Compare Loop Habits and Psiphon VPN: Which App is the Best?

A free, privacy-focused habit tracker that combines powerful features with elegant simplicity. In our review, we found it offers everything needed for effective habit building without the clutter of unnecessary features or ads.
Psiphon VPN is an open-source circumvention tool with 100M+ downloads and 4.5/5 rating, offering internet freedom and bypassing censorship, though it has faced some recent connection issues and forced app installations.
Key Features
  • Flexible Habit Tracking: In our review, we found that Loop supports various tracking frequencies including daily, weekly, and monthly goals (like "3 times per week" or "once every other week").
  • Detailed Analytics: The app provides comprehensive statistics and graphs that clearly visualize your progress over time, including habit strength calculations and historical data.
  • Customizable Widgets: During testing, we particularly appreciated the variety of home screen widgets that allow quick habit tracking without opening the app.
  • Privacy-Focused: All data is stored locally on your device with no account required. The app works completely offline and includes export options to CSV and SQLite formats.
  • Smart Reminders: Each habit can have its own notification schedule, with the option to make notifications "sticky" until you respond.
  • Clean Interface: We found the minimalist design keeps you focused on building habits without unnecessary distractions.
  • Open-source transparency – Built on cutting-edge, research-backed security technologies
  • Automatic protocol selection – Server automatically selects best protocol for reliable connection
  • Constantly changing servers – Secure network of constantly changing servers for access
  • Multi-language support – Smooth, secure experience with international support
  • Internet freedom focus – Designed for circumventing censorship and restrictions
  • NGO partnerships – Trusted by international broadcasters and independent media
Our Rating
9.3
7.1
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
Features
8.5

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. For users who need comprehensive scheduling and timer functionality, HabitNow provides more advanced organizational features.

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.

8.0

Psiphon VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its circumvention positioning. The service includes open-source transparency, automatic protocol selection, and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like multi-language support and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN.

What sets Psiphon VPN apart is its open-source nature and internet freedom focus. The service also includes advanced features like research-backed security and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, unlike Proton VPN, it lacks some advanced privacy features like kill switch and split tunneling.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features, but the connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need circumvention features.

Performance
9.5

Throughout our testing, Loop demonstrated exceptional performance with near-instant response times and minimal resource usage. The app's efficiency is particularly impressive given its extensive tracking and visualization capabilities.

Key performance aspects:

  • Quick Startup: Launches rapidly and loads data instantly
  • Smooth Navigation: No lag when switching between views or scrolling through history
  • Low Resource Usage: Minimal battery drain and memory consumption
  • Reliable Widgets: Home screen widgets update promptly without issues

The 9.5 rating acknowledges Loop's outstanding optimization and reliability. This performance excellence places Loop among the top performers in the category, alongside HabitNow which also achieves strong performance ratings for its comprehensive feature set.

6.0

Psiphon VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good circumvention capabilities when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and automatic protocol selection, but the frequent disconnections and loading delays make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic circumvention protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a circumvention tool, but Psiphon VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's performance is below average. The connection issues make it difficult to justify the circumvention positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

Design
9.0

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. For users who prioritize visual appeal, HabitKit offers a more elegant GitHub-style visualization that some find more motivating.

6.5

Psiphon VPN's interface strikes a basic balance between functionality and circumvention usability. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and key settings. The interface is functional but not particularly polished, with basic attention to detail and user experience.

The app's design is functional and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is basic. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features.

The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the circumvention positioning of the service, making it suitable for users in restricted regions.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's design is functional but not as polished. The interface is basic and functional, with adequate attention to detail for circumvention users.

Value for Money
10

Loop Habit Tracker delivers exceptional value as a completely free, ad-free, and open-source application. During our testing, we were consistently impressed by the quality and completeness of features available without any monetary commitment.

Value highlights:

  • No Premium Tier: All features available to everyone
  • Zero Ads: Clean, uninterrupted experience
  • Regular Updates: Continuous improvements without subscription
  • No Hidden Costs: Complete functionality without in-app purchases

The perfect 10.0 rating reflects Loop's outstanding commitment to providing a premium-quality habit tracker completely free of charge. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want high-quality features without spending money, though Habitive also offers unlimited free habits for those who need more flexibility.

7.5

Psiphon VPN's value proposition is good for circumvention users, with open-source transparency and internet freedom features. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other circumvention tools, with the ability to get open-source circumvention for free being a significant advantage.

The service's pricing is competitive with other circumvention tools, and the open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for users who want complete control and transparency. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic circumvention functionality.

However, the service's value is impacted by connection stability issues and forced app installations. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN or NordVPN.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over circumvention alternatives that offer similar performance with better reliability.

Ease of Use
9.2

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. For users who want an even simpler setup process, Habitive offers a 3-click setup that's hard to beat.

6.0

Psiphon VPN is moderately easy to use for basic circumvention functionality, but requires some technical knowledge for optimal use. The app's design is functional, but most users need to understand circumvention concepts to get the best results. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

The service offers automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers, making it accessible to users with technical knowledge. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the circumvention connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be frustrating to use due to connection issues and loading delays.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a circumvention tool.

Security & Privacy
9.8

Privacy is where Loop truly shines. As an open-source app with a strict privacy-first approach, it sets a high standard for data protection in habit tracking apps.

Key privacy features:

  • Zero Data Collection: No personal information gathered or transmitted
  • Offline Operation: Functions fully without internet access
  • Local Storage: All data stays on your device
  • Minimal Permissions: Only requests essential Android permissions
  • Transparent Code: Open-source nature allows security verification

The 9.8 rating acknowledges Loop's exceptional privacy practices, with the tiny deduction only because some users might want optional cloud backup. This privacy focus puts Loop in excellent company with HabitKit, which also achieves a 9.8 rating for its offline-first approach.

8.5

Psiphon VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with open-source transparency and research-backed security technologies. The service includes automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced privacy protection.

The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a circumvention solution, with open-source transparency and research-backed security. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced security and privacy protection.

Psiphon VPN has an excellent security record, with open-source transparency and community oversight. The circumvention focus ensures complete transparency, and the NGO partnerships mean the highest security standards are maintained.

Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's security practices are excellent. The service provides the highest level of protection for users who prioritize circumvention and transparency.

Conclusion

Loop Habit Tracker proves that simplicity and power can coexist perfectly in a habit tracking app. Its thoughtful design and robust feature set create an experience that's both sophisticated and accessible to everyone.

The app's commitment to user privacy and freedom sets it apart - being completely free, open-source, and offline-first. The distraction-free interface and reliable performance make it a pleasure to use daily, while comprehensive analytics keep you motivated.

While there's room for improvements in areas like habit categorization and cloud sync, the core functionality is exceptional. With an average rating of 9.3 across our review categories, Loop stands out as a premium-quality app that puts users first.

For anyone seeking a reliable, privacy-focused habit tracker that emphasizes substance over flash, Loop Habit Tracker is our top recommendation. However, if you need unlimited free habits without any restrictions, Habitive offers the best free experience, while HabitKit provides superior design aesthetics for users willing to pay for premium features.

Psiphon VPN offers good circumvention capabilities and open-source transparency, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. The service provides excellent internet freedom features and NGO partnerships, but the connection problems and loading delays make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. For users who prioritize internet freedom and are willing to work within the service's limitations, Psiphon VPN offers a solid feature set with good circumvention capabilities when working properly. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability, such as Proton VPN for general VPN needs. Ultimately, Psiphon VPN's open-source approach and internet freedom focus make it a good choice for users seeking circumvention tools, but the connection stability issues and forced installations make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. For general VPN usage, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for more reliable connections.
Our Recommendation