Alternatives · Habit Trackers
Pavlok alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the best Pavlok alternative for most people is Finch (3.4 GPA), second in our ranking of habit trackers. The best free one is Habitica (3.4 GPA).
Pavlok compared with 5 alternatives: Forfeit, stickK, Beeminder, Habitica and Finch.
Pavlok is a paid product, starting at $19.99 per month (Shock Clock 3 rental); devices from $159.99. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Pavlok sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| PavlokThis tool | From $19.99/mo | No | iOS, Android |
| Forfeit | Free trial · from $3.99 | Trial only | Web, macOS, iOS, Android |
| stickK | Free plan | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Beeminder | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Habitica | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Finch | Free plan · from $5.99 | Yes | iOS, Android |
Price against what you get
Pavlok starts at $19.99 a month and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. 3 of the 3 alternatives on this chart score higher and start lower: Forfeit, Beeminder and Habitica.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from Pavlok
Forfeit
Habit contracts that charge your card when you miss a goal
- Forfeit starts at $3.99 per week or $59.99 per year for Premium (US App Store); $10.99 per month on the web.
- Forfeit also lists a web app and a macOS app.
- Forfeit also covers site & app blocker and Pomodoro timer.
Suits: People who follow through only when money or reputation is at stake
stickK
Commitment contracts with a referee and optional money stakes
- stickK has a free plan, which Pavlok lacks.
- stickK also lists a web app.
Suits: People who follow through when money or reputation is on the line
Beeminder
Goal tracker that charges you money when you fall behind
- Beeminder starts at $8 per month for Infinibee, billed monthly (14% off when paid yearly).
- Beeminder has a free plan, which Pavlok lacks.
- Beeminder also lists a web app.
Suits: People who are motivated by having real money at stake
Habitica
Habit and task tracker that works like a role-playing game
- Habitica starts at $4.99 per month, or $47.99 for 12 months (App Store prices).
- Habitica has a free plan, which Pavlok lacks.
- Habitica also lists a web app.
- Habitica is open source, according to its own site.
- Habitica also covers tasks.
Suits: People motivated by game mechanics such as levels, gear and pets
Finch
Self-care app that ties daily goals to a virtual pet bird
- Finch starts at $5.99 (lowest Finch Plus in-app purchase; billing period not shown).
- Finch has a free plan, which Pavlok lacks.
- Finch also covers daily notes and mood tracking.
Suits: People who keep habits up more easily with a game-like reward
Limits worth knowing in Pavlok
- It is hardware: the price is a device purchase or a rental, not a software subscription.
- The zap is described by the company as unpleasant and startling, so it is not for everyone.
- The rental program is offered for US and Canada only, according to the product page.
- The page lists a 180-day money-back guarantee, but check the returns page for its terms.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Pavlok?
The alternatives to Pavlok in this directory are Forfeit, stickK, Beeminder, Habitica and Finch. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Pavlok.
Is there a free alternative to Pavlok?
Yes. stickK, Beeminder, Habitica and Finch have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Pavlok alternatives work on macOS?
The Pavlok listing does not include a macOS app. Forfeit lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Pavlok?
Habitica is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
Keep reading
- Best of
The best habit tracker apps in 2026
Four habit trackers built on four different ideas of what keeps a habit going: reminders and data, an unbroken streak, a game or a goal. Each pick says who it suits, what it costs and where it stops.
4 tools · Updated October 2026
