Meditation is often described as a remedy for various mental issues, such as stress, sleep problems, mood swings, and focus, as well as certain medical conditions. I have been practicing meditation for most of my adult life, attending silent retreats, receiving formal training in different techniques, and even having a “guru” in my contacts. However, I must admit that meditation is not a magic solution to fix all your problems, despite what some may claim. Nevertheless, meditation can definitely help alleviate some of life’s stresses.
One way to incorporate meditation into your routine is through meditation apps. While mindfulness practice does not require an app, these applications offer a variety of guided meditations to suit different preferences. Some apps also provide social connections to motivate users through peer support. Additionally, many apps offer free trials, making them ideal for beginners. In this review, I tested some of the most popular meditation apps to help you find more joy and relaxation in your daily life.
How we tested meditation apps
Since every individual’s brain is unique, I did not rate these apps based on personal meditation styles. Instead, I looked for apps that catered to various methods and offered guided meditations beyond what’s available for free on platforms like YouTube. All the apps listed are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, ensuring accessibility for all users.
While there is a plethora of free meditation content available, such as podcasts, YouTube videos, and audio tracks on streaming services, I focused on apps that stood out in terms of features. I prioritized apps with extensive libraries of guided meditations, additional mindfulness activities like yoga routines, user-friendly interfaces, and features that encourage consistent practice. Ultimately, I considered unique elements that set each app apart from its competitors.
While each app has its strengths, if you prefer a more traditional approach to meditation without the use of an app, you can always disconnect from your phone and find a peaceful environment to practice. For those seeking guidance from a digital source, here are some of our favorite meditation apps.
Headspace
Headspace, a popular meditation app for nearly 15 years with 70 million users, offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features beyond meditation, such as sleep tools and yoga. The app’s gradual progression in courses, multiple instructor options, and vast selection of guided meditations make it stand out. Headspace costs $13 per month or $70 annually, with a free trial available.
Pros:
- Courses include multiple sessions building on one another
- Access to music, yoga routines, and podcasts
- Searchable library of guided meditations
- Various instructors available
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons:
- Limited free content after trial
- Primarily for new practitioners
- Other apps better at mental health check-ins
$70/year at Headspace
Other meditation gear we tested
Brain-tracking wearables designed for meditators offer real-time feedback on brain activity during meditation. We tested two popular devices to see how they analyze brain activity.
Sens.ai Neurofeedback System
Sens.ai tracks brainwaves and provides real-time feedback to enhance meditation and flow states. While accurate in monitoring brain activity, the training process may require staring at a screen throughout practice. Costing $1,500, it offers a unique meditation experience.
NeoRhythm Omnipemf
NeoRhythm uses electromagnetic fields to induce a meditative state, but its effectiveness is yet to be proven. The wearable offers various modes for focus, pain relief, and sleep, but further research is needed to validate its claims.
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