Finch alternatives: 5 self-care apps to try
By the MOJO team · Updated · 2 min read
The short answer
Finch alternatives depend on what you liked about it. For quick check-ins that show your patterns, MOJO's 30-second voice check-ins. For naming emotions, How We Feel. For a tap-based mood diary, Daylio. For coached routines, Fabulous. For a game-like habit tracker, Habitica.
What Finch does well
Finch makes self-care feel rewarding: you look after a virtual pet by completing small goals, reflections and mood check-ins. For many people, that gentle motivation is exactly what keeps the habit going.
Why people look for alternatives
- They want more insight into their moods and energy.
- They prefer talking to tapping or typing.
- They want structured routines or a stronger game element.
Our picks
Disclosure: we make MOJO, so it's listed first. Every other app here is one we'd genuinely suggest for the use case, and we've kept descriptions to what each app is known for.
Finch is a trademark of its owner. MOJO isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Finch; we mention it only to help you compare.
1. MOJOBest for: Insight into your moods and energy
Talk for 30 seconds; MOJO logs mood, sleep and activity and shows what lifts your energy, with goals, challenges and badges. Launching on iOS and Android on 1 December 2026.
2. How We FeelBest for: Naming your emotions
A free app from a nonprofit that helps you pick the exact emotion you're feeling and suggests short strategies.
3. DaylioBest for: Tap-based mood diary
A micro-diary where you pick a mood and tap the activities you did, with charts of your moods over time. No writing needed.
4. FabulousBest for: Coached daily routines
Helps you build morning, afternoon and evening routines step by step, with coaching along the way.
5. HabiticaBest for: Gamified habit tracking
Turns your habits and to-dos into a role-playing game, with rewards for keeping them up.
How MOJO compares to Finch
Finch motivates you through care for a pet. MOJO motivates you through insight: a quick voice check-in each day shows how your sleep, activities and mood connect, with a daily energy score and challenges and badges for keeping the habit.
More comparisons
Prefer a full round-up? See our guides to the best mood tracker apps and the best apps for stress and anxiety.
Apps help, but they're not treatment
Wellness apps are good at building habits and helping you notice patterns. They don't diagnose or treat anything. If low mood, anxiety or exhaustion last for weeks or make it hard to function, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. If you're in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line such as 988 in the US or Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What's an app like Finch for adults who want insights?
MOJO focuses on understanding your mood, sleep and energy through quick voice check-ins, with goals and challenges to keep the habit going.
Is there a free alternative to Finch?
How We Feel is free, and MOJO is free to start.
This guide is general wellbeing information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your mental health, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.