Finch: Nurture Yourself and Grow Your Virtual Pet

Editors’ Choice celebrates the very best apps and games—handpicked by App Store Editors around the world.

Who would’ve guessed the trick to making our healthy habits stick would be...an adorable virtual pet! For nearly three years (and counting!), Finch’s fun menagerie of bird buddies has kept us consistently tidying our space, firing up our language-learning app, and taking a few minutes to journal.

We knew we loved it when: We saw how simple, positive actions—like simply brushing our teeth in the morning or smiling at someone who looks sad—grew our virtual pet, Beepo. The more good we did, the more Beepo blossomed, and the more we were able to lavish on it, eventually building it an outer space–inspired home. (Yes, those are planets outside the window!)

Our favorite discovery: That Finch takes your whole being into account. When you share how you’re feeling, the app has the right resources for the moment. Not feeling quite 100 percent? The app might suggest a breathing exercise or taking a moment to rant (in writing!) in a safe space.

Biggest surprise: How good it feels to share positive and very specific vibes with friends who are using the app. Finch keeps it low-pressure. Tap a button to beam them some strength, comfort, kudos, gratitude, calm, or just a virtual glass of water.