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. | Serenity is a meditation app with 4.8 stars on Android (4.95 recent) and 4.9 on iOS, offering a free 7-day beginner course and sleep meditations. Known for its soothing narrator voice, simple interface, and no-account-required access, it provides excellent value with flexible pricing—buy content packs individually or unlock everything via subscription. | |
| 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. | 9.3 Winner in this category | 9.0 |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 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 |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. | ![]() 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. | 8.5 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.5 Serenity delivers a well-rounded meditation experience without overwhelming complexity. The feature set focuses on what matters for building a consistent practice, and executes this effectively. Standout features:
There are limitations. While the free version generously offers over 2 hours of content, it restricts access to advanced programs. Some users wanted more variety in the free tier, though most agreed the basics provided solid value. The app lacks organizational features found in complex apps—no folders or advanced filtering. This simplicity is intentional and generally works in its favor. Features earn 8.5 out of 10. Core meditation functionality is excellent, the beginner course stands out, and sleep content delivers genuine value. It doesn't match the content volume of Calm or the completely free library of Medito, but what's present is thoughtfully implemented and effective. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 9.0 Serenity performs reliably. Across thousands of recent reviews, technical issues are rarely mentioned—stark contrast to apps like Headspace where performance problems dominate feedback. Performance strengths:
Long-term reliability is impressive. Users with 3+ years of consistent use continue praising the app. One mentioned using it twice daily for years without issues. Another: "3 years later and I'm still using this app. Truly saved my life." The app handles offline mode well. Progress tracking and stats work reliably. Reminders arrive as scheduled. Basic functions work consistently—which should be standard but, as competitor reviews show, often isn't. The only minor performance consideration? Ads in the free version, though users say they're "seamlessly integrated" and not disruptive. No mentions of ad-related lag or crashes. Performance earns 9.0 out of 10. Serenity simply works, consistently, for years. In a market where major apps struggle with crashes and slowdowns, this reliability is a competitive advantage. The app delivers without technical friction. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 9.0 Serenity's design philosophy is refreshingly simple—clean interface, clear navigation, zero clutter. After testing meditation apps that try to do too much visually, this straightforward approach felt intentional and calming. Design strengths:
The design doesn't try to impress with visual flair, and that's its strength. Where Headspace has become cluttered with features and constant UI changes that frustrate users, Serenity maintains consistency. It looks professional without feeling corporate or sterile. Several reviewers compared Serenity's interface favorably to Calm and Headspace. The simpler design made it easier to use, and the lack of visual complexity helps maintain focus on practice rather than navigation. Design earns 9.0 out of 10. The minimalist approach works exceptionally well. It won't win design awards for innovation, but it excels at creating a calm, distraction-free environment that supports meditation. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.5 Serenity offers strong value, especially compared to subscription-only meditation apps. The pricing model provides genuine flexibility that respects different budgets. The free tier is legitimately useful:
Paid options are flexible:
Multiple users compared Serenity favorably to Calm. One review stated: "I like Calm but this app is a much better deal if you are low on money. The meditation quality is great." Another: "This app is by far the best deal for a simple meditation app." The main value limitation? Medito offers completely free, ad-free meditation with no purchases required. If budget is your primary concern, Medito's perfect 10.0 value rating can't be beaten. However, Serenity's flexible pricing—pay only for what you want—beats subscription-only alternatives. Value for money earns 8.5 out of 10. Free content is genuinely useful, purchasing options are flexible and fairly priced, and quality justifies the cost. While not free like Medito, Serenity delivers considerably better value than premium subscription apps. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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:
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. | 9.5 Serenity is remarkably easy to use. This came up repeatedly in reviews and matched our experience—the app just works, immediately, without friction. What makes it so accessible:
Ease of use particularly shines for beginners. Multiple first-time meditators mentioned Serenity helped them establish regular practice when other apps felt overwhelming. One user switching from another "popular meditation app" (likely Headspace) specifically cited Serenity's simpler layout as crucial during anxiety attacks—they could find what they needed quickly without confusion. Even purchasing is straightforward if you choose to upgrade. Buy specific content packs rather than committing to a full subscription. Flexibility and control. Ease of use earns 9.5 out of 10. This is one of the app's greatest strengths. Serenity removes barriers between you and meditation, making it genuinely effortless to build a practice. The 0.5 deduction? Perfection doesn't exist—but this comes close to frictionless usability. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 9.5 Serenity takes a privacy-friendly approach that stands out. The biggest advantage is simple: no account required means no personal data collection for basic use. Privacy strengths:
Ads in the free version are the main privacy consideration. Users say they're "seamlessly integrated," and they appear to be standard in-app advertising rather than highly targeted data collection. Still, ads typically involve some tracking—worth noting if you're privacy-conscious. For maximum privacy, Medito sets the gold standard with open-source, ad-free, account-free approach. Serenity's practices are solid though—better than subscription apps requiring accounts and more transparent than many competitors. Security and privacy earn 9.5 out of 10. The no-account approach provides excellent privacy. Ads in the free version are the only minor concern, and even that appears handled reasonably. For most users, Serenity's privacy practices are more than adequate. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | Serenity delivers what a meditation app should: effective guidance, reliable performance, and genuine accessibility. The 4.8-star rating with 54.2K reviews isn't inflated—the app works well, the narrator's voice is soothing, and the interface stays out of your way. The rising recent rating (4.95 stars) shows quality improving, not declining. What makes Serenity valuable is a rare combination of factors. The free 7-day beginner course provides real value without requiring an account or payment info. Sleep meditations work effectively for long-term users. Flexible pricing respects your budget—buy what you want instead of committing to a subscription. The app maintains this quality over years without the technical deterioration affecting competitors. It's not perfect. Free content is limited beyond basics, ads are present, and the values-focused approach in some sessions won't appeal to everyone. Want completely free meditation? Medito is your choice. Want celebrity narrators and massive libraries? Calm has that (at subscription cost). Need therapy integration? Headspace provides it (though with current technical issues). For straightforward, effective meditation with excellent beginner support and reasonable pricing, Serenity hits the sweet spot. The simplicity is intentional. The focus on fundamentals over feature bloat helps. The consistent praise for ease of use, voice quality, and sleep effectiveness across thousands of reviews isn't marketing—it's genuine experience. We recommend Serenity for beginners building their first meditation practice, anyone struggling with sleep who wants guided sessions, and users who appreciate simplicity. The free content lets you test it without commitment. If it clicks, flexible purchasing provides fair value. Reliable performance won't get in the way of developing consistent practice. |
| Our Recommendation | ||