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An overview of pacing and symptom-tracking apps for ME/CFS, Long COVID and fatigue — features, wearable integration, pricing and language. So you can find the app that fits your daily life.
There is no single best pacing app — the right choice depends on language, your wearable and the features you need.
If you want a free app with automatic wearable integration and an early PEM warning, Elara is a strong fit.
Visible is the best-known internationally (HRV score, large community), but it is English-only and charges for full features.
blue-ME and Fimo Health are strong German-language alternatives focused on a pacing timer and validated content respectively.
| App | Focus | Platform | Wearables | Pricing | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elara HealthRecommended | Pacing diary & early PEM warning | iOS & Android | Apple Health, Garmin, Oura, Fitbit | Free, no ads | German & English |
| Visible | HRV-based pacing & stability score | iOS & Android | Own HRV measurement, Polar armband (Visible+) | Freemium (subscription for armband) | English |
| blue-ME | Pacing timer & symptom documentation | iOS & Android | Limited | Free | German |
| Fimo Health | Symptom diary & validated content | iOS & Android | Limited | Partly via health insurer | German |
| Bearable | Flexible, general symptom tracker | iOS & Android | Apple Health, Google Fit | Freemium | English |
| Trackuility | Pacing & activity metrics (ME/CFS, POTS) | iOS | Limited | Free | English |
The strain index warns before the crash — not after
Elara is a pacing diary built in Germany for ME/CFS, Long COVID and fatigue. The strain index shows your remaining capacity each day and warns before a PEM crash, not after. Symptoms, sleep, activity and vitals come together in one place; wearables such as Apple Health, Garmin, Oura and Fitbit connect automatically. Free, no ads, no data sharing — and an official partner of ME/CFS research at the University Hospital Regensburg.
Made in GermanyLargest international community, recommended by the ME Association
Visible, from the UK, measures heart rate variability each morning (via the phone camera or an optional Polar armband) and derives a daily stability score. With 250,000+ users and an endorsement from the ME Association, it is the most visible pacing app internationally. Its advanced continuous-monitoring features require a paid subscription, and the app is English-only.
Structured "activity = rest" coaching
blue-ME is a German app built specifically for people with ME/CFS, Post-COVID, Post-VAC and fibromyalgia. Its core is a pacing timer based on the "activity = rest" principle (e.g. 30 seconds activity, 30 seconds rest), combined with self-monitoring and symptom documentation. Strong on structured rest coaching, with a clear focus on the German-speaking market.
Medically/psychologically validated content, partly covered by insurers
Fimo Health combines a symptom diary with tips and exercises validated by doctors and psychologists. In Germany it is partly available through health insurers, which lowers the barrier to access. Its emphasis is more on educational guidance than on wearable-driven load management.
Maximally flexible, but not ME/CFS-specific
Bearable is not a dedicated pacing tracker but a highly flexible symptom, mood and habit tracker used across many chronic conditions. If you want to configure everything yourself, it is a good fit — but it lacks ME/CFS-specific pacing logic such as an early PEM warning. English only.
Lean, free pacing overview
Trackuility is aimed at people who use pacing to manage ME/CFS, POTS and Long COVID, offering a clear overview of activity metrics to help gauge personal limits. Free and lean, but English-only and with a smaller feature set.
You use a smartwatch (Garmin, Oura, Fitbit, Apple Watch)
Automatic integration of multiple wearables plus an early PEM warning via the strain index — no manual transfer needed.
You want everything in German and free of charge
Both are German-language and free: Elara with a wearable focus and PEM warning, blue-ME with a structured rest timer.
You care about an HRV score and a large community
An established morning HRV score and the largest international user base — but English-only and paid for full features.
You want validated content, possibly via your insurer
Educational, doctor-validated guidance with partial availability through German health insurers.
A good pacing app warns you before overexertion leads to a crash — not only afterwards.
Automatic import of heart rate, HRV, sleep and activity saves energy and makes patterns visible.
With fatigue, every minute counts: entries should take seconds, not minutes.
A native-language interface and GDPR-compliant, ad-free data handling build trust and make daily use realistic.
There is no universally best app. For a free solution with automatic wearable integration and an early PEM warning, Elara is a strong fit; internationally, Visible is the best known thanks to its HRV score and large community. blue-ME and Fimo Health are strong German-language alternatives.
Yes. Elara, blue-ME and Fimo Health are available in German and built for the German-speaking market. Elara additionally offers an English version.
Elara is completely free and ad-free. blue-ME and Trackuility are also free. Visible and Bearable are freemium apps with paid extra features; Fimo Health is partly available through health insurers.
Elara uses a strain index that shows your remaining daily capacity and warns about overexertion before PEM sets in. Visible derives a stability score from your morning HRV that serves a similar role as a daily guardrail.
Elara connects with Apple Health, Garmin, Oura and Fitbit and merges the data automatically. Visible relies primarily on its own HRV measurement or an optional Polar armband.
No. Pacing apps support self-management and documentation but do not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. They can, however, help you prepare your history for conversations with your doctor.
A pacing diary, strain index and automatic wearable integration — free, ad-free and available in German and English.