Mindfulness? There’s an App for That

November 19, 2025

Download these to improve your focus

At its core, mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and non-judgment. It involves cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and the environment. Scientific research has demonstrated that regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, improve focus and promote overall well-being. In our fast-paced, digital world, mindfulness apps serve as accessible tools for cultivating these valuable skills.

Calm

Calm focuses on meditation, relaxation techniques and sleep stories. To unlock its full content library, a subscription is required, costing $16.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Calm’s library boasts over 2,000 guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises and masterclasses.

The app excels particularly in sleep enhancement, featuring sleep stories narrated by celebrities and a variety of natural soundscapes (rustling leaves, gentle waves, etc.). Some users note that the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming. While the sleep stories are the standout feature, users seeking a more meditation-focused experience may find Calm’s offerings somewhat limited.

Happier Meditation

Designed with skeptics in mind, Happier Meditation (formerly known as 10% Happier) offers practical meditation techniques rooted in science and mindfulness philosophy. The app offers a free trial, followed by a subscription that costs $12.99 per month or $99.99 annually.

Its library includes around 500 guided meditations, interviews and courses, with content curated to appeal to busy professionals who might have their doubts about the benefits of meditation.

What works well is its straightforward approach and emphasis on real-world applications. A downside is that its library, while substantial, is smaller than some competitors, and certain features require a paid plan.

You can download on the App Store for iPhone and Google Play store.

Headspace

Headspace is one of the most popular mindfulness apps, recognized for its user-friendly interface and engaging guided meditations. The app offers a free initial trial, followed by a monthly subscription fee of $12.99 or an annual subscription of $69.99.

Its library includes over 1,000 guided meditations spanning topics such as stress, sleep, focus and anxiety.

What works well is Headspace’s approachable teaching style, making mindfulness accessible to beginners. The structured courses, animated videos and calming voices help users develop their daily practice. Unlike the other apps listed here, Headspace can also connect users to therapists, and those sessions can be billed to your insurance.

Insight Timer

Insight Timer offers the most extensive free library among mindfulness apps, boasting over 250,000 guided meditations, music tracks and talks from teachers worldwide. There’s no cost to access most of its content, though a premium subscription of $9.99 per month adds additional courses and offline access.

Its extensive library is ideal for users who prefer exploring different styles and teachers at their own pace. The app’s community feature fosters engagement and accountability.

The vast amount of free content might be overwhelming for beginners, but it does allow a user to create manageable routines with in-app reminders to breathe deeply and slowly, drink some water or go for a walk, for example.

Smiling Mind

Unique among these options, Smiling Mind is a nonprofit app designed to support individuals of all ages, from children to adults. It offers free access to all its content, including guided meditations and mindfulness programs tailored for schools, workplaces and specific life challenges.

Its library is smaller—about 250 meditations—but its focus on accessible, evidence-based practices, especially for younger audiences, sets it apart. The app’s simplicity and free access make it particularly valuable for educators and families.

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