Review: NHS Quit Smoking App – A great App with scope for improvement.
By Alex Bradley, 5th June 2025.
I tested and reviewed the free NHS Quit Smoking App to see if It could help me kick the habit.
The NHS Quit Smoking app is a free, government-backed tool designed to support individuals on their journey to becoming smoke-free. Available for both Android and iOS, the app forms part of the NHS’s broader public health strategy and reflects their clinical, no-nonsense approach to smoking cessation. Here's a closer look at how it performs.
Pros:
1. Clear Structure and Guidance
The app offers a 28-day programme based on evidence that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. Each day unlocks new advice, motivational messages, and practical tips.
2. Tracking and Motivation Tools
The savings calculator is a great feature of the app. By logging your cigarettes not smoked and money saved, it offers a tangible sense of progress. I found this very helpful. I typically would spend just under £16 on a packet of 20 Lambert & Butler about every 2 days.
One of my main reasons for quitting was to save money so the progress section was brilliant as it clearly shows how much per cigarette this is and the cost everyday. it also calculated the weekly amount. I don't think smokers quite realise how much money they spend on something that ultimately has no value and could potentially kill them.
Another great motivational feature was the badges. For example, there are badges that you earn for the time you are smoke free, badges for your health improvement and money saved. It really is astounding how much money I've saved from quitting so the App does a really good job of keeping track of all these benefits.
The other thing I really like is each time you open up the App it asks if you have smoked today and if you haven't it tells you how many days you've been smoke free with a message of congratulations. I found the health improvement tracker and other tracking features of the app helpful and inspiring.
3. Personalisation and Daily Check-ins
I loved he ability to set a quit date, track cravings and record my reasons for quitting. These personal touches helped reinforce my motivation For example, you can select 'I want to improve my health' 'I want to save money' and/or 'I'm sick of smelling smoke'.
4. NHS Credibility and Safety
Being a government-produced app, there are no hidden costs, advertisements, or commercial agendas like many other apps that may be free or charge a subscription. As an NHS APP I was confident the information provided was underpinned by public health research and that I could trust the App.
What could be better......
Cons:
1. Limited Interactivity
The app lacks interactive features that many modern wellness apps offer—such as chatbots, community forums, or coaching access. I found it a bit lonely and felt it could be better if there was a character like the duo lingo app, duo the green owl.
2. Basic Design and Interface
While the app is functional, its design is somewhat dated and utilitarian. Compared to more modern health apps, I felt the visual appeal and user interface were slightly underdeveloped. I feel there's room for more engaging visuals, animations, and smoother transitions.
3. Craving Support Is Static
Though the app includes tips for handling cravings, they’re mostly pre-written suggestions rather than dynamic or tailored interventions. Users dealing with strong urges might benefit more from real-time coping tools like breathing exercises, mini-games, or access to emergency helplines. The only game is conda, a basic game that I found a bit boring.
4. No Integration with Wearables or Other Health Apps
I could find no way to sync with fitness trackers or health platforms (e.g., Apple Health or Google Fit).
