Meditation is one of the best and simplest ways to support brain and body health in conjunction with nutrition and lifestyle factors. It refers to the mindful practice of paying attention to the moment through a number of unique modalities—including breathwork, body scans, visualizations, and chanting practices. ( 1 )
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, a clinical professional counselor, adds, “Meditation is a layperson-friendly way to approach self-care that directly impacts the brain and our relationship to our thoughts.”Meditation apps have gained extensive recognition over the years and are backed by research on calming the body and mind. ( 2 , 3 )
Best meditation app overall
Headspace provides a user-friendly platform designed to promote mindfulness and mental well-being through guided meditations, sleep aids, and mindfulness exercises. Ideal for those new to meditation or seasoned practitioners, Headspace offers personalized sessions tailored to your goals, such as reducing stress, improving focus, or enhancing sleep quality.
Our picks for the best meditation apps
- Best overall: Headspace
- Best sleep: Calm
- Best free: Medito: Meditation & Wellness
- Best for beginners: Relax Meditation: Guided Mind
- Best for anxiety: Ten Percent Happier
- Best guided: Buddhify
- Best for kids: Smiling Mind
- Best for focus: Insight Timer
- Best for community: Sattva
- Best splurge: Breethe
Compare meditation apps
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| Headspace | Calm | Medito: Meditation & Wellness | Relax Meditation: Guided Mind | Ten Percent Happier | Buddhify | Smiling Mind | Insight Timer | Sattva | Breethe | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Best for | Overall | Sleep | Free | Beginners | Anxiety | Guided | Kids | Focus | Community | Splurge |
| Price | $12.99 mo., $69.99yearly | $14.99 per mo., $69.99 yearly | Free | $9.99 per mo., $59.99 yearly | $8.33 per mo., $99.99 yearly | $30 yearly | Free | $9.99 per mo., $59.99 yearly | $12.99 per mo., $49.99 yearly | $14.99 per mo., $89.99 yearly |
| Free trial | 1 week, 2 weeks | 1 week | N/A | 1 week | 1 week | None | N/A | 1 week | 3 days | 2 weeks |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
Best overall meditation app: Headspace
Key product features
What you should know
Headspace distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by providing an extensive, clinically evidenced-based array of engaging mindfulness content that supports various aspects of health.
- Headspace offers mindfulness meditations for sleep and improving mental health.
- Offers a host of articles and resources for users.
- The app is best for those looking to get the most out of their meditation practices.
Why we like Headspace as best overall
Of all the meditation apps we reviewed, Headspace offers the most evidence-based support for meditation. It stands out as one of the best clinical apps for meditation due to its personalized yet evidenced-based approach to improved wellness, with an extensive range of mindfulness modalities—with implications for body and mind health.
Headspace makes meditation accessible to beginners and more experienced users with structured and intentional practices taught by experts in the field. With comprehensive guided meditation sessions rooted in scientific research, Headspace offers tailored programs targeting specific clinical areas, including stress reduction, anxiety management, sleep, and enhancing focus. Its range of content and mindfulness exercises provide users with practical tools and techniques to cope with various everyday challenges.
Headspace’s user-friendly interface as a mental health app and individualized recommendations make it accessible and effective for those seeking clinically validated strategies to enhance their well-being. This app offers various meditation sessions to accommodate varying individual needs and preferences. Headspace has hundreds of guided mindfulness meditations and other valuable content for all ages—including sleep stories, music for productivity, stress reduction, engaging breathwork, and mindful movement practices, like yoga.
“I love how this app focuses on both the body and mind in engaging in extensive mindfulness exercises. It truly has something for all users, backed by solid research.”
Lauren Teeter, MS, CNS, MSW, LCSW, Mind-Body Therapist & Fortune Recommends Writer
From a clinical perspective, it supports well-being from both a body and mind perspective, which as a therapist and nutritionist, I truly appreciate. A growing body of evidence supports the health implications of mind-body practices for improved physical and mental health. (4) For instance, yoga and breathwork have been shown to improve physiological markers of stress in the body. Headspace also includes practices like yoga nidra, which further supports rest, promotes parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) dominance and a reduction in stress. (5)
It offers a two-week free trial, followed by a reasonable rate of $5.83 per month, billed annually at $69.99.
What customers are saying
Several Apple App Store users attested to how Headspace has improved their mental health and daily well-being.
“I truly believe in investing in my mental health & have tried other guided meditation apps, but never truly connected with them and it never impacted my life like Headspace. I decided to join Headspace in 2020 & started with the monthly payments. March 2022 I upgraded to the yearly membership. 14,601 minutes later, I can honestly say it’s the BEST thing I’ve ever given myself. “
Debbieamy112495, Apple App Store reviewer
“I am now going on three years with Headspace happier, healthier, more compassionate, resilient, focused, and more,” says Apple App Store reviewer with the username “Nicoco218.” “It brought attention to my mindless eating habits and even helped me lose weight (and keep it off). I didn’t realize that I was living in a ‘cloud’, on auto-pilot until Headspace helped bring me back to myself.”
However, some Apple App Store reviewers voiced dissatisfaction with Headspace’s short free trial, which still locks a lot of content behind a paywall, and the overall price of the app once subscribed.
“VictorAllThingsTech,”, an Apple App Store reviewer says, “Headspace is great and I may say that it’s better than most apps I’ve used. But I don’t like the fact that after going through the tutorial it locks most of the content Headspace offers you and forces you into a subscription that feels overly priced. Yeah, they give you a free trial but after that your pretty much forced. Offer more videos that are free and let people decide for themselves.”
Specs
| User interface | Engaging, Intuitive, clear |
| Price | Monthly $12.99, annually $69.99 |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | 500 + guided meditations |
| Free trial | One week, Two |
Best meditation app for sleep: Calm
Key product features
What you should know
Calm differentiates in the realm of meditation apps by its high-quality, research-backed sleep content.
- Calm offers evidence-based strategies for reducing stress with ambient music and soothing sounds.
- The app is best for those looking for more calm in their lives.
- It provides clinically proven content in the realm of sleep with bedtime stories and a sleep timer.
Why we like Calm as best for sleep
Calm offers evidence-based tools focused on improving sleep and well-being. Its comprehensive range of features is tailored specifically to enhance sleep quality and promote relaxation. With a diverse selection of soothing sleep stories, calming music tracks, guided meditations, and breathing exercises, Calm offers a holistic approach to addressing sleep-related challenges. Its immersive audio experiences, narrated by renowned voices, support listeners to tranquil landscapes, promoting a sense of calmness conducive to falling asleep. The app’s Sleep Stories feature is also complemented by supporting children in winding down, establishing healthy bedtime routines, and soothing stories.
“One of my favorite features of the app is the Sleep Sounds,” says one of our product testers. “I found them to be the most effective in helping me sleep. I personally loved the Classic Piano sounds the most, but they have so many different sounds you can listen to, including wavelengths that are proven to help people fall asleep.”
With customizable sleep timers and ambient soundscapes, Calm empowers users to create personalized sleep regimens tailored to their preferences, making it an efficient tool for those seeking restorative sleep. Sleep is imperative to overall health. It affects nearly every bodily system—having vast implications for our physical and mental well-being. Sleep affects metabolic, hormonal, immune, and mood health. ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) Compromised sleep can negatively impact these factors. In fact, research suggests that insomnia is a predictor of mental health, further underscoring the impact. ( 8 )
Sleep also has a bidirectional relationship with the quality of the gut microbiome, which has also been evidenced to play a role in our well-being. ( 9 ) It truly has a soothing impact on both the body and mind. This is important as 80% of the communication in the body is bottom-up; this means that the body sends up messages to the brain relative to its physiological state and functioning. When functions are compromised, this can relay alert signals to the brain.
What customers are saying
Apple App Store users are particularly impressed with Calm’s sleep meditations and the soothing voices they use.
An Apple App Store reviewer with the username “Calm girl10” says “Whenever I feel stressed or anxious about someone or something, I listen to one of the daily calms or the next day on the meditation trial. Right away, it’s as if you were brought into some beautiful relaxing world where there are these voices saying, ‘It will be ok no matter what. This will pass.’ And it does. It’s amazing how calming and peaceful this app is.”
“I used this one night while my anxiety was setting in and I was asleep halfway through the sleep story and when I woke in the morning I was in disbelief. Nothing, I mean nothing had helped me until I found this app. The meditation & sleep stories are amazing. I am so grateful for this app.”
CaylieHan, Apple App Store reviewer
However, some Apple App Store reviewers note that Calm needs to make improvements in its accessibility, especially for users with visual impairments.
“I am blind and use the screen reader voiceover,” begins “Apellio727,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “I can play the videos for the content well enough with play pause, fast forward but the biggest barrier I am facing is that the mountains which you tap on in the for you tab to bring up the settings are unlabeled. I was trying to turn off the babbling Brook sound, accessible apps need to have text labels to accompany any clickable items. I would love to resubscribe once you have resolved these issues.”
Specs
| User interface | Intuitive & User-friendly |
| Price | $14.99 per month, 69.99 yearly |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Immersive sleep stories and timer |
| Free trial | One week |
Best free meditation app: Medito: Meditation & Wellness
Key product features
What you should know
Medito: Meditation & Wellness stands alone as the best meditation app for your budget while still being high-quality.
- Medito: Meditation & Wellness offers a vast array of mindfulness meditation properties.
- The app is best for those on a budget looking to meditate.
- Supports reductions in stress, improved sleep, countless mindfulness meditation exercises, and relaxation techniques.
- Clinical, evidence-based content.
Why we like Medito: Meditation & Wellness as best free
The Medito app provides a comprehensive platform for users to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. With diverse guided meditations, mindfulness exercises , and relaxation techniques, Medito: Meditation & Wellness caters to users of all experience levels and preferences. Its user-friendly interface, customizable features, and free access to a wide range of content make it an accessible and valuable resource for individuals seeking to establish or deepen their meditation practice.
We love that it ensures that mindfulness practices are available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. It provides a supportive and empowering environment for users to prioritize their mental health and embark on their journey toward greater mindfulness and self-care. This is important as many individuals don’t have access to mental healthcare. ( 10 )
“Often, one primary barrier to pursuing a meditation practice is the belief that it’s unattainable to meditate regularly or that there is an associated cost,” notes Johnson. “Medito addresses both of these barriers with its free platform and diverse range of meditation offerings.”
What customers are saying
Apple App Store reviewers love Medito’s high quality and free price.
Apple App Store reviewer Montana K. says, “I love this app so much. It has a lot of amazing features, and it definitely helps me improve my mindfulness and mental clarity. It actually has a ton of content, and as someone who regularly struggles with insomnia so bad that even taking melatonin doesn’t usually put me to sleep, the sleep music and the meditation for sleep are both extremely beneficial. I would recommend this app to anyone and everyone, honestly.
My only complaint is that it runs a little slow occasionally or won’t load one of the features. However, that is very rare and only seems to happen if there’s a lot of traffic to the app. They regularly work on making sure the app runs smoothly, and they do a really great job. Considering how much awesome stuff is available on the app for free, I don’t even consider this an issue at all.
Medito is worth downloading!”
“I hate other apps like Headspace because every feature is behind a paywall and it doesn’t seem genuine. Real-life meditation centers do not harass you for money but rather ask for a donation of your choosing. Medito is similar. It feels genuine and unassuming. It doesn’t feel like a company trying to make a buck by commercializing meditation.”
User52395, Apple App Store reviewer
However, some Apple App Store users complain that app updates make the app less accessible offline.
“I’ve been using Medito for over a year now and I must say that it was the greatest meditation app I’ve ever used,” begins Apple App Store reviewer with the username “Troll football.” “The simple, seamless design was the selling point for me. But ever since the October UI update, it felt like the developers wanted to ruin the experience for anyone who uses their app offline. I can’t even access the app now without an internet connection, which is a very annoying hurdle to overcome since connection in my area isn’t the greatest thing, so I have to download my meditation sessions beforehand and listen to them when I wake up in the morning…I hope the developers can read this review and fix this issue because I really love Medito and the whole team behind it.”
Specs
| User interface | Intuitive & User-friendly |
| Price | Free |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Diverse, customizable |
| Free trial | N/A |
Best meditation app for beginners: Relax Meditation: Guided Mind
Key product features
What you should know
Relax Meditation: Guided Mind distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by being efficient and high-quality for those new to meditation.
- Relax Meditation Guided Mind offers various guided meditations and sessions for all users.
- The app is best for those new to meditation. However, it is also suitable for more seasoned users.
- It has customizable sessions that track progress over time with soothing music.
Why we like Relax Meditation: Guided Mind as best for beginners
A valuable tool for meditation, this app is considered one of the best for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, gentle guided meditations, and accessible content. It provides a welcoming and engaging introduction to meditation with a variety of guided sessions specifically designed for newcomers.
These sessions focus on relaxation, stress reduction, and mindfulness fundamentals, making them easy for beginners to follow and engage with. We also noted that the app offers features such as customizable session lengths, soothing background music, and progress tracking to support beginners in establishing a regular meditation practice and tracking their growth over time.
Music has been shown to support overall well-being with its mood-uplifting properties and stress relief. In fact, music has a powerful influence on the brain, shaping structures and functions. (
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) Finally, this app also provides a supportive and encouraging environment for beginners to explore mindfulness and embark on their meditation journey with confidence. This is important as a community is essential to our well-being. (
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What customers are saying
Apple App Store reviews mention the impact Relax Meditation has made on their lives, particularly for users who are new to meditation.
“I’ve always wanted to learn to meditate,” says “Ook-bay over-lay”, an Apple App Store reviewer. “I have really been stressing out this past year so I went looking for meditation apps and really liked this app right off the bat when I tried it. The voice of the meditation leader is perfect and I can individually adjust the sounds and the volume of each. I’m hard of hearing so this is actually a big deal to me otherwise I struggle to hear the meditations because the background noise is too loud. There are a lot of features to customize with the sounds, music and background settings. It’s easy to use and intuitive.”
“For someone who has trouble with anxiety, focusing, and falling asleep, this app can be so helpful. I’ve also had fun experimenting with different audio combos, and the Favorites feature lets you save those for future reference. There are tons of them, and for me, those alone were worth the money.”
Bulbuh, Apple App Store reviewer
However, some Apple App Store users find the app’s sound quality isn’t up to par, and its meditations aren’t useful for seasoned meditators.
“Myldrid,” an Apple App Store reviewer says, “There are much better options available. Its meditations are a joke and may be useful only for a few weeks to someone totally unfamiliar with meditation, but it’s more likely to turn someone off meditation than to show what a powerful tool it is. Don’t waste your time or money on this app.”
Specs
| User interface | Intuitive & User-friendly |
| Price | $9.99 per month, $59.99 yearly |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Beginners, stress reduction |
| Free trial | One week |
Best meditation app for anxiety: Ten Percent Happier
Key product features
What you should know
Ten Percent Happier distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by being specifically tailored to those with anxiety.
- Ten Percent Happier offers evidence-based support for coping with anxiety.
- The app also provides extensive support and psychoeducation around being with difficult emotions.
- The app is best for those who may need extra support with anxiety.
Why we like Ten Percent Happier as best for anxiety
This
anxiety app
supports mindfulness relative to uncertainty and difficult emotions, addressing these with nonjudgmental awareness. It emphasizes not trying to change our feelings but being with them with acceptance, which is essential for anxiety. Often, in our culture, we think we need to push away what we perceive as negative thoughts and feelings rather than sit with them. This app appears to utilize theory from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which works to embrace the full range of your emotions while staying in the present moment with mindfulness. (
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In fact, general mindfulness is strongly supported in the literature for anxiety (
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) and mindfulness meditation exercises. (
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) Full of a variety of meditation exercises and courses for anxiety, sleep, and stress relief, led and taught by renowned meditation experts, this app is of high regard with promising benefits for reduced anxiety and improved well-being. It also includes material on learning about anxiety, happiness, and overall healthy habits.
To further support users dealing with anxiety, we love that Ten Percent Happier offers guided daily meditations and “talks” that provide practical advice on applying mindfulness techniques in everyday life. These resources are specifically designed to help users understand and manage their anxiety more effectively. During our review, we noticed the app’s community feature allows users to connect with others who are also working on managing their anxiety, which helps foster a supportive environment where you can shaere experience and strategies with others.
One notable feature we reviews is the “coaching” session where users can ask questions directly to experienced meditation coaches. These coaches can provide personalized feedback and guidance, what can be particularly valuable for users new to meditation or those struggling with specific issues related to anxiety.
What customers are saying
Despite its high cost, many Apple App Store reviewers say Ten Percent Happier is well worth the price.
“Ringer22”, an Apple App Store reviewer says, “I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder two years ago and was told that I’ve probably been suffering from it much longer than I realized. Fast forward to 2020, I became a first-time mom at 38 years old, suffered from postpartum depression, and just when I was starting to find my footing, the world was immediately hurled into the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress wreaked havoc on my body; I felt so helpless…Now I use the app daily…It’s part of a bigger picture and has made a world of difference. Physically, the chest tightness and muscular tension have decreased significantly. And mentally, I find myself much more resilient in the face of stress, especially the kind induced by the intrusive irrational fears that come with GAD. Thank you to the 10% Happier team. In my case, “10% Happier” would be an understatement.”
“I dare say if you could quantify how much ‘bang for your buck’ you can get out of any app out there – This has to be #1. I can’t even begin to describe how effective this little gem has been at helping me learn the basics of meditation, manage my stress, learn more about myself as a human and increase my overall well-being.”
DrJ-Mo, Apple App Store reviewer
Negative reviews are hard to come by, as 10 Percent Happier’s Apple App Store score of 4.8 stars out of 5 demonstrates.
Specs
| User interface | User-friendly |
| Price | $8.33 a month, $99.99 yearly |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Courses on anxiety |
| Free trial | One week |
Best guided meditation app: Buddhify
Key product features
What you should know
Buddhify distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by being developed by a husband and wife with strong values, providing a thoughtful and intimate meditative experience.
- Buddhify offers a range of mindfulness meditations on a customized wheel, from walking to improving sleep, reducing stress reduction, and coping with difficult emotions.
- The app is best for those who have limited time for meditation.
- The team is comprised of a diverse array of dedicated teachers aligned with its mission.
Why we like Buddhify as best guided
Buddhify is an empowering and accommodating app for users who are thoughtful about the amount of time and individual preferences for meditation use. A beautifully designed wheel provides an overview of the wide range of categories provided. Buddhify’s categories are based on individual needs at the moment—such as dealing with difficult emotions, reducing stress, and improving sleep, among many other categories—all of which impact our mental health.
Sessions range from meditation on the go—as few as 4 minutes to 30 minutes. This app was developed by a family and diverse team with core values. Additionally, it includes walking and mindfulness meditations for the purpose of work breaks. Noteworthy, the team, in addition to a husband and wife, comprises a diverse array of teachers who are all aligned with its mission and contribute to the app.
Our testing revealed that Buddhify does not require a subscription, offering most of its features upfront with a single purchase. This approach makes it accessible and prevents the barrier of recurring costs. The app also provides personalized meditation experiences without the need for an internet connection, allowing users to engage in guided mindfulness sessions anywhere at any time. We love that Buddify not only accommodates a wide range of meditative needs, but also promotes a holistic approach to mental wellness that is both inclusive and practical.
What customers are saying
Apple App Store reviewers love the soothing voices and short meditations that can be easily incorporated into their day.
“I’ve used Buddhify for a few years now, and it’s by far the most usable, helpful, and interesting of any meditation aids l’ve tried, at a much more accessible price point than most,” says “Kitkattango12,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “Before this I had zero experience with meditation, and felt it was useless when I tried because I didn’t know how to go about it or what to aim for. Then I started listening to Buddhify’s shorter 5-15 minute guided meditations most nights before bed. In addition to being a very relaxing pre-sleep ritual, I gradually learned and practiced various approaches to meditation techniques, mind states, even fun games. …The app is also beautifully designed, voices are enjoyable to listen to, and there’s clearly such care put into every aspect of it—I can’t recommend it enough.”
“When I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, I listen to this app and it helps me relax and let go of whatever is racing through my mind. The speakers’ voices are pleasant and calming. I love their British accents. The meditations tell you it’s okay if you don’t understand it right away. Instead of missing hours of sleep, I only miss 30-45 minutes.”
InspectorL, Apple App Store reviewer
However, some Apple App Store users found they prefer the breathing-focused meditations on other apps instead.
“4jalee,” an Apple App Store reviewer says, “It gets 3 stars because the layout and the amount of content is impressive. However, the guided meditations in this app are just not my thing. There isn’t enough focus on breathing I think. My mind keeps wandering and I realize halfway through that I’m not even listening to the audio at all. I feel like the other apps give constant gentle reminders (regardless of category) to bring me back into focus.”
Specs
| User interface | Friendly, engaging |
| Price | $30 yearly |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Difficult emotions, emotional regulation, sleep, stress |
| Free trial | No |
Best meditation app for kids: Smiling Minds
Key product features
What you should know
Smiling Minds distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by providing free services to improve accessibility to emotional well-being.
- Smiling Minds offers free, engaging content developed by psychologists and educators.
- The app is best for children.
- Provides body scan meditations and mindful eating, among various other mindfulness and interactive features.
Why we like Smiling Mind as best for kids
This app has tailored content that is child-friendly, age-appropriate learning, and meditation exercises. It supports the integration of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, measuring progress and providing daily reminders. Developed by psychologists and educators with a library of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques, the app offers a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Its user-friendly interface, engaging content, and 100% evidence-based practices make it accessible and effective for individuals seeking to cultivate mindfulness relative to the body and mind, manage stress, and enhance emotional resilience.
We love that it supports integral aspects of well-being for children in congruence with evidence-based research. Smiling Mind’s commitment to education and accessibility ensures that mindfulness practices are accessible to all, making it a valuable resource for promoting mental health and well-being across diverse demographics.
We appreciate the messaging from Smiling Mind, with its focus on early prevention during childhood for mental health issues that occur throughout adolescence and adulthood. Encouraging youths to engage in a mindfulness practice early, similar to introducing a second language early in life, takes advantage of the higher brain plasticity that allows children to pick up new skills quickly. (
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What customers are saying
Apple App Store users appreciate how Smiling Minds helps them navigate through stressful situations and make daily life easier.
“I don’t think Smiling Mind gets the recognition it deserves. There are a lot of meditation apps out there, and they definitely set out to achieve the same results, but I have a great deal of respect for what Smiling Mind stands for – the app is always free, and they never try to charge you an insane amount of money to subscribe or progress through the programs. “
LilGreez, Apple App Store reviewer
“I am a teenager,” begins “Eliteballer,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “Throughout my life so far, I have dealt with many stressful situations. From big basketball matches to big tests and exams to self esteem to personal issues. All of which have caused without a doubt, unreasonable and unnecessarily high amounts of stress…Smiling mind has made things so much easier and less stressful. It has made me focus on my breathing through stressful situations and it has made me realize that the stress is not real. It is your mind creating negative thoughts and thinking of all the bad things. It has also made me more calmer and relaxed as a person. I am able to go day to day with a relaxed and healthy and peace at mind thanks to this app.”
One top complaint from Apple App Store reviewers is the relatively small amount of content compared to other meditation apps, which forces them to repeat meditations frequently.
“Picture Editor,” another Apple App Store reviewer says “I’ve used smiling mind for the past three or four years and I’ve loved it…The only negative thing I have to say is that I want more! Particularly more sleep meditations and meditations specifically for when you wake up. I’ve already gone through their 21-day sleep meditation module twice, as well as their sleep for teen and adults modules many times, and they’re amazing, but they do get repetitive if you’re doing them super often.”
Specs
| User interface | Child friendly & engaging |
| Price | Free |
| Platform | Android & iOS, Tablet |
| Meditation content | Interactive mindfulness modalities for children |
| Free trial | N/A |
Best meditation app for focus: Insight Timer
Key product features
What you should know
Insight Timer distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps with its practices tailored to enhance focus.
- It offers over 190,000 unique guided meditations.
- The app is best for those looking to improve concentration and focus.
- Delivers different types of yoga, visualization, and hypnotherapy.
Why we like Insight Timer as best for focus
This app provides more than 190,000 guided meditations, including relaxing, concentrative music, courses, workshops, yoga, and an extensive range of educational topics. Insight Timer has thoughtful meditations and a mood tracker. We love this part as it supports emotional awareness and regulation.
Practices like yoga further promote a sense of grounding and mindfulness while helping to release stress and suppressed emotions through the body via the vagus nerve. This nerve represents the primary component of the PNS and is an example of the bidirectional communication between the body and brain. Its long, extensive nerve fibers are interconnected with nearly all body systems—and relay information relative to the body’s physiological state up to our brain—indicating cues of safety or distress. Practices that activate the vagus nerve include deep abdominal breathing and exhaling, in addition to yoga nidra.
Insight Timer also includes an extensive library of guided meditations and mindfulness practices specifically tailored to enhance focus, concentration, and efficiency taught by an impressive array of professionals. It also has a number of unique features, including visualization and hypnotherapy. With customizable meditation timers and ambient sounds, users can create personalized productivity sessions to suit their needs and preferences. Insight Timer’s community features also promote accountability and support, empowering users to stay motivated and achieve their productivity goals with mindfulness.
What customers are saying
Apple App Store users like how Insight Timer stands apart from other meditation apps with its useful features and frequent updates.
“As a teacher, I’ve been recommending different apps and music for my students and patients over the years and I can honestly say that I have switched and I use Insight Timer EVERY DAY without fail and have done so since the day I found it! I recommend it to everyone! I’m so impressed with the content and how it’s broken down by category and by time. If you only have a few minutes, you still can access a mind space to breathe. There is so much to explore and do within this little app.”
Macmamamarie, Apple App Store reviewer
“I initially downloaded this app for the timer—a nice variety of authentic-sounding bowls, blocks, and chimes,” begins “LaurelIT,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “Fast forward four years and I’m continually blown away by the incredible amount and quality of the guided meditation content now available here—all for free. With new recordings arriving each day, there’s everything from basic breath work and mindfulness practices, to creative visualization and hypnotherapy, Yoga Nidra, meditations on specific topics, children’s meditations, meditations in a variety of foreign languages, music, and spiritual talks. I do enjoy seeing the charts of my practice over time and feel more centered and able to cope with life as I enjoy realizing the personal goals l’ve set.”
However, some Apple App Store users complain that the updates make the app less useful and take away what they originally liked about the app.
“This used to be a great app,” laments “Soodfq,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “Simple and compelling. But more than any other app I can think of, they keep making changes that lower the experience…clutter the screen, put the most commonly used features (the timer, for instance) underneath menus instead of on the home page. And they’ve destroyed the community they had by a series of rearrangements and bugs that have killed off a lot of the friendly conversations with others which I enjoyed about this app.”
Specs
| User interface | Friendly & engaging |
| Price | $9.99 per month, $59.99 annually |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | More than 190,000 guided meditations |
| Free trial | One week |
Best meditation app for community: Sattva
Key product features
What you should know
Sattva distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by providing tailored recommendations and a sense of community.
- Sattva offers a Meditation Time Tracker, a progress tracker.
- The app is best for community connection.
- Provides an individualized approach and personal insights.
Why we like Sattva best for community
This app has content from spiritual teachers and experts, providing guiding meditations, music playlists, mantras, and mudras—facilitating the channeling and unblocking of energy or chakras. It has soothing effects on the body and mind through these properties, promoting alignment of the body, mind, and spirit.
Sattva provides a sense of community for users, allowing them to connect and share experiences. This app also demonstrates meditation’s ancient roots, drawing from healing Vedic principles, teachings, and practices. Chanting and mudras have notably been shown to activate the vagus nerve, promoting a sense of body safety that is communicated to the brain or central nervous system.
When we looked closer into the community features, we noticed that Sattva includes a unique social platform where users can create profiles, join meditation circles, and participate in live events, fostering a global community of meditation practitioners. This sense of connection is enhanced with leaderboards and shared meditation challenges that encourage a friendly, supportive environment for growth and learning.
We love that Sattva integrated personalized progress tracking and rewards, which reinforces user engagement and creates a more tailored meditation journey.
What customers are saying
Apple App Store users love Sattva because of the variety of its meditations and other features.
“For me, the mantra techniques help strengthen my breath and get me to a meditative state rather than waiting for vague directions as my mind drifts.”
LAM J78, Apple App Store reviewer
“This app is much better than Calm or Headspace,” begins “CMGazul,” an Apple App Store reviewer. “First, the free version offers much more than either of the other two apps. That’s generosity. And second, the subscription is comparable or less, and you get more. Try it. I have been using it for three years and I love it. Awesome guided meditations and fabulous music and chants. I highly recommend it.”
Common Apple App Store complaints include disappointment with app updates and having a hard time contacting user support.
“Casey_2481,” an Apple App Store reviewer says “I used to love this app, it was perfect! Then came a big update where the appearance totally changed. It feels really cumbersome to start a meditation since you now have to scroll down, manually set an ending bell (I’ve forgotten a few times and so I’ve gone over my time), and I have to manually input my time since it’s no longer one of the preset times. The overall effect it has now is being clunky to use, where before you opened the app and tapped a few buttons. Very simple.”
Specs
| User interface | User friendly |
| Price | $12.99 per month, $49.99 per year, $399.99 lifetime |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Mantras, Chants, Mudras |
| Free trial | Three days |
Best splurge meditation app: Breethe
Key product features
What you should know
Breethe distinguishes itself in the realm of meditation apps by providing unique mindfulness modalities.
- Offers personalized programs to enhance relaxation.
- The app is best for those interested in hypnotherapy.
- Provides unique music for user experience.
Why we like Breethe as best splurge
This app’s relatively high price tag pays for its many benefits, including mindfulness exercises, meditations, sleep stories, and music specialized to support relaxation and reduce user stress, as well as breathing exercises. The premium content of this app offers personalized programs for increased relaxation, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being from renowned experts.
This app also supports tuning out and winding down with hypnotherapy and unique music soundtracks. Hypnotherapy has been suggested to play a role in combating stress and improving overall health, as evidenced by research on GI issues and sleep. ( 17 , 18 )
A key feature we love about Breethe is its customizability in getting to the underlying reason for the user’s anxiety and stress. This is important as it individualizes modalities for the individual while attempting to get to the root cause.
Adding to its premium offerings, we noticed that Breethe provides exclusive access to masterclasses and webinars led by world-class experts in the field of mindfulness, psychology, and wellness. These sessions are designed to offer deeper insights and practical tools for managing stress, enhancing emotional intelligence, and fostering mental resilience.
During our review of the app, we noted that it also features a vast library of content that includes over a thousand tracks f guided meditations, sleep aids, and mindfulness talks that are regularly updated. We love that users will never run out of options and can always find something new to help them in their journey towards mental wellness.
What customers are saying
Apple App Store users love the helpful customer service and impactful features Breethe provides.
“I questioned getting this app due to the price, but I’ve been loving it. I have a great sense of appreciation for it…This app has many wonderful meditations, talks, short relaxing videos, & nature sounds. I also love the bedtime stories, & sometimes would really try to stay awake to hear all of the story or I would listen in when I needed a nap or to rest during the day.”
Krystallwithakay, Apple App Store reviewer
“Mightymrsquinn,” an Apple App Store reviewer says “Learning to meditate and sleep better!
This app has been a real asset to me. I didn’t know how to quiet my mind in order to meditate nor did I feel comfortable beginning on my own as I felt unsure of how to start. Breethe has not only shown me how to get started but helped me understand that random thoughts during meditation are completely normal.”
Negative Apple App Store reviews note bugs within the app, especially with the daily streak counter. But many also found that customer service was helpful in working one-on-one to resolve their issue.
Specs
| User interface | Friendly and engaging |
| Price | $14.99 per mo, $89.99 yearly |
| Platform | Android & iOS |
| Meditation content | Customizable, Hypnotherapy |
| Free trial | Two weeks |
Our meditation app testing methodology
Every Fortune review features in-depth analyses conducted by reviewers who have first-hand experience in mental health. It is also reviewed by qualified mental health experts to ensure quality and accuracy. All the claims are backed by scientific evidence. Read more about Fortune’s teletherapy testing methodology here.
Therapist quality—30%
Teletherapy services and meditation apps should feel personal and professional. They should be backed by science and offer personalized features and services. We evaluate the following factors:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Mental health services should be easily accessible to a wide variety of users. That means a clear, simple app with plenty of options and no bugs or lags. Here’s what we look for:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Mental health services can fall by the wayside when they’re not affordable. We prioritize apps that offer an affordable price so their benefits can be enjoyed by all. But value isn’t just the sticker price—it also includes the following factors:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Customer support can make the difference between a meditation app that boosts mental health and one that causes more headaches than it solves. We also evaluate extra resources and help for users who need it. We look for the following:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
Mental health is a personal subject, which is why it’s extra important that data stays protected. Mental health apps should be trustworthy guardians of data security. Here’s what we evaluate:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
Benefits of meditation
The benefits of meditation are numerous and include improved physiological markers of mind-body health. Stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, mood, and sleep are all noted benefits.
“Improved focus and memory are cognitive benefits associated with a regular meditation practice,” begins Johnson. “Additionally, meditation can potentially improve health biomarkers, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing physical pain, and improving sleep.”
She also adds, “Meditation is an increasingly accessible practice that a diverse range of people can utilize to improve their mental, emotional, and physical health.”
How do meditation apps work?
Meditation apps work by providing customizable mindfulness sessions with an evidence-based library of clinical content. They promote soothing effects on the body and mind by encouraging a range of mindfulness and breathing techniques. Specifically, meditation apps have been shown to induce changes in the brain responsible for emotional processing (amygdala), reducing our internal negative chatter (default mode network DMN), in conjunction with promoting parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) dominance, helping our body and mind to relax, restore and renew.
More and more research backs the benefits of meditation, as evidenced by countless functional MRI studies depicting positive alterations in the brain. ( 19, 20 , 21 ) Regular meditation promotes new neural pathways and connections in the brain, known as neuroplasticity. ( 22 ) This practice has been shown to improve overall physiological markers of stress, ( 23 ) including cortisol, inflammation, and immune function, (7) as well as overall metabolic health. ( 24 )
Meditation has also been demonstrated to have a host of clinical benefits. Findings suggest that the neural mechanism in which meditation induces these effects is through reducing our self-referential inner dialogue or default mode network (DMN) activity. ( 25 ) Meditation practices encourage us to fully engage in the present moment, leaving our self-narratives and rumination at the door. By shifting this awareness, we are more immersed in life and our relationships and support the health of our body and brain.
Mindfulness meditation practices have also been evidenced to reduce the overactivity of a brain region associated with emotion and fear, known as the amygdala. ( 26 ) These practices have also been shown to improve emotional regulation, being with difficult emotions, reduce stress, and improve sleep— all significant for mental health. ( 27 )
A growing body of research demonstrates the negative effects that chronic and long-term stress can have on the body and mind. Of note, findings highlight that stress can further compound preexisting mental health conditions or those with genetic predispositions to mental health, further underscoring the role stress plays in our well-being. Among many factors, stress compromises the diversity and quality of the microbiome while driving overactivity in the HPA axis, contributing to factors such as increased levels of inflammation and compromised digestion. (28) (29)
How to choose the best meditation app for you
In determining the best meditation app for you, consider your individual goals. Are you looking to reduce stress, enhance your focus, or improve your sleep? Different apps will offer content aimed at various outcomes. Identifying your objective will help narrow down your options.
Consider your personal preferences and needs. Do you prefer guided meditations with a voiceover, or are you more inclined to listen to ambient sounds or unguided sessions? Apps will offer various meditation styles that cater to different tastes.
Your lifestyle and availability also play a role in which app is best for you. Evaluate how much time you can realistically dedicate to meditation, especially before making a big purchase. Some apps offer quick, daily meditations that are as short as five minutes, while others offer longer sessions for more in-depth practice.
Budget is another important factor to consider. While many apps offer free basic versions, typically the best features are locked behind a subscription. Consider whether the cost fits into your budget or if a free app meets your needs.
FAQs
Which app is better, Headspace or Calm?
This depends on the intentionality of meditation use and individual preferences. Headspace offers extensive structured, evidenced-based meditation mindfulness programs with a clean, user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners and more experienced or seasoned meditators seeking guided sessions.
Calm also provides a comprehensive range of content—however, it has been notably recognized for its implications for improved sleep, relaxation, and stress relief. It consists of soothing narrated Sleep Stories prioritizing restorative, deep sleep, and relaxation. It may be particularly helpful for those looking for support with their sleep, which is imperative to overall health and well-being— while Headspace may be ideal and optimal for those looking for a diverse array of meditative and mindfulness benefits.
What is the best meditation app?
The best meditation app depends on the individual’s needs. However, our team has determined that the most efficient and optimal meditation app, also heavily backed by research, is Headspace, given its extensive array of structured and clinically evidenced-based features.
Is there a truly free meditation app?
Yes, a number of meditation apps, including Medito: Meditation & Wellness and Smiling Mind, provide free services. However, some apps have limited access to free information and often require a subscription or membership.
Are meditation apps worth it?
As emphasized, a growing body of research supports the benefits of meditative apps. Meditation promotes mindfulness of the body and mind, supporting improved health, well-being, and relaxation. Brain imaging studies, as well as improved biomarkers of physical health, further demonstrate the multitude of meditation’s far-reaching effects.
Our experts
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Stephanie Hope, CSSC, CSMC, CLC
Stephanie Hope has over seven years of experience in product and service journalism, with a focus on sleep and well-being. Not only is she a Certified Sleep Science Coach, but she is also a Certified Stress Management Coach, Longevity Coach, and is working on becoming a Wellness Coach through the Spencer Institute.
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC
Rychel is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Lauren Teeter, MS, MSW, CNS, LCSW
Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer
About Author
Lauren Teeter, MS, CNS, MSW, LCSW:
Lauren is a functional nutritionist (CNS) and licensed therapist (LCSW) who takes an integrative and functional approach to mental health. Lauren received her undergraduate degree in Honors Psychology from Rhode Island College, as well as her masters in Clinical Social Work. She also has a masters of science in Human Nutrition from The University of Bridgeport.