Comparison

Pulse vs Anchor

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Pulse

This app helps you build and maintain daily routines with customizable tracking and Home Screen widgets. Monitor progress, set reminders, and view statistics without needing an account or dealing with ads. Your data remains private and on your device.

Highlights
  • Home Screen widgets for quick tracking
  • Flexible daily, weekly, and monthly goal tracking
  • Progress statistics and streak monitoring
  • Customizable reminders
  • Data export to CSV
  • Light and dark mode support
Features
Read full description

Check off habits without opening the app. Pulse is the private habit tracker built around interactive Home Screen widgets. See today's routines at a glance, check them off in one tap, and stay consistent without an account, ads, or data collection. GOALS THAT FIT REAL LIFE Choose the schedule that matches each routine: • Every day • Selected days of the week • A flexible number of times per week • A flexible number of times per month ONE-TAP HOME SCREEN WIDGETS Add Pulse widgets to your Home Screen to: • Check off habits without opening the app • See what still needs attention today • Review your week at a glance • Stay focused without another distracting feed CALM, USEFUL PROGRESS • Current and best streaks • 7-, 30-, and 90-day completion rates • Activity history and consistency insights • Editable past check-ins • Gentle reminders at the time you choose PRIVATE BY DESIGN • No account required • No ads • No habit-data uploads • Your habit data stays on your device • CSV export for a personal backup Pulse is ideal for morning routines, exercise, hydration, reading, study, meditation, journaling, and any goal that benefits from a simple daily check-in. Start with a free 14-day trial and build a routine that works in real life. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://pulsehabit.app/privacy

About

Anchor

Features
Read full description

Anchor helps you focus on what actually matters. Start a timed focus session, automatically block the apps that distract you, and prove you really showed up by tapping an NFC tag at your desk or study spot. Anchor turns intention into a habit you can see. FOCUS SESSIONS • Choose a simple countdown or the Pomodoro method. • Set your own duration and daily focus goal. • Stay locked in until your session ends. BLOCK DISTRACTIONS • Pick the apps you want to shield during a session. • Opening a blocked app shows a calm reminder until you finish. • Get back to work without the pull of notifications. TAP TO BEGIN • Scan an NFC tag to verify you're physically where you meant to be. • A small ritual that makes starting feel intentional. SEE YOUR PROGRESS • Track focus streaks, focus hours, and a daily focus score. • Review your history and weekly trends. • Get personalized AI insights and smart suggestions on when you focus best. STAY ON TRACK • Optional reminders to start a session and protect your streak. • Sync sessions to your calendar so focus time lives alongside your day. Anchor is built for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to reclaim their attention. Stay anchored to what matters.

Screenshots

Pulse4 screens
Anchor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Anchor at none against Pulse's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Pulse sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Anchor asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pulse ships an update weekly, Anchor every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 5, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 7 level
Pulse versus Anchor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPulseAnchor
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAri AparikyanNourin Awad

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Pulse

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Annual$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$99.99
None

Anchor

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pulse free?
Pulse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anchor free?
Anchor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pulse or Anchor have ads?
Neither Pulse nor Anchor shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pulse or Anchor?
Pulse ships an update weekly, and Anchor every 4 days. Most recently, Pulse was updated on October 5, 2026 and Anchor on October 5, 2026.

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