Best Meditation Apps To Download in 2024 - Meditate With Guided Practice For All Levels
We used every meditation app on IOS and Android we could find to discover the best guided meditation apps to improve your daily practice
Best Meditation Apps of 2024
A meditation app is a great place to begin meditating and choose from a range of guided meditation sessions to bring you back down to earth. In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to relax and de-stress. Meditation is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings to improve presence, reduce stress levels, sleep better, have greater control of your emotions, visualise for performance and process trauma.
Meditation and mindfulness practices like breathing exercises that often accompany them, are used by world class performers, athletes and successful people to maintain a grounded state, focus and perform better. No longer is meditation reserved for the still monk in the Monastery.
Experts recommend meditation apps for beginners who are looking for a place to start with meditation as they offer a guided session and allow you to chose a session based on your current mood or area you wish to improve on like ‘meditation for sleep’, ‘meditation for anxiety’, ‘meditation for performance’, or ‘meditation for kids’. Meditation apps also help you stay accountable with reminders and statistics giving you metrics like hours meditated or ‘day streak’.
Meditation apps like Headspace, Waking Up, Calm, Breethe, Unplug, Aura, Insight Timer (and many more) have made meditating both accessible and attractive to the modern world and placed a calming guided meditation at the fingertips of millions of Iphone and Android smartphone users to wind down, switch off and improve their state of mind and body.
From the growing list of meditation apps available in 2024, each have their own unique features. Some are designed for meditation beginners, while others are geared towards more experienced meditators. No matter what your level of experience, there's a meditation app out there that can help you achieve a more zen state of mind for as little as, well, free. While many meditation apps offer a portion of their app features for free, if you want to access the real deal of guided meditations you can have access for not much more per week than the cost of a cup of coffee.
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Best Meditation Apps for 2024 - Our Top Picks
Best for Sleep: Headspace
Read full Headspace App review
Best Overall: Calm
Best for Beginners: Waking Up
Best Budget: Insight Timer
Best for Focus: Unplug
Calm vs Headspace vs Waking Up vs Insight Timer vs Unplug
What are the Benefits of Meditation?
We all need time to unwind and de-stress. Meditation can provide that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to avoid burning out and even boost work engagement.
Meditation has been shown to offer a host of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and alleviating feelings of anxiety and depression. Research has also shown that meditation can improve focus and concentration, increase creativity, and even boost immunity.
This practice has its roots in Eastern cultures and philosophies, but it is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world as more people seek ways to reduce stress and improve their overall health.
Try this 10-minute guided meditation with Andy Puddicombe from Headspace
How Does a Meditation App Work?
A typical meditation app will have a library of guided meditations, which you can filter by length, topic, or teacher. Once you select a meditation type, you'll be prompted to choose how long you want to meditate for. You can set a timer for anywhere from one minute to one hour.
Some apps also have features like a "body scan" or "breath work" section to help you focus on your physical sensations. And if you're struggling to sit still, there are even moving meditations that you can do while walking or doing yoga.
The best thing about meditation apps is that they can be used anywhere, at any time. Whether you're on your lunch break, in the middle of a stressful day, or lying in bed trying to fall asleep, there's an app that can help you centre yourself and find some peace amidst the chaos.
How We Review
We checked the following factors to see which meditation apps are the best:
Functionality
The best meditation app should offer something for everyone, whether you're a beginner just starting your mindfulness journey or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your practice. Key features to look for include personalized recommendations that suggest meditation sessions tailored to your goals and preferences. These recommendations can help guide your practice and adapt as your needs evolve over time.
Timers are essential tools for structuring meditation sessions, allowing you to set specific durations for your practice and ensuring you stay focused without distraction. Additionally, customizable settings such as ambient sounds, meditation music options, and background visuals can create a conducive environment for deepening concentration and relaxation.
When evaluating meditation apps, we prioritized those that offer a diverse range of features. This includes a variety of guided meditations led by experienced instructors, catering to different meditation styles (like mindfulness, loving-kindness, or body scan) and addressing specific challenges such as stress relief or improving sleep quality.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is crucial in evaluating meditation apps, as it directly impacts how effectively users can engage with their practice. A hallmark of top-tier apps is their ability to guide users seamlessly through the meditation process. Clear and concise instructions are essential, helping beginners understand meditation techniques and setting expectations for each session. A structured curriculum can further enhance the learning process, gradually introducing new techniques and concepts to build a sustainable meditation habit.
When assessing apps for ease of use, we prioritized those with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. The app's design should be inviting and straightforward, allowing users to navigate effortlessly through menus and features. A clean layout and logical organization of content make it easy for users to locate guided meditations, adjust settings, and track their progress without unnecessary complexity.
Value for Money
Finally, affordability and accessibility were key considerations in our search for the best meditation apps. We sought apps that offer a free trial or a free version, allowing users to experience essential features before committing to a paid plan. This approach enables potential users to assess the app's suitability for their needs, including the quality of audio guidance and overall user experience.
Listening to the audio guidance provided during meditation sessions is crucial to determining whether an app is worth investing in. The voice guiding relaxation should be clear, soothing, and conducive to a tranquil meditation experience. A well-voiced guide can significantly enhance the efficacy of meditation sessions by promoting relaxation and focus.
In addition to free trials, we also looked for apps with affordable paid plans. These plans should provide added value, such as access to a broader range of meditation programs, advanced features like offline access, or personalized coaching options. Affordable pricing ensures that users can continue their meditation practice without financial strain, encouraging long-term engagement and commitment to mindfulness.
Best Meditation Apps for 2024 - Review and Buyers Guide
Best meditation apps of 2024
Meditation is a very subjective experience and you can indeed practice meditation without a guided meditation app. Meditation is best used as a daily practice and attempting to increase the number of mindful moments during ones day and bring a greater consciousness to your being is the goal.
While meditation can be just as simple as focussing on the ebb and flow of the breathe while standing still with the eyes closed down for a few minutes, it is also very helpful to use a good meditation app to assist in prompting you and coaching you in more effective methods to meditate, especially useful for beginners.
In our ever growing meditation journey, we have tested handfuls of meditation apps of Iphone, Android and other platforms, some of which have been extremely useful and cost effective coaching for meditation while encouraging a consistent daily practice. Each meditation app comes with its own voice or group of voices which might be soothing and calming to one person, but not so for the next so it is important to test out which one works for you.
Best Overall: Calm
Calm is one of the most well-known and popular meditation apps. It's simple to use with clear instructions, and it has a lot of features to help you get started with meditation and improve your practice.
The app includes a library of guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories, and relaxation music. You can also set goals and track your progress. It’s free to download and use, but there is a subscription required for some features.
Key Specs
Cost: Free to download with a 7-day trial for Calm Premium. After the trial period, payment is $14.99 a month or $69.99 a year. Cancellation of the premium subscription can be up to a day before the trial period ends. There’s also a lifetime membership package that costs $399.99.
App Features: Soothing nature sounds and a tailored meditation experience.
Why We Like It: The app has a sleek, user-friendly interface and offers a wide variety of guided meditations for both beginners and experienced users alike.
Pros
Easy to use
Beginner-friendly
Tailored experience
Cons
Upfront payment information
Poor customer service
Best For Sleep: Headspace
Headspace was actually our first introduction to guided meditation apps and was/is a very valuable tools for continuing to meditate. The soothing accent of the Founder of Headspace, Andy Puddicombe, who is a British author, public speaker and a teacher of meditation and mindfulness, was a challenge to stay awake in the early days which can be a big challenge for many in meditation.
Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps with over 60 million users. It has a library of more than 1,000 guided meditations for sleep, anxiety, and stress. The app also offers meditation courses, articles, and videos on topics like how to meditate, the science of meditation, and the benefits of meditation.
Read our full Headspace App review
There are some great features in the Headspace app including a really user friendly interface, like in the images above, that allows you to track your meditation hours and day streak to encourage you to meditate more. Headspace also includes a ‘check-in’ reminder, which we love, that allows you to input your mood and emotions over a period of time to connect more with how you are feeling over time. This provides great feedback into how meditation helps with your general state of being and encourages you to acknowledge what you are feeling and what comes up before, during and after meditation.
Key Specs
Cost: Free to download with a 7-day trial for Headspace Plus, which is priced at $12.99 per month onwards. You can get a 14-day trial if you sign up for the $69.99 annual subscription. The app offers student and family plans as well.
App Features: Over 1,000 guided meditations and plenty of other valuable resources.
Why We Like It: The app has a comprehensive meditation guide library, so users can choose the arrangement and level that works for them. There are even meditations tailored for kids as young as five years old.
Pros
Beginner-friendly
Push reminders
Search by meditation theme or length
Meditation streak counter is motivating
Cons
Upfront payment information
Limited free content
Best For Beginners: Waking Up
Waking Up is one of the most popular meditation apps and it has been designed by Sam Harris. The app contains a library of guided meditations and talks which can be used to help you learn and practice mindfulness. There are also daily challenges, progress tracking, and articles to help you deepen your understanding of the practice. The Waking Up meditation app by Sam Harris is free to download in the App Store and Google Play.
See the Meditation app stealing everyone’s attention
Waking up is free to test out for seven days and once your free trial is finished, a yearly subscription to the app is $99.99 or lifetime payment for $499.99.
Is the Sam Harris meditation app worth it? Many people who have reviewed the waking Up app comment on the soothing, calming voice of Sam Harris for meditation. We tend to agree with this. There is also quite a lot of theory behind meditation and mindfulness practices and Waking Up really covers this well.
Waking Up App Theory, Practice, Life and Lessons
In all honesty, the reason I personally started meditating was a feeling of being lost, and using the Waking Up app was seriously a catalyst to changing this feeling. The Waking Up app includes some very useful sections that can provide some really interesting insight into the self and to provide expert techniques to improve your meditation practice and to learn to understand perhaps the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to meditate, although these terms should be used very loosely.
Waking Up has mini courses like On Having No Head, Mind and Emotion, The Stoic Path and Doing Good, just to name a few. Some of these are guided by Sam Harris and other courses that are guided by famous guests and experts in the field of meditation. You can also choose a number of longer meditations or SOS meditations that are designed to guide you through a troubling experience or ground you during a panic attack or stressful moment.
But, what we find perhaps the most incredible and positive thing about the Waking Up App, is that Sam Harris offers his meditation app for free for those who genuinely can not afford to pay for the subscription to the app. To get the app for free, you simply have to fill in an application on the Waking Up website, to which the claim is that 100% of applications are approved, no questions asked.
Key Specs
Cost: Free to download, which gives access to five audio meditations and lessons. The app charges $14.99 for monthly plans, while $119.99 for annual subscriptions.
App Features: 50-day introductory course on the fundamentals and theory behind meditation as well as a series of daily meditations.
Why We Like It: The app provides an introductory course to help beginners understand the principles of meditation and its benefits.
Pros
Beginner-friendly
Insightful content
Modern and intuitive design
Calming, soothing voice
Covers theory of meditation
Cons
May be overwhelming for some users
High yearly cost
Best Budget: Insight Timer
Insight Timer is another well-known meditation app that has garnered over 10 million downloads. It's simple to use and has a wide range of features, including guided meditations, a timer function, and progress tracking.
Its main difference from other apps is that it focuses more on the user's audio experience rather than visual. You can also set up a personalised meditation practice by selecting the length of time, type of meditation, and other factors.
Key Specs
Cost: Free to download with access to thousands of meditation content. $60 yearly subscription price.
App Features: Largest free library of meditations and music tracks,
Why We Like It: The timer function within the app is fantastic for those who want to keep track of their meditation sessions.
Pros
Cheap yearly subscription
Access to their large library even without a subscription
Large community of meditators
Cons
Hard to navigate
Bug issues
Best For Focus: Unplug
Unplug is one of the most comprehensive meditation apps on the market with over 200 guided meditations. The app also has a community feature that allows users to connect with other like-minded individuals. Users are also able to track their progress and set goals.
The app started as a drop-in meditation studio in Los Angeles and has since expanded to offer online courses and an app. The company’s mission is to make meditation accessible to everyone.
Unplug App
Key Specs
Cost: Free download and 7-day trial with unlimited access to content. After the trial period, users can continue with full access for $12.99 a month or $69.99 a year.
App Features: Daily inspiring reminders and engaging videos with real meditators from the company’s studio.
Why We Like It: The app has a gratitude journal feature, which adds more meaning and intention to the sessions.
Pros
Optional push reminders
Offline downloads
High-quality videos
Cons
Non-personalised home feed
Limited navigation features
Meditation App FAQs
Why do I need a meditation app?
Meditation apps are invaluable tools for cultivating mindfulness and managing stress in today's fast-paced world. Designed to guide users in focusing on their breath and clearing their minds, these apps offer flexibility and accessibility, making them suitable for busy schedules. Whether you have a few minutes during a break or before bed, meditation apps provide structured sessions that can help you relax and center yourself effectively.
The ability to practice meditation anywhere, anytime is one of the primary advantages of these apps. Whether you're at home, commuting, or traveling, you can access guided meditations and relaxation exercises right from your smartphone. This accessibility makes it easier to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine, fostering a habit of regular meditation that can lead to long-term benefits for mental clarity and emotional well-being.
For individuals dealing with anxiety or stress, meditation apps can be particularly beneficial. The guided sessions offer techniques to calm the mind and body, reducing the impact of stressors and promoting a sense of inner peace. By incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life, users can develop resilience against stress and anxiety, improving overall mental health and quality of life.
What is the ideal length for beginners to start meditation?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the ideal length for beginners to start meditation. The duration that works best depends on individual preferences, schedule constraints, and comfort levels with the practice. For those new to meditation, starting with shorter sessions is often recommended as it allows for easier integration into daily routines and reduces the initial pressure to sit for extended periods.
Beginners can begin with sessions as brief as 10-15 minutes, focusing on basic techniques such as mindful breathing or body scanning. This short timeframe is manageable for most schedules and helps establish a consistent meditation habit without overwhelming commitment. As practitioners become more comfortable and accustomed to the practice, they can gradually extend their meditation sessions, aiming for 20-30 minutes or longer as they feel ready.
The key to progressing in meditation is consistency rather than session length. Regular practice, even if brief, can yield significant benefits over time, such as reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced emotional well-being. As you develop familiarity with meditation, you may find it easier to enter deeper states of relaxation and concentration, allowing you to naturally extend the duration of your sessions.
When is the best time to meditate?
The best time to meditate is whenever you can carve out a dedicated space in your daily routine. Finding the right time often depends on personal preferences, energy levels, and lifestyle commitments. For early risers and morning enthusiasts, starting the day with meditation can set a calm and focused tone for the hours ahead. Morning meditation sessions can help center the mind before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, providing a peaceful opportunity to ground oneself and establish clarity of thought.
Alternatively, if waking up early isn't your preference or if evenings offer a quieter atmosphere, meditating before bed can be equally beneficial. Evening meditation can serve as a wind-down ritual, helping to release the accumulated stress of the day and promoting relaxation for a restful night's sleep. It provides an opportunity to unwind from daily activities and transition into a state of tranquility before bedtime.
Choosing to meditate in the morning also allows for a mindful start to the day, free from the distractions of emails, social media, and other digital engagements. By beginning the day with meditation, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner calm and mental clarity before diving into the demands of work or daily responsibilities. This practice can enhance focus, productivity, and overall well-being throughout the day.
What is the best position for meditating?
The optimal position for meditation typically involves sitting with a straight back and relaxed posture, with eyes closed to minimize distractions. This seated posture encourages alertness and maintains focus on the breath and bodily sensations. The straight spine supports proper alignment, allowing for unrestricted breathing and enhancing circulation, which can contribute to a more comfortable and effective meditation session.
While sitting is commonly recommended, individuals may also choose to meditate lying down or standing up, depending on personal comfort and physical capabilities. When lying down, it's important to keep the body aligned and avoid sinking into the mattress to maintain wakefulness and prevent drowsiness. Standing meditation can promote a sense of groundedness and stability, with the feet firmly planted and the body upright.
Regardless of the chosen position, the key principle is to maintain a straight spine to facilitate deep breathing and sustained focus. This alignment supports the flow of energy throughout the body and helps prevent physical discomfort during extended meditation sessions. Additionally, keeping the eyes closed minimizes external stimuli, allowing practitioners to turn their attention inward and cultivate a sense of inner stillness and awareness.
What happens if I forget to meditate for a time?
If you forget to meditate for a day or two, you can pick up where you left off and continue with your regular practice. However, if you find that you've been neglecting your meditation for weeks or even months, it's best to start from the beginning again. This time, try to be more consistent with your practice and make a commitment to yourself to stick with it. Although you may not experience any noticeable benefits from one meditation session using an app or otherwise, it is when you have managed a regular, consistent daily practice for months or even years that you begin to reshape your life.
Final Word on Best Meditation Apps
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation, but the best meditation apps can help you live a more mindful life. These tools are designed to guide you through the process of meditation, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. Once you begin even just an occasional meditation using a meditation app and take a quick 10 minute break out of your day to reconnect with your mind and body, you will find the habit becomes easier and more enjoyable as you discover more clarity, peace of mind, positive feelings, improved relationships, less anxiety and better sleep.
Don't be scared to start your journey to inner peace! Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime with the help of technology. There are many different meditation apps on the market today. It just takes a bit of research and experimentation to find the best one for you.
