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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.