Your Guide to the Best Apps for Meditation and Stress Relief
In today’s fast-paced world, mindfulness apps offer a simple way to support your pracitce of cultivating presence, self-awareness, and skilful living—even when life gets busy. Explore our top recommendations below to find the app that fits your journey toward greater awareness and peace.
Top Mindfulness Apps
1. Insight Timer (Free)
A versatile meditation timer complete with resonant bells and ambient chimes. Its social feature connects you with others practising mindfulness worldwide, while tracking tools keep you motivated.
Heads-Up: Some new age style soundtracks may be the opposite of mindfulness by promoting avoidance and stimulating dissociation. For a grounded experience, explore Dr Chris Walsh’s tracks.
2. Smiling Mind (Free)
A bright and breezy Australian app, Smiling Mind delivers carefully crafted programmes for all ages. Its straightforward sessions offer a calm harbour when life’s waves feel a touch too choppy.
3. Headspace (Subscription; First 10 Sessions Free)
Perfect for beginners. Known for its soothing English accent narration, Headspace presents a step-by-step meditation experience. The first 10 days offer 10-minute soundtracks to help you settle in. If you enjoy the gentle flow, consider the full subscription (prices vary)
Cost: Approximately $70–$80/year.
4. Buddhify (One-Off Purchase; approx. $5–$8)
Perfect for mindfulness on the go, Buddhify organises its guided sessions by situation—sleep, stress, or a stroll in the park. Multiple narrators with comforting British accents add variety.
5. Calm (Subscription with Free Trial)
Ideal for those seeking daily structure, Calm’s visually soothing interface pairs tranquil music with an array of guided meditations. From gentle wake-ups to peaceful wind-downs, Calm emphasises relaxation with a polished touch.
6. 10% Happier (Subscription with Free Trial)
Dan Harris’s app focuses on practical mindfulness for sceptics. Expect actionable tips rather than lofty promises, with an emphasis on real-world applications.
7. Waking Up (Subscription with Free Trial)
Sam Harris’s Waking Up app blends mindfulness practice with philosophical insights, offering a thoughtful and analytical approach to presence and awareness.
8. MyLife (Freemium)
Tailored check-ins prompt you to gauge your emotional weather, then suggest a specific meditation to match. A welcoming option for anyone wanting a personal touch.
9. UCLA Mindfulness on iTunes U (Free)
The app iTunes U has a vast archive of academic lectures and guided practices. Search for “UCLA Mindfulness” to access high-quality American recordings without paying a penny.
Ready to Begin Your Mindfulness Journey?
Explore the apps above and find the one that resonates with you. Share this guide with friends and family to help them discover mindfulness at their fingertips.