10 Mindfulness Apps That Actually Work

These apps are free and available on both iOS and Android platforms.

Mindfulness apps are currently trending, offering numerous options for meditation and mindfulness practices. They aim to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance focus, among other benefits.

“Mindful Magazine,” a publication dedicated to mindfulness, has curated a list of the most popular, educational, and user-friendly apps to assist you in your mindfulness journey. All of these applications are free and accessible on iOS and Android.

1. Insight Timer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 on Google Play

Insight Timer stands out as one of the most popular free meditation apps, and it’s easy to see why. The app boasts over 4,000 guided meditations from more than 1,000 teachers, organized by themes such as nature and stress, along with podcasts. If you prefer a quieter meditation experience, you can set a timer and meditate while listening to soothing chimes or other calming sounds.

The app fosters a sense of community, displaying how many users are meditating at any given moment on the home screen. After completing your session, you can see how many others meditated alongside you. By setting your location, you can even discover how many users are nearby and what they are listening to.

Despite its extensive user base, Insight Timer does not provide a list of teachers, nor does it recommend specific meditation sequences. Instead, it offers a diverse range of options for you to explore.

2. Aura

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 on Google Play

Aura operates on a simple premise: every day, you receive a new, personalized three-minute meditation. Each meditation is unique and never repeated, as teachers continuously record new options, according to co-founder Daniel Lee.

To tailor the experience, Aura first inquires about your age and your levels of stress, optimism, and interest in mindfulness. The daily meditation is then selected based on your mood; for instance, if you’re feeling upbeat, it might suggest “Your Bright Heart,” while a choice of “Stressed” could lead to the “You Have the Power” sequence. You can also save your favorite meditations for future listening.

Aura aims to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. If a brief meditation isn’t sufficient, you can listen to relaxing sounds or use the “Mindful Breather” tool, which synchronizes your breathing with a circle that expands and contracts, proving surprisingly effective. The home screen encourages you to jot down things you’re grateful for, further enhancing your well-being.

3. Omvana (discontinued)

Compact and visually appealing, Omvana is a beautiful meditation app that houses thousands of meditations, with over 70 available for free.

According to co-founder Vishen Lakhiani, around 50,000 people worldwide practice the popular “6-Phase Meditation” each morning, which is recommended for intermediate practitioners. Beginners can kick off their meditation journey with an eight-minute session on their first day. The “6-Phase Meditation” guides users through various practices over a span of 20 minutes.

Upon downloading Omvana, you gain access to at least 10 meditations. To explore more, you’ll need to browse through the app’s store.

Similar to Insight Timer, Omvana offers a surprise box approach rather than a guided learning experience. Much of its library allows users to access free sessions without restrictions. If you’re seeking a solid morning meditation or feel overwhelmed by the options on Insight Timer, this app may be just what you need.

4. Stop, Breathe & Think (discontinued)

While many meditation apps require a commitment to the practice, Stop, Breathe & Think focuses on helping you become acquainted with mindfulness first. The “Learn to Meditate” session outlines what mindfulness is, its benefits, and what to expect when starting your first track. The app even delves into the neuroscience of mindfulness and stress psychology, addressing any doubts you may have regarding its effectiveness.

Stop, Breathe & Think offers around 30 free sessions, many of which vary in length and voice. Most sessions are brief, approximately 10 minutes, and you can focus on specific themes such as “breathing,” “connecting with your body,” or “being kind.” Alternatively, you can set a timer for meditation, enjoying silence or the sounds of a relaxing forest.

A progress page tracks your consecutive meditation days and logs your emotions, which you can note before and after each session. This app is perfect for individuals who need more structure and motivation to establish a meditation routine.

5. Calm

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 on Google Play

From the moment you access the Calm app, you may feel a sense of relaxation. Calming sounds, such as rain, play automatically in the background, or you can opt for the crackling of a fireplace or the chirping of crickets.

This relaxation continues with the app’s free meditations, which offer a smaller selection than the others mentioned here, totaling 16, and ranging from 3 to 30 minutes. You can begin with the 7 Days module. Additionally, like many other apps, you can set a timer for a silent meditation or one accompanied by intermittent chimes. For nighttime relaxation, the app includes four free “sleep stories” on various themes.

Some of the more intriguing sessions are only available to registered users.

6. MeditaBK

MeditaBK is a Brazilian app that offers resources to exercise the mind and enhance positivity in the face of daily life’s unpredictability. The app features 12 audio files with narration and instrumental music, an array of text messages about values, and a schedule of meditation and quality of life courses offered by Brahma Kumaris-BK.

The meditations last between 5 to 10 minutes and cater to both beginners and those already familiar with the practice, starting from age 12. The language used is straightforward and easy to grasp.

7. Headspace

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 on Google Play

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps, offering a simple and user-friendly design that makes it easy to start your mindfulness journey. The app provides a variety of guided meditations, including those for anxiety, sleep, focus, and stress relief. It even offers sleepcasts—guided audio designed to help users drift off more easily. Headspace’s free plan includes several introductory meditations, but for access to its full library, you’ll need to opt for the paid version.

Headspace’s primary focus is on helping users integrate mindfulness into their daily lives with short, bite-sized sessions, starting at just 3 minutes. The app’s animations and explanations make it great for beginners who need guidance on how to meditate effectively.

8. Buddhify

Buddhify offers a unique approach by combining mindfulness practices with real-world scenarios. It provides meditations for specific life situations, such as work, stress, or sleep, with sessions ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. Buddhify encourages mindful living throughout your day, so you’ll find meditations tailored to specific challenges, such as dealing with difficult emotions or practicing mindfulness while traveling.

Though Buddhify is a paid app, it does offer some free content to get started. The meditations are practical and designed to help users bring mindfulness to their everyday activities, making it ideal for those looking to build a consistent, mindful practice amidst a busy life.

9. MyLife Meditation (formerly Stop, Breathe & Think)

MyLife Meditation, formerly known as Stop, Breathe & Think, expands on its original concept with a refined interface and a broader selection of features. The app offers personalized meditation sessions based on your mood and current emotions. With over 50 free sessions available, users can select sessions for specific topics such as stress, anxiety, sleep, or self-compassion.

What sets MyLife apart is its mood check-in feature, which helps you track how you’re feeling before and after your meditation, offering insights into how mindfulness is improving your overall well-being. The app’s flexibility allows users to choose from 3-30 minute sessions and offers content for both beginners and seasoned meditators.

10. Simple Habit

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 on Google Play

Simple Habit is designed for people with busy lives and little time for meditation. With its quick, 5-minute meditation sessions, it’s perfect for those who want to incorporate mindfulness into their day without committing long periods of time. Simple Habit’s free version offers several guided meditations, with a focus on relaxation and stress relief.

One of the key features of Simple Habit is its personalized meditation suggestions based on your needs, whether you’re preparing for a presentation, winding down for bed, or simply looking to clear your mind. It also includes sleep meditations, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation, making it a great app for people seeking convenience and quick mindfulness practices.

The best app, is the app you use

With so many mindfulness apps available today, there’s no shortage of tools to help you incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, these apps offer a variety of features to suit your needs—whether it’s improving focus, reducing stress, enhancing sleep, or simply finding moments of calm throughout your busy day. Many of these apps are free and easy to use, making it easier than ever to get started with mindfulness and reap its many benefits.

As you explore the different options, keep in mind that consistency is key to experiencing lasting benefits. So, try out a few of these apps and see which one resonates with you the most. With a little practice and the right app, you can enhance your mental well-being and bring mindfulness into your everyday life.