Habits are a powerful force that shape our lives.
Day by day, our actions accumulate and can dramatically change our future.
Yet even knowing that, “sticking to a habit” is surprisingly hard.
That’s where habit-building apps come in—tools that make it fun and easy to build habits and keep them going.
Three Popular Habit-Building Apps
Let’s look at how several popular apps support users’ habit formation, along with their pricing and supported devices.
1. 継続する技術 (“The Skill of Continuing”)
Pricing
Completely free.
Devices
iOS / Android
Approach to habit formation
A hugely popular app with over 3 million total downloads.
Developed by a former data analyst who analyzed the behavior of over 2 million users, this app “scientifically” approaches habit formation.
Operation is extremely simple—just open the app and log with one tap. This minimal friction lowers the barrier to continuation.
It also sends notifications at times when action is easiest (e.g., “Remind me to read during my commute”), helping users rely less on willpower and more on timing.
Because it’s an app you’ll use frequently, its simple, easy-to-use design is likely a big reason for its popularity.
2. みんチャレ (“Minchalle”)
Pricing
Free with optional paid plans (~¥500/month).
Devices
iOS / Android
Approach to habit formation
A social approach—“take on challenges together.”
“Minchalle” forms anonymous 5-person teams. By encouraging each other in chat while pursuing a shared habit, the app helps users avoid giving up after a few days.
For example, teammates working on weight loss or study goals post a daily proof photo, and keep motivation high with comments and stamps like “Nice job!”
Data shows the success rate of habit formation can rise from 8% to 69%—about 8×—when you don’t go it alone.
A cute cat character, Nyanchalle AI, cheers teams on, and gamified elements (coins and medals for completed challenges) add fun.
This “continue together like a game” feel is Minchalle’s biggest strength.
3. Habitica
Pricing
Free to play; shows ads and offers in-app purchases.
Devices
iOS / Android / Web
Distinctive approach to habit formation
A standout gamification approach.
Habitica treats your life like an RPG. Real-world task completion directly leads to in-game progress.
Create a pixel-art avatar and enter Habits, Dailies, and To-Dos.
Checking tasks off gains experience, levels up your avatar, and unlocks gear, pets, skills, quests, and more. Earn gold to buy equipment or set personal rewards (e.g., “Watch one episode of my favorite show”).
Team up with friends in a party to take on quests—each member’s completed tasks deal damage to monsters.
Because it makes task completion and habit building fun, Habitica is perfect for people who love games but struggle to stick with task managers.
Choose a Habit App That Fits You
Whether you prefer simplicity, social connection, or game-like fun, the “best” method depends on the person.
For example:
- If you want no-friction simplicity, 継続する技術 may fit with its one-tap logging and data-driven approach.
- If you like encouragement from others or tend to quit when working alone, Minchalle’s team system and communication features may suit you.
- If you want to build habits playfully, Habitica’s RPG elements can provide lasting motivation.
Each approach has strengths. Try the one that matches your personality, the habit you want to build, and your lifestyle.
Even if you’ve quit many times before, choosing a method that fits you can make continuation far easier.
Test different apps and bring the one that feels “workable” into your daily life. Small steps can lead to big changes in your future.
