Updated: October 2026
In short: The fasting timers from Zero, Fastic and Yazio can be used for free, as the App Store listings say. More features such as meal scanning or detailed analysis are usually only available with a subscription. Which app suits you, you decide with six criteria: language, timer, reminders, price, data protection and whether you want to count calories. As of: October 2026.
We read the providers' information in the App Store and on the official sites, as of October 2026. We don't claim features we didn't find there. Prices change often, so check them in the store before subscribing.
Do I need an intermittent fasting app at all?
No. An alarm clock, a calendar or a note on the fridge is enough to stick with 16/8 or 14/10. An app is worthwhile if you like seeing statistics, want reminders or would like to collect recipes and meals in one place.
Important: the app doesn't replace knowledge about nutrition. If you don't like typing things in, you'll do better with a fixed routine. A simple alternative is our intermittent fasting calculator, which works out an eating window for you.
Which free intermittent fasting apps are there?
Three apps can be checked on the official sites and in the App Store. The table summarises what the listings there describe (as of October 2026).
| App | Free according to provider | Subscription unlocks | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | Fasting timer, streaks, weekly trends, articles, challenges | Photo meal log, protein score, water tracking, custom fasts, fat-burning mode, mood journal | English only according to a store review |
| Fastic | Free version with ads, fasting timer | Fastic Plus: full access, according to the store including recipes, courses, challenges | German and 10 more |
| Yazio | Calorie counter with fasting tracker, over 20 fasting plans according to the store | Pro: no ads, analysis of all nutrients | German and 19 more |
The store lists subscription prices as a list with varying amounts for terms of one to twelve months. We therefore don't cite figures, but recommend looking at the current listing.
What can Zero do?
Zero describes itself in the App Store as a fasting and health tracker. The fasting timer, streaks, weekly trends, articles and challenges are free. Zero Plus is an optional subscription and unlocks, among other things, photo logging of meals, the protein score, water tracking, custom fasting plans, the fat-burning mode and the mood journal.
A note from the reviews: according to one store comment, there is currently no German version. For English readers the app is lean; for everyone else it's more of an obstacle. The Zero site also mentions a trial period on download.
What can Fastic do?
According to the official site and the store, Fastic offers a fasting timer, trackers for water, steps and meals, an AI-powered food scanner, a chatbot and a recipe collection. According to the store, the app can be used for free with ads; full access requires the Fastic Plus subscription.
Relevant for you: Fastic runs in German. If you want to use recipes and courses, you pay. If you only need a timer, the free version is enough. We haven't checked the claim that Fastic is scientifically proven, because it relies on manufacturer statements.
What can Yazio do?
Yazio is first and foremost a calorie counter with a fasting function. The German App Store listing mentions a barcode scanner, photo tracking, reminders, over 20 fasting plans and a fasting tracker with timer and body status. The app is free with in-app purchases; Pro removes ads and shows all nutrients.
It fits if you want calories and fasting in one app. If you just want a plain timer, you have fewer features in the way with Zero or Fastic.
How do I choose the right app?
Go through the checklist before taking out a subscription. The list is our suggestion, not a standard:
- Language: Does the app run in German, including the help texts?
- Method: Are your windows (14/10, 16/8, 5:2) available as presets or freely adjustable?
- Reminders: Does it report start and end reliably, and can you turn that off?
- Pricing model: What's free, when does the subscription begin, how do you cancel?
- Data protection: What data (photos, weight, health data) are you giving away?
- Pressure: Does it show streaks, fear of loss and red warnings? For some people, that can reinforce unhealthy behaviour.
Test the app for a week before you pay for it, and read in the store listing how the subscription ends and where you cancel it. And delete it if it stresses you more than it supports you.
How do I use an app sensibly in everyday life?
An app only helps if it supports your habits rather than dominating them. Three rules from practice that we recommend ourselves and that don't come from a study:
- One window, one preset: Set your eating window once, for example 11 am to 7 pm, and don't change it daily.
- Use reminders sparingly: One notification at the start of the window and one at the end are enough. More push notifications create stress.
- Weekly review instead of daily pressure: Look at trends once a week, not after every meal.
Many people find it easier with tea instead of coffee during the fasting period. You'll find ideas in Tea for Fasting.
A worked example on costs: a subscription with a 12-month term is usually charged as a lump sum. Divide the price in the store by twelve to see the monthly price. Then ask yourself whether you really use the extra features every week. If you only open the timer after four weeks, you don't need a subscription and can cancel it before it renews.
Who is an app not sensible for?
With a history of eating disorders, streaks, calorie counting and weight logs are risky. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and people with diabetes or on medication should also only start intermittent fasting after consulting their doctor, with or without an app. You'll find background on methods in Intermittent Fasting Methods Compared.
According to the studies, the method isn't the main factor for success anyway: a Cochrane analysis saw no clear weight advantage over normal nutrition counselling. The app is therefore a tool, not a result. More important than any feature is that you keep up the routine even on stressful days and get help if you have symptoms.
Pairs well with frank.
frank. has no fasting app of its own. We have free guides for that on our page Intermittent Fasting and a Cleanse Overview.
You might also like
- What Is Intermittent Fasting and What Are the Rules?
- Intermittent Fasting - Your Nutrition Guide
- Free Intermittent Fasting Plan: Daily Plan for 16/8, 18/6, 14/10 and 5:2
Frequently asked questions about intermittent fasting apps
Which intermittent fasting app is free?
According to the App Store listings, Zero, Fastic and Yazio can be downloaded for free and offer a fasting timer. Advanced features are tied to a subscription in all three (as of October 2026).
Is there a German intermittent fasting app?
Fastic and Yazio list German as a language. According to one store review, Zero is only available in English.
Do I have to pay for the timer?
With Zero, the timer is part of the free version according to the store. For Fastic and Yazio, the details are described in the store listings, so check them before downloading.
Can I do intermittent fasting without an app too?
Yes. An alarm clock or calendar is enough. An app is a convenience, not a requirement. If you prefer a paper version, print out a weekly plan and tick off days. That works without data sharing and without a subscription, and for many people it's more motivating than a push notification on the lock screen.
Is a fasting app suitable for everyone?
No. With eating disorders, counting and tracking can make problems worse. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical or therapeutic advice. If you have symptoms or pre-existing conditions, are pregnant or take medication, please speak to your doctor first.
