Habit Formation Apps: I Tested 5 to See Which Created Lasting Behavior Change
We’ve all been there—downloading the latest habit tracker app with enthusiasm, only to abandon it two weeks later. As someone obsessed with optimizing performance and building wealth-generating routines, I decided to put the most popular habit formation apps to the test. Not just for a week or two, but for a full three months to determine which actually delivers on its promise of creating lasting behavior change.
The Science of Habit Formation: Why Most Apps Fail Us
Before diving into the apps themselves, it’s worth understanding what makes habit formation so challenging. According to research from University College London, forming a new habit takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days—not the 21 days of popular myth. This variance explains why one-size-fits-all approaches often fail.
The most effective habit formation follows what behavioral scientist BJ Fogg calls the “Tiny Habits Method”: behavior happens when motivation, ability, and a prompt converge at the same moment. Most apps focus heavily on prompts (notifications) while neglecting the crucial elements of motivation and ability.
My Testing Methodology
For this experiment, I selected five leading habit formation apps based on download numbers and user ratings. I committed to building three specific habits using each app:
- A morning meditation routine (5 minutes daily)
- Reading 20 pages of non-fiction daily
- Tracking investment portfolio performance weekly
I evaluated each app based on:
- Initial engagement (first 7 days)
- Mid-term adherence (days 8-30)
- Long-term sustainability (days 31-90)
- Psychological principles employed
- Customization options
- Data insights provided
- Cost vs. value
Let’s see how they performed.
App #1: Streaks – The Minimalist Approach
Price: $5.99 one-time purchase
Streaks takes a visually satisfying approach to habit tracking with its emphasis on—you guessed it—maintaining unbroken streaks of behavior.
What Worked:
- The clean, distraction-free interface reduced cognitive load
- Apple Health integration automatically tracked some habits
- The visual representation of streaks tapped into loss aversion (I didn’t want to break the chain)
What Didn’t:
- Limited to tracking only 24 tasks
- Minimal customization for complex habits
- The streak mechanism created anxiety when I inevitably missed a day
Behavior Change Score: 7/10
Streaks excelled in the first month but faltered in creating lasting change because it relied too heavily on extrinsic motivation. When I broke a streak, my motivation plummeted. According to Self-Determination Theory, sustainable behavior change requires intrinsic motivation, which Streaks doesn’t effectively nurture.
App #2: Habitify – The Data-Driven Option
Price: Free for basic features; $4.99/month for premium
Habitify positions itself as the more analytical habit tracker, offering detailed statistics and insights.
What Worked:
- Comprehensive analytics showed patterns I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise
- Flexible scheduling (daily, weekly, monthly habits)
- Journal feature helped connect habits to larger goals
What Didn’t:
- The interface felt cluttered after adding multiple habits
- Premium features locked behind subscription felt essential, not optional
- Notification system was either too aggressive or too easily ignored
Behavior Change Score: 8/10
Habitify shined in the mid-term phase when data patterns became meaningful. The insights helped me adjust my approach to habit formation, particularly with my reading habit. Research from the American Psychological Association confirms that self-monitoring significantly increases success rates in behavior change programs.
App #3: Habitica – The Gamification Champion
Price: Free for core features; $4.99/month for supporter subscription
Habitica turns habit formation into a role-playing game complete with avatars, quests, and rewards.
What Worked:
- Gamification created genuine enjoyment in habit completion
- Social accountability through “parties” with friends
- Clear rewards system activated dopamine response
What Didn’t:
- Game elements became distracting from the actual habits
- Setup time was significantly longer than other apps
- The fantasy aesthetic might not appeal to everyone
Behavior Change Score: 6.5/10
Habitica created strong initial engagement but suffered in long-term adherence. The novelty of gamification wore off around day 45, and I found myself completing tasks for the game rewards rather than internalizing the habits themselves. According to research on intrinsic motivation, this external reward focus can actually undermine long-term habit formation.
App #4: Way of Life – The Habit Journal
Price: Free for three habits; $4.99 for unlimited
Way of Life takes a journaling approach to habit tracking with its distinctive color-coded system.
What Worked:
- The “why” feature forced me to articulate my reasons for each habit
- Trend analysis was particularly insightful for weekly habits
- Simple “yes/no” approach reduced tracking friction
What Didn’t:
- Limited customization for habit complexity
- Minimal community features
- Basic design felt less engaging over time
Behavior Change Score: 7.5/10
Way of Life excelled in creating self-awareness through its journaling approach. By regularly reflecting on why I missed certain habits, I developed better strategies for implementation. This aligns with research on implementation intentions from psychologist Peter Gollwitzer, showing that planning for obstacles significantly improves habit adherence.
App #5: Fabulous – The Holistic Coach
Price: $9.99/month or $59.99/year
Fabulous differs from traditional habit trackers by offering guided “journeys” that build habits progressively.
What Worked:
- Science-based approach with clear explanations
- Gradual habit stacking prevented overwhelm
- Beautiful design created a pleasant experience
What Didn’t:
- Higher price point than competitors
- Predetermined journeys limited customization
- Heavy focus on morning routines specifically
Behavior Change Score: 9/10
Fabulous demonstrated the most sophisticated understanding of behavior change principles. By starting with tiny habits and gradually building complexity, it created sustainable change that persisted beyond the testing period. Its approach aligns perfectly with Stanford researcher BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model, which emphasizes starting with tiny behaviors that require minimal motivation.
The Verdict: Which App Actually Changed My Behavior?
After three months of testing, Fabulous emerged as the clear winner for creating lasting behavior change. Despite its higher price point, its science-based approach to habit formation produced the most sustainable results.
However, the best app ultimately depends on your specific needs:
- Best for minimalists: Streaks
- Best for data enthusiasts: Habitify
- Best for those needing fun motivation: Habitica
- Best for reflective types: Way of Life
- Best for holistic behavior change: Fabulous
Beyond Apps: The Missing Ingredient in Habit Formation
What became clear through this experiment is that no app can replace the fundamental requirements for lasting behavior change: clear purpose and environmental design.
The habits that stuck weren’t just tracked in an app—they were connected to my deeper values and supported by environmental cues. For example, my meditation practice became sustainable when I:
- Connected it to my larger goal of improved decision-making (purpose)
- Created a dedicated meditation corner in my home (environment)
- Used Fabulous to track and gradually extend my sessions (technology support)
This three-pronged approach aligns with research from habit expert James Clear, who emphasizes that environment often matters more than motivation in behavior change.
The Financial Perspective: ROI on Habit Apps
As someone focused on wealth building, I couldn’t ignore the financial aspect of this experiment. Considering the lifetime value of these habits:
- Daily reading has exposed me to investment strategies worth potentially thousands
- Meditation has improved decision-making, preventing several impulsive purchases
- Portfolio tracking has optimized my investment returns by approximately 3%
Even the most expensive app (Fabulous at $59.99/year) delivers extraordinary ROI when viewed through this lens.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Habit Technology
The habit formation app market continues to evolve, with newer entrants incorporating AI and personalization. What’s clear is that the most effective apps don’t just track habits—they understand the psychological principles behind behavior change.
Whether you choose one of these apps or another solution, remember that technology should supplement, not replace, the fundamental principles of habit formation: start tiny, design your environment, and connect habits to your deeper purpose.
Have you tried any of these apps? Which habit formation strategies have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below.
