Top Meditation Apps We Tried and Recommend

In the fast-paced age we live in, meditation apps have become the go-to salve for our psychological woes—a different app. If you’re a well-practised meditator, you probably already know this, but there is an app for that. We have tested some of the best meditation apps based on price, features, and user ratings to help you decide which one is worth your time and money.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best of those apps to help take your meditation practice to new heights.

A Quick Look at the Best Meditation Apps

Here’s a quick overview of the top three meditation apps we tested:

Best Overall: Healthy Minds App

Rating: 4.9 Stars (iPhone and Android)
Free Trial: Yes, the app is entirely free.

In terms of flexibility, that’s something that Healthy Minds offers that’s unique in the space of meditation; it’s both simple and incredibly varied. Though some better-known apps may provide more bells and whistles, Healthy Minds is entirely free. From a nonprofit, it offers access to a variety of meditations focused on alleviating stress. Healthy Minds is excellent for newcomers and veterans alike, says Chelsea Logan, a senior editor. It has classes that are built on four main touchstones: Awareness, Connection, Insight, and Purpose. The format of the app, which mixes meditations with educational information, is a strong tool in helping you to stay consistent.

Features:

• Completely free, with optional donations.
• There’s a lot of content to choose from, including micro-meditations (1-2 minutes).
• Customizable options are available, such as active meditation, so you can meditate while doing the laundry.
• Mindful of mental health in the whole person

What We Like:

• It’s completely free.
• Offers structured courses.
• Micro meditations and active options.

What We Don’t Like:

• Doesn’t save game progress if you end a session midway.

Great for Guided Programs: Headspace

Rating: 4.8 Stars (iPhone)
Rating: 4.4 Stars (Android)
Free Trial: 7 or 14 days
Subscription: $69.99 annually or $12.99 monthly.

The one area where Headspace is most notable is the arrangement. It is excellent for people who seek more of a formal, guided meditation experience. Chelsea has been a fan of Headspace for years and swears by how simple and effective it is. Its simple interface and soothing voice guide make it an excellent option for meditation beginners. Headspace provides some themed collections like “Cultivating Black Joy” and “Pride from the Inside Out,” which translate into more personalised meditation practices. This is one of the collections that Chelsea treasures.

Features:

• Provides a vast library of guided meditations and courses.
• Specialised programming for specific populations (e.g., women, LGBTQ+).
• Progress monitoring and meditation reminders.
• Goodnight, Sleep, content with soothing voices.

What We Like:

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Great for beginners.
• Large library of meditations

What We Don’t Like:

• No free alternative after the trial finishes.

Ideal for Less Structured Meditators: Calm

Rating: 4.8 Stars (iPhone)
Rating: 4.4 Stars (Android)
Free Trial: 7 days
Subscription: $69.99 annually, $14.99 monthly, or $399 for lifetime access.

Why Calm is Ideal for Less Structured Meditators

If you like to mix up your meditation practice, you might prefer Calm. Whereas Headspace takes a more methodical approach, with Calm, you can explore meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation exercises at your own pace. Calm has been known to include famous narrators, providing an exciting twist to the meditation experience. The app also features children’s meditation content, so it’s a good option for families.

Features:

• Great assortment of sleep stories and music for relaxation.
• Availability of easy yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises).
• Celebrity narrators enhance the experience.
• Pairs with Apple Watches to track your progress.

What We Like:

• Large and diverse content library.
• Excellent for stress relief and relaxation.
• Easy-to-use interface

What We Don’t Like:

• Some users may get lost without structure.

Other Meditation Apps to Consider

Healthy Minds, Headspace, and Calm are some of the best, but others, like Simple Habit, are worth considering. Simple Habit costs more on a monthly subscription basis, but it has a freely available version with a good amount of content. It’s a good choice for beginners who crave accountability and have daily meditation goals to commit to.

How We Chose the Best Meditation Apps

Here are the best meditation apps and what you should consider when you should consider when choosing among them:

• Variety of Content:

We wanted apps that provided a variety of short, long, n, g, and thematic meditation sessions. This caters to users with diverse needs and priorities.

• Accessibility:

Any suggested app should be available on an iPhone and an Android for efficient use.

• Ease of Use:

Ease of Use The user interface should be designed in such a way that everyone can use it, regardless of their experience.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to picking a meditation app. What sets Healthy Minds apart is that it is free and structured. Both Headspace and Calm are ideal for people who are prepared to invest in their meditation practice, with extensive libraries and specialised content. Don’t forget to experiment and go with what feels right to you and strikes your fancy when it comes to your specific requirements and meditation style. Happy meditating!

FAQs

• Must I spring for a meditation app?

You don’t have to pay for a meditation app to reap its rewards. Healthy Minds is another fantastic free option with lots of content. If you want access to more advanced features or extra content, there are apps like Headspace and Calm that offer subscription-based services.

• How do I pick the best meditation app for me?

Select an app for your meditation style. You may be partial to guided programs, in which case Headspace might be more your speed. If you prefer a more unstructured approach, Calm can be effective. If you’re just getting started and are looking for a free app, Healthy Minds is a good option.

• What is the best free meditation app?

Healthy Minds is one of the best free meditation apps. It offers many types of content, both short and long, meditations and without a fee.