1. Should you try MoodTools? Overview

What it is	MoodTools is a suite of free, no-friction depression self-help apps offering a PHQ-9 test, mood diary, thought exercises and curated videos.
Country / HQ	United States (small independent developer; HQ not prominently listed)
Best for	Zero-budget users who want classic depression-screening and self-help tools without accounts or subscriptions.
Check before buying	Bare-bones apps with no AI chat and limited updates; not a substitute for professional care.
Editor rating	3.9 / 5
Pricing signal	Mostly free

2. Features What it does

Feature	What it does
PHQ-9 assessment	Standardized depression questionnaire with score interpretation.
Mood diary	Simple daily logging of mood, sleep and activities.
Thought diary	CBT-style challenge worksheets for negative thinking.
Video library	Curated TED talks and educational clips on depression.
Safety plan	Guided personal crisis-plan creation.
Information hub	Plain-language education on depression types and treatments.
Offline use	Core tools work without connectivity.

Plan	Price / mo	Key limits & who it fits
MoodTools – Depression Aid	Free	The flagship app is free; ad-supported on some platforms.
Companion apps	Free	Separate anxiety and thought-diary apps from the same developer.
Premium	Rare	Historically donation-based rather than subscription.

The suite is essentially free; some platforms show low-cost ad removal. There is no meaningful subscription tier.

Access type	Details
Platform	iOS and Android apps; moodtools.com.
Tools	PHQ-9, safety plan, thought records.
Accounts	None required.
No AI	Static content and forms, no chatbot.

Source	Rating	What it says
Google Play	4.4 / 5	Users appreciate simplicity and zero cost.
App Store	4.2 / 5	Solid ratings; interface feels dated.
Clinicians	Positive for screening	Often recommended as a free PHQ-9 companion tool.

✔ Suitable	✘ Not suitable
• Users wanting free depression screening and psychoeducation • Supplementing therapy with simple homework tools • Privacy-conscious users (no accounts)	• Users wanting AI conversation or coaching • Crisis situations • Those expecting modern design and updates

Competitor	How it differs	Best for
Youper	Youper adds AI dialogue and subscriptions; MoodTools is free and static.	Guided AI mood help.
Daylio	Daylio is a polished mood tracker; MoodTools adds screening tools.	Premium mood tracking.
Wysa	Wysa provides AI-guided exercises at a cost.	Structured CBT chatbot.

Takeaway	A humble, genuinely free toolbox for depression self-help – ideal as a screening and homework aid rather than a treatment program.
Who should pick it	Budget-conscious users and therapy clients wanting structured worksheets.
Who should skip it	Anyone expecting interactive AI support or modern UX.