31 Best Self-Improvement Apps to Try This Year
Look, self-improvement can feel overwhelming.
There’s so much advice out there telling you to wake up at 5 AM, run marathons, meditate for an hour, journal your entire life. It’s enough to make anyone give up before even starting.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Sometimes it’s just about finding one small thing that helps. One little change that makes your day go smoother or helps you feel a bit more like the person you want to be.
That’s what this list is for.
31 apps that can actually help you do that. No, you don’t need all of them. Just pick the one that feels right for you right now.
Maybe you want to focus better, learn something new, take care of your mental health, or just get organized for once.
If any of that sounds good, take a look. Try one. See if it helps. That’s it. No pressure. Just small steps, one app at a time.
1. Duolingo
If you’ve been wanting to learn a new language but keep putting it off, Duolingo makes it ridiculously easy to start.
This app turns language learning into quick, game-like lessons you can fit into any busy day.
Spanish, French, Japanese—it’s all here.
You earn points, keep streaks, and actually want to come back. It’s not going to make you fluent overnight, but it’s perfect for building a daily habit without feeling like homework.
If you’re serious about adding a new language to your self-improvement journey, Duolingo is one of the best, most accessible ways to get going.
2. Forest
If you’re always picking up your phone when you should be working or studying, Forest is such a simple but clever fix.
You set a timer, plant a virtual tree, and the tree grows while you focus. But if you leave the app to check social media, the tree dies.
It’s weirdly motivating—you don’t want to kill your little forest.
Over time, you can see all the focused sessions you’ve planted. It’s great for anyone trying to beat phone distractions and actually get things done.
For self-improvement that sticks, Forest helps you build real focus, one tree at a time.
3. Notion
Notion is like having your entire life planner in one app.
Notes, to-do lists, goals, journals, habit trackers—you can organize it all exactly how you want. It’s super flexible, which is both the best and most intimidating thing about it.
But once you set it up, it’s hard to imagine managing your goals any other way.
Whether you’re planning projects, tracking routines, or just trying to remember what you need to do today, Notion keeps it all in one spot.
If you’re serious about organizing your self-improvement journey, this app gives you the space and tools to do it your way.
4. Habitica
Habitica makes building good habits feel way less like a chore and way more like a game.
Seriously. It turns your daily goals into a little RPG where you earn rewards for checking off tasks and lose health if you slack off. Want to drink more water? Meditate? Exercise? Add it all in, and level up your character as you stick with it.
It’s surprisingly motivating, especially if you love games or need a little push to stay consistent.
For anyone trying to make self-improvement less boring and actually stick with it, Habitica turns everyday goals into something you’ll want to keep up.
5. Headspace
Headspace is one of the easiest ways to actually start meditating, even if you think you’re terrible at it.
It guides you through simple, calming sessions that help you deal with stress, sleep better, and stay focused. No need to figure it out on your own—the app walks you through step by step, making it feel approachable instead of intimidating.
You can pick meditations for anxiety, relaxation, or even quick breathing breaks in the middle of a busy day.
If you’re looking for self-improvement that starts with your mind, Headspace is like having a calm, reassuring coach right in your pocket.
6. Skillshare
Skillshare is like having a giant library of classes right on your phone.
Want to learn design, photography, writing, marketing, or something totally new? It’s all there, taught by real people who make it easy to follow along.
You don’t have to sign up for a big course or go back to school—you can just pick a class and start learning at your own pace.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep growing, pick up new skills, or even spark a creative hobby.
If you’re serious about self-improvement, Skillshare gives you endless ways to keep your brain active and engaged.
7. Fabulous
Fabulous isn’t about cramming your day with tasks—it’s about helping you build routines that actually stick.
It guides you step by step, starting with tiny, manageable habits like drinking water when you wake up.
Over time, you layer on more until you’ve built a routine that feels natural instead of forced.
The app’s design is calming and encouraging, not overwhelming. It’s like having a gentle coach who knows change doesn’t happen overnight.
If you’re trying to get your life a little more on track without burning out or feeling guilty, Fabulous is a solid place to start building those daily wins.
8. Blinkist
Blinkist is for anyone who loves the idea of reading non-fiction but never seems to have the time.
It takes popular books on self-help, business, psychology, and more, and breaks them down into 15-minute book summaries you can read or listen to. Perfect for a commute or a walk.
You won’t get every tiny detail, but you’ll get the core ideas without slogging through hundreds of pages.
It’s a great way to learn something new every day, stay inspired, or decide which books you actually want to buy.
If you’re looking to keep growing without making excuses about time, Blinkist really helps.
9. Todoist
Todoist is one of those apps that just helps you get your life together without making things complicated.
You can quickly jot down tasks, set deadlines, and organize everything into projects so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s simple enough for daily to-dos but powerful enough for big goals.
It syncs across all your devices, so your list is always with you—no more forgotten notes or random scraps of paper.
If you’re trying to stay on top of work, personal goals, or even tiny errands, Todoist is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself honest and actually get stuff done.
10. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is one of the simplest ways to really see what you’re eating and take better control of your health.
You log your meals, and it breaks down calories, macros, and nutrients so you know exactly what’s going on.
The massive food database makes it easy to track just about anything, even restaurant meals or barcodes you scan.
It also syncs with fitness apps and devices if you want everything in one place.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just eat more mindfully, MyFitnessPal takes the guesswork out and helps you stay consistent without overcomplicating things.
11. Calm
Calm is like having a pocket-sized retreat for whenever life gets a little too much.
It’s packed with guided meditations, sleep stories, soothing music, and breathing exercises to help you unwind. If you struggle to fall asleep or just want to carve out a few peaceful minutes in your day, Calm makes it easy without feeling preachy or complicated.
It’s great for beginners who’ve never meditated before, but there’s plenty for seasoned users too.
If part of your self-improvement journey is taking better care of your mental health, Calm is one of the best ways to start creating space for real rest.
12. Trello
Trello is one of the simplest ways to see everything you’re working on at a glance.
It uses boards, lists, and cards so you can plan projects, track goals, or even organize daily tasks visually. Move things around as you make progress—it’s as easy as dragging and dropping.
Whether you’re planning a big work project, organizing personal goals, or even collaborating with others, Trello keeps it all clear and easy to manage.
If you’re looking for a flexible, no-fuss way to get organized and actually see your progress, Trello is one of the best tools to have in your self-improvement kit.
13. Asana
Asana is for when you have a lot going on and you need a way to keep it all straight.
It’s built for teams but works just as well if you’re planning your own goals and projects.
You can break big tasks into steps, set deadlines, and see everything laid out in one clear view. It helps you actually do the things you plan, instead of just thinking about them.
Whether you’re organizing work projects, personal goals, or anything in between, Asana keeps you on track without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re serious about getting organized, this app really delivers.
14. Evernote
Evernote is like your all-in-one notebook that never gets lost or messy.
You can jot down ideas, make to-do lists, save web clippings, or even scan documents straight from your phone. It’s perfect if your brain feels scattered and you want everything in one place.
The best part? It syncs across all your devices, so your notes are always there when you need them.
Whether you’re planning projects, journaling, or just trying to remember that one random idea you had at 2 AM, Evernote helps you stay organized without overcomplicating things.
For anyone serious about self-improvement, this notes app is a solid tool for clearing mental clutter.
15. Jour
Jour is like having a guided journal in your pocket for when you want to slow down and check in with yourself.
It gives you thoughtful prompts that make it easier to reflect on your day, your feelings, or whatever’s on your mind. No staring at a blank page, wondering what to write.
It’s simple, calming, and designed to help you build a habit of self-reflection without pressure.
If you’re looking to understand yourself better, process your thoughts, or just carve out a little quiet time for your mental health, Jour is an easy way to make journaling part of your routine.
16. Reflectly
Reflectly is like your own personal mood-tracking journal with a little extra personality.
Instead of just writing whatever, it asks you questions about your day, your mood, and what’s on your mind. Over time, you start to see patterns—what lifts you up, what drags you down.
It uses a friendly, almost chat-like style that makes it easy to stick with, even if journaling usually feels like work.
If you’re looking to understand yourself better, manage stress, or just check in with how you’re really feeling, Reflectly is an easy, thoughtful way to make self-reflection part of your day.
17. Nike Training Club
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to even start with working out, and that’s where Nike Training Club really helps.
It’s full of workouts you can do at home or in the gym, with clear videos and instructions that make it easy to follow along. Whether you’re into strength training, yoga, or just quick bodyweight routines, there’s something here for every level.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a personal trainer to get moving.
If you’re looking to make exercise a real part of your self-improvement plan, this app gives you the guidance and variety to actually stick with it.
18. Stoic.
Stoic. is an app that helps you slow down and really think about how you’re living.
It’s inspired by Stoic philosophy, but you don’t need to know any of that to use it.
It gives you daily prompts and exercises to reflect on your thoughts, worries, and goals. You can track your mood, journal about what’s on your mind, and even try short breathing exercises.
It’s simple, calming, and surprisingly grounding.
If you’re looking to be more mindful, reduce stress, or just get a better handle on your thoughts, Stoic. makes self-reflection feel accessible and easy to stick with.
19. Mindvalley
Mindvalley is for anyone who wants to go deeper with personal growth, beyond just habits and to-do lists.
It’s packed with courses from big-name teachers on everything from productivity and leadership to mindfulness and even relationships.
The app is polished but feels personal—it’s not about cramming information but really changing how you think and live.
You can pick topics that matter to you and go at your own pace.
If you’re looking to invest in yourself and want more than just quick tips, Mindvalley gives you access to real, in-depth learning that can actually stick.
20. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is one of the best free ways to start meditating without overcomplicating it.
You get access to thousands of guided sessions for stress, sleep, focus, or just finding a moment of calm in your day.
There are teachers from all over the world, so you can try different styles and voices until you find what clicks.
It also has a simple timer if you just want quiet time on your own.
If you’re looking to add mindfulness or relaxation to your self-improvement routine without spending a ton, Insight Timer makes it easy to start wherever you are.
21. Productive
Productive is a straightforward habit tracker that helps you actually build routines you’ll stick with.
You just pick the habits you want—like reading, drinking water, meditating—and set when and how often you want to do them. The app gives you gentle reminders and shows your streaks so you can see your progress at a glance.
It’s clean, easy to use, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many features.
If you’re looking for a simple way to stay accountable and make good habits part of your daily life, Productive is one of the easiest places to start.
22. Routinery
Routinery is perfect if you want more structure in your day but struggle to actually follow a routine.
You set up your ideal morning or evening habits—like stretching, journaling, or reading—and the app guides you through them with timers and gentle prompts. Over time, those small, consistent steps add up to real change.
If you’re trying to build better daily habits and want a little extra push to make them stick, Routinery helps you stay focused and intentional without feeling stressed.
23. Strides
Strides is a flexible goal and habit tracker that helps you actually see your progress over time.
You can set up daily habits, big goals, or even track things like savings and weight loss—all in one place.
The app gives you clear charts and reminders so you don’t lose sight of what you’re working toward. It’s great if you like seeing your wins laid out visually—it’s motivating to watch those streaks grow.
If you’re serious about self-improvement and want a single app to keep track of everything you’re trying to build or change, Strides is a solid, easy-to-use choice.
24. Audible
Audible is perfect for anyone who wants to read more but doesn’t have the time to sit down with a book.
You can listen to audiobooks while driving, walking, cleaning—basically turning any downtime into learning time.
There’s a huge library, from self-help and personal growth to fiction, if you want a break.
It’s also great for making long commutes or chores way less boring.
If part of your self-improvement journey is learning new ideas or just reading more in general, Audible makes it easy to fit books into even the busiest schedule.
25. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is one of the best free ways to learn pretty much anything, whether you’re brushing up on math, exploring science, or diving into history.
The lessons are clear and easy to follow, with videos and practice exercises that actually help things stick.
It’s perfect for students but just as good for adults who want to keep their minds sharp or finally understand something they skipped in school.
If self-improvement for you means lifelong learning, Khan Academy is an incredible resource to have right on your phone—and it won’t cost you a dime.
26. Goodreads
Goodreads is perfect if you want to read more and actually keep track of what you’re reading.
You can set yearly reading goals, make lists of books you want to check out, and see reviews from other readers to find your next pick.
It’s also fun to look back at what you’ve read and see how your tastes change over time.
For anyone trying to make reading a real habit, Goodreads helps you stay organized and motivated.
If self-improvement for you includes reading more, this app is like having your own personal book club in your pocket.
27. BetterHelp
BetterHelp makes getting support for your mental health more accessible, no matter where you are.
You can connect with licensed therapists through chat, phone, or video, all from your phone. It’s private and flexible, so you can talk when it works for you without sitting in a waiting room.
For anyone who’s been thinking about therapy but feels overwhelmed by the process, BetterHelp lowers the barrier and makes it feel a little easier to reach out.
If self-improvement for you includes taking care of your mental health, this app is a solid, practical step toward getting real help.
28. Daylio
Daylio is a super simple way to track your mood and habits without needing to write long journal entries.
You just tap to log how you feel and what you did that day.
Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns—like what activities lift your mood or what days tend to be tougher. It’s great if you want to be more aware of how you’re really doing without overthinking it.
If you’re looking to understand yourself better and make small, meaningful changes, Daylio is an easy, low-pressure app to help you check in with yourself every day.
29. Coach.me
Coach.me is more than just a habit tracker—it’s like having an accountability partner in your pocket.
You can set daily habits you want to build and check them off to see your streaks, but the real magic is the option to get personal coaching right in the app.
Whether you want help with fitness, productivity, or breaking bad habits, you can get guidance from real people who’ll keep you on track.
If you’re serious about self-improvement and know you do better with a little extra accountability, Coach.me gives you the structure and support to actually make changes that last.
30. GoalsWon
GoalsWon is all about accountability that actually works.
It pairs you with a real human coach who checks in daily to see how you’re doing with your goals. You set what you want to achieve—like building habits, finishing projects, or making lifestyle changes—and your coach helps you stay focused without letting you off the hook.
It’s simple but effective, especially if you’ve tried going it alone and keep falling off track.
If you’re serious about self-improvement and want that personal push to follow through, GoalsWon gives you the kind of daily check-in that makes a real difference.
31. Sleep Cycle
Sleep Cycle is an app that helps you actually understand how you’re sleeping and wake up feeling better.
It tracks your sleep patterns using your phone’s microphone or accelerometer, so you can see when you’re in deep or light sleep.
The best part? It wakes you up gently during your lightest sleep phase, so you don’t feel groggy or jarred.
Over time, you get insights to help improve your sleep routine.
If self-improvement for you means taking better care of your health and feeling more rested, Sleep Cycle is an easy, smart way to start making your nights—and days—better.
My Final Take
Look, self-improvement doesn’t have to be some huge, dramatic overhaul.
It’s the small changes you actually stick with that make the biggest difference. That’s what these apps are for—they’re just tools to help you do the things you already want to do.
You don’t need all 31 of them. Just pick one that feels right for where you’re at right now. Maybe it’s getting more focused, learning something new, sleeping better, or just taking care of your mind a little more.
Start small. Keep going. And see what changes. That’s all it takes.
If you’ve got an app you love that’s helped you along the way, let me know. I’m always looking for new ideas.
