Comparison
Blou vs quitSTART
We make Blou, so we're not neutral. quitSTART is a free, CDC-backed app with broad appeal. This page compares them so you can decide which one fits your quitting style.
Choose Blou if…
- You want a clean, visual tracker on iPhone.
- You're motivated by health milestones (see what happens after 1 week) and concrete savings figures.
- You want fast craving support: a timer and a single replacement action you can run in under 3 minutes.
- You prefer a minimal daily habit loop rather than broad tip-of-the-day content.
Choose quitSTART if…
- You want a completely free app with no paid features—ever.
- You need Android support today.
- You value government-backed health messaging and want tips from the Surgeon General's office.
- You like daily challenges and distraction games built into the app experience.
Feature differences at a glance
- Cost: quitSTART is free. Blou is free to download with optional premium features.
- Platforms: quitSTART (iOS + Android). Blou (iOS only in 2026; Android waitlist open).
- Backing: quitSTART is developed with NCI support. Blou is an independent app built by a small team.
- Focus: quitSTART provides tips, challenges, and mood logs. Blou focuses on daily tracking, craving speed, and milestone/savings visualization.
Whichever app you choose, pair it with a clear plan for your top smoking cues. See how to quit smoking and the 7-day prep checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is quitSTART a good app?
quitSTART is developed by the U.S. Surgeon General's office and is completely free. It provides tips, challenges, and mood/craving tracking. It's a solid starting point, especially for first-time quitters who want a government-backed resource with no cost.
Is Blou better than quitSTART?
They serve slightly different goals. quitSTART is free and officially backed—good for foundational tips and logging. Blou is focused on visual progress, fast craving support, and savings milestones. Try Blou if you want a cleaner daily tracking experience on iPhone.
Is quitSTART free?
Yes, quitSTART is completely free on both iOS and Android. It was developed with support from the National Cancer Institute and is designed to be accessible to everyone.
Which app should I use if I've tried quitting before and failed?
Multiple attempts before success is normal—most people who successfully quit tried several times first. The key is learning from previous attempts: what triggered relapse, and how to address those cues next time. See our guide on trying to quit again.
Can I use both apps at the same time?
You can, though tracking in two places can create friction. Most people do better with one consistent app they open every day. Choose the one that matches how you think about progress.
Canonical: https://tryblou.com/blou-vs-quitstart
4.8 on the App Store
from 420+ quitters
iOS · Free to download