Top Meditation Apps Reviewed
Hi, Friend!
If you’re interested in dipping your big toe into meditation but not sure where to start (like most people!), this is an e-mail for you.
And, if you already have some form of a meditation practice, you might learn something new!
A few weeks back I polled my Instagram-fam on the meditation apps they liked the best. Here are the results with my personal commentary and price break down FYI included.
Why am I using a whole post to tell you about these apps? They are all a really simple, easy, and in some instances a free way to explore how you can give you mind a break and get more focus and clarity, while increasing your overall well-being.
Headspace
Why it’s great
This is the app I most recommend for beginners
The way they explain thinking about your thoughts, following your breath, and how to easily start a practice is super approachable
The charming melody of the narrator’s voice
The cheerful and simple animations (seriously, so cute)
Fine print
Free 10-day beginners program (~10 min a day)
Once you run out of the free stuff, there’s a $9.99 monthly subscription, an annual subscription that is $5.99 a month, or a family plan that is $14.99 a month (get that whole fam in on it!)
Calm
Why it’s great
I really like calm due to all the calming scenes, sounds, and overall vibe (pun not intended)
There is a huge variety of options… from guided meditation series on topics like “Calming Anxiety”, “Managing Stress”, and “7 Days of Happiness”, to simple timed meditations
The Sleep Stories! Y’all… there is even one with Mathew McConaughey where he tells you a soothing story with that enchanting southern drawl all of us Texans love so much
For all you mamas, a “Calm Kids” set of Sleep Stories, Meditations, Lullabies, and Soundscapes for different ages and topics is available
Sometimes I just leave their nature soundscapes running in the background while I’m working… soothing and pleasant sight and sounds
Fine print
There are several free programs and meditations, and the paid options run $13 a month, $60 a year (that’s the subscription I have), or $300 for a lifetime subscription
Insight Timer
Why it’s great
It’s simple and free! In fact, they have the largest library of guided meditations on Earth (more than 25,000!)
There is a wide variety of options... from a simple timer, customizing your session with the resonating chime of a sound bowl, gong, or other instrument of your choice, to guided meditations, courses, and sleep series
There is a cool interactive map where you can see how many people are using the app and meditating across the globe at the same time… really promotes the power of community
Fine print
$0... with a “Member Plus” option to unlock a even more meditations (that also comes with a 7-day free trial)
10% Happier
Why it’s great
This app is an extension of Dan Harris’s book of the same title, which details his journey from an anxiety-ridden newscaster to someone who dove into meditation and found that he is at least “10% happier” as a result (Dan isn't a fan of over-promising :)
This app (and book) is great for skeptics, as it takes the woo out of meditation and breaks it down in a straight forward way, including all the all the beginner and sleep series goodness of the other apps reviewed here
Fine print
There’s a lot of goodness for free, and there are several paid options including a $99 annual subscription
So... which ones have peaked your interest??
I have all these apps and more on my phone and they all have totally different vibes. It’s great to mix it up, explore the options out there, and get exposed to a different style of breath work and meditation. I love learning new tidbits from different apps, teachers, and retreats.
And that’s exactly what I’m doing this week! I’m currently knee-deep in training in Amsterdam with the Potential Project and I can’t wait to come back next week with renewed energy and fresh neurological tidbits to share with you.
In the meantime, comment below or shoot me an email to let me know what your favorite meditation app or resource is, and why. And of course, if there are specific topics you’d like me to share around coaching, mindfulness, and creativity hacking, let me know! My purpose is to provide with you with tools, tips, and a perspective that can help you step out of auto-pilot mode and live life with a bit more flow, ease, passion, and authenticity.
Once I get back from Amsterdam, I’ll have a fresh calendar for the fall so e-mail me or click here if you’re ready to schedule you’re complementary exploration session. Ready means you're tired of thinking about changing stuff and ready to explore actually DOING IT. We can talk about that thing you’ve been wanting (a specific career goal? Less stress in your life? Courage to try something new? A desire to enhance your mindfulness practice?), and together we can formulate a plan that works for you.
Cheers!
Elizabeth