Meditation apps have changed the way people practice mindfulness. Platforms like Calm now reach 70 million users worldwide. I tested many options for months to find a guided meditation app that works.
The popularity of meditation apps has skyrocketed. Apple editors named mindfulness apps as one of four "breakout" trends in app culture back in 2017. This growth is understandable, as therapists and mental health experts have endorsed many of these platforms. Calm earned titles such as "World's Happiest App" and "App of the Year 2017." Users can choose from subscription services that cost between $5.99 per month and $96 per year. The choices can feel overwhelming.
Our team at the Art of Living has thoroughly tested 15 meditation apps to simplify your choice. This detailed review shares our honest experiences and highlights key features to help you find an app that aligns with your mindfulness journey. The guide is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners who want to enhance their practice.
Q1. What are the top meditation apps for beginners? For beginners, apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer are excellent choices. They offer structured introductions to meditation, guided sessions, and a variety of content to help you establish a consistent practice.
Q2. How do guided meditation apps compare to traditional meditation methods? Guided meditation apps can be beneficial for beginners by providing a structured approach and clear instructions. However, traditional silent meditation may offer deeper benefits for experienced practitioners. Many apps, like the Art of Living Journey App, aim to bridge this gap by offering both guided and unguided options.
Q3. Are there any free meditation apps worth trying? Yes, several high-quality free meditation apps are available. Insight Timer offers a vast library of free content, while Smiling Mind is completely free and evidence-based. The Art of Living Journey App and Sattva app also offer valuable free content in addition to their paid subscriptions.
Q4. How can meditation apps help with sleep and stress relief? Many meditation apps, including Breethe and Calm, offer specialized content for promoting sleep and reducing stress. These may include bedtime stories, relaxing soundscapes, and guided visualizations designed to calm the mind and promote better sleep.
Q5. What features should I look for in a meditation app? Key features to consider include a variety of guided meditations, customizable session lengths, progress tracking, offline access, and content tailored to specific needs, such as anxiety or sleep. Some apps, such as the Sattva or Art of Living Journey App, also offer additional features, including breathwork exercises and yoga routines, for a more holistic approach to wellbeing.
The Art of Living Journey App stands out as an integrated wellness platform that combines ancient wisdom with modern technology. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded this meditation app to offer a comprehensive approach to mental well-being and spiritual growth on the go.
The Art of Living Journey app is unique in offering ongoing journeys that go hand in hand with live online courses—Art of Living Part 1, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation™, and the Art of Living Part 2.
The in-app Journey series builds upon your course experience, guiding you deeper with daily guided practice, powerful insights, and meditations featuring Gurudev and expert instructors.
The app packs features that improve various aspects of mindfulness:
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The app's subscription options include:
You can try the simple features with a 14-day free trial before committing.
This app works best if you seek a spiritual dimension in your meditation practice. It's perfect for:
Many users have overcome anxiety and health issues through regular practice with the Art of Living Journey App. As one user noted, "I finally learned the formal way to breathe and make my mind calm so I can be more productive".
Sattva stands out as a meditation app that seamlessly connects ancient Vedic wisdom with modern technology. The Art of Living Foundation created this platform to deliver profound mindfulness experiences. Skilled Sanskrit scholars, who have become adept at the inner workings of meditation, curate the content.
Sattva's complete meditation library has:
The app also shows your meditation progress through calendar views, maps, charts, and graphs.
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Cons:
You can download and subscribe for free.
Sattva works great for:
The Sattva app delivers excellent Vedic content, but the Art of Living Journey App provides a more integrated experience by combining meditation, yoga, and wellness practices.
Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, created Headspace, which has grown into the second most downloaded mindfulness app globally, right behind Calm. The platform combines meditation, sleep resources, and stress-relief exercises into a single, colorful package that serves as a lifelong guide to improved mental health.
The app comes packed with content that helps with everyday mental wellness:
