How to Hack Your Development with an AI Coach: Three Coaching Apps for Personal Growth
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.
-Franklin Roosevelt
What do you do when you're ready to experience significant growth, but hiring a coach just isn't an option?
A few months ago, I found myself between coaches but needing immediate guidance. Intrigued by the buzz around AI and ChatGPT, I decided to give it a shot as a temporary “backup” coach, expecting it to be more of a fun experiment than anything else. What I didn’t expect was how supportive and genuinely helpful the support would be. As I tested different prompts, ChatGPT helped me break down my goals, offered insightful reflections, and inspired me to think more creatively—all without the hassle of scheduling or payment.
This experience sparked my curiosity about how AI coaching is being explored as an alternative to traditional coaching methods.
While research suggests that AI is most effective when used as a support alongside human coaches, some studies show that AI coaching apps can be very effective as a standalone tool, especially for supporting straightforward goals. It’s very difficult to replace the emotional warmth and nuanced intuition that you will get with a human coach, but AI might just be the next best thing when you’re in between coaches or seeking more affordable, accessible options. Or if you’re a coach, it might be valuable to recommend one of these apps as a supplement to in-person coaching for clients who want more frequent coaching but cannot afford it.
In this guide, I’ll review three AI coaching apps that specialize in personal and professional growth. Here’s what you need to know about each one, from pricing to features, so you can decide if an AI coach might be the right tool to support your development.
Aicoach.chat
Aicoach.chat offers a simple yet effective AI coaching experience, focusing on daily, personalized coaching sessions through text. It specializes in goal-setting, self-reflection, and productivity, providing a reliable source of accountability. This app is great for individuals who are looking for consistent support and reminders to stay on track.
I tracked down some feedback through various forums to highlight real user experiences. Some users appreciate this tool for its efficiency, while others found it surprisingly effective at stimulating strategic thinking. It seems particularly strong for task focus. Users also like its ability to ask good, reflective questions and provide support.
User Reviews:
“In less than 20 minutes I had discussed my issue and come up with a plan.”
"I was very surprised with how it got me thinking about the strategy, structure and execution of it all.”
It lacks "emotional intelligence and sense of humour."
Price:
Free – 1 session/month plus goal tracking
€9.99/month – 5 sessions/month plus goal tracking
€29.99/month – Unlimited sessions plus goal tracking
Features:
Personalized coaching based on user inputs
Goal tracking and progress reports
Daily check-ins and reminders for motivation
Pros:
Great for accountability and goal-setting
Simple, easy-to-use interface
Helps users structure thinking and planning
Cons:
Limited customization for specific needs (e.g., business, life, or niche personal development)
No interactive elements like video or voice
Privacy policy notes collection of personal info and transcripts for service improvement
Marlee
Marlee by Fingerprint for Success offers an AI coaching experience grounded in deep motivational analysis, aiming to provide personalized paths to personal and professional growth. It starts by assessing 48 different motivations to create a unique "Fingerprint for Success" for each user, which then informs tailored coaching programs. This app is designed for individuals and teams looking to understand their core drivers and leverage that insight for goal achievement.
I looked into what users are saying about their experience with Marlee. Many report significant breakthroughs and high goal achievement rates, often within weeks. The structured, short coaching sessions are also seen as a plus for busy schedules. However, some more critical feedback indicates that the ongoing coaching may be too generic and not sufficiently tailored to more specific nuanced situations, despite the initial detailed assessment.
User Reviews:
"Never could I have imagined an AI coach being this good - as if you're talking to a real human."
"This program has helped me shift my entire thinking and attitude about myself, helping me to prioritize my health and well-being."
Price:
Starter Plan: Free forever (includes motivational analysis and unlimited AI coaching sessions with daily credit limits)
Personal Boost Pack: $15.99/month (more AI credits, advanced comparison tools, motivational change tracking)
Features:
In-depth motivational assessment ("Fingerprint for Success")
Personalized AI coaching sessions (typically 5-10 minutes)
Specific coaching programs (e.g., Goal Catcher, Vital Wellbeing, Increase EQ)
"Ask Marlee" feature for targeted questions based on your profile
Pros:
Highly personalized approach based on deep motivational analysis
Structured, goal-oriented coaching programs
High reported user success rates and satisfaction
Cons:
Primarily web-based; mobile app presence less emphasized for Marlee itself
Some premium features might be more team-focused than individually beneficial
Rocky.ai
Rocky.ai is an AI tool that combines coaching with a focus on self-reflection and personal growth. It acts as a life coach, offering daily micro-coaching sessions, goal tracking, and eBooks on common coaching topics. Its unique features include verbal interactions with three different AI personas and multiple language options.
User feedback for Rocky.ai is generally positive, with many users finding it helpful for self-awareness, goal clarity, and motivation. The AI is often described as intuitive and capable of providing personalized insights. However, some users note a learning curve with the app's interface and find the chat interactions can become repetitive. There are also mentions of the free version being somewhat limited, pushing towards paid options.
User Reviews:
“It does get close to simulating a real person's advice.”
"It’s very useful... in developing self awareness.”
The chats can seem "a little repetitive" and the app "confusing to operate."
Price:
Free Forever – Unlimited positive mindset or discipline coaching
$9.99/month – All soft skills coaching topics, unlimited coaching, articles, personal development plans
Team & Business options available at higher price points
Features:
Self-reflection prompts and structured feedback
Goal-setting and progress tracking
Three AI personas for a personalized experience
Morning mindset and evening reflection chats
Pros:
Focus on self-reflection and deeper insights
Personalized feedback and goal guidance
Multiple language options
Cons:
Some users find it repetitive or confusing (potential learning curve to climb)
Limited features compared to more established coaching apps
AI coaching isn’t a replacement for a human coach, but when a coach isn't an option, these apps can be a valuable tool to help you stay on track and continue your development. Each of these apps offers something unique in terms of coaching style, features, and pricing. Depending on your needs—whether you’re looking for daily check-ins, deep self-reflection, or a community for support—one of these AI tools might be the perfect supplement to your personal growth journey.
