In our fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and mindfulness has become increasingly important. Meditation apps offer a convenient way to incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, but not all of them come with a price tag. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, our curated list of the best free meditation apps for 2024 will help you discover tools to enhance your mental wellbeing without any financial commitment.
Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a treasure trove for meditation enthusiasts, offering an impressive array of free content that rivals many paid apps. With over 130,000 guided meditations, the app caters to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned meditators. Its library spans a wide range of topics, including stress reduction, better sleep, and mindfulness. The app’s interface is user-friendly, allowing you to easily find sessions that suit your mood or specific needs.
One of Insight Timer’s unique features is its live events, where you can join real-time guided meditations with teachers from around the world. The app also includes a timer for self-guided sessions, complete with customisable background sounds and interval bells.
Key Features
- Vast library of free guided meditations
- Live events with global teachers
- Customisable meditation timer
- Community features and groups
- Progress tracking and stats
Insight Timer offers a generous free plan that includes access to most of its content. For those seeking additional features, there’s a premium subscription available for £54.99 per year, which unlocks offline listening, advanced courses, and higher-quality audio.
Calm
Calm has established itself as a leading meditation app, known for its soothing interface and high-quality content. The app offers a range of meditation sessions, sleep stories, and relaxing music tracks to help users reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Calm’s guided meditations are led by experienced mindfulness experts and cover various themes such as anxiety relief, focus, and self-esteem.
One of Calm’s standout features is its “Daily Calm,” a 10-minute meditation that changes daily, helping users maintain a consistent practice. The app also boasts celebrity-narrated sleep stories, which have become increasingly popular for those struggling with insomnia.
Key Features
- Guided meditation sessions for various needs
- Sleep stories narrated by celebrities
- Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
- Mood tracking
- Customisable scenes with nature sounds
Calm offers a 7-day free trial, giving users full access to its premium features. After the trial, the subscription costs £28.99 per year. The free version provides a limited selection of meditations and sleep stories, but the bulk of the content is reserved for paying subscribers.
Headspace
Headspace has gained popularity for its approachable and engaging approach to meditation. The app is particularly well-suited for beginners, with its friendly animations and easy-to-follow guided sessions. Headspace offers a structured approach to mindfulness, with courses designed to tackle specific issues like stress, sleep, and focus.
The app’s content is grounded in scientific research, and it regularly collaborates with experts to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its programs. One of Headspace’s strengths is its variety of session lengths, ranging from quick one-minute exercises to longer, more in-depth meditations, making it easy to fit into any schedule.
Key Features
- Structured meditation courses
- Animations explaining mindfulness concepts
- SOS exercises for moments of acute anxiety
- Sleep sounds and bedtime exercises
- Mindful workout sessions
Headspace provides a 7-day free trial of its full features. After the trial, the subscription costs £49.99 per year. While the free trial gives access to all content, the standard free version is limited to a small selection of meditations and the first level of some courses.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a unique meditation app developed by psychologists and educators with a focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing. Unlike many other apps in this space, Smiling Mind is completely free, making it an excellent option for those who want to explore meditation without financial commitment. The app offers programs tailored for different age groups, from children to adults, making it a great choice for families looking to practice mindfulness together.
Smiling Mind’s content is organised into various modules addressing topics such as stress management, sleep improvement, and workplace mindfulness. The app’s interface is clean and intuitive, allowing users to easily navigate through different programs and track their progress.
Key Features
- Age-specific programs for children and adults
- Tailored sessions for schools and workplaces
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques
- Sleep programs
- Progress tracking and reminders
Smiling Mind is entirely free to use, with no hidden costs or premium upgrades. All features and content are available to all users, making it an accessible option for anyone interested in exploring meditation and mindfulness.
MyLife Meditation
MyLife Meditation, formerly known as Stop, Breathe & Think, takes a personalised approach to mindfulness. The app starts by asking users to check in with their current emotions and physical state, then recommends short mindfulness and meditation activities based on those inputs. This tailored experience sets MyLife apart from many other meditation apps, making it particularly useful for those who struggle to choose which meditation to do.
The app offers a wide range of activities, including guided meditations, breathing exercises, yoga videos, and acupressure videos. MyLife also includes a journaling feature, allowing users to track their mood over time and gain insights into their emotional patterns.
Key Features
- Personalised meditation recommendations
- Variety of mindfulness activities
- Mood tracking and journaling
- Breathing exercises
- Progress tracking with graphs and stats
MyLife Meditation offers a free plan that includes access to a limited number of meditations and activities. For full access to all features and content, users can subscribe to the premium version for £9.99 per month or £58.99 per year.
Breethe
Breethe is a meditation app designed to help users incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. The app offers a wide range of guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxing music tracks to address various aspects of mental wellbeing. Breethe’s content is organised into life situations, making it easy for users to find relevant meditations for specific challenges they might be facing, such as work stress, relationship issues, or health concerns.
One of Breethe’s unique features is its ‘7 Days of’ programs, which provide week-long focused meditation series on topics like self-love, anxiety relief, and better sleep. The app also includes a selection of hypnotherapy sessions, which can be particularly helpful for those looking to make positive lifestyle changes.
Key Features
- Guided meditations for specific life situations
- ‘7 Days of’ focused programs
- Sleep stories and relaxing sounds
- Hypnotherapy sessions
- Daily inspirational quotes
Breethe offers a 14-day free trial, giving users full access to all premium features. After the trial period, the subscription costs £12.99 per month or £89.99 per year. The free version provides access to a limited selection of meditations and features.
Medito
Medito is a unique player in the meditation app market, offering a completely free and open-source platform for mindfulness and meditation. Created by the non-profit Medito Foundation, this app aims to make meditation accessible to everyone without any cost barriers. Medito provides a variety of guided meditations, courses, and sleep content, all crafted by experienced meditation teachers and mental health professionals.
The app’s interface is clean and straightforward, focusing on functionality rather than frills. Despite being free, Medito doesn’t compromise on quality, offering well-produced audio content and a range of features typically found in paid apps.
Key Features
- Guided meditations for various purposes
- Meditation courses for beginners and advanced practitioners
- Sleep stories and sounds
- Customisable meditation timer
- Offline access to all content
Medito is entirely free to use, with no premium tier or in-app purchases. All features and content are available to all users without any restrictions or time limits.
Aura
Aura sets itself apart in the crowded meditation app market with its use of artificial intelligence to provide personalised mindfulness recommendations. The app learns from your preferences and feedback to curate a daily selection of short, science-backed mindfulness exercises, meditations, life coaching, stories, and music.
This adaptive approach ensures that the content remains fresh and relevant to your needs. Aura offers a diverse range of meditation styles and teachers, allowing users to explore different approaches to mindfulness. The app also includes features like mood tracking, gratitude journaling, and a community section where users can share their experiences and insights.
Key Features
- AI-powered personalised content recommendations
- 3-minute mindfulness exercises
- Mood tracking and patterns
- Gratitude journal
- Life coaching audio sessions
Aura offers a 7-day free trial of its premium features. After the trial, the subscription costs £11.99 per month or £59.99 per year. The free version provides limited access to content, typically one personalised meditation per day.
The Mindfulness App
The Mindfulness App is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced meditators, offering a flexible and customisable approach to mindfulness practice. The app provides a variety of guided meditations ranging from 3 to 30 minutes, as well as a library of nature sounds and music for unguided sessions. One of its standout features is the ability to set meditation reminders and track your progress over time.
The Mindfulness App also offers a 5-day guided introduction to mindfulness, making it an excellent starting point for those new to meditation. For more experienced practitioners, the app includes silent meditation timers and the option to create custom meditation sessions.
Key Features
- Guided and silent meditations of various lengths
- 5-day introduction to mindfulness course
- Customisable meditation sessions
- Reminder and tracking functions
- Integration with health apps
The Mindfulness App offers a 7-day free trial of its premium features. After the trial, the subscription costs £9.99 per month or £59.99 per year. The free version includes a selection of guided meditations and the ability to time silent meditations.
Buddhify
Buddhify takes a unique approach to meditation by offering content specifically designed for different activities and times of day. Instead of generic meditation sessions, Buddhify provides guided practices tailored to situations like waking up, commuting, taking a work break, or going to sleep. This context-based approach makes it easier for users to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines.
The app features over 200 meditations from multiple teachers, ensuring a variety of styles and voices. Buddhify’s wheel interface is visually appealing and intuitive, allowing users to quickly find the right meditation for their current situation. The app also includes a solo meditation timer and the ability to track your meditation stats.
Key Features
- Situation-specific guided meditations
- Unique wheel interface for easy navigation
- Multiple teachers and meditation styles
- Solo meditation timer
- Meditation stats and tracking
Buddhify is a paid app with a one-time purchase price of £4.99 for iOS and £3.99 for Android. While there’s no free version, the app offers all features and content for a single upfront cost, with optional in-app purchases for additional content packs.
How to choose the best free meditation app for you
Identify your meditation goals
Begin by clarifying your meditation objectives. Are you seeking stress relief, better sleep, improved focus, or spiritual growth? Different apps specialise in various aspects of meditation, so understanding your primary goals will help narrow down your choices. Consider whether you prefer guided sessions, silent timers, or a mix of both. Some apps offer specialised programmes for anxiety or insomnia, while others provide a broader range of meditation styles.
Evaluate app features and user interface
Examine the features each app offers and how they align with your needs. Look for options like customisable session lengths, progress tracking, and offline access. A clean, intuitive interface can greatly enhance your meditation experience. Pay attention to the quality of audio content, voice options for guided meditations, and the variety of background sounds available. Some apps include additional features like mood tracking or journaling, which might be valuable additions to your practice.
Consider community support and learning resources
While exploring free meditation apps, assess the level of community support and educational content provided. Some apps offer forums or groups where users can share experiences and tips. Others include articles, videos, or courses on meditation techniques and mindfulness principles. These resources can be particularly beneficial for beginners or those looking to deepen their practice. Also, check if the app allows for easy sharing of progress or achievements with friends, which can help maintain motivation and consistency in your meditation journey.
Which Free Meditation App Is Best?
Insight Timer is a top choice for those seeking a full-featured meditation experience without cost. Its extensive library of guided meditations, music tracks, and courses caters to practitioners of all levels. The app’s community features and live events foster a sense of connection, making it an excellent option if you value shared experiences in your mindfulness journey. We recommend Insight Timer if you’re an experienced meditator who enjoys variety and social interaction.
New to meditation and prefer a structured approach? Headspace or Calm are worth considering. Both offer free trials that provide access to their full features, including guided sessions, sleep stories, and mindfulness exercises. These apps excel in their user-friendly interfaces and well-designed programmes that gradually build your meditation skills. We suggest Headspace for beginners looking for a gentle introduction to meditation, while Calm is ideal if you’re seeking stress relief and better sleep.
Smiling Mind is an excellent choice if you prefer a completely free option with no pressure to upgrade. Developed by psychologists and educators, it offers age-specific content for children, teens, and adults. The app’s focus on mental health and wellbeing, coupled with its commitment to remaining free, makes it a valuable resource for individuals and families alike. We recommend Smiling Mind for families and educators looking to introduce mindfulness to young people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Meditation Apps
What features can I expect from free meditation apps?
Free meditation apps typically offer a selection of guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories, and mindfulness practices. Many also include features like meditation timers, progress tracking, and community forums. However, the extent of free content varies between apps, with some offering more comprehensive free plans than others.
Are free meditation apps as effective as paid ones?
Free meditation apps can be just as effective as paid versions for many users, especially beginners. They often provide a solid foundation for starting a meditation practice. However, paid versions may offer more extensive content libraries, personalised programmes, and advanced features that could benefit experienced meditators or those seeking specific types of meditations.
How do free trials work for meditation apps?
Free trials, such as those offered by Calm, Headspace, and Breethe, typically give you full access to all premium features for a set period (often 7-14 days). After the trial period, you’ll need to subscribe to continue accessing premium content. It’s important to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged for a subscription.
Can I use meditation apps offline?
Many meditation apps, including some free ones like Insight Timer and Smiling Mind, offer offline access to some content. However, the extent of offline availability can vary. Paid versions often provide more extensive offline access, allowing you to download meditations for use without an internet connection.
How often should I meditate using these apps?
The frequency of meditation is personal and depends on your goals and schedule. Many apps, like Headspace and Calm, recommend daily practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency is key in developing a meditation habit, so aim for regular sessions that fit comfortably into your routine.
Are there any completely free meditation apps without in-app purchases?
Yes, some apps like Insight Timer, Smiling Mind, and Medito offer extensive free content without pushing in-app purchases. These apps are funded through donations or other means, allowing them to provide a wide range of meditations and features at no cost to the user.
Can meditation apps help with specific issues like anxiety or sleep problems?
Many meditation apps offer content tailored to specific needs. For example, MyLife Meditation provides meditations based on your current emotional state, while Calm and Headspace have dedicated sections for sleep and anxiety. Even free versions often include some targeted content, though paid versions typically offer more comprehensive options.
How do I choose the right meditation app for me?
Consider factors like the app’s interface, the variety of meditations offered, the voices of the guides, and any specific features you’re interested in (e.g., sleep stories, breathing exercises). Take advantage of free trials to test different apps and see which one resonates with you. It’s also worth reading user reviews to get a sense of others’ experiences with each app.
Are meditation apps suitable for children?
Some meditation apps, like Smiling Mind, offer content specifically designed for children and teenagers. Others, such as Headspace, have dedicated kids’ sections in their paid versions. When choosing an app for children, look for age-appropriate content and consider apps that offer family plans.
Can I track my progress with free meditation apps?
Many free meditation apps offer basic progress tracking, such as meditation streaks and total time meditated. Apps like Insight Timer and Medito provide these features in their free versions. More advanced analytics and personalised insights are often reserved for paid versions in apps like Calm and Headspace.
