4 Free Apps to Quit Smoking: What You Can Use and What Extras You Pay For
Transparency: BreatheFree is made by AppRadar, the publisher of this website.
If you're looking for an app to quit smoking without adding another expense to your budget, it's worth looking at more than just the download button. An app might offer free use, optional purchases, or a trial that later converts to a paid plan.
In this selection, we've placed BreatheFree first, followed by quitSTART, QuitNow, and Smoke Free. The focus is on the access model: what starting for free means and what you should check if you want to upgrade to more features.
Quick Answer: BreatheFree lets you use the app for free and offers optional one-time-payment extras. quitSTART is free. QuitNow and Smoke Free combine free access with Pro features; review the plan terms before subscribing.
How we organised this comparison
The order is editorial and considers three aspects: the possibility of starting for free, the payment method for extras, and the usefulness of the approach for those who want to control their budget. It is not a ranking based on clinical results or user ratings.
The comparison uses official documentation, not a practical test of all features. When the breakdown between free and Pro is not sufficiently clear, we indicate this instead of assuming everything in the commercial description is free.
Summary: Free Access and Paid Options
| Rank and app | Free Access | If you want to upgrade | What to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. BreatheFree | Can be used without paying | Optional one-time-payment extras, no subscription | Features included in each tier and local pricing |
| 2. quitSTART | Free app | Official page does not feature a Pro plan | Language and availability in your store |
| 3. QuitNow | Free version with ads | Pro; Their current FAQ describes the subscription. | Specific offer, renewal, and possible alternative options |
| 4. Smoke Free | Free features | Pro options with additional features | Purchase options, duration, and conditions |
Sources: fact sheets and documentation from the developers of each application. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
1. BreatheFree: free to use, with optional extras for a one-off payment
BreatheFree tops this selection for those who want to start for free and retain the option to upgrade with a one-time payment. It's available on iPhone and Android.
Its iPhone listing describes tracking smoke-free time, estimated savings, a journal, and resources for cravings. Not all features are included at no cost: Pro expands access to tools and content. [1]
Highlights: You can use the app for free. If you choose the additional features, the upgrade is optional, a one-time payment, and not a subscription, for approximately the price of two packs of cigarettes. Confirm the price in your country.
Before upgrading: check which tool you need and if it's already available in the free version. You don't need to buy extras to get started.
View BreatheFree for iPhone · View BreatheFree for Android
2. quitSTART: A Free Option from Smokefree.gov
quitSTART offers personalised tips, challenges, badges, and progress tracking at no cost. It's a product of Smokefree.gov, a resource of the U.S. National Cancer Institute developed in collaboration with the FDA. [2]
What stands out: Its official offering is free and doesn't have a Pro upgrade. Therefore, it's worth considering if your main requirement is not to subscribe to paid features.
Before choosing it: Check the language. The Spanish listing on the App Store indicates English; just because an app appears in a Spanish store doesn't mean its interface is translated. [6]
See quitSTART and its download links
3. QuitNow: Free version with Pro upgrade
QuitNow offers a free version with ads and a Pro option that removes ads. Their terms cover purchases from stores and their website. [3]
Key takeaways: You can first evaluate the free access before deciding if you need to upgrade.
Before you pay: Their current FAQ presents Pro as a subscription, while the terms also cover lifetime purchases. Don't assume an old offer is still available: the valid option is the one shown on the purchase screen. [3] [4]
4. Smoke Free: Free access and advanced tools in Pro
Smoke Free distinguishes between free and Pro features. Its documentation places tools like the support chatbot, craving analysis, and daily missions in the Pro version. [5]
Highlights: It allows you to consider upgrading if you later seek the tools that its documentation reserves for Pro.
Before paying: Check the plan offered on your device. Its FAQ explains subscription cancellation and also mentions possible one-time payments; it's incorrect to present all its options as a single offer. [5]
See Smoke Free's features and terms
Free, free trial, and one-time payment: they don't mean the same thing
To compare apps using the same criteria, separate these concepts:
- Free download: Installing the app is free, but that alone doesn't describe what you can do afterward.
- Free use: You can use certain features without subscribing to a paid plan.
- Free trial: Temporary access under specific conditions; check what happens when it ends.
- One-time payment: A purchase with no recurring charges for what the offer includes.
- Subscription: Access tied to paid periods; check the duration and renewal.
An app with free use may also offer optional subscriptions. And a one-time payment upgrade doesn't automatically make all its current or future features free.
Which to choose if you want to avoid another subscription
If you want to start for free and upgrade without fees, BreatheFree is the top choice in this selection. If you prefer a free option without an advertised Pro level, consider quitSTART and check that its language suits you.
With QuitNow and Smoke Free, first decide if the free access covers your needs. If you plan to upgrade, read the purchase summary before confirming.
To compare apps by features beyond price, see our overall ranking of smoking cessation apps. If you want to put any optional purchases into perspective, you can calculate how much money you save by quitting smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BreatheFree be used for free?
Yes. Free use does not require you to purchase the upgrade. Additional features are optional and offered through a one-time payment, without a subscription.
Are all four apps completely free?
No. All options in this comparison are free to access, but BreatheFree, QuitNow, and Smoke Free also offer paid features. quitSTART is presented as a free app.
Which one offers extras without a monthly fee?
BreatheFree offers a one-time paid upgrade. For other apps, check the offer in your app store and avoid relying solely on old reviews.
Does paying more mean I'll quit smoking sooner?
This comparison does not demonstrate a relationship between price and results. The cost and features don't allow us to promise individual results.
Should I buy Pro from day one?
It's not necessary to start with free access. You can first assess which tool you would use and then decide if upgrading is worthwhile.
Start with what you need today
Choose a free option that suits your needs and review the extras when you know what you want to add. If your priority is avoiding recurring payments, BreatheFree lets you start for free and optionally upgrade with a single payment.
Discover BreatheFree on the App Store · Discover BreatheFree on Google Play
Informative comparison. An app does not replace the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Sources and scope
Documentation consulted on November 6, 2026. Conditions may change depending on the country, platform, and offer. No invented stars or success rates have been assigned.