The 5 best habit tracking apps, as rated by the internet and my eyeballs

Hi my name is Emily and I’m a checklist junkie. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of checking a completed task off the list—or better yet, adding something that’s already finished just to experience the joy of slashing it from the page and my conscience forever.

Lately I’ve been loving habit tracking apps, which let you log daily tasks and goals and turn completing them into a little game that tickles me right in the OCD.

Right now I’m experimenting with various habit apps and am on my twelfth day in a row of working out. I may not have been able to be this consistent when my health and well-being were at stake, but by god I’m going to get to the gym every day for a chance to tap that little check-box on my phone and see the points add up in this competition against procrastination and apathy.

I’ve done some research on the best habit tracking apps out there, and here are the five consistently rated as helpful, intuitive and visually appealing.

Productive - iOS, free
Productive has a fairly minimalistic and intuitive layout and gets consistently high reviews. It lets you plan your tasks by time of day and track streaks. Easy Peasy.

Streaks - iOS, $4.99
The only app on this list you have to pay for but it’s just so damn beautiful. This app lets you track up to 12 tasks you want to complete each day and tracks your completion “streaks.” Break a streak and you have to start over. Let the games begin!

HabitBull - Android, iOS, free
Build positive habits or break negative ones with this friendly, colorful tracking app that talks to you like an overly-friendly hairdresser when you reach a goal: “Way to go sunshine, you’re amazing.” Bonus: motivational messages and discussion forums for inspiration and accountability.

Strides - iOS, free
A crowd favorite, Strides lets you analyze your progress with all kinds of charts and tracking systems. It encourages you to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely). And we all know smart is sexy.

Momentum - iOS, free
Don’t break the chain! Another app based on the “streak” mentality. The free version lets you track three habits and the upgrade lets you track unlimited tasks and habits. Momentum also lets you track habits from the “today” view on your phone so you don’t need to open the app. Handy dandy.

Do you have a favorite habit-tracking application? Drop a comment and share the love!