Mindfulness meditation technology has leveled up its game—are you ready to level up as well?
In this post, we share with you a list of the best mindfulness apps to help you live mindfully today. We have carefully checked out and reviewed these apps, so rest assured that they are all equipped with what you need to start (and improve) your meditation activities.
Let’s check them out!
1. Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind started in Australia, where the app’s developers wanted to create a non-profit initiative to help people improve their lives through mindfulness meditation. It has been providing guided meditations ever since its launch, making it easy for everyone, regardless of age, to become more mindful. The app is great for kids as well as adults, with programs divided by age and all of the features created by respected educators and psychologists.
Many users also report enjoying the app because of how aesthetically pleasing it is. It is also free, which is a great bonus!
2. Calm
Calm is one of the most successful mindfulness apps on the market. In 2021 it was the “world’s most downloaded app for meditation.”
The app has a number of different visual and audio aids for relaxation, including pouring rain, rolling waves, bustling crickets, and crackling firewood. Some other commendable features include the “Daily Calm” (a sweet, short meditation message) and the “master classes” (which are guided meditations to improve your sleep, work focus, and concentration).
The app has introduced a feature called “sleep stories,” where you can listen to well-known artists and celebrities tell stories. Celebrities that have contributed to this project include Harry Styles, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, and Cillian Murphy.
3. Headspace
Headspace is one of the pioneers in the meditation app industry. It offers a variety of meditation tools and practices, from techniques and music to storytelling sleep podcasts. Its most popular feature is the fact that it offers personalized plans for each individual user.
You can download the app for free, but you will have to spend a bit if you want to enjoy the advanced features. In our opinion, the money is well worth it since you will be provided with a personal meditation plan. You can also try the 14-day free trial to see if the app works well for you.
The app currently has 70 million downloads and a 4.9 average rating across all platforms. It is mostly recommended by meditation beginners because of its resources and accessibility. If you are new to meditation, this app might be worth your time and effort.
4. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is also quite popular in the meditation app field. This is probably because it offers a different type of experience. It is like a social networking app for meditators, where experts and beginners can interact to share their best meditation knowledge and practices. You can even see how many users are meditating at any given time.
This app offers over 100,000 meditation guides that are completely free. The downside is that it requires time and effort on your part to figure out what guide suits you the best.
We recommend this meditation app for those who have a lot of time on their hands. There is a 30-day trial so you can decide if the app is a good fit for you.
5. The Mindfulness App
The Mindfulness App is perfect for those with a busy lifestyle who like things to be organized. It features concrete meditation plans, personalized reminders, time-guided meditation sessions, and useful statistics. It is also highly customizable.
You can choose whether you want silent (without narration) or guided (with narration) meditations. The tracks range from 3 to 30 minutes, and you can always change the process based on your needs.
The app offers a premium membership if you want to expand your meditation practices. Some of its paid features included courses about relationships, focus, and calmness. You also get to enjoy more guided meditations.
6. Buddhify
This app “fits the busy, modern lifestyle.” Whether you are on a break at work, traveling for a business trip, or simply resting at home after a tiring day, it has the basic meditation essentials that every beginner (and expert) needs.
Its most popular feature is the “daily meditation wheel,” which is divided into segments. These segments are adaptable to your daily routine.
Buddhify does not feature a subscription. Instead, it asks you to pay up front, but this gives you lifetime access to all of the premium features.
7. 10% Happier by Dan Harris
Dan Harris is one of the most famous podcasters about meditation and happiness. He calls his app a “meditation app for fidgety skeptics.”
Unlike most meditation apps, 10% Happier focuses more on the scientific aspect of mindfulness instead of the spiritual. It offers a wide selection of podcast streams from a variety of speakers, and also has mindfulness video courses.
Perhaps the only drawback of this app is its limited content for free users. It does have a free one-week trial, so you can try it out to see if it is a good fit for you.
8. Aura
Aura is not your ordinary meditation app. It actually focuses on mental health. In addition to the personalized recommendations that are based on your information, it also offers CBT & Hypnosis features to help you take care of your mental and emotional stability.
The app aims to improve the overall quality of people’s lives. It consistently provides its users with new content and features and recognizes the importance of rest and sleep. Coaching is available, too, if you opt for the premium subscription.
We recommend this app if you are looking not just for a mindfulness app, but a mental health app as well.
9. Simply Being Guided Meditation
Simply Being Guided Meditation is one of the many apps offered by Meditation Oasis. Nearly all of its users sing its praises. It is free to download and use, so you don’t have to worry about a subscription.
The app is pretty straightforward. Set the timer for however long you want to meditate (ranging from 5 to 30 minutes), choose your audio effects (nature sounds, music, or both), and you are ready to meditate.
Give this app a try if you are still a beginner at meditation. It doesn’t have a huge library of meditation guides, but it is pretty decent for a free app.
10. Waking Up
If you want to go beyond simple meditation guides and timed sessions, then the Waking Up app might pique your interest. It delves into the roots and wisdom of mindfulness meditation. Created by author and neuroscientist Sam Harris, this app aims to take meditation mainstream.
Some of the features that the app provides include talks, lectures, and interviews with experts in the field. It covers a comprehensive body of knowledge, which can be overwhelming for some, but overall it is a great app. We suggest Waking Up for those who want to take their meditation and mindfulness to the next level.
11. Healthy Minds Program
This app was designed by a nonprofit organization for the purpose of spreading awareness about the therapeutic benefits of meditation. The Healthy Minds Program app is from the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and it is completely free to use and download.
The app provides its users with straightforward mindfulness lessons and easy-to-follow guided meditations. Each meditation lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. There is also an “Explore” feature.
This app integrates neuroscience into mindfulness meditation. It consists of four pillars, namely “Awareness,” “Connection,” “Insight,” and “Purpose.” Overall, it seeks to improve mental health, physical stamina, and emotional balance.
12. Meditation Studio
Meditation Studio is a great option if you have specific goal for your meditation practice, such as health, kindness, or happiness. It offers a wide range of meditation themes, so you can pick a plan that is suitable for your needs. You can also create your own if you want a touch of everything all at once.
With its diverse collection of courses and exceptional roster of teachers, a premium subscription is surely worth the cost.
13. Mindvalley: Self-Improvement
Mindvalley was initially known as Omvana, a mindfulness app available only for iOS users. It transformed into Mindvalley when the developers decided to focus on the entirety of personal growth and development, rather than limiting themselves to mindfulness. It is now available on other platforms as well.
As mentioned above, the app focuses on self-improvement and features various functions that help its users “unveil their fullest potential.” It takes care of your overall health—mind, body, and soul. Its motto is to help you be “a better you, every day.”
We recommend trying this app if you are looking for one that focuses on your development in general. It has an outstanding average rating of 4.7 on app stores.
Conclusion
Mindful meditation is one of the best recreational activities you can offer your mind and body. We all want peace and clarity, and you can start your mindfulness journey through these apps.
Check out a few of these mindfulness apps and see for yourself which best fits your schedule and way of life.
Finally, if you want a simple way to reduce your stress and anxiety, then try writing these 35 mindfulness journaling prompts to live more in the present moment.
