Compare Habitive, Habitica, and HelloHabit: Which Habit Tracker App is the Best?
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. | 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. | HelloHabit is an integrated habit tracker combining timers, journaling, and calendar features. While it offers comprehensive functionality and reasonable pricing, recent stability issues on Android and a restrictive 5-habit free tier limit its appeal. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.8 | 9.2 Winner in this category | 7.8 |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 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!
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. | 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. Winner in this category | 8.2 HelloHabit takes an ambitious approach by integrating multiple productivity tools into one package. Beyond basic habit tracking, you get built-in timers, a journal with rich text editing, and Health Connect integration on Android. This all-in-one philosophy works well if you want to consolidate your productivity stack. Key feature highlights we appreciated:
However, the feature set comes with notable limitations. The free version's 5-habit cap feels restrictive when competitors like Habitive offer unlimited habits at no cost. There's no widget interaction on Android—you can only view habits, not complete them from the home screen. We also noticed the app lacks some organizational tools like habit categories or folders that HabitNow provides. The features that are present work well when the app is functioning properly, but recent updates have introduced bugs that impact core functionality. We rate features at 8.2—strong integration and breadth, but held back by free tier limitations and inconsistent stability. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 6.5 Performance is where HelloHabit struggles most significantly, particularly on Android. The app's trajectory tells a concerning story: while it launched with strong ratings, recent reviews paint a picture of declining stability and reliability. The Android version's rating for the last 100 reviews has dropped to 3.39 stars, compared to its overall 4.6-star average—a dramatic decline that reflects widespread performance issues. Recent users report serious problems:
Multiple users mentioned that a recent update (around late November 2025) broke core functionality. One reviewer with ADHD explained they had to uninstall because "having to spend 5-10 minutes every day updating it before I could spend 5 seconds to type in 2 digits of data" made habit tracking harder than it should be. Another stated simply: "Used to work great, last update killed the widget and entire app." The iOS version appears to fare better, maintaining a 4.9-star rating with fewer performance complaints. This suggests the issues are primarily Android-specific, possibly related to widget implementation or platform integration. When the app works, users report it's fast enough for daily use, but reliability has become the defining issue. Performance inconsistency is particularly problematic for a habit tracker, where the whole point is building daily consistency. If users can't reliably access their habits when they need to, the app fails at its primary purpose. We rate performance at 6.5—barely acceptable due to recent instability, and significantly below competitors like HabitKit (9.2) or Habitive (8.8) that maintain consistent reliability. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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.
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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.0 HelloHabit opts for a clean, modern interface that prioritizes function over flair. The design is straightforward and professional, with a focus on displaying information clearly rather than wowing you with visual effects. We found the layout logical and well-organized, making it easy to navigate between habits, journal entries, and calendar views. Design elements that stood out:
That said, the design doesn't push any boundaries. Compared to HabitKit's beautiful GitHub-style heatmap (rated 9.5), Habitica's engaging gamification visuals, or even Habitive's polished minimalism (rated 8.7), HelloHabit feels more utilitarian. The interface gets the job done without offering the same visual satisfaction that makes daily tracking feel rewarding. We also noticed inconsistencies in widget design and display, particularly on Android where sizing issues were reported. While the core app design is solid, the overall aesthetic lacks the polish and cohesiveness of top-tier competitors. We rate design at 8.0—clean and functional, but missing that extra refinement that elevates a good app to a great one. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 7.8 HelloHabit's value proposition is mixed. The premium pricing itself is reasonable—ranging from around $20/year to a one-time lifetime purchase option—which several users praised as affordable compared to other productivity apps. The features you get for that price are comprehensive, including unlimited habits, journal entries, reminders, and all the integrated functionality. The free version is where the value equation becomes more complicated. With only 5 habits, 1 reminder per habit, and 3 journal notes per day, you're getting a fairly restrictive experience. This is especially noticeable when Habitive offers unlimited habits completely free (rated 10.0 for value), or even HabitKit provides 4 habits with a more polished experience. Several users expressed frustration with the free tier limitations. One reviewer noted: "This App is pretty helpful! However... You're only given 5 Free tasks and the moment you download the app it's immediately hit with: Hey pay for our subscription." Another commented: "only 5 free habits" as their sole review, suggesting the limitation was a dealbreaker. Recent stability issues further impact the value proposition. When you're paying for a productivity app, you expect it to work reliably. The fact that Android users have experienced significant problems with recent updates—to the point where the app won't load or widgets stop functioning—undermines the value of the premium offering. The iOS version maintains better stability, so iPhone users are getting better value for their money than Android users currently. We rate value for money at 7.8—reasonable pricing for what you get when it works, but the restrictive free tier and recent reliability problems prevent it from offering excellent value. If HelloHabit resolves its stability issues and increases the free tier limit even slightly, this rating could improve substantially. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.5 HelloHabit proves remarkably intuitive once you get started. Creating a new habit takes just a few taps, and the interface guides you through setting goals, reminders, and customization options without overwhelming you with choices. We found the learning curve gentle, with most features discoverable through natural exploration. Usability highlights:
Several users with ADHD specifically mentioned that HelloHabit helped them stay organized better than other trackers, praising its clear structure and reminder system. One reviewer noted: "I can be a hot mess and I tend to forget / become disengaged with habit tracking apps. But I can see myself using this long-term." The main usability pain point comes from recent stability issues rather than design flaws. Users report that frequent mandatory updates interrupt their workflow, with the widget becoming unusable until the app is updated. One frustrated user wrote: "Every time it needs updates, the widget ends up unusable... I got tired of having to spend 5-10 minutes every day updating it." When the app works, it's easy to use—but reliability problems undermine that experience. We rate ease of use at 8.5, acknowledging the intuitive design while docking points for disruptive update cycles. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 7.5 HelloHabit takes a reasonable approach to privacy, though it's not as privacy-focused as some alternatives. The app requires account creation for cloud sync, which is necessary for cross-device functionality but means your data is stored on the developer's servers. According to their privacy policy, data is kept private to your account and isn't sold to third parties. For Android users, the Health Connect integration requires explicit permission for each data type (steps, distance, calories, etc.), and these permissions can be revoked at any time. The app handles this transparently, making it clear what data it's accessing. All health data is stored locally on your device and kept private to your account. However, the app doesn't offer the same privacy guarantees as competitors like Loop Habit Tracker (rated 9.8), which is fully open-source and works completely offline, or HabitKit (also rated 9.8), which stores all data locally without requiring an account. HelloHabit's cloud-first approach means you're trusting the developer with your habit data, journal entries, and potentially sensitive information about your daily routines. The app doesn't appear to include intrusive analytics or advertising trackers, which is a positive. Backup and data export options are available, giving you some control over your information. Overall, HelloHabit handles privacy adequately for a cloud-based app, but falls short of the privacy-first approach that top-rated alternatives offer. We rate security and privacy at 7.5—acceptable for most users, but not ideal if privacy is your top priority. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | 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. | HelloHabit presents an interesting case study in ambition versus execution. The app's vision of combining habit tracking, timers, journaling, and calendar features into a unified experience is genuinely appealing, and when everything works as intended, it delivers on that promise. The integrated timer system, Health Connect sync, and rich journaling functionality set it apart from simpler competitors. However, our review reveals significant concerns that prevent us from giving HelloHabit an unqualified recommendation, particularly for Android users. The dramatic drop in recent ratings—from 4.6 stars overall to 3.39 stars for the last 100 reviews—reflects real stability issues that undermine the app's core purpose. When a habit tracker requires daily troubleshooting or forces you to wait for updates before logging habits, it's failing at the fundamentals. The iOS version performs better, but Android users should proceed with caution. The value proposition also needs improvement. While the premium pricing is reasonable, the free tier's 5-habit limit feels unnecessarily restrictive when excellent alternatives offer more generous free versions. If you're committed to the premium experience and primarily use iOS, HelloHabit offers solid functionality. But for most users, especially those on Android or seeking a free solution, better options exist. We recommend Habitive if you want unlimited free habits with excellent reliability (rated 9.4 overall), HabitKit for beautiful design and superior performance (rated 9.3 overall), or Loop Habit Tracker for privacy-focused, open-source tracking (rated 9.2 overall). HelloHabit has potential, but until the development team resolves the recent stability issues and demonstrates consistent quality, we'd suggest exploring these alternatives first. If you do try HelloHabit, start with the free version on iOS if possible, and wait to see if upcoming updates address the current Android problems before committing to premium. |
| Our Recommendation | |||
