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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Daylio Journal vs Habit Tracker

Daylio Journal 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Daylio Journal
Habit Tracker 4.8★ · Free + IAP 65

Daylio Journal is better for comprehensive mood and activity tracking with journaling features, while Habit Tracker excels as a straightforward habit-building tool, particularly for those seeking a one-time purchase.

Full reviews: Daylio Journal · Habit Tracker

Daylio Journal offers extensive customization for mood and activity tracking, including journaling and media, with a free tier that satisfies many users. Habit Tracker focuses on building and monitoring habits, appealing to users who prefer a one-time payment for premium features, though both apps face criticism regarding their subscription models and customer support.

Head to head

Features and Customization edge: Daylio JournalR5R34R42R58
Daylio Journal Daylio Journal is highly praised for its extensive customization options, allowing users to track moods, habits, activities, and even add photos and voice recordings R5R34R42R58. Users appreciate the ability to tailor emotions and moods to their personal experiences R34 and find it useful for journaling and setting goals R5R20.
Habit Tracker Habit Tracker offers good customization for habit management and a visually appealing interface R68. Users like tracking daily progress and the option to add memos . However, some users wish for additional features like subtasks or the ability to track in rolling windows , and some find the suggestions for habits limited .
Ease of Use edge: Daylio JournalR8R23R29R38
Daylio Journal Many Daylio Journal users find the app super simple and intuitive, especially those with ADHD who find other apps overwhelming R8R23R29R38. The interface is described as easy to use and customize R42.
Habit Tracker Habit Tracker is generally considered easy to use and intuitive, with a natural UI R77. Users appreciate its streamlined design for managing habits R68. However, some found it not intuitive initially .
Reliability and Performance tieR1R10R13R15
Daylio Journal Daylio Journal has significant reliability issues, including deleted voice recordings R13, interrupted audio entries during calls R10, and frequent crashing R15. Users also report problems with iCloud backup/sync R10 and inability to edit previous entries R1.
Habit Tracker Habit Tracker also has reliability concerns, with users reporting issues like not syncing across devices , the app opening on 'yesterday' , and problems with health data conversion . A recurring complaint is the need to constantly restore purchases or that premium features don't activate after payment .
Price and Value (Free vs. Paid) edge: Habit TrackerR7R8R19R20
Daylio Journal Daylio Journal's free version is considered good and sufficient for many users, offering mood tracking, activities, and customization R8R20R24. However, there are strong complaints about a paywall locking data and analytics R19 and a perceived shift from in-app purchases to a paid subscription after a trial R7. Some long-term users who paid for lifetime subscriptions on Android were disappointed to lose access on iOS R21R35.
Habit Tracker Habit Tracker is praised for its one-time lifetime payment option, which is seen as reasonable and unlocks all features R68R77R98R113. However, the free version is severely limited to only 5 or 6 habits, leading to frustration and a feeling of an unnecessary paywall R66R78.
Customer Support tieR22R25R31R43
Daylio Journal Daylio Journal users report poor customer support, with ignored requests for restoring purchases R22 and developers stopping responses after proof of purchase was provided R25. There are also complaints about being charged after cancelling a trial R31R43.
Habit Tracker Habit Tracker users also experience issues with customer support, particularly regarding problems with family subscriptions not activating R112 and being charged multiple times or incorrectly . Users report difficulty contacting developers or deleting accounts R112.
Pick Daylio Journal if

you want a highly customizable mood and activity tracker with journaling features, including the ability to add photos and voice memos, and you find the free version sufficient or are willing to pay for premium features.

Pick Habit Tracker if

you are primarily focused on building and tracking habits and prefer a one-time lifetime payment for premium features over a subscription model, and you value a straightforward, intuitive interface for habit management.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews related to their pricing models and customer support, especially regarding issues with subscriptions and purchases not being recognized. Daylio Journal's recent negative reviews highlight data loss and paywall issues more frequently, while Habit Tracker's recent issues often revolve around its limited free tier and purchase restoration problems.

Frequently asked

Is Daylio Journal truly free?
Daylio Journal offers a free version that many users find sufficient for basic mood and activity tracking, allowing customization and journaling without payment R8R20R24. However, some advanced features like analytics and full data access are locked behind a paywall or subscription R19.
What are the main issues with Daylio Journal's reliability?
Daylio Journal users report significant reliability problems, including the deletion of voice recordings R13, audio entries being interrupted by phone calls R10, app crashes R15, and issues with iCloud backup and syncing R10.
Does Habit Tracker offer a lifetime purchase?
Yes, Habit Tracker offers a one-time lifetime payment option for its premium features, which many users appreciate as a reasonable alternative to subscriptions R68R77R98R113.
How many habits can I track for free in Habit Tracker?
In the free version of Habit Tracker, users are limited to tracking only 5 or 6 habits R66R78R103R108. To track more, a paid subscription or lifetime purchase is required.
Are there cross-platform issues with subscriptions for these apps?
For Daylio Journal, some users who purchased a lifetime subscription on Android found it did not transfer to iOS, leading to frustration R21R35. For Habit Tracker, there are reports of family subscriptions not activating across accounts or devices R112.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US Best app on my phone: This is the best app and well worth premium. I’ve had it since 2018. It keeps me on track with habits - I track EVERYTHING! From mood to food habits, working out, my cycle, and non habits like not doom scrolling and drinking less - you can track anything. And I love all the added features of journaling, adding pictures, and setting goals. Loveeeee it
  2. [R34] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US Live laugh love Daylio: This is an amazing app. I love being able to add my own emotions and customize each mood to relate to me and how I experience emotions. I also love being able to write as much as I want without a limit so I can vent as much or as little as I want. Being able to add images is also a really nice feature so I can connect my feeling to images from that day if I want to. As some
  3. [R42] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US Love this app: I love how much you can customize it, it’s easy to access and gives so many options to personalize.
  4. [R58] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US i love this app.: I just wanted to preface that I have been using this app for at least 3-4 years. I love it, and you can do so much without premium. The journal helps me remember what I’ve done every day. I’m always quick to update the app whenever they’re available because the updates are always great, such as voice memos. The only thing I’d like to see is the ability to upload videos, not just
  5. [R8] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US Perfect for my needs!: Super simple and customizable. I have adhd, so many apps can be too overwhelming to look at. The free version is perfect for all I need, and you can customize everything to make it your own. I recommend!
  6. [R23] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US The best, by far: I have always wanted to be steady at journaling. This app is the first one I have used consistently; better than any notebook, planner, mood app or anything else.
  7. [R29] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US As Simple - or as detailed as YOU NEED: Some days I just pick a happy face. Some days I have the energy for notes and details. Either way, the overall visual data it provides is so helpful. The widget you can put right on your iPhone Home Screen is awesome.
  8. [R38] Daylio Journal 5/5 · US So nice, so nice!: I can’t exactly remember how I found this app, but I’m so glad that I did. I honestly love everything about it, from the interface, the customization, to the app being overall fool-proof.
  9. [R1] Daylio Journal 2/5 · US Suddenly can’t edit previous goal entries: I’ve been using Daylio for years, but now can’t edit some previous goal entries. This has never happened before. Software snafu?
  10. [R10] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US Pls Daylio Read this: I’ve been using Daylio for over 2 years and it contains some of the most important memories of my life. I trusted this app with very personal moments, including audio recordings, photos, and journal entries. Unfortunately, there are serious issues on iPhone that need improvement. When I receive a phone call while recording an audio entry, the recording gets interrupted or cu
  11. [R13] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US Delete all my voice recordings DO NOW DOWNLOAD: Daylio Randomly decided to delete all my voice recordings for the past 237 days . DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS APP. I have been a loyal user since 2022 and I regret it. Personally memory with my grandma are gone I suffer from memory loss and this was the app I used to remember things and now that’s gone. DO NOT DOWNLOAD
  12. [R15] Daylio Journal 3/5 · US Great for tracking but can be buggy and needs some pattern improvements: It’s a great app for tracking and customizable on multiple levels, which is fun! You can choose categories, colors, emojis, etc. but lately it’s been really buggy- it keeps crashing, especially when you start a new entry and go to select categories and moods. I like the idea of being able to track patterns (especially around
  13. [R7] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US Not "in-app purchases": I really wish app descriptions were required to be honest about their costs - this is NOT an app with "in-app purchases" available, it's an app that requires a PAID SUBSCRIPTION to use after five days.
  14. [R19] Daylio Journal 2/5 · US Locks your data: Just found out after 1 month of daily tracking, that I CANNOT SEE MY DATA. My own records are locked behind a paywall. I was enjoying the app and considering Premium, but really disappointed. I was using this data for MEDICAL TRACKING and foolishly trusted Daylio to hold onto it.
  15. [R20] Daylio Journal 4/5 · US Amazing app: I can record how I feel for the day, set myself goals, set important days and the free version is super good. I can’t add more than 1 goal though. Highly recommend!
  16. [R22] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US scam app: I paid for the premium version, but the restore purchase function does not work on my new device, and the developer has ignored multiple support requests. This makes the app feel very dishonest and untrustworthy.
  17. [R25] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US They stopped responding: I have reached out to customer service (via instagram) and they just stopped responding. I have purchased the lifetime membership a few years ago for $5.99. I recently changed phones and cannot restore my subscription for some reason. I provided them with proof of purchase, screenshots with my receipt and Apple ID matching, and I’ve let them know I’ve followed their instru
  18. [R31] Daylio Journal 1/5 · US Charging when I don’t have a Subscription: I cancelled my subscription before the trial ended, and they still charged me 😡
  19. [R43] Daylio Journal 1/5 · GB BAD: THIS IS SUPPPSED TO BE A MENTAL HEALTH APP- Cancelled app in trial still charged for a year: I tried the app for about 20mins before deciding I probably wouldn’t use it. I cancelled the subscription. I noticed a couple of weeks later a full years payment had been taken. I don’t have any proof of my cancel as inside the app or inside apple subscriptions there is no way to prove the date you do
  20. [R24] Daylio Journal 3/5 · GB My review by Florence: It is helpful with your thoughts and feelings.It is very easy to use and is totally free
  21. [R68] Habit Tracker 5/5 · US Love this app so much!: The only money you have to spend is a one-time payment of a pretty reasonable amount, and you unlock all of their features for life, unlike most other habit tracker apps. I love the aesthetic of the app, and how many options it gives you for managing your habits, while still having a very streamlined design. I’ve been using it for years, and seeing the little “🔥 700 days” o
  22. [R77] Habit Tracker 5/5 · US GREAT APP! GET IT!: I got a one time lifetime purchase for the pro and I am super grateful! I love this habit app so far! It is very easy to use and I love the encouragement it gives me when I complete each task!🍕🎮😊🎉🎊👍🏻
  23. [R98] Habit Tracker 5/5 · US Amazing: The lifetime membership fee is $8.99. You can’t beat that for an app this awesome.
  24. [R113] Habit Tracker 5/5 · US Exciting: So far, so good. I’ve never bright a premium on an app, but this one I just might because it’s not overpriced and seems to have a great layout and system.
  25. [R66] Habit Tracker 3/5 · US If only: I really like this app I’m going to use it on my watch but I don’t like how you have to have a prescription and for free you only get six having good habits should be free❤️
  26. [R78] Habit Tracker 3/5 · US Free & great but limited: I wish apps were up front about what all is included on the free version. I was really looking forward to using this tracker and really enjoyed the interface and setup. After creating 6 habits I couldn’t add more. I reached out to the support team and learned that you only get 6 habits on the free version and if I wanted more I’d have to buy the subscription. I also learn
  27. [R103] Habit Tracker 1/5 · US Have to pay: This app sucks your only allowed to have 6 habits at a time and if you need more like me you have to pay $20 for it
  28. [R108] Habit Tracker 3/5 · GB Only one change can make this app 5 stars: Why do we need a subscription for everything!! This app is perfect apart from the fact you can only make I think 5 habits before paying??? That’s crazy just for a habit app- atleasttttt make it like 10-20, I’m avoiding it by getting multiple habit apps for all the ones I want, this one is my favourite I wish I could only have this one.
  29. [R21] Daylio Journal 3/5 · GB I’m not paying another subscription.: I’ve had Daylio for years, through google play I paid for a lifetime subscription for everything to be released. Now switching over to iPhone I’ve lost out. It’s my same account, I thought it would be on the account not to my google play account 👎 so it’s not as good anymore. I can’t follow all my moods and triggers now.
  30. [R35] Daylio Journal 1/5 · GB Total sham: I paid for a lifetime subscription when using android and used for years - recently changed to Apple and this is the only app that doesn’t carry over the subscription. I have several subscriptions that transferred without any issue. Really disappointed in this app and the developers for such a short sighted approach and not considerations for customers changing platforms.
  31. [R112] Habit Tracker 1/5 · US Love it but not recommended: I purchased the Premium Lifetime Family subscription last week, but only my own account was activated. The family feature is still not working, and I cannot find where to add my family members’ email addresses or accounts. I also tried contacting support through email and Instagram, but I have not received any response so far. Very disappointing experience.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store