Top Meditation Apps Of 2023 For Self-Discovery & Personal Growth
We all know that meditating is good for you, but many of us are constantly juggling between work, family, and other commitments. As a result, stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high, and people are looking for ways to calm their minds and relax their bodies. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the ancient practice of meditation.
Though an ancient practice, there are modern ways to easily get more meditation into your day. So in this post, we’ll explore the top meditation apps of 2023.
I’ll provide an overview of each app, including its features, pros and cons, and pricing. I’ll also offer tips on how to choose the best app for your needs and provide some general guidance on how to get started with the best meditation app. So whether you’re a seasoned meditator or just starting, keep reading to discover the best meditation apps of 2023.
Best for beginners: Headspace
Best for a variety of styles: Calm
Best for an extensive library: Insight Timer
Best for mindfulness in everyday life: 10% Happier
Best for mood-based meditation: Aura
Best for kids: Smiling Mind
Best for pre-sleep mindfulness: Breethe
Best for on-the-go meditation: Buddhify
Best for breathing techniques: Breathwrk
Best for quick meditations: Simple Habit
Compare the top meditation apps
Company | Best for | Cost | Platforms | Good to know |
---|---|---|---|---|
Headspace | Beginners | Free 7- or 14-day trial; $12.99/month; $69.99/year; family plan for up to six users is $99.99/year | iOS / Android | Meditations are more aimed at beginners |
Calm | Variety of styles | 7-day free trial; $69.99/ year | iOS / Android | You can choose background sounds or music |
Insight Timer | Extensive library | Free – premium subscription is $60/year | iOS / Android | Over 150,000 free meditations most read by celebrities |
10% Happier | Mindfulness in everyday life | Free 14-day trial – about $100/year | iOS / Android | Great meditation courses, expert-led talks, and podcasts |
Aura | Mood based meditation | Free 7-day trial – $12.99/month; $59.99/year | iOS / Android | Great meditation courses, expert-led talks, and podcasts |
Smiling Mind | Kids | Free | iOS / Android | Focuses on making mindfulness a daily habit |
Breethe | Pre-sleep mindfulness | Free – premium subscription is $12.95/month; $89.95/year; $149.95/lifetime membership | iOS / Android | Playlists, readings & stories, guided meditations & masterclasses |
Buddhify | On-the-go meditation | $4.99 for iOS users; $3.99 for Google Play users with in-app purchases | iOS / Android | Has a Wheel of meditation |
Breathwrk | Breathing techniques | Premium subscription for $9/month or $49/year with a seven-day free trial | iOS / Android | Master different breathing techniques |
Simple Habit | Quick meditations | Free; about $12/month, $90/year, or $300/lifetime for premium | iOS / Android | Free; about $12/month, $90/year, or $300/lifetime for premium |
What to look for in a meditation app
When it comes to choosing a meditation app, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to keep in mind when looking for an app that fits your needs:
- Accessibility: The first factor to consider when choosing a meditation app is accessibility. Is the app available on both mobile and web platforms? Can you use the app on multiple devices? If you want to meditate on the go, it’s essential to choose an app that is easily accessible.
- Personalized meditation plans: Many meditation apps offer personalized meditation plans that are tailored to your needs and goals. If you’re looking for an app that will help you create a consistent meditation practice, look for an app that offers personalized meditation plans.
- Timer: A timer is an essential feature in any meditation app. Look for an app that provides a timer that allows you to set a specific length of time for your meditation practice.
- Reminders: If you’re someone who tends to forget to meditate, consider an app that offers reminders. Look for an app that allows you to set reminders to meditate at specific times of the day.
- Progress tracker: A progress tracker can be a useful feature if you want to track your meditation practice over time. Look for an app that provides a progress tracker that allows you to see how many meditation sessions you’ve completed and how long you’ve meditated.
- Integration with wearables or other apps: Some meditation apps can be integrated with wearables or other apps, such as fitness trackers or sleep monitors. If you already use these devices or apps, look for a meditation app that can be integrated with them.
- Community and social features: If you’re looking for an app that provides a sense of community, look for an app that offers social features. Some meditation apps have features that allow you to connect with other users, join groups, or share your progress on social media.
- User reviews and ratings: One way to determine the quality of a meditation app is to read user reviews and ratings. Look for an app with a high rating and positive reviews.
- Subscription options and prices: If you’re willing to pay for a meditation app, consider the subscription options and prices. Look for an app that offers a subscription plan that fits your budget and provides access to all of the app’s features.
FAQs
Q: Which app is better for mindfulness?
A: There are several apps that can help you with mindfulness practices, including Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, and Ten Percent Happier. There’s no single best mindfulness app. Each app offers different features and benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, all of these apps offer guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and other resources to help you cultivate a more mindful life.
Q: Which app is better, Calm or Headspace?
A: Both Calm and Headspace are popular meditation apps with a lot to offer. Calm is known for its soothing nature sounds, meditations for sleep, and daily calm sessions. Headspace, on the other hand, offers a wider range of content, including meditations for specific topics such as anxiety, stress, and self-esteem. Ultimately, the choice between these two apps will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Q: How Do Meditation Apps Work?
A: Meditation apps typically offer guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and other resources to help you cultivate a regular meditation. They often have a library of audio and video content that you can access on-demand, and many also offer features such as progress tracking and reminders to help you stay consistent with your practice. Some apps also incorporate other tools, such as breathing exercises, yoga practices, and sleep meditations.
Q: Are Meditation Apps Worth It?
A: If you’re looking to develop a regular meditation practice, a meditation app can be a useful tool to have in your arsenal. They offer guidance and support, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to meditation. However, like any tool, the value of a meditation app ultimately depends on how you use it. If you’re consistent with your practice and take advantage of the resources offered by the app, then it can be well worth the investment.
Q: Are there any 100% free meditation apps?
A: Yes, there are several free meditation apps available, including Insight Timer, Smiling Mind, and Stop, Breathe & Think. While these apps may have fewer features than their paid counterparts, they still offer a range of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and other resources to help you cultivate a regular meditation practice.
The takeaway
There are many meditation apps on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, there’s an app out there that can help you improve your practice.