Daychain
This appGrows your study streak as a visual chain: one-tap logging, three active tasks on the free tier, and a skip credit that protects the chain when you miss a day during exam week. It fits a student rhythm because it lets you come back without shame.
Best for: Students who want a free, simple, forgiving study streak
TickTick
Combines a task list, calendar, and a built-in Pomodoro timer, with habit tracking arriving as one module alongside them. Strong for students who want assignment planning and focus sessions in one place, but it can feel like overkill for habits alone.
Best for: Students who want assignments, calendar, and focus sessions in one app
Habitica
Turns habits into a role-playing game; it's popular among students because studying earns experience points and rewards. In return, the interface is complex and missing a day damages your character.
Best for: People motivated by gamification who don't shy away from complex systems
Loop Habit Tracker
A free, open-source Android-only app that is ad-free and completely without cost. Ideal for students who don't want to spend a cent, but the interface is bare-bones and there is no iPhone version.
Best for: Android-using students who don't want to pay anything
Finch
A gentle self-care app that ties habits to a cute virtual pet. Emotionally supportive for students under exam stress, but the tracking mechanics are shallow.
Best for: Students whose motivation comes from emotional support and a gentle tone
The right app for students is the one that makes coming back easy even after a heavy exam week and doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. Daychain leads this segment because it's free, simple, and forgiving; if you also want assignment planning, TickTick is worth considering, and if gamification motivates you, Habitica is.