The best guided meditation apps cater to different needs – whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, or establish a consistent mindfulness practice.
I have tried several of them, and will admit that I have had my fair share of disappointment until I finally realized that the trick is not just about finding the best meditation app, but the one that actually fits your vibe and lifestyle.
This article provides a rundown of 10 of the best guided meditation apps and how they compare with their own unique features.
Free Trial + Paid Subscription Best Guided Meditation Apps
1. Headspace
Headspace is probably one of the top guided meditation beginners app. It is super beginner-friendly, which is what I loved about it when I was just starting out.
There’s this calming British guy, Andy, who walks you through everything — no pressure, no judgment. I remember feeling that he was a wise friend who just understood your needs!
Plus, the app has these cute, animated videos that break down complex topics such as stress and sleep in a way that is surprisingly fun. The downside? This guided meditation beginners option is a bit pricey if you only end up using it infrequently!
- Best for Beginners
- Offers a well-structured foundation for beginners, with step-by-step guidance on meditation basics.
- Includes sessions on stress, focus, sleep, and exercise.
- Features animated videos and a variety of courses.
- Free Trial: Limited free content, with a paid subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
2. Calm
The Calm app is more about the senses. It features soft colors, nature sounds, and some celebrity voices – picture this: Matthew McConaughey reading you to sleep!.
If you are into ambient music or want a huge library of guided meditations with a peaceful aesthetic, this app is right up your alley!. However if you are looking for structured progress or accountability, the app lacks rigidity.
Better still, you can just buy CDs or DVDs that offer calming soudscapes.
- Best for Sleep and Relaxation
- Known for its soothing interface and high-quality content.
- Offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and calming soundscapes.
- Sleep stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey.
- Meditations vary in length (5-30 minutes) and cover topics like stress, sleep, and focus.
- Free Trial: Limited free content, with a paid subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
3. Insight Timer
Insight Timer can be viewed as your community-driven option of variety. It is often refered to as the YouTube of meditation apps and has thousands of free meditations from different teachers worldwide.
I stumbled upon it when I needed something new and refreshing, and I ended up spending hours sifting through random sessions – so can suck up your time!
However, this open nature means that it is a bit overwhelming at first, so you will need to test a few guides before you find your favorite.
- Best for Variety
- Has a large library of free guided meditations (over 100,000) from teachers around the world.
- Features a meditation timer with customizable chimes.
- Community-driven with discussion groups and live sessions.
- Offers courses, sleep music, and a library for kids.
- Free: Many free meditations and a premium option for additional courses.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
4. Ten Percent Happier
Ten Percent Happier is for those approaching meditation with skepticism. It is run by a former news anchor, Dan Harris, who has a no-nonsense approach to mindfulness.
The app focuses more on the practical side of things, so you will not get lost in “woo-woo” territory. I wish I had found this one earlier because it is less about emptying your mind and more about handling the craziness of everyday life.
- Best for Skeptics or for a Practical Approach
- Created by journalist Dan Harris, this app is designed for those who are skeptical or want a more straightforward approach to mindfulness.
- Features practical meditations, mindful living tips, and interviews with top meditation teachers.
- Offers courses and individual sessions tailored for stress, focus, and relationships.
- Free Trial: Free introductory course; subscription isrequired for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android
5. Simple Habit
Simple Habit is your on-the-go meditation guru. It is designed for busy bees — 5-minute sessions you can squeeze in between meetings or while commuting. I started using it during my lunch breaks at work. What makes it stand out is its focus on specific scenarios.
Stressed about a big presentation? There is a meditation for that. Feeling a mid-week slump? They have you covered. The library is organized by mood and need, which makes it super easy to jump into whatever you are feeling.
But the best part? They have a “meditation coach” feature that personalizes recommendations for you. It’s like having a little mindfulness assistant in your pocket.
The one setback is that some of the premium content is locked behind a pretty steep subscription! But if quick, situation-specific meditations are what you need, it is definitely worth it.
- Best for Busy Schedules
- Designed for people with limited time, offering short, 5-minute meditations for specific situations (e.g., commuting, taking a break, preparing for a meeting).
- Includes meditations for stress, sleep, focus, and motivation.
- Also features sleep stories and therapy sessions.
- Free Trial: Limited free content; premium subscription unlocks more options.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
6. Breethe
Breethe is all about the whole wellness package. It is more than just meditation as it has content for sleep, stress management, and even mini life-coaching sessions.
I tried it out after hearing good things about their bedtime stories (because my brain loves to overthink at night). Turns out, they are actually really good. Think soothing voices paired with calming visuals, like a cozy audio bedtime book.
The app is a bit similar to Calm in that it is super focused on relaxation. However, it comes with more structured programs. They even have a “Mindfulness at Work” series, which saved me once when I was swamped with emails.
The only downside of the app is that the UI can be a little clunky, and it does not have as many big-name narrators. But overall, if you are looking for a one-stop shop app, this is a solid pick.
- Best for Emotional Well-Being
- Focuses on mental health and emotional well-being, offering a wide variety of guided meditations, hypnotherapy sessions, and mindfulness programs.
- Includes sessions for stress, trauma, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth.
- Features calming music and sleep stories.
- Free Trial: Limited free content, with a paid subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android
7. Aura
Aura is all about personalization. When you first sign up, it asks about your current mood and preferences, and then — it curates a playlist just for you. I tested it out during a pretty anxious week, and it felt like it knew exactly what I needed.
There are guided meditations, breathing exercises, stories, and even life coaching. Plus, the app has got nature sounds and music that sync with your mood.
The best thing? Most of the content is bite-sized, like 3-5 minute snippets, so you can get a quick fix whenever you need it.
However, if you are a longer session type, it might feel a bit superficial. Overall, Aura’s a great option if you want a customized, mood-based approach without committing to long sessions.
- Best for Personalization
- Offers short meditations (3-10 minutes) and recommends sessions based on your mood and goals.
- Tracks your mood and customizes content accordingly.
- Includes guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and life coaching.
- Daily reminders and gratitude prompts.
- Free Trial: Limited free content; subscription required for more features.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Completely Free to Use Best Guided Meditation Apps
8. Smiling Mind – Guided Meditation for Beginners
Smiling Mind is one of the best guided meditation beginners apps that is super -friendly and designed with kids and teens in mind. This makes it perfect if you want to introduce mindfulness to the younger folks in your life.
I actually stumbled on it when I was looking for something to help my niece manage her pre-exam stress. The meditations are straightforward and jargon-free, with lots of kid-focused sessions on things like school stress and building confidence.
The adult content is not bad either, especially if you want a no-frills, back-to-basics experience. The bonus is that this app is completely free, which is a huge plus.
The downside? It is a bit basic compared to some of the more polished apps like Calm or Headspace. Keep in mind that subscriptions exist for a reason!! Definitely worth a shot if you are looking for a solid, free guided meditation beginners option.
- Best for Kids and Families
- A free guided meditation for beginners app designed by psychologists and educators, making it ideal for children, teens, and adults.
- Offers mindfulness programs for different age groups and settings (home, school, work).
- Great for families who want to practice mindfulness together.
- Free: Completely free to use.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
One Time Fee Access Best Guided Meditation Apps
9. Buddhify
Buddhify is like that friend who’s always down for a spontaneous adventure. It’s built around on-the-go mindfulness, with meditations you can do while walking, commuting, or even eating.
I first tried it when I needed something I could use during my daily walks, and I loved the flexibility. The sessions are categorized by activity, which is unique, and the guides have a more casual, real-world tone.
No “sit in a lotus position and find your third eye” here — just practical mindfulness for the everyday grind.
Another cool thing? There is a one-time purchase fee instead of a subscription. But the app itself could use a bit of a facelift, and it doesn’t have the robust library of some of the bigger names. Still, if you’re always on the move and want to integrate mindfulness into random moments of your day, Buddhify is your app.
- Best for On-the-Go Meditation
- Focuses on mindfulness meditations you can do anywhere, such as while traveling, eating, or taking a break.
- Meditations range from 3 to 30 minutes, with guided practices for sleep, pain management, and work stress.
- Simple, colorful interface.
- One-Time Fee: Small one-time fee for access to most content.
Platforms: iOS, Android
10. MyLife (formerly Stop, Breathe & Think)
MyLife is all about checking in with yourself. It is one of the few apps that really encourages you to pause and think about how you’re feeling before jumping into a session.
I started using it during a particularly hectic work month, and I loved how it didn’t just throw random meditations at me. Instead, it would ask, “How are you feeling today?” and then suggest sessions based on my mood.
The meditations are broken down by categories like “gratitude,” “compassion,” and “kindness,” which made it feel like I was getting a little emotional tune-up every time.
It is a gentle, thoughtful app with a clear focus on emotional wellness. The only hiccup? Some of the guided voices can sound a bit robotic at times, and the free content is somewhat limited.
- Best for Emotion Tracking
- Offers a personalized meditation experience based on how you’re feeling at the moment.
- You check in with your emotions, and the app suggests meditations accordingly.
- Great for stress, anxiety, sleep, and focus.
- Free Trial: Limited free meditations, with a subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Conclusion – Best Guided Meditation Apps
Each of these apps for guided meditation has its own strengths, so you might want to try a few to see which one resonates best with your needs and preferences.
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FAQ
What are the top 3 best guided meditation apps?
The top 3 best guided meditation apps are Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer — top choices for beginners, relaxation, and diverse meditations.
What are two best guided meditation beginners options?
Two of the best guided meditaton beginners options are Headspace and Smiling Mind. Both offer simple, beginner-friendly guidance to build a meditation habit.
