restricts the number of habits users can track, which several users found frustrating. Additionally, some advanced features like detailed analytics and custom widgets are locked behind the premium paywall.

We also confirmed user reports that "the app does not appear to have any widgets" in the free version, and encountered the same Google backup problems that users report, with one user stating "i cant backup my account with google."

Based on our testing and user feedback, we rate the features at 7.0 out of 10. The app delivers solid core functionality and some unique elements like the challenge system, but the freemium restrictions and limited free features prevent it from scoring higher.

8.2

Habitica is honestly unlike any other habit tracker we've used. It turns your daily tasks into a full-on RPG adventure, which makes building routines way more fun. You can track habits, daily routines, and one-off to-dos, and you get experience, gold, and collectibles for checking things off. It's surprisingly motivating!

  • Gamified Habit Tracking: Every time you finish a task, your character levels up and you get new rewards.
  • Flexible Task Types: You can track habits, daily routines, and one-off to-dos all in one place.
  • Party & Social Features: Team up with friends for extra motivation and shared quests.
  • Customization: Make your avatar your own, collect gear and pets, and join community challenges.
  • Reminders & Widgets: Notifications and home screen widgets help you stay on track.

We did wish there were more advanced stats and better ways to manage tasks (like duplicating or redoing them). We also ran into a few bugs that messed with streaks or notifications. For users who need comprehensive analytics, HabitKit offers detailed statistics and beautiful progress visualization. Still, Habitica's features are fun and keep you coming back—especially if you like games. We give features an 8.2 out of 10.

Performance
6.5

Habit Diary performs exceptionally well in day-to-day use. The app is lightweight, launches quickly, and all interactions—such as marking completions, navigating between views, and customizing habits—are smooth and responsive.

We encountered very few bugs or crashes, and the app remained stable even when tracking a large number of habits. User reviews echo this experience, with most people praising the app's reliability and speed.

However, there are some performance considerations that impact our rating:

  • Ad-Related Interruptions: The free version's ad integration can create performance hiccups and loading delays
  • Widget Performance: Some users mentioned that widgets could be more responsive and better integrated
  • Backup Functionality: Issues with Google backup integration suggest some performance challenges with external service connections

Overall, Habit Diary delivers a consistently fast and stable experience, both in our hands-on testing and according to the majority of user feedback. We rate its performance at 6.5 out of 10, acknowledging the app's solid technical foundation while noting that some premium features and external integrations could benefit from performance optimization.

7.2

Most of the time, Habitica runs smoothly and does what you need. We did run into some slowdowns, bugs, and issues with notifications or widgets—something other users have mentioned too. These problems didn't ruin the experience, but they were a little annoying. For users who prioritize performance and stability, HabitKit offers consistently smooth operation with a 9.2 performance rating. With some bug fixes, Habitica's performance could be even better. For now, we rate it 7.2 out of 10.

Design
8.5

Habit Diary presents a clean and modern design that prioritizes usability while maintaining visual appeal. The interface strikes a good balance between functionality and aesthetics, with a layout that makes navigation intuitive for most users.

Design strengths we observed include:

  • Visual Appeal: Users repeatedly mention "awesome graphics and fonts" and describe the app as "sleek" and "intuitive"
  • Interface Quality: Multiple users describe the interface as "intuitive" and note that it "makes navigation a breeze"
  • User Experience: The design successfully creates what users call a "friendly interface" that's easy to navigate
  • Progress Visualization: The visual elements for tracking progress receive consistent praise, with users noting "good progress visual"
  • Overall Polish: Users describe the app as "flawless" and "perfect" in terms of its visual presentation

However, there are some design aspects that could be improved. The free version's ad integration can feel intrusive and disrupt the otherwise clean aesthetic. Some users also noted that the widget functionality, while functional, could benefit from more customization options and better visual integration with the main app design.

Overall, Habit Diary's design successfully creates an engaging and motivating environment for habit tracking. The interface effectively balances simplicity with functionality, making it accessible to users of all experience levels. We rate design at 8.5 out of 10, acknowledging the app's strong visual foundation while noting areas where the user experience could be further enhanced.

8.8

Habitica's design is a breath of fresh air compared to most productivity apps. The retro pixel art and RPG theme make it feel playful and rewarding. The interface is colorful and lively, and we had a lot of fun customizing our avatars.

  • Pixel Art Style: The graphics and RPG touches make Habitica stand out.
  • Customizable Avatars: Tons of ways to make your character unique.
  • Colorful UI: The bright, fun interface actually makes you want to use the app.

Sometimes the UI can feel a bit busy, and we'd love even more options for color coding and icons. For users who prefer minimalist design, HabitKit offers a clean, GitHub-inspired interface that focuses purely on habit tracking. But overall, Habitica's design is charming and makes habit tracking feel less like a chore. We rate it 8.8 out of 10.

Value for Money
5.5

Habit Diary offers a freemium model with both free and premium features. The free version provides basic habit tracking functionality but comes with limitations on the number of habits you can track and some advanced features.

Premium features include:

  • Unlimited habit tracking
  • Advanced analytics and statistics
  • Custom widgets
  • Data backup and sync
  • Priority support

In-app purchases range from €7.49 to €28.99, with options for monthly, yearly, or lifetime subscriptions. The free version is ad-supported, which some users find intrusive, but it does provide enough functionality to evaluate whether the app fits your needs before upgrading.

However, several factors limit the value for money. Users consistently mention that the free version restricts the number of habits they can track, which can be frustrating for serious users. The free version's ad-supported model creates a fragmented user experience that some users find off-putting.

We rate value for money at 5.5 out of 10. While the app provides solid functionality and competitive pricing for premium users, the free version's limitations and ad-supported model create a mixed value proposition that may not appeal to all users.

7.5

Habitica is free to use, with optional in-app purchases for gems and subscriptions. Most features are available for free, and we never felt pressured to pay. Some of us wished there were more ways to earn premium currency without spending money, but overall, the value is fair—especially if you want a fun way to stay productive. For users who want completely free access without any limitations, Habitive offers unlimited habits at no cost, while Loop Habit Tracker provides premium-quality features completely free. We give value for money a 7.5 out of 10.

Ease of Use
9.0

Habit Diary excels in user experience, with most users finding the app remarkably easy to navigate and use. The interface design prioritizes simplicity, making it accessible even for users who are new to habit tracking apps.

Highlights include:

  • Intuitive Navigation: Users consistently praise the app for its straightforward navigation, with core functions easily accessible
  • Quick Setup: Setting up a new habit takes just seconds—name it, pick an icon and color, and you're ready to go
  • Clear Visual Feedback: The color-coded interface instantly shows your progress
  • Simple Navigation: All core functions are accessible within a tap or two

The only minor quirk is that some advanced features might benefit from more detailed onboarding or help documentation. Once learned, it's easy to use.

Overall, Habit Diary's ease of use is one of its greatest strengths. The app successfully balances simplicity with functionality, making habit tracking accessible to a wide range of users. We rate ease of use at 9.0 out of 10, recognizing the app's excellent user experience while noting that some premium features could benefit from enhanced user guidance.

7.8

Getting started with Habitica is pretty easy, and the game-like approach makes tracking habits feel less boring. Adding tasks, checking them off, and customizing your avatar are all simple. If you need a little extra motivation, this app really helps.

There is a bit of a learning curve if you want to use all the features, and sometimes the interface can feel overwhelming at first. We also hit a few bugs and slow moments here and there.

Once you get used to it, though, Habitica is user-friendly and rewarding. For users who want the simplest possible setup, Habitive offers a 3-click habit creation process that's even more straightforward. We'd love to see better onboarding and smoother performance, but overall, ease of use scores a 7.8 out of 10.

Security & Privacy
6.5

Habit Diary's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that reflects the typical approach of freemium apps in the habit tracking space. While the app doesn't appear to have major security vulnerabilities, there are some privacy considerations that users should be aware of.

We found no evidence of third-party analytics or tracking tools. The app only requests essential permissions, such as notifications for reminders. This commitment to privacy is rare and highly appreciated.

However, there are some privacy concerns that impact our rating:

  • Ad Integration: The free version's ad-supported model means user data may be shared with third-party advertising networks
  • Limited Transparency: There's insufficient information about data collection practices and how user information is handled
  • Backup Limitations: Some users mentioned issues with Google backup functionality, which could indicate data handling challenges
  • Third-Party Services: The app's integration with external services may involve additional data sharing

While Habit Diary doesn't appear to have any egregious privacy violations, the lack of clear information about data practices and the ad-supported model in the free version create uncertainty about how user information is handled. We rate security and privacy at 6.5 out of 10, acknowledging that while there are no major red flags, users should be aware of the potential data sharing implications of using the free version.

7.0

Habitica says your data stays private and isn't sold to third parties, which is great. We didn't find much info about advanced privacy or security features, but we also didn't run into any issues. For most people, privacy is handled well, but if you have strict needs, you might want to look a bit deeper. We rate security and privacy at 7.0 out of 10.

Conclusion

Habit Diary is a solid habit tracking app that offers a comprehensive set of features for building and maintaining good habits. While the free version has limitations and includes ads, the premium features provide good value for serious users.

The app's strength lies in its user-friendly interface and the 30-day challenge system that helps users form lasting habits. However, the freemium model and ad-supported free version may not appeal to everyone.

For users who want unlimited habits without paying, Habitive offers a completely free alternative. Those seeking a more elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. However, if you value the structured 30-day challenge approach and don't mind the freemium limitations, Habit Diary remains a solid choice in the competitive habit tracking space.

If you want to make habit tracking more fun, Habitica is a great pick. The RPG style and social features make it easy to stay motivated, and there's a real sense of progress as you level up and collect rewards. There are a few rough edges—like some missing stats and the occasional bug—but overall, Habitica is one of the most enjoyable productivity apps we've tried.

For users who want unlimited free habits, Habitive is the best option. Those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. If you need comprehensive scheduling and timer features, HabitNow provides more advanced functionality. However, if you enjoy gaming and want to make habit tracking engaging, Habitica offers a unique experience that no other app can match.

Our Recommendation