How to choose the best water reminder app for iPhone

By Mustafa Tarabya, founder of DT Nova · Published 25 October 2026

We make a water reminder app, WaterDrop, so read this with that in mind. Instead of a ranking we would obviously win, here is what the App Store shows today and the checks that decide whether an app survives your second week.

The field, as the App Store shows it

Numbers below were read from Apple's public App Store data (US store) on 25 October 2026. All are free to download with in-app purchases.

The big names are well loved; ratings alone will not separate them. The checks below will.

Six checks before you commit

1. Do reminders stop when you are done?

The fastest way to start ignoring a water reminder is to get one after you already hit your goal. Look for reminders that reset when you log and go quiet for the day once you reach it.

2. Can you log without opening the app?

A Home Screen widget with buttons, a Lock Screen or Control Center control, and an Apple Watch app turn logging into one tap. Check which of these are free.

3. Are your units right?

US and UK fluid ounces are different sizes. If you think in ounces, check that the app knows which ones.

4. Can you fix your history for free?

You will log a wrong amount or forget a glass. Editing and deleting past entries should not sit behind a paywall.

5. What does it do with your data?

Look for no account, entries kept on the device, and Apple Health as an option you switch on, not a requirement.

6. What is free, in writing?

Read the App Store description for an honest list of free and paid features and the price. If the price only appears after an onboarding quiz, that tells you something.

Where WaterDrop stands

WaterDrop passes all six on the free tier: reminders that stop at your goal, widget and Watch logging, US and UK ounces, free history editing, no account. It is new, with few ratings so far. If you try it, an honest rating helps more than you would think.