The best meditation apps to help you find inner peace

Calm is one of the most popular meditation apps out there for good reason. The app contains an option for everyone, from guided meditations to ambient soundscapes and nature sounds. The free version of Calm includes some timed meditation options, the first day of all of their multi-day programs, a breathing exercise and a sleep story. The premium version also includes mindfulness classes and video lessons on stretching and movement. To unlock the entire extensive catalog, members can pay $69.99 a year or $14.99 a month.

Like Calm, Headspace is a popular pick for beginners on their meditation journey. The app offers a free plan and is also priced at $69.99 for a year of the premium subscription. If you need structure to stick with your meditation practice, Headspace is a great pick. The app prompts users with a daily to-do list as a reminder to carve out time for yourself. 

If you’re further along on your mindfulness journey, Insight Timer has an impressive library of more than 130,000 free guided meditations that are sure to keep things fresh. You also can watch live video events with mindfulness and mental health experts. Want a community of like-minded meditators? You can connect with them through Insight Timer’s community feature.

If you want a free, user-friendly meditation app without a lot of bells and whistles, Healthy Minds Program is it. Beginners will love this goal-driven app that focuses on measuring and improving your awareness, connection, insight and purpose. You also can slowly build up your meditation muscles by adjusting course length in five-minute increments.

Ten Percent Happier features more than 500 guided meditations and courses full of techniques to help you manage anxiety and stress. The progress tracker is also great for goal-driven users. If you need a little extra motivation, you can sign up for one of the meditation challenges. You’ll get the basics with a free version, but a premium membership will give you full access for $99.99 a year.

If you’d like to start meditating but feel like you never have any time to unwind, Simple Habit is the perfect app for you. It is full of  five-minute sessions, as well as targeted sessions you can listen to on a lunch break, before a meeting or before an interview. A yearly subscription costs $89.99, but if you’re ready to commit, you can get lifetime access for $299.99.

Bestselling author, neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris developed Waking Up for meditation beginners. If you want to do a deep dive into why meditation works while gaining a greater understanding of your mind, you’ll love the 28-day introductory program. Memberships are $14.99 a month or $99 a year. Harris also pays it forward by donating 10% of profits to various charities. If you can’t afford it, Waking Up offers a unique scholarship option for a free year of premium.