The best meditation apps to help you find inner peace
It is rare to have a moment of silence in modern life. Between childcare, chores, emails, texts and errands, there’s always something on our mind. These meditation apps will motivate you to take a break and relax.
Calm
Calm is one of the most popular meditation apps out there for good reason. The app contains an option for everyone, from guided meditations to ambient soundscapes and nature sounds. The free version of Calm includes some timed meditation options, the first day of all their multi-day programs, a breathing exercise, and a sleep history. The premium version also includes mindfulness classes and video lessons on stretching and movement. To unlock the entire extensive catalog, members can pay $69.99 a year or $14.99 a month.
Headspace
Like Calm, Headspace is a popular choice for beginners on their meditation journey. The app offers a free plan and is also priced at $69.99 for a year of the premium plan. If you need structure to stick with your meditation practice, Headspace is a good choice. The app prompts users with a daily to-do list as a reminder to set aside time for yourself.
Insight Timer
If you are further along in your mindfulness journey, Insight Timer has one impressive library of more than 130,000 free guided meditations guaranteed to keep things fresh. You can also watch live video events with experts in mindfulness and mental health. Want a community of like-minded meditators? You can connect with them through Insight Timer’s community feature.
Program for healthy minds
If you want a free, easy-to-use meditation app without a lot of bells and whistles, Program for healthy minds is it. Beginners will love this goal-driven app that focuses on measuring and improving your awareness, connection, insight and purpose. You can also slowly build your meditation muscles by adjusting the course length in five-minute increments.
Ten percent happier
Ten percent happier has more than 500 guided meditations and courses full of techniques to help you manage anxiety and stress. The progress meter is also great for goal-driven users. If you need a little extra motivation, you can sign up for one of the meditation challenges. You get the basics with a free version, but a premium membership gives you full access for $99.99 a year.
Simple habit
If you want to start meditating but feel like you never have time to relax, Simple Habit is the perfect app for you. It’s full of five-minute sessions, as well as targeted sessions you can listen to on a lunch break, before a meeting or before an interview. An annual subscription costs $89.99, but if you’re ready to commit, you can get lifetime access for $299.99.
Wakes up
Best-selling author, neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris developed Wakes up for beginners with meditation. If you want to do a deep dive into why meditation works while gaining a greater understanding of your mind, you’ll love the 28-Day Introductory Program. Membership is $14.99 a month or $99 a year. Harris also pays it forward by donating 10% of profits to various charities. If you can’t afford it, Waking Up offers a unique scholarship option for a free year of premium.
