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.
Quitting right now? Blou for iPhone shows your own recovery, day by day.Choose Blou if…
- You want a clean, visual tracker on iPhone.
- You're motivated by health milestones (see what happens after 1 week) and seeing your own recovery in photos and lung checks.
- You want SOS craving help that is there the second a craving hits.
- You prefer a minimal daily habit loop rather than broad tip-of-the-day content.
- You're fine with a subscription once the free trial ends; nothing in Blou works without one.
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 a subscription with a free trial; nothing in the app works without an active subscription.
- Platforms: quitSTART (iOS + Android). Blou (iPhone only for now).
- 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 showing your own recovery: a photo timeline, lung checks, SOS craving help, and every milestone on one visual timeline.
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 an iPhone subscription app (with a free trial) focused on showing your own recovery: a photo timeline, lung checks, SOS craving help, and every milestone on one visual timeline. If you need something free, quitSTART is the better pick.
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.
Blou for iPhone
See your own recovery, not an average
Guides tell you what usually happens. Blou shows what is happening to you, from your first smoke-free day.
Photo timeline
See your face change over time in one photo timeline.
Lung checks
Simple breath checks that show your lungs getting stronger.
SOS craving help
Instant help the second a craving hits.
Every milestone visualized
Watch your whole journey unfold on one visual timeline.
On a computer? Scan with your iPhone camera to open Blou in the App Store.
iPhone · Free trial, then a subscription. Cancel anytime in the App Store.