After exploring over 20 options, I’ve identified the six best mindful drinking apps. These top choices offer features like alcohol and mood tracking, social support, and educational resources about the effects of mindful drinking. While Reframe stands out for its 1:1 coaching services, the other apps also provide excellent self-guided tools to support your journey.
Editor’s Note
We regularly review and update our content to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information. In this round of updates, pricing changes for Reframe and Sunnyside are noted. Reframe remains our pick for Best Overall Mindful Drinking App.
Our Favorite Mindful Drinking Apps
- Best Overall - Reframe | Read review
- Best Free App - Try Dry | Read review
- Best Drink Tracker - Sunnyside | Read review
- Best App With Gamification - Less | Read review
- Best for Peer Support - Dry Days | Read review
- Best for Overall Wellness - WEConnect | Read review
Best Apps at a Glance
Below are our top six picks for the best mindful drinking apps.
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Personalized programs -
Tools to manage cravings
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No free version -
Hidden fees
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Content is free -
Includes extra tracking tools
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No peer support -
Limited educational content
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Can use SMS to log drinks -
Includes extra tracking tools
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No free content
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Fun gamification approach -
Content is free -
Easy to log drinks
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Limited to Apple devices -
No peer support
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All content is free -
Includes drink tracking tools
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Navigation can be challenging -
Interface feels outdated
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Free version has unlimited support groups -
Daily access to virtual meetings
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Limited to Apple devices -
Drink limits aren’t customizable
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Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com are fair, honest, thorough, and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed App Reviews
Below you can read more about the top mindful drinking apps that made our list.
- Price: $100 annually
- Coaching/1:1 Support? Yes
- Peer Support? Yes
- Habit Tracking? Yes
- Platform: iOS & Android
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
Reframe stands out as the most comprehensive mindful drinking app, offering live coaching and peer support. Its robust tracking tools and tailored programs earned it our title for Best Overall.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Tailored programs to help manage drinking habits
- Features tools and playlists designed to curb cravings
- Easy onboarding with clear, step-by-step instructions
- Offers daily virtual meetings through Zoom
- Utilizes science-based methods for effective results
Cons - No free version is available
- Subscription fees lack transparency
- Navigating options for meetings, groups, and coaching can be overwhelming
- Additional courses require in-app credit purchases
- Limited information on the credentials or background of Reframe coaches
Cost
Reframe app cost starts at $100 annually for the base subscription, which includes a seven-day free trial. The app also offers a range of additional coaching packages depending on the level of support you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- 1:1 Coaching ($249.99 monthly or $79.99 per session): The monthly plan includes three 45-minute live sessions and unlimited messaging with a coach. Individual sessions provide a single 45-minute live session.
- Group Coaching ($49.99 monthly): Participate in weekly 60-minute live sessions with a coach and other users.
- Messaging Only ($99.99 monthly): Unlimited messaging with a coach, but no live sessions included.
To learn more about Reframe and the full pricing structure, check out our in-depth review of Reframe.
Overview
Reframe was named our Best Overall Mindful Drinking App for its diverse support options, educational resources, and interactive meetings. The program starts with a detailed onboarding questionnaire to tailor the experience to each user. Its Daily Task section provides science-based tools, including check-ins, readings, and activities, to help users better understand and manage their relationship with alcohol.
Our team found that Reframe offers a well-rounded approach to mindful drinking support. The app includes a “Toolkit” filled with strategies to manage cravings and essential coping tools such as meditations, games, and breathing exercises. Users can even access a cravings playlist for additional support while exploring the app.
Reframe also provides daily virtual meetings via Zoom, hosted by trained coaches, as well as community message boards where members can share experiences and insights. The wealth of resources and educational articles left our reviewers feeling more confident and empowered in their mindful drinking journey.
To learn more, check out our in-depth review of Reframe.
- Price: Free
- Coaching/1:1 Support? Yes, in the UK
- Peer Support? No
- Habit Tracking? Yes, through Facebook
- Platform: iOS & Android
- Free Trial? N/A
Try Dry is a mobile app created for the Dry January challenge, but it goes beyond the month to support mindful drinking year-round. Offering a range of valuable tools and features entirely free of charge, it earned recognition as the Best Free Mindful Drinking App for its robust functionality and user-friendly design.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Completely free to use
- Tracks extra metrics like money saved, calories avoided, sleep, energy, and mood
- Includes a journaling feature for personal notes
- Simplifies progress tracking
Cons - No peer support options, such as community forums
- Minimal educational content
- In-person support is restricted to the U.K.
Cost
TryDry is completely free to download and use.
Overview
Try Dry’s “Dashboard” serves as the central hub, displaying key stats like your dry days for the week, month, or year, along with the calories and money saved during your mindful drinking journey.
To log a drink, navigate to the “Calendar” section, select a day, and choose from three options: dry, drank, or drank as planned. The “drank as planned” option stands out by distinguishing between planned and unplanned drinking days. After logging, the app prompts users with questions about their experience, such as the type and quantity of drink consumed, and its impact on mood, energy, sleep, and cravings.
Try Dry also includes a “Notes” section for journal-like entries, encouraging users to reflect on their overall well-being. Our team was impressed by how the app blends detailed tracking with personal insights, making it a standout free tool for mindful drinking.
- Price:$12 – $36 monthly
- Coaching/1:1 Support? Yes, through text message.
- Peer Support? Yes
- Habit Tracking? Yes
- Platform: iOS & Android
- Free Trial? Yes, 15 days
The Sunnyside app stands out as a user-friendly alcohol tracking app that combines educational content, personalized coaching, and easy-to-use tracking tools. Its unique text message-based system helps users stay accountable to their drinking goals, making Sunnyside a top choice for those looking to build healthier habits around alcohol.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Includes a free 15-day trial
- Log drinks and connect with coaches via text message
- Offers various tracking tools for daily alcohol intake
- Sends daily text reminders to track consumption
- Features a community space for interaction with users and coaches Cons
Cons - No free content after the trial period
- Requires a week of data to establish baseline goals
- Lacks rewards for progress or goal achievement
Cost
The Sunnyside app costs $12 monthly, $29 quarterly, or $99.99 annually. There is a 15-day free trial available with any subscription plan.
To learn more about pricing, check out our in-depth review of Sunnyside.
Overview
Sunnyside earned our title of Best Drink Tracker thanks to its innovative use of text messaging to log drinks quickly. Perfect for busy individuals or those new to mindful drinking, Sunnyside simplifies tracking by allowing users to log their drink intake via text. Our team also found that the coaching texts sent were extremely helpful for remembering to log our daily drinks.
Coaches are readily available to provide support, offering tips for managing cravings, building coping skills, and celebrating milestones. The app strikes a balance between offering strong support and avoiding overwhelm.
Our team found Sunnyside’s approach to tracking daily drinking habits both simple and effective. It provided clear insights into drinking patterns, while daily reminders and motivational texts from coaches helped maintain focus and drive. We appreciated that 1:1 support is easily within reach.
To learn more, check out our in-depth review of Sunnyside.
- Price: Free
- Coaching/1:1 Support? No
- Peer Support? No
- Platform: iOS & Android
- Habit Tracking? Yes
The Less app is a mobile game that uses innovative gamification techniques to encourage mindful alcohol consumption. Its engaging approach makes tracking and reducing drinking habits both effective and enjoyable.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Completely free to use
- Intuitive interface with a modern, sleek design
- Motivates users with a unique sailing ship tool to encourage commitment
- Simplifies logging drinks and dry days while tracking overall progress
Cons - Limited to Apple devices only
- Lacks tracking for mood, sleep, or other wellness factors
- No peer support features like message boards or group meetings
- Does not offer one-on-one coaching from professionals
Cost
Less is completely free to download and use.
Overview
Our team was impressed with the Less app’s unique approach to mindful drinking, using gamification to keep users engaged and motivated. Its standout feature, an animated sailing ship, earned it the award for Best Mindful Drinking App with Gamification Techniques. While tracking drinks through a game might seem lighthearted, research shows that gamification can effectively encourage behavior changes around unhealthy habits.
By logging dry days and staying within weekly limits, users keep their ships sailing smoothly through calm seas. Missing logs or exceeding limits causes rough waters and storms, adding a visual cue to help users stay on track. The app also features a “Tips” section with articles, podcasts, and mocktail recipes to support mindful drinking.
Our reviewers found the animated ship and its playful captain to be a fun and effective way to stay committed, proving that mindful drinking can truly lead to smooth sailing.
- Price: Free
- Coaching/1:1 Support? No
- Peer Support? Yes
- Habit Tracking? Yes
- Free Trial? N/A
Dry Days is a completely free app designed for mindful drinking. I chose it as the Best Mindful Drinking App with Peer Support because of how simple it is to invite friends and collaborate on your mindful drinking journey together.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Completely free to use
- Offers sober challenges to share with friends
- Tracks extra metrics like money saved, calories avoided, sleep, energy, and mood
- Includes a notes section for personal journaling
Cons - The drink profile frequently freezes
- Navigation can be challenging at times
- Interface feels outdated and in need of improvement
- Lacks professional, one-on-one support
Cost
DryDays by Alcochange is completely free to download and use.
Overview
Dry Days earned our award for Best Mindful Drinking App with Peer Support for its seamless ability to connect users with friends and family to tackle mindful drinking together. Reducing alcohol consumption can be challenging, but sharing the journey with loved ones fosters accountability and motivation.
To invite friends to join Dry Days, simply access the main menu in the top-right corner and select “Share the App.” The app sends a text with sign-up instructions, making it easy for friends to get started.
The main dashboard tracks your progress using metrics like dry day streaks and money saved over the week, month, and year. For a fun comparison, the “Leaderboard” feature lets you see how your streaks stack up against friends. Meanwhile, the “My Journey” section logs daily data, including drink counts, sleep quality, energy, and mood, giving you a clear picture of your mindful drinking progress.
Practicing mindful drinking with the support of friends and family through Dry Days made staying committed to the sober curious lifestyle much easier for our reviewers.
- Price: $40 monthly or $350 annually
- Coaching/1:1 Support? No
- Peer Support? Yes, through live meetings but no message boards
- Habit Tracking? Yes
- Platform: iOS only
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
Pros & Cons
Pros - Free seven-day trial available
- Unlimited access to support groups in the free version
- Multiple daily virtual meetings offered
- Specialty meetings for specific groups, including LGBTQIA+, women, harm reduction, and family support
- Promotes self-care routines with integrated calendar tools
- Tracks sober days and meeting attendance
Cons - Only available on Apple devices
- Can’t customize your drink limit
- No peer support via message boards or meetings
- No 1:1 coaching support from professionals
- Lacks educational tools and lessons
Cost
WEConnect is available for $40 per month or $350 per year, with both plans offering one-on-one peer support and personalized wellness planning. A seven-day free trial is also included for new users to explore the app’s features.
Overview
Our team found WEConnect to be an excellent choice for individuals seeking additional support and comprehensive wellness tracking. The app promotes healthy habits by integrating self-care tasks and offering access to live support meetings. The free version provides tracking tools and unlimited group meetings, making it an accessible option for many users.
These meetings are scheduled throughout the day to accommodate different time zones and focus on a variety of topics, including mental health, workplace well-being, women’s support, LGBTQIA+ issues, family dynamics, and grief processing.
During our review, team members appreciated the live meetings and the app’s encouragement to maintain consistent self-care, making WEConnect a standout tool for mindful drinking and overall wellness.
See more of our insights in our full WEConnect review.
Compare the Best Mindful Drinking Apps
| Cost | $100 annually | Free | $12 – $36 monthly | Free | Free | $40 monthly |
| Free Trial? | Yes, 7 days | N/A | Yes, 15 days | N/A | N/A | Yes, 7 days |
| Coaching |  | Only in the U.K. |  |  |  |  |
| Peer Support |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Apple |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Android |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Companies We Considered
While reviewing the best apps for mindful drinking, we tried and researched a few additional options worth mentioning, even though they didn’t make our main list. If the apps highlighted above don’t quite fit your needs, here are two more mindful drinking apps to consider
Price: $9.99 monthly or $119.88 annually
Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
Coaching/1:1 Support? Yes
Peer Support? Yes
Habit Tracking? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
I Am Sober is a recovery-focused app designed to track sobriety, provide motivational messages, and connect users with a supportive community. While many of its tools and features are free, users can upgrade to I Am Sober Plus for additional resources at $9.99 per month or $119.88 per year. Currently, the annual plan is discounted to $39.99 and includes a seven-day free trial.
We did not include it in our main list due to its focus on sobriety, instead of mindful drinking. If you are looking to become sober from alcohol or other substances, read our guide on the best sobriety apps.
To learn more, read our in-depth I Am Sober review.
Price: $3.99 monthly
Free Trial? No
Coaching/1:1 Support? No
Peer Support? No
Habit Tracking? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
DrinkControl is a versatile mindful drinking app that offers a range of alcohol tracking features. Users can log the number of drinks, money spent, types of alcohol, and even the alcohol by volume (ABV). Its intuitive color-coded system simplifies daily tracking and helps users recognize drinking patterns over time.
Pricing options include $3.99 per month, $11.99 per year, or a one-time lifetime subscription for $24.99. However, it’s worth noting that the app does not offer a free trial.
Final Verdict
“Our team awarded Reframe the title of Best Overall Mindful Drinking App for its extensive range of tools and features. From live coaching sessions and group meetings to drink tracking, educational content, and a cravings mode, Reframe stood out as the most comprehensive option among the multiple apps we used, researched, and reviewed.
While Reframe topped our list, other apps excelled in specific areas. Sunnyside impressed us with its simplicity, allowing users to track their drinks effortlessly via text messages. For those who enjoy a more interactive approach, Less offered an engaging gamified experience for mindful drinking.
If you’re considering mindful drinking and want an app to help you track your progress, the options in this guide are a great place to start. Our team thoroughly tested each app to identify the best fit for different preferences and needs. While Reframe took the top spot, every app brought something unique to the table, catering to a variety of mindful drinking journeys.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean to Be Sober Curious?
If you’ve started exploring mindful drinking, you’ve likely encountered the term “sober curious.” This concept complements mindful drinking by encouraging a deep examination of your relationship with alcohol.
Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol, describes being sober curious as questioning the cultural norms around drinking and the motivations behind our choices to drink.1
Everyone’s sober curious journey is unique. For some, it may involve asking why they feel more comfortable drinking in social settings, while others may reflect on whether they need help for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It’s also about addressing common concerns, like, “Am I drinking too much?” or “What would my life look like without alcohol?”
This lifestyle trend has grown, especially in the U.S., where one in six adults report binge drinking, with 25% doing so weekly.1 The sober curious movement has helped many people reflect on their habits, question drinking culture, and validate concerns about alcohol consumption. While mindful drinking can lead to significant changes, total abstinence, or no changes at all, its purpose is to help individuals assess their relationship with alcohol and explore how changes might enhance their lives.
What is Mindful Drinking?
Mindful drinking means being aware of how much alcohol you consume and understanding its impact on your overall well-being and daily functioning.
What Are the Benefits of Mindful Drinking?
Practicing mindful drinking often leads to reduced alcohol consumption, which can improve sleep quality, boost energy, and strengthen the immune system. It may also alleviate alcohol-related issues such as headaches, high blood pressure, and liver health problems.
Additionally, cutting back on alcohol can positively influence emotional well-being, helping to reduce anxiety and depression. Many mindful drinkers also report a stronger sense of control over their decisions, thanks to increased awareness of their habits.3
Do Mindful Drinking Apps Work?
Yes, mindful drinking apps are effective in helping users reduce their alcohol consumption and build a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Is There a Free Drinking Moderation App?
Yes, there are several free apps for drink moderation, including Dry Days, Try Dry, and Less.
What is The Best App to Keep Track of Alcohol?
Reframe won our Best Overall Mindful Drinking App for its live support options, tracking tools, and comprehensive educational resources.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Warrington, R. (2018) Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol. Harper One.
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Binge Drinking. (2022, November 14). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
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Akers, W. (2020, April 10). What is Mindful Drinking? How it Can Help Your Mental Health. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-is-mindful-drinking
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Bassanelli, S. Et al. (2022, August). Gamification for behavior change: A scientometric review. Volume 228. Acta Psychologica. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000169182200172X
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Church, C. (2024, July 10). Reframe app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & my experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/reframe-app-review/
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Church, C. (2024, July 25). Sunnyside app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/sunnyside-app-review/
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Sprintis, R. (2024, July 19). Weconnect recovery app review: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/weconnect-recovery-app-review/
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Sprintis, R. (2024, July 18). I am sober app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/i-am-sober-app-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, Pys. D (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Moved Less (Best App with Gamification) higher on the list. Reconsidered all companies listed.
Author: Melissa Boudin, Pys. D (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and edited for improved readability and clarity. Updated pricing information throughout article (Reframe from $24.99 – $249.99 monthly to $100 monthly; Sunnyside from $12 monthly tp $12 – $36 monthly.)
Author: Melissa Boudin, Pys. D (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Drink Control
Author: Chelsey Church, MS (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Medical Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Fully rewrote the article and changed award categories and entries (Removed the “Best App with Medication Treatment Options” category; added “Best for Overall Wellness”)
Author: Randi Sprintis, MS (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Randi Sprintis, MS
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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