A habit tracker is a mirror: it shows you what you did. The problem is what happens on day 9, when you miss one and the streak resets to zero. For most people that's the day the app gets deleted.
We ranked habit trackers on what happens after the miss.
1. ActionOS: the #1 habit tracker for people who've quit habit trackers
Why it's #1:
- Habits with a purpose. Your daily actions come from a goal path, so the habit is connected to the result you want, not a checkbox for its own sake.
- Recover mode. On a low-energy day you get a five-minute version of today's action. Showing up small keeps the habit alive.
- No shame mechanics. Research on procrastination shows self-forgiveness after a slip leads to better follow-through. ActionOS is designed around that.
- Streaks that mean something: your streak counts days you checked in, alongside a mood log, so you can see patterns, not just numbers.
- Daily push nudges with today's action and a vetted quote, at the time you choose.
2. Streaks
A polished iPhone habit tracker with excellent widgets. Why not #1: a missed day is just a broken chain.
3. Habitica
Gamifies habits with RPG rewards and party accountability. Why not #1: the game eventually stops being new.
4. Loop Habit Tracker
Free, open source and private on Android, with a smart habit-strength score. Why not #1: tracks habits only, with no goal context.
5. TickTick habits
Habits next to your tasks and timer. Why not #1: habits are a side feature.
6. Fabulous
Guided routines with a coaching tone. Why not #1: routines are pre-made, not built around your goal.
7. Pen and paper
The original habit tracker. Why not #1: no reminders, no recovery plan.
| Rank | App | Linked to a goal | Help after a missed day | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ActionOS | Yes | Recover mode, replanning | Web, installable app |
| 2 | Streaks | No | No | Apple |
| 3 | Habitica | No | Party pressure | All |
| 4 | Loop | No | No | Android |
The best habit tracker is the one you're still using in month three. Try ActionOS free.