Dry Quest
Comparison
Dry Quest vs Try Dry
Both are free apps for a dry month or cutting down. Try Dry gives you clear numbers. Dry Quest gives you a game. Here’s how to pick.
Updated October 15, 2026 · By the Dry Quest team
Full disclosure: we make Dry Quest, so it’s on this list. We’ve tried to be fair about every app, including when another one is the better choice for you. Details come from each app’s store listing as of October 2026; features and prices change, so check the store before you download.
The short answer
Choose Try Dry if you want the app from Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January, and you’re motivated by stats like units, money and calories saved. Choose Dry Quest if numbers alone don’t keep you going and you’d rather have a story, rewards and a community.
Side by side
| Dry Quest | Try Dry | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Short breaks (3–31 days) and drinking less | Dry January and cutting down |
| What it’s like | Fantasy quest game: animal heroes, emblems, gems, daily check-ins, moderation goals, a Second Wind after a slip and the Dry Tavern community | Straightforward tracker for drink-free days, units, money and calories saved |
| Cost | Free, optional premium | Free |
| Platforms | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
| Best if you… | you want a dry month or cutting back to feel like a game, and you don’t want one slip to reset you to zero | you want the app from Alcohol Change UK, the charity that runs Dry January, with clean stats |
The main differences
Stats vs story
Try Dry is a clean tracker with useful numbers. Dry Quest turns each day into progress in a fantasy quest, with emblems and gems.
Community
Dry Quest has the Dry Tavern for sharing wins with other players. Try Dry connects you with the wider Dry January campaign.
Beyond January
Both work all year. Dry Quest has quests from 3 to 31 days and moderation goals; Try Dry tracks drink-free days and drinks whenever you use it.
Can I use both?
Yes. Some people use Try Dry for the numbers and Dry Quest for motivation.
See more options in the best Dry January apps. Other comparisons: Dry Quest vs Reframe · Dry Quest vs I Am Sober.
Quick answers
Is Try Dry the official Dry January app?
Yes. Try Dry is made by Alcohol Change UK, the charity that runs Dry January.
What’s the difference between Dry Quest and Try Dry?
Try Dry is a stats-focused tracker. Dry Quest is a fantasy quest game with rewards and a community. Both are free.
Which is better for Dry January, Dry Quest or Try Dry?
Try Dry suits people motivated by numbers. Dry Quest suits people who stick with things better when they feel like a game.