Compare Habitive 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.
Habitive is a beautifully designed habit tracking app that helps you build positive habits through an intuitive interface, achievement system, and unlimited habit creation. It's completely free with no ads or subscriptions required.
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
  • Unlimited Habits – No limits on how many habits you can create
  • Flexible Goals – Set weekly targets that fit your life (daily, 4x/week, etc.)
  • Achievement System – Unlock rewards as you build your habits
  • Home Screen Widgets – Keep your habits visible without opening the app
  • Progress Tracking – See how you're doing over time
  • Quick Setup – Get started in just 3 clicks
Our Rating
7.2
9.2
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
— ⭐
— ⭐
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.

8.5

Habitive has all the basic features you'd want in a habit tracker, plus some nice extras. It's not trying to do everything - it focuses on helping you build habits without getting complicated.

What we liked most:

1. Unlimited Habits

This is where Habitive really shines. Most free habit trackers only let you create 3-5 habits, but Habitive lets you create as many as you want. No artificial limits. Unlike HabitKit which restricts free users to just 4 habits, or Disciplined which locks away detailed statistics behind a paywall, Habitive gives you everything upfront.

Setting up a new habit is super simple. Just tap the plus button, pick a name, and choose how often you want to do it each week. That's it.

2. Weekly Goals

Instead of forcing you to do something every single day, you can set flexible goals. Want to exercise 4 times a week? No problem. Want to read every day? That works too.

This makes it much more realistic for most people's lives.

3. Achievement System

The app has a fun game-like system where you unlock achievements as you stick with your habits. It sounds silly, but it actually helps keep you motivated. While not as elaborate as Habitica's full RPG experience, it provides just enough gamification to keep things interesting.

4. Progress Tracking

You can see your stats for each habit - how many times you've completed it, your current streak, and a calendar view of your progress.

5. Home Screen Widgets

You can add widgets to your phone's home screen so you always see your habits. This is great for staying on track, though some users have reported bugs with this feature.

What could be better:

The app doesn't let you organize habits into groups or categories. If you have lots of habits, they can feel a bit scattered. Also, syncing between different devices doesn't work very well. For users who need more organizational features, Loop Habit Tracker offers better categorization and grouping options.

Overall, we give features an 8.5. It has all the essentials and does them well, but could use some organizational tools.

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.

8.8

The app runs smoothly most of the time. You can track habits without any delays or crashes.

Marking habits as complete is fast and reliable. You can also check your progress and stats without waiting. The app works offline, so you can use it anywhere, even without internet.

What works well:

  • Fast Startup: Opens quickly and is ready to use
  • Responsive: Taps and swipes work smoothly
  • Efficient: Doesn't slow down even with lots of habits
  • Stable: Core features work reliably
  • Lightweight: Doesn't use much phone storage or battery
  • Consistent: Performance stays good over time

There are some issues though. Several users reported problems with home screen widgets - sometimes adding a widget makes the app stop opening. You have to remove the widget to fix it.

Some people also said the app doesn't work properly on certain phones. This might be due to specific phone models or software versions.

Overall, the main app works great, but the widget feature and device compatibility have some problems. We give performance an 8.8 - generally excellent for daily use, but with some technical issues.

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.

9.2

The app looks really good. It's clean, modern, and easy on the eyes. We especially liked how simple everything is - no clutter, just what you need.

Users love the dashboard and how easy it is to find things. Everything is organized logically, so you don't waste time looking for features.

It also works great on different screen sizes - looks good on both phones and tablets.

Design highlights:

  • Clean Layout: Everything is easy to see and understand
  • Consistent Look: The design style stays the same throughout the app
  • Nice Widgets: The home screen widgets look good and show useful info
  • Cute Character: There's a sloth mascot that users really like
  • Good Colors: Colors are used well to organize information

People in the reviews keep saying things like "bright and beautiful," "looks great," and "the style is so consistent."

Some users mentioned wanting more color options or themes, but honestly, the current design is so good that this feels like a minor request. While HabitKit might have the most elegant GitHub-style visualization, Habitive's design is more approachable and user-friendly.

We give design a 9.2. It looks professional and makes you want to use the app every day.

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.

10

You can use Habitive completely free without creating an account. You get access to features that other apps charge money for.

To get all the benefits - unlimited habits, achievements, widgets, and progress tracking - you don't need to pay anything. It's all included in the free version.

The pricing is amazing. It's perfect for students, working professionals, or anyone who wants to build better habits without spending money. No other app gives you this much for free.

Why it's such good value:

  • 100% Free: Most habit trackers limit free users or make you pay for good features
  • No Ads: Clean experience without annoying advertisements
  • All Features Included: No paywalls or restrictions
  • No Data Selling: The app doesn't make money from your information
  • High Quality: Despite being free, it looks and works like a premium app
  • No Expiration: Features don't expire or require renewal

Users keep saying things like "perfect and free," "nothing's behind a paywall," and "rare to find an app that doesn't force you to buy subscriptions."

We give value for money a 10.0. Habitive sets the standard for free apps - you get premium quality without paying anything. While HabitKit offers beautiful design, it requires premium for unlimited habits, and HabitNow has comprehensive features but also uses a freemium model.

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.

9.5

This might be the easiest habit tracker we've ever used. The best part? You don't need an account or any setup - just install and start using it.

Installation is simple on both Android and iOS. Once it's on your phone, creating your first habit takes about 10 seconds.

The 3-click setup they advertise is real. Name your habit, pick an icon, and set your weekly goal. Done.

You don't need any tutorials or help guides. The app is so intuitive that you'll figure everything out just by using it.

At first, all the features might seem like a lot, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. The habit management is especially simple compared to other trackers we've tried.

What makes it easy:

  • Quick Setup: New habits in seconds
  • Easy Navigation: Everything is just a tap or two away
  • Clear Feedback: You always know what's happening
  • Simple Goals: Setting weekly targets is straightforward
  • No Learning Curve: New users can start right away

Reviews keep saying things like "really easy to use," "intuitive," and "does exactly what it says."

We give ease of use a 9.5. It's extremely user-friendly, though some of the more advanced features might take a minute to figure out.

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.

9.0

For security and privacy, we give Habitive a 9.0 out of 10. The fact that you don't need an account is a big plus - it means the app isn't collecting your personal information.

Even when you do use the app, it keeps your data private. Your habits, progress, and achievements stay on your phone by default. This means your information is much safer from hackers or data breaches.

The app doesn't sell your data to other companies or use it for advertising. Everything stays private and is only used to make the app work.

What we liked about privacy:

  • No Data Collection: The app doesn't track what you do
  • Local Storage: Your data stays on your phone
  • No Tracking: No third-party analytics or tracking tools
  • Minimal Permissions: Only asks for what it absolutely needs
  • No Account Required: You can use it without giving any personal info

There is one downside though. Since everything is stored locally, if you lose your phone or it breaks, you'll lose all your habit data. There's no backup in the cloud. For users who prioritize maximum privacy, Loop Habit Tracker offers similar offline-first privacy with additional backup options.

We give security and privacy a 9.0. Habitive takes privacy seriously by keeping your data local and not collecting unnecessary information.

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.

We've been using Habitive ourselves and really like it. It's a solid habit tracker that does what it promises without trying to sell you anything.

The design is clean, it's easy to use, and the fact that it's completely free makes it even better. While there are some small issues with widgets and syncing, the core app works great.

If you want a simple, effective way to build better habits without spending money, give Habitive a try. It's worth it. For users who need more advanced scheduling features, HabitNow offers comprehensive planning tools, while those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization.

Our Recommendation