Maya app review: how Maya compares with Lulu
Maya is a long-running, free period tracker with daily estimates of expected symptoms, supported by ads and optional paid plans, and available on iPhone and Android. Its privacy record includes a 2019 Privacy International finding about data sent to Facebook. Lulu is an ad-free iPhone app built around mood patterns, with no account and cycle data kept on your iPhone.
Maya in brief
Maya, made by Plackal Tech in Bengaluru (originally called LoveCycles), is one of the older period apps. Its App Store listing covers period, fertility and pregnancy tracking, reminders, and a daily estimation of expected menstrual symptoms. Core tracking is free and supported by ads; optional Silver and Gold plans add premium features. It runs on iPhone and Android.
What Maya does well
- Free to use. You can track periods without paying.
- Daily outlook. The expected-symptom estimate is what many longtime users love.
- Android and iPhone. Useful if you switch phones or share with someone on Android.
- Pregnancy tracking. Lulu doesn't offer this.
Where Maya draws criticism
- Ads in the free version. Some reviewers complain about frequent ads. In a December 2025 App Store reply the developer said new subscription plans are aimed at removing intrusive ads.
- Privacy history. Privacy International's 2019 investigation found Maya sent data to Facebook, including when the app was opened and details like mood and contraception. Plackal said it stopped sharing personal data with Facebook. Mozilla gave Maya a Privacy Not Included warning in 2022.
- Tracking label. Its US App Store label lists Usage Data under "Data Used to Track You".
Maya vs Lulu
| Maya | Lulu | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, Android | iPhone |
| Period and fertility predictions | Yes | Yes, plus ovulation day |
| Daily outlook | Expected-symptom estimates | Shows how you usually feel each cycle day; heads-up before harder days |
| Mood logging | Yes | One-tap daily check-in |
| Symptom logging | Yes | Bunny drawings |
| Doctor export | Not listed | Doctor-ready PMS chart, CSV export |
| Partner sharing | Not listed | Partner sync: phase and next period, plus mood forecast and fertile window if you opt in |
| Pregnancy | Yes | No |
| Perimenopause | Not listed | Perimenopause mode |
| Apple Watch / Health | Not listed | Imports wrist temperature; works with Apple Health |
| Ads | Yes, in free version | No |
| Account and data | Data handled by Plackal; see its privacy policy | No account; cycle data stays on your iPhone |
| Price model | Free with ads; optional Silver and Gold | 3-day free trial, then yearly Lulu Plus |
Who each suits
Maya suits you if you want a free tracker, use Android, or need pregnancy tracking, and you're comfortable with ads. Lulu suits you if you're on iPhone and the daily outlook is what you care about most: Lulu learns how you usually feel on each cycle day from one-tap check-ins, warns you before harder days, and lets you share that heads-up with a partner, without ads and without an account.
Daily outlook: estimate vs your own pattern
Both apps try to answer the same morning question: how might today feel? Maya's listing describes a daily estimation of expected menstrual symptoms. Lulu takes a slightly different route: it learns only from your own one-tap mood check-ins, lines them up with your cycle days, and after a couple of cycles shows how you usually feel on each day. Before days that tend to be harder, it sends a gentle heads-up.
Neither approach can know for certain how you'll feel, and both get better the longer you log. If you've used Maya for years, keep a note of your recent period dates when you try Lulu, and give the mood pattern two or three cycles to build.
Is Maya safe to use?
Maya says it no longer shares personally identifiable data with Facebook, and many people use it happily. If privacy is a priority for you, read its current privacy policy and App Store label, and compare it with apps where the company never receives your cycle data. Our private period tracker guide explains the different models, and Maya alternatives lists other options.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maya app free?
Yes. Maya's core tracking is free and ad-supported, with optional paid plans.
Does Maya predict mood?
Maya's listing describes a daily estimation of expected menstrual symptoms. Lulu shows how you usually feel on each cycle day based on your own mood check-ins.
Is Lulu available on Android?
No, Lulu is iPhone only. Maya runs on both.
Who makes the Maya app?
Plackal Tech, based in Bengaluru, India. The app was originally called LoveCycles.
Sources
- Maya - Period & Health on the App Store (US)
- Privacy International: How menstruation apps are sharing your data (2019)
- Mozilla Foundation: Privacy Not Included, Maya
This page is for information only and isn’t medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
Maya alternatives: period trackers that help you see your moods comingLooking for a Maya period tracker alternative? Compare apps for mood and symptom forecasts, fewer ads and better privacy, including Lulu, Clue, Flo and Apple.
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