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If you’ve ever struggled to keep up a self-care routine, you’re not alone. For many of us – especially teens and young adults managing stress or neurodivergence – even basic tasks like drinking water or getting out of bed can feel daunting. What if taking care of yourself felt less like a chore and more like a game? Enter Finch, a self-care app that turns your daily to-do’s into a delightful adventure with a virtual pet. Imagine being cheered on by a cute bird every time you accomplish a small goal – suddenly, self-care doesn’t seem so boring!
In this article, we’ll explore how the Finch self care app is transforming everyday wellness routines. From its core features to the psychology behind its design, we’ll see why Finch has earned a devoted following (it boasts a 5-star rating and over 500,000 user reviews across app stores. We’ll also look at who benefits the most from Finch, the pros and cons, pricing, and how it stacks up against other popular self-care apps. By the end, you’ll see whether this playful, supportive app could become your new favorite self-care sidekick.
Table of Contents
Finch Self Care App: What It Is & Who It’s For
So, what exactly is Finch? In a nutshell, it’s a mobile wellness app that gives you an adorable virtual pet bird and rewards you for taking care of yourself. Every time you complete a self-care task – like drinking water, brushing your teeth, or taking a short walk – you also “take care” of your Finch. The more healthy habits you log, the more your digital bird thrives. It will grow, go on little adventures, and even share fun stories with you based on your progress bustle.com Finch mixes the satisfying checkmarks of a to-do list with the joy of nurturing a pet, making self-care feel less like work and more like play. (No wonder the developers call it “your new self-care best friend” on Finch’s official site!)
Finch is designed to be friendly and accessible for a wide range of users. It’s rated PEGI 3 (suitable for all ages), and there are no ads or public social feeds, so it’s a safe space even for younger folks. The app was actually created by two friends who struggled with anxiety and wanted to make self-care fun and accessible – a mission that shines through its upbeat, inclusive design. Who is Finch best for? If you’re neurodivergent (living with ADHD, ASD, anxiety, etc.) or dealing with mental health challenges like depression or burnout, Finch’s gentle approach can be a game-changer. Many users with ADHD or anxiety report that Finch helps them stick to routines better than other methods. It’s also great for beginners to self-care and habit-building; teens and young adults love Finch’s low-pressure, gamified style that doesn’t feel as clinical as some wellness apps. Basically, anyone who wants a supportive, fun way to build healthier habits (and doesn’t mind cute animations) could fall in love with this app.
Of course, Finch might not be everyone’s cup of tea – if you absolutely dislike gamification or cutesy virtual pets, a more straightforward app might suit you better. But for its target audience, Finch offers a uniquely motivating and heartwarming experience. Next, let’s dive into the core features that make this app so special.
Core Features of Finch Self Care App
Finch is packed with tools to make self-care rewarding. Here are the main features that set it apart:
Daily Check-Ins & Habit Tracking
When you open Finch each day, you’re greeted with a list of self-care goals to complete. These can be as simple as “drink a glass of water” or “take a 5-minute stretch.” You can choose from the app’s suggested goals or create your own, so it fits your life. Every task you check off gives your Finch energy and earns you points (called Rainbow Stones) as a reward. The daily checklist helps turn tiny actions into micro-wins that build momentum. Even if it’s just getting out of bed or taking a shower, Finch celebrates your effort – making it easier to build healthy habits one day at a time.
Virtual Pet Adventures & Rewards
The star of the app is your virtual pet bird. As you complete goals and “feed” it with your self-care, your Finch grows and gains energy to go on adventures in the Finchie Forest. At the end of the day, your pet returns from its journey with a cute story about what it discovered (maybe it found a new type of flower or learned a fun fact). You’ll also earn coins (Rainbow Stones) that you can spend to buy outfits and decor for your bird’s home. The customization options are super inclusive – you can get everything from pride flag accessories to tiny mobility aids for your pet’s avatar. Watching your finch get bigger and more expressive every day gives a real sense of progress. It’s surprisingly motivating – users often find themselves drinking water or doing a quick stretch just to see their bird do a happy dance and set off virtual fireworks in celebration.
Guided Breathing & Relaxation Exercises
Finch isn’t just a habit tracker – it also helps you calm your mind and body. The app offers a variety of short breathing exercises, gentle stretching routines, and even soothing soundscapes. For example, you can follow a deep breathing exercise (including one you can do lying down in bed) or try a quick desk stretch to release tensionbustle.com. There’s also a First Aid section for anxious moments, with grounding techniques like the “3-3-3 rule” to help in panic or high stress. Completing these exercises not only helps you feel better in the moment, but also boosts your Finch’s energy. Many of these wellness exercises are available for free, and paying for Finch Plus unlocks over 100 more activities for those who want extra guidance.
Journaling & Mood Tracking
Reflection is a big part of Finch. The app gently encourages you to check in with your feelings each morning and night. In the morning, you can log your mood (which also energizes your pet for its adventures), and in the evening you’re prompted to note something you’re grateful for or write a short journal entry. Finch’s journal feature lets you freely write or even “rant” to get things off your chest bustle.com – it’s private, so you can be honest without worry. Over time, the app’s Insights section compiles your mood and journal data to spot trends (for example, you might notice you feel happier on days you get outside). It’s a helpful way to become more aware of what lifts you up or brings you down. Plus, journaling or expressing gratitude in Finch gives your bird a boost, reinforcing the habit of emotional self-care.
Social Sharing & Community Vibes
Even though Finch is a single-player experience, it has some light social features to help you feel connected. You can add your real-life friends to the app by exchanging a friend code – there’s no public feed or chat, but once connected, you can see each other’s pet profiles and send supportive Good Vibes. Sending a vibe might trigger a cute message in your friend’s app (like your Finch giving them a hug or a bow of gratitude). These small interactions build a sense of community and accountability. Importantly, it’s all very safe (there’s no direct messaging or browsing strangers’ profiles) internetmatters.org – so you only interact with people you choose. Outside the app, Finch users have formed an enthusiastic “Finch Fam” community on platforms like Discord and Instagram, where they share pet dress-up screenshots and encourage each other. Whether you participate in the wider community or just stick with in-app friends, Finch makes self-care feel a little less lonely and a lot more fun.
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How Finch Keeps You Motivated
There’s real psychology behind Finch’s fun approach. By turning tasks into a game, Finch uses positive reinforcementto build good habits. Every time you complete a goal, you get instant rewards – a happy reaction from your pet, a shower of virtual confetti, coins to spend – which gives your brain a little dopamine boost. These micro-wins might seem small, but over time they add up to big progress. Ever notice how doing one small productive thing can snowball into a great day? Finch taps into that effect: check off one tiny task in the morning and you’ll feel more encouraged to tackle another. It helps you create daily rituals (like a morning check-in or a bedtime reflection) that soon feel second nature.
Another key to Finch’s success is that it stays guilt-free. Unlike some self-improvement apps that scold you for breaking a streak or missing a day, Finch takes a compassionate approach. Your Finch will never scowl or “die” if you neglect the app for a while – in fact, the developers ensured pets never die because that would cause anxiety. If you skip a day, your bird simply waits for you, no drama attached. This design is huge for users who struggle with mental health; the last thing you need is an app making you feel worse. Finch manages to motivate without resorting to shame or fear of failure. It’s more like a gentle friend than a drill sergeant, celebrating what you did do instead of focusing on what you didn’t.
Crucially, Finch makes you want to come back each day. Not out of obligation, but because you care about your cheerful little bird and the way the app makes you feel. Many people get surprisingly attached – “I can’t let my Finch down!” – and as a result, they find themselves more consistently completing tasks. As one report noted, users often become beholden to their digital pet and end up more productive in real life. By meeting you where you are and providing constant encouragement, Finch turns self-care from a chore into something you actually look forward to. That kind of sustainable motivation is a game-changer for anyone trying to build healthier habits. As one user aptly put it, “With Finch, I feel like I’m being cared for by my Finch, and in return I care more for myself.” That kind of emotional support makes a huge difference on tough days.
Real User Experiences & Reviews
With such a unique approach, it’s no surprise that Finch has struck a chord with users around the world. The app has an almost cult following among those seeking gentle mental health support – it maintains near perfect ratings (around 4.9 out of 5 stars on app stores) and heartfelt reviews in the hundreds of thousands. Browsing through user feedback, a few themes pop up again and again: increased motivation, feeling emotionally supported, and finally sticking to routines that never stuck before. Many people say Finch succeeded where other wellness apps failed. For example, one Android user confessed, “I’ve never been able to stick to routines until now.” Another wrote, “This app is adorable and contagiously helpful. It’s the only self-care app that’s actually helped me.” When you see review headlines calling Finch a “lifesaver” or “game changer,” they’re often not exaggerating – for someone struggling with daily self-care, having this pocket-sized cheerleader can make all the difference.
Users frequently mention how Finch fits seamlessly into their lives. People with ADHD or anxiety appreciate that it’s engaging without being overwhelming, and that it provides structure in a friendly way. “I have ADHD, OCD, and an anxiety disorder… Finch helps me not just with tasks but makes me feel like I’m being cared for by my pet,” shared one App Store reviewer. On tough days, knowing their Finch is “waiting” for them has helped users get out of bed or take a shower when they otherwise might not have. The community aspect amplifies this positivity – many users invite close friends or family to join, and they trade encouraging vibes or compare their pet’s cute outfits. Some have even formed support groups on Reddit and Discord to celebrate micro-wins (like finally tackling that pile of laundry) and share tips. In a world of hyper-competitive wellness challenges, Finch’s supportive community feels like a warm hug.
Of course, not every review is glowing – a few users have their gripes (we’ll cover those next) – but the overwhelming sentiment is positive. Finch’s gentle, playful strategy has genuinely helped people build habits and feel better day-to-day. As one reviewer summed up, Finch was the only self-care app that ever truly worked for them – a sentiment many others share. It’s inspiring to see an app spark such real improvements in users’ lives, and it suggests Finch is onto something truly special in the digital wellness space.
Pros & Cons of Using Finch
No app is perfect – here’s a quick look at where Finch shines and where it has some room to improve:
Pros of Finch
- Truly no ads: Finch doesn’t interrupt you with advertisements at all, not even in the free version. This makes for a blissfully distraction-free experience.
- Adorable & motivating design: The pet and visuals are extremely cute and uplifting, which turns chores into something fun. It’s hard not to smile when your finch celebrates your win.
- Great for ADHD & anxiety: The gamified, low-pressure approach works especially well for people with ADHD, depression, or anxiety who struggle with traditional self-care apps. Finch keeps things engaging without overload.
- Generous free content: The free tier of Finch includes almost everything – habit tracking, mood check-ins, basic exercises, journaling, etc. You can benefit a lot without paying a cent, and there are no feature limitations that stop your progress if you stay free.
- Supportive community vibe: Whether it’s adding friends in-app or lurking in the Finch Discord, the tone around Finch is very positive and inclusive. The app’s prompts and messages are encouraging rather than pushy, which users love.
- Privacy respected: There’s no public feed and your journal entries are private by default. Finch also doesn’t require you to share data if you don’t want to, and the developers have a good reputation for not being data-grabby.
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Cons of Finch
- Initial learning curve: Because Finch has so many features, the interface can feel a bit overwhelming at first. It takes a few days to learn where everything is (journeys, goals, shop, etc.), and some users wished it were more streamlined.
- Gamification not optional: If you aren’t into the whole virtual pet thing, there’s no way to turn off those elements. You can’t really use Finch just as a plain habit tracker – the gameful design is baked in (which is a con only for those who dislike it).
- Not ideal for irregular schedules: Finch works best if you check in daily or almost daily. If your routine is very unpredictable or you know you won’t use the app regularly, you might not get the full benefit (and you’ll miss your pet!). There are streak bonuses that encourage daily use, which can be a downside for some.
- Premium price (especially on Android): While the free version is robust, the optional Finch Plus subscription is pricey. On iOS it’s about $15/year, but on Android it’s around $69.99/year – a huge difference that many users find unfair. Hopefully the pricing gap will be addressed in the future.
- Minor text quirks: A few bits of the app’s text and dialogue feel awkward or translated (for example, sending a hug to a friend yields a message that your finch “came in with hugs and cuddles”). These don’t affect functionality, but they can be a little jarring or unintentionally funny.
- Limited deep customization: While you can customize your bird’s look, you can’t change the fundamental structure of the app (for instance, you can’t remove categories you don’t use, or adjust the pace of the pet’s growth). Some users in niche cases wish for more settings to tailor Finch to their exact needs.
On the whole, most of Finch’s downsides are pretty minor. Even users who voice criticisms usually continue to use and recommend the app – as they often note, the issues are “not a dealbreaker” given all the positives.
Pricing & Subscription Options
One of the best things about Finch is that it offers a lot for free. The app is free to download and use with no time limits – you get access to all the core features (daily goals, the pet, journal, breathing exercises, etc.) without paying. There’s an optional premium subscription called Finch Plus, but it’s not required to enjoy the app. In fact, many people stick with the free version indefinitely and feel it’s enough for their needs. Finch Plus mainly exists for those who want to support the developers and unlock some extra goodies.
Free Version
With the free tier of Finch, you can do quite a lot:
- Unlimited habit tracking: Create and check off as many daily goals as you want.
- Basic pet customization: Unlock and buy plenty of outfits and items for your Finch (there are hundreds available free; Plus just adds more exclusive ones).
- Mood journal and insights: Log your moods and write in your journal, then view basic insights about your emotional trends over time.
- Core exercises: Access all the standard breathing exercises, stretches, soundscapes, and the essential self-care activities in the app. (Only some advanced exercises are behind the paywall.)
- Social features: Add friends, send vibes, and participate in special in-app events (Finch occasionally has seasonal events) – all included free.
In short, the free Finch app is fully functional. You won’t hit a paywall for using it consistently, and there are no ads or pop-ups pressuring you to upgrade (the app might mention Plus features occasionally, but it’s low-key).
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Finch Plus Premium
Finch Plus is an optional upgrade that unlocks additional content for power users. It comes with a 7-day free trial so you can see if it’s worth it. The subscription price varies by platform – on Apple’s App Store it’s roughly $14.99 USD per year, while on Google Play it’s around $69.99 per year (a discrepancy many hope will be fixed). Prices and promotions can change, but it’s generally around $5–10 per month if not on sale. Here’s what Finch Plus offers:
- More self-care exercises: Over 100 additional guided exercises, breathing routines, meditations, and quizzes beyond the basics. Plus users get exclusive content like deeper relaxation sessions and special “journeys” tailored to goals (e.g. better sleep, self-confidence).
- Expanded pet and story content: Your virtual Finch gets more personality development and adventure storylines. You might see more variety in the stories your pet tells and unlock unique interactions that free users won’t see
- Extra customization: Exclusive outfits, accessories, and home decor items for your Finch become available in the shop with Plus. This is mostly cosmetic, but fun if you love dressing up your bird.
- Advanced insights: Finch Plus provides more detailed analytics about your moods, habits, and progress. For data lovers, the app’s charts and trends in the Insights section become even more granular with Plus.
Aside from these perks, Finch Plus is essentially a way to support the developers (Finch is made by a small team and even a public benefit corporation). If you’re using Finch every day and want more content, it might be worth the subscription – but casual users can absolutely get by on the free version alone. There’s no pressure to upgrade unless you’re curious. And if you do consider Plus, just be mindful of the platform-specific pricing so you’re not surprised.
Areas for Improvement
While Finch is beloved by many, no app is without its flaws. Based on user feedback and our own observations, here are a few areas where Finch could improve or features users would love to see:
- Smoother onboarding & interface: New users can be overwhelmed by the app’s many sections. A more guided tutorial or a simplified home screen (especially for those first few days) could help people get the hang of Finch faster. Streamlining some menus and clarifying the UI would make the experience even more accessible.
- Flexible gamification settings: Some users have requested the ability to tone down or customize the game elements (for instance, turning off streak tracking or the pet animations if they become distracting). Having options to adjust notifications, streak reminders, or even a “minimal mode” could cater to folks who want a simpler habit tracker on some days.
- Unified pricing model: The stark difference in Finch Plus pricing between iOS and Android has caused frustration. Aligning the cost across platforms (and perhaps offering a monthly plan or more affordable tiers) would alleviate this concern and feel fairer to the community.
- Localization and polish: As Finch grows, polishing up minor language quirks and adding more language support would be great. The team could refine some in-app text that comes across oddly and ensure every user – no matter their region – feels at home using Finch.
- More personalization: Down the line, users would appreciate even deeper customization – not just in clothing for the pet, but in the app experience itself. Ideas floating around include choosing different pet species, customizing the app’s color theme, or selecting which self-care categories appear (for example, hiding exercises someone never uses). These tweaks could make Finch feel even more your own.
The good news is that the Finch developers seem open to feedback. They actively engage with the community on Discord and social media, and they’ve indicated that user suggestions help shape their roadmap. Since launching in 2021, Finch has already added features and improvements based on what users want. So, many of the above areas may well be addressed in future updates – the app is evolving just as our pet birds are!
Comparing Finch to Other Self-Care Apps
Finch is quite unique, but it’s not the only wellness app out there. How does it stack up against some other popular self-care tools?
- Headspace: Focused primarily on meditation and mindfulness, Headspace offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and courses on stress relief. Unlike Finch, it doesn’t gamify habits or have a pet – it’s a more traditional (and more serious) approach. Headspace might be better if you want structured meditation training, whereas Finch covers a broader range of daily habits with a playful twist. (Some dedicated users actually use both – Headspace for meditation practice and Finch for everything else.)
- Fabulous: Fabulous is another habit-forming app that uses gamification, but in a different way. It takes you on “journeys” with themed habit programs (for example, a guided multi-week routine to boost your morning energy). It’s visually beautiful and motivational, but less playful than Finch – there’s no pet, and the tone is more like a life coach. Fabulous can be great if you want a structured program with storytelling, while Finch is more free-form and casual. Both apps have subscriptions for full content.
- Aloe Bud: Aloe Bud is a lightweight self-care reminder app popular among teens for its gentle approach. It sends you cute push notifications to remind you to drink water, take breaks, etc., and you check-in when you’ve done them. Aloe Bud has a pastel, minimalistic vibe and no intense gamification – it’s simpler than Finch, with no virtual pet or point system. It’s ideal if you want ultra-minimal tracking. However, Aloe Bud lacks the depth and interactive fun that Finch provides. Think of Aloe Bud as a quiet friend nudging you, while Finch is a playful friend actively celebrating with you.
In the end, choosing a self-care app comes down to personal preference. Finch stands out for its game-like feel and emotional support, whereas apps like Headspace excel at meditation and apps like Fabulous provide step-by-step habit coaching. Some users combine multiple apps to cover all their wellness bases. But if you’re someone who craves a bit of fun and companionship in your routine, Finch offers something truly special that most others don’t – a sense of friendship on your self-care journey.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Sticking to self-care can be tough, but the Finch self care app shows that a little creativity – and a cute feathery friend – can make a big difference. By transforming mundane tasks into a nurturing game, Finch helps you celebrate small victories and build positive habits day by day. It’s not going to solve all your problems overnight, but it will remind you that every glass of water or five-minute walk is a win worth cheering.
In a world where burnout and anxiety are all too common, Finch offers a spark of joy and accountability. It brings out our compassionate side – you start taking care of a tiny bird, and realize you’re really taking care of yourself. For many users, that has been a transformative shift in perspective. What once felt like a lonely, draining routine becomes more like an ongoing quest with a supportive sidekick.
Of course, everyone’s needs are different. Finch might feel a bit whimsical for some tastes, and that’s okay. But if you’ve read this far, chances are the idea of a self-care Tamagotchi made you smile. If you’re looking for a fresh, heartwarming way to stay on track with daily self-care, it might be worth letting Finch flutter into your life. Sometimes, a little bird encouragement can transform your day – and over time, your life’s trajectory. At the very least, you’ll gain a new digital friend who genuinely wants to see you thrive. And who couldn’t use a friend like that on the journey to better well-being?
In the bigger picture, Finch is a reminder that technology can be used to nurture rather than nag – a trend we hope to see more of in the digital wellness space. Ultimately, the success of Finch suggests that blending self-care with play can truly resonate – perhaps because caring for something (even a virtual bird) helps us learn to care for ourselves more kindly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Finch self care app?
Finch is a wellness app (available on iOS and Android) where you take care of a cute virtual pet by taking care of yourself. In other words, it’s a self-care tracker that turns your real-life habit goals (drinking water, exercising, etc.) into a game of nurturing a little bird. By completing daily self-care tasks, you help your Finch grow and stay happy. It’s like a Tamagotchi combined with a habit tracker – designed to make building healthy routines more fun and rewarding. - Is Finch free or do I have to pay?
The core app is free. You can download Finch and use it indefinitely without paying. The free version includes all the main features (daily goals, mood tracking, breathing exercises, journaling, etc.). There is an optional premium subscription called Finch Plus that adds extra content (more exercises, outfits, quizzes, etc.), but it’s not necessary for a good experience. Finch Plus costs around $5–10 per month (with a free trial) and is totally optional. - Can Finch help with ADHD or anxiety?
Many users with ADHD, anxiety, or other mental health challenges say yes – Finch can be very helpful. The app’s design provides gentle structure and positive reinforcement, which can make it easier to stick to routines compared to more rigid apps. Finch doesn’t replace professional help, but as a daily motivator and mood booster, it’s especially good for neurodivergent folks who need a playful, low-pressure system to stay on track. - Will my Finch die if I don’t use the app for a while?
No – your Finch will never die. The developers intentionally designed the pets so that they won’t die or get sick from neglect. If you take a break from the app, your bird simply pauses its growth and waits for you to come back. (It might get “restless” and send a notification to check in, but it will be just as happy to see you whenever you return.) Finch avoids guilt-tripping; it wants to support you, not punish you. - Is my data safe with Finch?
Yes. Finch does not show ads or sell your personal data. Your journal entries and personal reflections stay private (only you can see them, unless you choose to share something). The app also has no open social network – you can only add people you know via code – which means strangers can’t contact you through Finch. It’s also rated for all ages (PEGI 3), so its content is family-friendly. - How is Finch different from other self-care apps?
Finch stands out because of its gamified pet element and its broad approach to self-care. Unlike meditation apps (e.g. Headspace) that focus only on mindfulness, or habit apps that are basically to-do lists, Finch combines many aspects (habits, mood, relaxation techniques) into one experience – and makes it feel like you’re adventuring with a friend. The virtual pet adds an emotional layer of motivation that most other apps don’t have. If you thrive on positive reinforcement and a bit of fun, Finch will likely appeal to you more than a strictly serious wellness app.