Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Developing a good meditation regimen can be a great way to improve your mental fitness. These moments in thought can allow the mind to rest and declutter, and serve as an excellent tool to keep things positive, energetic and on the right path. But while the practice is efficient and beneficial, many newcomers struggle to partake or develop a routine, intimidated by the idea of meditation as this large endeavor. Even experienced practitioners can struggle with the discipline every now and again, requiring some outside assistance.
Seeking out that helping hand for meditation is as simple as ever thanks to the plethora of meditation apps on the market. These digital platforms offer guided sessions ranging in time, and can be beacons of support as you de-stress, relax, unwind, clear your head and other meditation-minded activities.
As you might suspect, though, there’s plenty of app platforms to choose from, and finding the right one for you can take a little trial and error. Thankfully, we’ve combed through the lot of these tools, sat in thought with the listed experts and compiled our recommendations for the best meditation app on the market today.
How We Tested
I’ve been practicing meditation regularly for a while now and have used a handful of these apps to help me along with my progress. Platforms were examined based on their effectiveness in specific categories, their usability when it comes to navigating the app itself, their variety of programs and, of course, their price. If you’re looking for guidance in this discipline filled with mental potential, odds are I’ve included it in this guide.
Now, let’s find a comfortable setting, fire up our smartphones and get right into the best meditation apps.
Editor’s note: A lot of these apps offer a limited free version or brief free trials, which can be great for test runs with each respective service. For the best results, however, you almost invariably need to upgrade to some sort of paid membership, so that’s what we focused on with the pricing info. The prices shown indicate annual subscription rates, where appropriate.
Large, easy-to-navigate library to suit a plethora of needs
Cons
Need to subscribe to unlock all features within the interface
There’s a reason many individuals know of Headspace. It’s fun, welcoming and downright impressive. I’ve had the pleasure of using Headspace for a while now, and enjoy the plethora of guided meditations, experience-specific modules and more. Plus, the vast library is easy to navigate despite its increased size, which boost the user experience as a whole.
Unfortunately, this app only offers a 7- or 14-day free trial period, depending on which subscription billing cycle you choose. While this testing period is a good indicator of the help at play, this platform’s true colors and possibilities unlock once your payment information has been added. I get it, Headspace needs to make their money, too, but I do wish more of the potential could be seen upfront during this trial period.
Guided meditations are excellent picks for pre-sleep regimens
Cons
Some may not enjoy the background sounds at each opening
If you’re looking to meditate for the sake of better slumber, Calm can be a premium download worth considering. I’ve used these guided meditations in the past and appreciate their calming (pun intended) nature. Plus, the slew of individual exercises are ripe for growth in other facets of life, too.
The Calm app also gives users the opportunity to consult with on-hand experts, in case there’s a question or inquiry that needs further assistance. Additionally, sessions range in time from 3–25 minutes long, so there’s always room to declutter your brain throughout the day. Yes, the soothing background noise can be a little much for some, but if you’re serious about taking that mental breather from reality, I feel most will grow accustomed to the ambiance.
Offers educational content for better understanding of meditation as a practice
Cons
Not as expansive of a library as other paid platforms
Who said mindfulness needs a price tag attached to it? This free app from the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin sheds all anxiety-riddled pop-ups and instead delivers a no-frills, straightforward platform for better mental health. I enjoy the clear courses and initial assessment that determines your Awareness, Connection, Insight and Purpose. From there, you’re guided through an educational journey to discover not just your personal relationship with the discipline, but the benefits and background of the practice as a whole.
Sessions can also be curated to your preferred time preferences, which is a unique feature not found in other platforms. Unfortunately, however, Healthy Minds Program can only pack in so much information into a free module. If you want as vast of a library as possible, you’ll need to pay for another app.
Chat feature connects you to a meditation coach to help get your journey started on the right foot
Cons
One of the most expensive meditation apps in this roundup
For individuals that claim they aren’t the “meditation type,” this app can quickly change your perception through accessible insight, fun circuits and motivational streaks. I appreciate how this app sets up a “meditation plan” for your after your initial screening, as this helps establish a game plan toward developing a ritual with the practice. Plus, Ten Percent Happier also has an embedded chat feature that’s able to connect you with a meditation coach, just in case you have any novice questions along the way.
With all this being said, though, that price tag does make it difficult to stick with this app for extended periods. At $100 per year for the subscription service, it’s one of the most expensive platforms I’ve come across. I’d recommend utilizing this app’s free features as you get a grasp on the practice and then switch to another once you’re more advanced in your mindful tendencies.
Goal-oriented nature of sessions isn't as tailored to sustained use
Want to use meditation as a ways of overcoming a specific endeavor? Consider Simple Habit. The sessions are curated to tackle specific goals like relieving anxiety, building relationships and more. Plus, the circuits are titled efficiently, so there’s no question as to what the chosen module is tailored toward.
I also appreciate Simple Habit’s guided bedtime stories and yoga sessions, which brings a unique sense of versatility to the platform. With that said, though, I feel the platform may be too goal-oriented for some. Sure, there’s a ton of performance when it comes to these specific needs, but if you’re wanting a more general platform for extended use, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Wheel of Meditation feature makes it easy to choose your session for a targeted goal
Cons
No free trial period
Don’t have the time to peruse vast libraries for that perfect meditation session? Buddhify’s unique Wheel of Meditation has every module color coded and labeled by targeted goal, so choosing the right circuit for your specific needs is as easy as opening the app. Plus, you can even create your own wheel full of positive modules that work best for your given wants.
I appreciate how streamlined Buddhify is because it eliminates the struggle of finding the time to not only meditate but choose the right session for the time. Whether firing up a session in-between work tasks, taking a break from errands or just winding down in the evening, I know wellness is just a few taps away. Be aware, though, that this is one of the few apps in this roundup that doesn’t offer a free trial period. Oh well, I’m okay with paying a few dollars upfront for the amount of convenience and efficiency in the palm of your hand.
Encourages interaction with fellow users through varied discussion boards and meditation groups
Cons
Some users have reported glitches within the interface
Meditation doesn’t need to be an individualistic journey — there’s plenty of power in sharing your experiences with others. Through engaging discussion boards, shared meditation circles and even planned meetups, Insight Timer is a beacon of positivity for those searching for a community-driven platform. Plus, there’s tons of guided sessions and targeted circuits for a well-rounded platform no matter how you choose to engage with meditation.
I also appreciate Insight Timer as it offer a lot of its perks through its free app. While the yearly membership is listed at $60, many forgo ever signing up for the premium service because the free version is plenty worthwhile. Of course, some have reported a glitch or two within the interface, but I’m still willing to deal with a few kinks if the journey is so enticing (and cost effective).
7-day free trial is shorter than others in this roundup
For meditation sessions where focusing on a task is the name of the game, look no further than Unplug. Each circuit is just a few minutes long, yet the impact has the potential to really power into a new state of thinking. I also appreciate the built-in progress tracker that informs you of your daily habits and consistency with using the platform.
The user interface within the app is also a treat, as finding your preferred course is simple and intuitive. Unfortunately, you’re only given a week of free service with the app until you need to make a decision on membership. While a trial period isn’t uncommon with apps of this nature, I do wish Unplug offered a two-week learning period for users to better decide on if the service is right for them.
Offers expert-led bedtime visualizations, hypnotherapy and sleep stories
Cons
Meditation timer is not customizable
Catch some quality sleep with this impressive meditation app. Breethe offers up a slew of slumber-minded sessions filled with expert-led bedtime visualizations, hypnotherapy and sleep stories. Plus, you can set your own restfulness goals in the platform and generate a plan to help you make the most of your time on the pillow. There’s even an alarm clock feature and morning meditation programs, so you can get your day started with a clear mind and clear eyes (even before you’ve grabbed your cup of coffee).
Programs can be selected and built on 7-day, 30-day and 90-day increments, so there’s room to grow at your pace. The meditation timer for sessions, however, is not as personalized. Some may find it difficult to acclimate to the strict time slots, so make sure you have enough time before hitting the hay for worthwhile practice.
Breathwork can be a fantastic tool for its calming properties and ability to slow your heart rate to less stressful levels. While breathing is as an intuitive act as they come, the techniques behind breathwork require a little knowledge. This sleek and simple app can be great for learning such practices designed around classes titled Calm, Sleep, Awake, Energize, Anxiety, Ease Pain Relief, Unwind, Reboot, Recharge and Stamina.
While you do need a strong internet connection to unlock these courses in the app, I appreciate Breathwrk since the lessons and techniques don’t require the platform itself once you’ve mastered the strategies. Think of this as the library book of the bunch — you can always check out the lessons again, but the knowledge in tote is digestible in one pass.
If you’re looking for guidance on meditation from an app in the first place, it helps to know that the information being presented to you is based off of expert opinion. Look to apps that feature a bevy of research-backed programs, as well as those whose programs are instructed by experts in the field.
Device Compatibility
Meditation apps can be a great way to monitor your process since they’re right on your smartphone, but if you favor guidance from your tablet or smartwatch as well, it helps to have an app that’s compatible. Before getting involved with an app and using it daily, be sure your metrics and progress can be monitored on your device of choice.
An Extensive Library of Courses
You don’t want to get into a rut with meditation, utilizing the same courses day after day. You can begin to grow stagnant in your journey if this is the case. On the same page, you want to choose an app that can cater to your needs. Maybe you’re looking to improve your mental state before bed. Maybe you need a coping mechanism for stressful situations. Maybe you just want to find better methods of relaxation.
All of these factors can be feasible through an app with a slew of available programs. More isn’t necessarily better — there’s no sense in having programs you’ll never use — but having variety at your fingertips is more often a perk than a detriment.
Time Allotments That Work for You
There’s no sense in using a meditation app that only features programs either too long or too short for your demands. When searching for that ideal platform, make sure you’re able to fit the provided sessions into your daily schedule whenever you choose to invest in your mental clarity. Most programs range from 1–5-minute sessions all the way up to 20–30-minute endeavors, so look for an app that suits your regimen without causing any extra headaches.
