Compare Loop Habits, HabitNow, and TheFor: Habit Tracker: Which App is the Best?

TheFor: Habit Tracker covers all the basics - you get unlimited habits for free, streak tracking, reminders, and a clear, motivating overview of your progress. Premium unlocks advanced analytics, backup, color customization, widgets, routines, and a journal—so if you want to go deeper, the option is there.

We did run into a few limitations: there's no way to set monthly or custom frequencies for habits, and backup/sync is only available for premium users and limited to one device. Habit categories or grouping are missing, and we'd love to see more widget options and richer analytics. Still, for most people, the core features are more than enough to build and stick to new habits.

Loop offers an impressive set of core features that focus on effective habit tracking without unnecessary bloat. The standout feature is the sophisticated habit strength calculation that considers both your streaks and overall consistency.

Key features we thoroughly tested include:

• Flexible Tracking Options: The app supports daily, weekly, and monthly goals with customizable frequencies
• Detailed Statistics: Multiple graph types show your progress over time
• Custom Notifications: Individual reminders for each habit with "sticky" notification option
• Home Screen Widgets: Various widget styles for quick habit tracking
• Data Management: Export to CSV and SQLite formats for backup or analysis
• Calendar View: Easy access to historical data and habit completion

However, we did notice some limitations. The app lacks the ability to categorize habits into groups or folders, which can become unwieldy with many habits. There's also no way to track multiple completions of the same habit within a day, and the weekly scheduling could be more flexible.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the features present are thoughtfully implemented and work reliably. We're giving it an 8.5 for features - it excels at core functionality while maintaining simplicity, though there's room for some organizational improvements.

Performance is rock solid. The app launches quickly, navigation is snappy, and everything from marking habits to viewing analytics feels smooth. Animations are polished and never slow things down.

We did notice the occasional delay with widget updates or reminders, but these were rare and never got in the way of daily use. TheFor is a dependable choice for anyone serious about tracking habits.

Loop's Material Design implementation stands out for its thoughtful balance between aesthetics and functionality. The interface uses color purposefully to highlight important information while maintaining a clean, distraction-free environment.

Design highlights:

• Clear Data Visualization: Graphs and progress indicators are both beautiful and easy to interpret
• Consistent Patterns: Common actions follow familiar Android design patterns
• Effective Use of Space: Information density is well-balanced across all screens
• Responsive Layout: Adapts smoothly to different screen sizes and orientations

While some might find the design austere, this intentional simplicity helps users focus on their habits. The 9.0 rating reflects excellent execution of Material Design principles with room for minor visual refinements.

TheFor: Habit Tracker is a great value, especially if you're happy with the basics. Unlimited habit tracking and an ad-free experience are free, which is rare. If you want analytics, backup, customization, widgets, and more, premium is available as a one-time lifetime purchase or a low-cost subscription.

Premium is fairly priced for what you get, but if you only want one advanced feature, it might feel like a lot. We'd also like to see backup and sync work across multiple devices. Still, the free tier is generous, and the premium upgrade is worth it if you want to unlock everything.

Loop Habit Tracker excels in providing a straightforward, intuitive experience without sacrificing functionality. Our testing revealed an app that anyone can start using effectively within minutes.

Standout usability features:

• Simple Habit Creation: Adding new habits takes just a few taps with clear, logical options
• Efficient Daily Use: Main screen provides quick access to all habits with one-tap completion
• Smart Notifications: Reminders can be managed directly from notifications without opening the app
• Intuitive History: Calendar view makes it easy to review and edit past entries
• Accessible Statistics: Complex data presented in easily digestible visual formats

The 9.2 rating reflects the app's excellent usability, with only minor deductions for the initial learning curve of advanced features like custom schedules and the habit strength system.

Privacy is handled well. You don't need an account to use the core features, and your data stays on your device unless you choose to back up or sync. The app only asks for essential permissions, like notifications for reminders, and we didn't see any intrusive ads or third-party tracking.

Backup and sync are premium-only and limited to one device, which keeps things simple and secure, but might be a drawback if you want true cross-device sync. For most people, TheFor offers a strong level of privacy and peace of mind.