Compare HabitKit and Motivated: Which App is the Best?

HabitKit is a beautifully designed habit tracking app that helps you form new habits with tile-based grid charts. It's privacy-focused, easy to use, and perfect for tracking daily, weekly, or monthly habits.
Motivated is a comprehensive habit tracking app that focuses on building lasting habits through its unique strength-based system, offering beautiful organization tools and extensive customization options.
Key Features
  • GitHub-Style Progress Visualization – Track your habits with beautiful tile-based grid charts that provide a clear visual representation of your progress over time
  • Flexible Habit Goals – Set custom completion goals (daily, 3x/week, 20x/month, etc.) and track your streaks
  • Customizable Dashboard – Personalize each habit with custom colors and icons for an intuitive, visually appealing overview
  • Smart Reminders – Set custom notifications for each habit to help you stay on track
  • Calendar Integration – Easily manage past completions through an intuitive calendar view
  • Privacy-Focused Design – All your data stays on your device, with no account required and full offline functionality
  • Data Backup & Export – Export your habit data for safekeeping or when switching devices
  • Home Screen Widgets – Keep your habits visible and accessible with customizable widgets (Premium feature)
  • Archive System – Temporarily archive habits you want to pause without losing their history
  • Detailed Analytics – Track your progress with comprehensive statistics and streak information (Premium feature)
  • Habit Strength Meter – Focus on building lasting habits rather than just maintaining streaks with a unique strength-based tracking system
  • Smart Collections – Organize habits by time of day (morning, afternoon, evening) or custom categories for better workflow management
  • Interactive Widgets – View and complete habits directly from your home screen for quick access and motivation
  • Rich Text Notes – Add detailed notes to each habit for planning routines, tracking progress, or capturing thoughts
  • Customizable Interface – Choose from over 550 custom icons and unlimited color options to personalize your experience
  • Flexible Goal Setting – Set custom completion goals and repeat intervals without affecting your statistics
  • Smart Reminders – Set custom notifications and opt-in for morning/evening summaries to stay on track
  • Bad Habit Tracking – Special mode that auto-completes habits at day's end for easier bad habit monitoring
Our Rating
9.3
8.3
Total users
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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
8.5

HabitKit delivers a solid set of core habit tracking features, focusing on simplicity and effectiveness. The standout is the GitHub-style heatmap, which makes tracking your progress both motivating and visually satisfying.

Key features we found especially useful include:

  • Flexible Habit Tracking: Set habits for daily, weekly, or monthly goals (e.g., 3 times per week)
  • Custom Reminders: Each habit can have its own notification schedule
  • Calendar View: Easily fill in or edit past completions
  • Customization: Assign unique colors and icons to each habit
  • Data Backup: Export and import your data as needed
  • Archiving: Temporarily archive habits without deleting them

There are some limitations: the free version restricts you to 4 habits, which may not be enough for everyone, and there's no way to organize habits into categories or folders. Widgets are visually appealing but don't allow direct interaction. Still, the features that are present are thoughtfully implemented and work reliably. We rate features at 8.5—excellent for core functionality, but with room for more organizational tools.

For users who need unlimited habits without restrictions, Habitive offers a completely free alternative, while Loop Habit Tracker provides more comprehensive organizational features at no cost.

8.0

Motivated has some really cool features that make it stand out from other habit trackers. The best thing is probably the habit strength system - instead of just counting how many days in a row you did something, it shows you how strong your habit actually is. This is way more motivating when you're trying to build good habits.

Here's what we liked most:

1. Habit Strength Percentage:

This is the main thing that makes Motivated special. Instead of getting upset when you miss a day and break your streak, you can see your habit strength percentage. It's like having a progress bar for your habits - way better than just counting days.

2. Lots of Different Habit Types:

You can track pretty much any kind of habit - daily stuff, weekly goals, or monthly targets. The app handles all of them without any problems.

3. Notes for Each Habit:

You can add notes to your habits, which is really useful. We used this to plan our workout routines and keep track of what we're reading. It makes the app feel more like a personal planner.

4. Time-Based Organization:

You can group habits by time of day - morning, afternoon, evening. This is actually really helpful for building routines.

5. Tons of Customization:

There are over 550 icons to choose from and you can pick any color you want. It's fun to make each habit look different and personal.

But there are some downsides too. The free version feels pretty limited - basic stuff like widgets is locked behind premium, and some users feel like it's a "paid app pretending to be free." We also noticed you can't easily mark a habit as missed on a specific day, which several users have asked for.

Compared to Habitive which offers unlimited free habits, or Loop Habit Tracker which provides exceptional privacy features, Motivated's freemium model can feel restrictive. However, for users who want the unique habit strength tracking system, the premium features provide genuine value.

Overall, we'd give features an 8.0/10. The core stuff works great and the habit strength idea is really smart, but the free version restrictions and some missing features keep it from being perfect.

Performance
9.2

HabitKit 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. Animations are fluid and add to the overall polished feel of the app without causing any lag.

We encountered very few bugs or crashes, and the app remained stable even when tracking a large number of habits (in the premium version). User reviews echo this experience, with most people praising the app's reliability and speed. A handful of users mentioned minor issues with widgets, such as sizing or display quirks on certain devices, but these did not affect the core functionality and were often addressed in updates.

Overall, HabitKit 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 9.2 out of 10.

This performance rating places HabitKit among the top performers in the category, alongside HabitNow which also achieves a 9.0 rating, and Habitive which maintains an 8.8 rating despite being completely free.

8.8

The app performs seamlessly, allowing you to track habits without any lag or interruptions. The habit completion functionality is quick and accurate, enabling you to mark off your daily habits effortlessly.

Performance strengths we observed:

  • Fast App Launch: The app opens quickly and is ready for use almost immediately. We never experienced long loading times or delays
  • Smooth Interactions: All user interactions feel fluid and responsive. Marking habits complete, navigating between screens, and customizing settings all work smoothly
  • Efficient Data Handling: The app handles multiple habits and extensive tracking history without any noticeable performance degradation
  • Reliable Widget Performance: Home screen widgets update promptly and accurately, providing real-time information without draining device resources
  • Stable Operation: We encountered very few crashes or bugs during our testing period. The app maintained consistent performance throughout

However, we did notice some minor performance issues:

  • Widget Updates: Some users have mentioned occasional delays in widget updates, though this didn't significantly impact our experience
  • Date Picker Performance: The month-by-month scrolling in the date picker can feel sluggish when trying to set dates far in the past
  • Large Data Sets: When dealing with very long habit histories, some operations may take slightly longer, though this is expected behavior

The best part is that the app works entirely offline. So, you can track your habits from any device, even without an internet connection.

Overall, Motivated delivers excellent performance that enhances rather than hinders the habit tracking experience. The app feels fast and reliable in daily use. We rate performance at 8.8/10 - very good performance with just minor areas for improvement.

Design
9.5

HabitKit's design is one of its greatest strengths. The minimalist aesthetic strikes a perfect balance between beauty and usability. The GitHub-inspired tile grid is not only visually appealing but also serves as a powerful motivational tool—watching your chosen colors fill the grid is genuinely satisfying.

We especially liked:

  • Clean Dashboard: A clutter-free grid layout that's both attractive and functional
  • Color Customization: Assigning colors to habits makes it easy to distinguish between them at a glance
  • Intuitive Icons: A comprehensive icon selection helps create visual associations with your goals
  • Consistent Theme: The design language is cohesive across all screens
  • Beautiful Widgets: Home screen widgets match the app's aesthetic and provide useful information

Animations are smooth and purposeful, and the typography is clear and readable. While the minimalist approach may feel sparse to some, especially when managing many habits, we found it refreshing and effective. We rate design at 9.5.

This design excellence sets HabitKit apart from competitors like Habitica, which focuses on gamification, and HabitNow, which prioritizes comprehensive scheduling features over visual polish.

9.2

The design is really clean and easy to use. You can start tracking habits right away without getting confused by a complicated interface. We really liked the customizable colors and how everything looks.

What most users seem to love is the dashboard and how habits are organized in a grid. It's super easy to find what you're looking for and navigate around.

Motivated's design is genuinely impressive - it's one of the cleanest, most intuitive habit tracking interfaces we've tested. The app strikes that perfect balance between being visually appealing and functionally clear, which is exactly what you want in a productivity app.

What we particularly loved about the design:

  • Clean, Premium Feel: The interface has this polished, premium quality that makes it feel like a high-end app. Users consistently mention the "beautiful UI" and "simple yet feels like premium" experience
  • Intuitive Color System: Being able to assign custom colors to each habit creates a beautiful, personalized dashboard. We found ourselves actually looking forward to filling in our daily habits because the visual feedback was so satisfying
  • Modern Iconography: The 550+ custom icons are well-designed and meaningful. We could easily find icons that perfectly represented our habits, making the app feel more personal and engaging
  • Consistent Visual Language: Every screen follows the same design principles - clean spacing, clear typography, and logical information hierarchy. Navigation feels natural and intuitive
  • Beautiful Widgets: The home screen widgets are thoughtfully designed and match the app's aesthetic perfectly. They're both functional and visually appealing

We also noticed some design elements that users frequently praise. The percentage-based habit strength display is not only functional but also visually motivating - seeing your habits turn from red to yellow to green as you build consistency is genuinely satisfying.

However, there are a couple of design quirks. The date picker for setting habit start dates requires scrolling month by month, which we found cumbersome when trying to set a habit that started years ago. Some users have mentioned this as well, suggesting it could be more user-friendly.

While HabitKit offers the most elegant GitHub-style visualization and Habitive provides a clean, distraction-free interface, Motivated's design excels in creating a premium, motivating environment. The visual feedback system is particularly effective for maintaining user engagement.

Overall, the design is excellent and clearly a major strength of the app. We rate it at 9.2/10 - it's beautiful, functional, and genuinely enhances the habit tracking experience.

Value for Money
9.5

HabitKit offers a strong value proposition, especially when compared to other habit trackers. The free version is genuinely useful for those with minimal needs, providing all core tracking features and a beautiful, ad-free experience. However, it does limit you to tracking just 4 habits, which several users found restrictive if you want to monitor more aspects of your life.

Upgrading to premium unlocks unlimited habits, widgets, advanced analytics, and data backup/export. Pricing is fair and transparent, with options for a monthly, yearly, or one-time lifetime purchase. Many users appreciate the availability of a lifetime license, which is rare among productivity apps and offers excellent long-term value. The premium features are genuinely useful and not just cosmetic add-ons.

We also liked that there are no hidden costs, no ads, and no data collection, which adds to the sense of getting good value for your money. While some users wished the free version allowed tracking a few more habits, most agreed that the premium upgrade is worth it if the app fits your workflow. Overall, HabitKit delivers a high-quality experience at a reasonable price, and we rate its value for money at 9.5 out of 10.

However, for users seeking maximum value without any cost, Habitive offers a perfect 10.0 rating by providing unlimited habits completely free, while Loop Habit Tracker achieves the same perfect score by offering premium-quality features at no cost.

7.8

Motivated can be used for free without signing up, providing access to a range of offline features. However, the free version feels quite limited - basic features like widgets are locked behind premium, which some users find frustrating.

What we found valuable about the app's pricing:

  • Lifetime Purchase Option: The availability of a one-time lifetime license is excellent and provides great long-term value compared to subscription models. Many users appreciate this option
  • Comprehensive Free Tier: The free version includes all essential habit tracking functionality, allowing you to fully evaluate the app before committing to premium
  • Quality Premium Features: Premium features like unlimited habits, widgets, and advanced analytics provide genuine utility rather than just cosmetic enhancements
  • No Hidden Costs: The app is transparent about pricing with no surprise charges or hidden fees

However, we also encountered several value concerns that users frequently mention:

  • Premium Gating: Several users have described it as a "paid app masquerading as a free app" with a "predatory paywall" that's "forced into your face at every opportunity"
  • Feature Limitations: Some users feel that "some basics features that other apps would have free are paid for this app"
  • Regional Pricing Concerns: Some users in certain regions have mentioned that the lifetime premium price could be more affordable for their local currency

For users seeking the best free experience, Habitive offers unlimited free habits with no paywalls, achieving a perfect 10.0 value rating. Meanwhile, HabitNow provides comprehensive features with a one-time premium upgrade, earning a 9.5 value rating.

The pricing plans are reasonable, making it a cost-effective solution for serious habit trackers. However, the heavy restrictions on the free version and the perception of aggressive premium gating affect its overall value proposition.

Ease of Use
9.5

HabitKit is remarkably intuitive and user-friendly. The "less is more" philosophy makes it easy to get started and maintain your habits without confusion or clutter.

Highlights include:

  • Quick Habit Creation: Setting up a new habit takes just seconds—name it, pick an icon and color, and you're ready to go
  • One-Tap Tracking: Marking habits as complete is as simple as tapping a tile
  • Clear Visual Feedback: The color-coded grid instantly shows your progress
  • Intuitive Calendar: Retroactively adding or removing completions is straightforward
  • Simple Navigation: All core functions are accessible within a tap or two

The only minor quirk is that reordering habits requires a long-press, which isn't immediately obvious to new users. Once learned, it's easy to use. We rate ease of use an 9.5.

While HabitKit excels in simplicity, Habitive offers an even more streamlined experience with its 3-click setup, and Loop Habit Tracker provides more advanced features while maintaining excellent usability.

8.5

We can't think of a simpler habit tracking app to start with than this one. The best part? It works seamlessly right out of the box, no account needed.

Installing it is a breeze, and you can easily add the app to both Android and iOS devices.

Once installed, the interface appears clean and intuitive. The process is easy to grasp and you'll be tracking habits in minutes.

Several aspects make the app particularly user-friendly:

  • Quick Setup: Creating new habits is incredibly straightforward. We could name our habit, pick an icon and color, and start tracking in just a few taps. No complicated configuration needed
  • One-Tap Tracking: Marking habits as complete is as simple as tapping the corresponding tile. This makes daily tracking effortless and encourages consistent use
  • Clear Visual Feedback: The color-coded system provides immediate visual confirmation. We could instantly see which habits we'd completed and which ones still needed attention
  • Intuitive Navigation: All the core functions are easily accessible. We never felt lost or confused about where to find what we needed
  • Smart Organization: The time-based collections (morning, afternoon, evening) make it easy to maintain structured daily routines

However, we did encounter some usability issues that users frequently mention in reviews. The date picker for setting habit start dates is quite cumbersome - you have to scroll month by month, which we found frustrating when trying to set a habit that started years ago. Several users have mentioned this same issue.

We also noticed that while the collection system works well, some users have requested more advanced categorization options. The current system is good but could be more flexible for users with many different types of habits.

For users who prioritize simplicity, Habitive offers an even more streamlined experience with its 3-click setup process. Meanwhile, HabitNow provides more comprehensive scheduling features for users who need advanced organization tools.

That's why we rate it 8.5 out of 10. It's extremely user-friendly, though some features might take a little time to fully appreciate.

Security & Privacy
9.8

HabitKit stands out for its privacy-first approach. All data is stored locally on your device, with no account required and no remote servers involved. The app works fully offline, so there's no risk of data interception, and you can export your data manually whenever you wish.

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. The only small drawback is that backups are manual, so you'll need to remember to export your data regularly. We rate security and privacy at 9.8.

This privacy focus puts HabitKit in excellent company with Loop Habit Tracker, which also achieves a 9.8 rating for its open-source, offline-first approach, and Habitive, which maintains a 9.0 rating by keeping all data local without requiring accounts.

7.5

In the Security & Privacy category, we give Motivated a solid 7.5/10. The fact that you can use this tool without needing an account sets it apart from some competitors.

What we observed about privacy and security:

  • Local Data Storage: The app stores your habit data locally on your device, which is good for privacy. Your personal information isn't automatically uploaded to external servers
  • Minimal Permissions: Motivated only asks for essential permissions like notifications for reminders. It doesn't request access to unnecessary device features
  • No Account Required: You can use the app without creating an account, which means you're not sharing personal information with the developers
  • Transparent Policies: The app provides clear links to privacy policies and terms of service, though these are hosted externally

However, we also noticed some privacy concerns that users have mentioned:

  • Premium Features: Some premium features like cloud backup could potentially involve storing your data on external servers, though this is optional
  • Analytics Usage: The app may use third-party analytics tools, which could potentially track your usage patterns
  • Limited Privacy Controls: Compared to some privacy-focused alternatives, users have fewer options to control how their data is handled

For users who prioritize maximum privacy, Loop Habit Tracker offers exceptional offline-first privacy with a 9.8 rating in this category. Similarly, Habitive keeps all data local without requiring accounts, achieving a 9.0 privacy rating.

Based on our testing and the user feedback we've seen, we rate security and privacy at 7.5/10. The app provides basic privacy protection but doesn't go as far as some competitors in terms of transparency and user control over data.

Conclusion

HabitKit has proven itself to be a standout habit tracking app that truly delivers on its promises. Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity and focus—it does one thing exceptionally well, rather than trying to be everything for everyone.

The app's beautiful design, intuitive interface, and strong privacy focus make it a compelling choice for anyone serious about building better habits. While the free version's 4-habit limit may be restrictive for some, the premium upgrade offers excellent value for those who need more comprehensive tracking.

We especially appreciate the developer's commitment to privacy and the option for a lifetime purchase, rather than forcing users into a subscription. Regular updates and responsive support suggest this is an app that will continue to improve over time.

If you're looking for a clean, efficient, and privacy-focused way to track your habits, HabitKit is an excellent choice that we can confidently recommend. However, if you need unlimited free habits, Habitive offers the best free experience, while Loop Habit Tracker provides exceptional privacy features at no cost. For users who value design excellence and are willing to pay for premium features, HabitKit represents the perfect balance of form and function.

We have been using Motivated for our habit tracking needs and can confidently say it's a solid tool for anyone who's serious about building better habits.

Its user-friendly design and powerful features make it a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their daily routines. The free version is functional, but if you need more advanced features, the premium options are worth considering.

If you're serious about staying organized while building habits, we recommend giving Motivated a try. Just be aware that some key features require a premium subscription.

For users who want unlimited free habits, Habitive is the best option with its completely free, ad-free experience. Those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. If you need comprehensive scheduling and timer functionality, HabitNow provides the most complete solution. However, if you value the unique habit strength tracking system and don't mind the freemium model, Motivated offers a compelling approach to building lasting habits.

Our Recommendation