Meditation is one of the most well-known ways to calm your mind and body, spread positive energy, and reduce and even eliminate issues such as anxiety.
Not everyone is willing to try meditation, but those who did swear that it can change the way you start your day or finish your day.
If you’ve tried meditating, you might’ve asked yourself at one point – am I doing this right?
That’s why meditation apps are super helpful and not only they can help teach you how to meditate, but they can be your “meditation buddy” that is super resourceful.
Down below, I’ll review 15 of the best free apps that will improve your everyday life if you use them, so keep on reading!
How Can Meditation Apps Help You Meditate?
Of course, no app can do anything in your life unless you take action. However, meditation apps are also known as mindfulness apps and according to Harvard Medical School, these apps do wonders after only 10 days of regular use!
But who are meditation apps for, how do you use them, and what are the benefits?
Meditation apps are for anyone who would like to manage their stress, change in different aspects (such as attention or focus), increase self-awareness, or even reduce/eliminate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and more.
These are also some of the main benefits. But it’s important to keep in mind that the benefits will vary between users. Depending on what you focus on will truly determine the benefits you can experience.
Meditation apps are very simple to use and all you have to do is download one of the apps available and have it installed on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Most meditation apps come with a variety of meditation modes and resources that help you meditate and even continue to meditate anywhere, anytime, and the way you enjoy it most.
There’s no learning curve at all and you will know the meditation app inside and out after only a couple of uses.
15 Best Free Meditation Apps in 2021
There are hundreds of meditation apps on the market. But how do you find a quality free meditation app that will provide you with a lot of value to experience personal benefits?
You’re in the right place and all you have to do is read the app reviews below!
1. InsightTimer
If you’ve been browsing for apps, the chances are you’ve come across InsightTimer as it’s one of the most used meditation apps.
This is one of the rare meditation apps that’s completely free without many upsells inside the app, and it remains at a 5-star rating for a long time now.
Inside the InsightTimer, you can find about 30,000 meditation sessions. But what I like the most about the app is that you can refine your goals and achievements depending on how long you practice meditation.
Therefore, you’ll never run out of content using InsightTimer. InsightTimer is a great choice for beginners especially because the progress bar inside the app will help you stay right on track and even motivate you to meditate.
Even though guided sessions are pre-recorded, these sessions are done by mental experts as well as meditation experts.
The InsightTime app is available for iOS and Android users.
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2. Sattva
Sattva is all about combining modern meditation with its ancient roots. It’s a completely free meditation app but be aware that it comes with optional in-app purchases.
As a free user, you will get access to a meditation tool based on the Vedic principle of meditation.
Therefore, the Sattva app features meditation, but also chants and mantras that combine well with the meditation.
A simple, authentic, and deep meditation is guaranteed within six minutes at a time as a beginner. However, as you practice meditation more often (or you’re an experienced user), you can extend the practice time.
What I like the most about this meditation app is not only that it’s free, but it’s the ability to start meditating without having to plan your day around it. All you have to do is install the app on your smartphone, be free for the next six minutes, and the app will even track your progress for you.
The Sattva app is full of playlists and collections that are designed for inspiration and motivation.
The app is available for Android and iOS users.
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3. MyLife Meditation
MyLife Meditation is a great app for everyone who’s doing things according to their emotions. Even if you aren’t a very emotional person, MyLife Meditation is a great fit.
Why?
This meditation app helps you start your mindfulness journey by providing your meditation resources according to your emotional state.
Once you download and install the app to your smartphone, you can use MyLife Meditation to identify how you feel and let it find the perfect short-guided meditation session.
Whether you’re trying to reduce or eliminate problems, improve your sleep, or just get started on your mindfulness journey, this free app is everything you will need.
I like that it comes with an integrated journal where you can track your emotions and even see your progress after you set initial goals.
The app is free for download for iOS and Android users.
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4. The Mindfulness App
If you have a couple of spare minutes in your day and you just want to feel more relaxed or less stressed, The Mindfulness App is the right app for you.
It’s an app that will help you meditate without having to follow guided exercises or sessions. Instead, you can create a custom session and even set your own time (anywhere between three and 30 minutes).
The app comes with sounds, effects, and guided meditations if you prefer having a guided session.
What I like the most about this app is that you can integrate your smartphone’s health information which will help you keep a track of how often you meditate. This way, you can even set a schedule if you’re thinking of starting meditating regularly.
The Mindfulness App is available for iOS and Android users.
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5. UCLA Mindful
If you’re doubting the positive effects of meditation or you’re looking to rely on a trusted and reputable source, UCLA Mindful is the app you’re looking for.
UCLA Mindful is a meditation app developed by the Mindful Awareness Research Center based at the University of California, Los Angeles.
This app is most suitable for beginners who are looking to learn basic steps to meditation, but also how to efficiently use meditation to reduce or eliminate body and mind issues and problems.
UCLA Mindful app is full of informative material that includes tips on getting started, meditation postures, and even the science behind meditation and mindfulness.
Considering that the app is free, it’s great to see that it gets regular updates. Users will even have access to weekly podcasts directly from UCLA’s Hammer Museum. This podcast features a 30-minute meditation which is also available for listening after a run too.
There’s even a timer that helps you meditate on your own if you aren’t a fan of following guided sessions.
The app is free to download and it’s available for iOS and Android users.
6. Inscape
Inscape is a meditation app that’s aimed at people who are struggling with stress, lack of sleep, or even just finding a general balance in their lives.
I find this meditation app to be suitable for various scenarios where you can turn the app on and use it when you need it the most.
Whether it is to release some stress, feel better after a bad night’s sleep, or calm down your inner anger, this app has everything you need.
With the customized sessions for meditation, you can use the app at any time to regain control of your emotions.
All you have to do is choose to take a minute or two out of your day, select a meditation session based on how you feel, and calm yourself down.
I find this app to be perfect for commuting as it can help you relax your nerves whenever you’re stuck in traffic or public transportation. All you have to do is play it on your speakers or headphones, and focus on your breathing.
It’s that simple.
The Inscape app is free to download for iOS and Android users and it comes with optional in-app Premium purchases.
7. Pzizz
Pzizz might seem like a weird name for an app but if you’re struggling to sleep, Pzizz is all you will need.
This is a meditation-based app that focuses on improving sleep. Even though it might seem like it’s more of a sleep app rather than a meditation app, I am a big fan of the features which touch on the meditation field too.
Pzizz introduces a combination of various effects such as voices, sound effects, and even light music.
This is everything you will need to relax before you go to sleep, relax on your way home from work, or you can even use it to relax if you have a couple of minutes at work.
The app is split into different sections and not all sections are free, but the free sections will still give you a lot of value.
Whether you’re trying to focus, have a nap, or want to have a good night’s sleep, Pzizz can help you combine meditation with sleep.
The app is available for iOS and Android users and it’s free to download but keep in mind that it comes with optional in-app purchases.
8. Relax Now
Relax Now is a free meditation app that’s based on hypnosis meditation.
With this app, you will be able to have a quick way to relax your body wherever you are. The app features straightforward use which introduces actual recordings from a certified hypnotherapist.
On top of the audio recordings, Relax Now also features videos that are made to provide quick relief.
What I like the most about Relax Now is that it features different endings to the sessions provided within the app.
Therefore, you can relax and either wake up your body so you feel energized for the rest of your day, or you can have the sleep effect that will help you prepare your mind and body for a good night’s sleep.
The app is available for iOS users and it’s free to download.
9. Breethe
If you’re struggling to sleep and you are willing to try meditation to improve your sleep, Breethe is a great app to try.
Breethe is a meditation app that has one purpose, to help you relax your mind and body and fall asleep in five minutes.
The app is based around a mindfulness coach who provides inspiring, relaxing, and calming meditation sessions.
Along with the meditation sessions, Breethe also introduces inspirational talks and masterclasses from coaches who will help you navigate your life better and yet feel less stress on your shoulders.
Therefore, Breethe isn’t only an app if you’re looking to improve your sleep, it’s also the most useful app you might have on your phone.
Wherever you are, if you have a couple of minutes, you can improve your day, get rid of bad energy, and set your mindset straight for the rest of the day.
Breethe is a free app and it’s available for iOS and Android users.
10. Smiling Mind
If you’re looking for an app that will be able to do more than just meditation, Smiling Mind is the app you’re looking for.
Smiling Mind is a non-profit meditation app that is made to provide versatile mindfulness in school, at work, and at home.
This app is very unique since it’s developed by psychologists and educators to help bring the right balance to your life. With that being said, Smiling Mind offers dedicated meditation programs for the following groups:
- Adults
- Youth
- Classrooms
- Workplaces
Wherever you are, you can benefit from a quick meditation session. What I personally like is the ability to choose the type of meditation you’re after.
You get to choose between stress, sleep, wellbeing, relationships, performance, sport, mindful eating, and more.
The biggest benefit of Smiling Mind is the ability to use it with virtual assistants such as Google Home.
The app is free and it’s available for iOS and Android users.
11. Healthy Minds Program
The Healthy Minds Program is a meditation app that helps combine meditation with mental health to strengthen the qualities of a healthy mind.
With a guided path, you get the chance to build on your mental skills, and with active practice, you can meditate anywhere you go.
The Healthy Minds Program is powered by science and the meditation sessions are podcast-type lessons that are made with meditation in mind.
Therefore, if you’re looking to learn something new, relax, and meditate, there’s no meditation app like the Healthy Minds Program.
I’m very curious about how the brain works and if you are too, this app will help teach you how the brain works while you develop new skills and even how to tap into your brain to make it even healthier than it was before.
The whole purpose of the app is to raise mental health awareness, mind connection, insights into the brain and science, and the purpose of the human brain.
The app is free to use and it’s available for iOS and Android users.
12. Meditation Studio
Meditation Studio is a meditation service that works a bit differently than most of these apps. Meditation Studio focuses on providing meditation practices for different goals.
It is available as an app, but it’s also available as a web-based portal where you can listen to popular practices.
Along with popular meditation practices, Meditation Studio also offers featured teachers (all licensed therapists), courses, and even podcast episodes.
Therefore, this app allows you to choose the way you like to learn, meditate, and even choose a goal you’re aiming for.
Whether you’re suffering from stress, lack of sleep, are looking for a bit of self-care, or you’re suffering from pain, Meditation Studio has content for you.
All you need is a couple of minutes a day and the best thing is that you can do it whenever and wherever you decide to.
13. Aura
Aura is a meditation app that’s focusing on self-reflection. If you’re trying to solve any issues or problems with the help of meditation, there’s no better way to do it than to self-reflect.
This app is everything you will need to do so since it provides different avenues that will help you self-reflect.
Whether you’re into music, stories, or sounds, Aura has everything. On top of that, Aura also adjusts to your mood (you select it within the app) and you can even select your desired goals.
Therefore, each meditation session has its purpose. With that being said, Aura also lets you track your progress and even keep notes on how you’re feeling.
What I find the most useful are the reminders that you can set so you never miss a session.
Aura is an app that’s free to download and it’s available for iOS and Android users. However, keep in mind that in-app purchases exist.
14. Simple Habit
If you love meditation but you just don’t think you can keep up with the sessions, Simple Habit is the app you need.
Simple Habit combines daily meditation with a healthy habit mechanism that will ensure you never miss a session and help you improve your habits.
Within the app, you will be able to choose from a wide range of exercises that are only five minutes long.
I like that Simple Habit combines productivity and healthy habits with meditation so there’s absolutely no excuse. Skipping a meditation session will definitely make you feel bad and that’s why you’ll most likely stick with Simple Habit.
A great advantage is that you can also choose meditation sessions from the database yourself (depending on your mood or personal situation), but you can also choose them according to your goals.
Simple Habit is a free app that’s available for iOS and Android users. However, there are optional in-app purchases so just keep that in mind.
15. Petit BamBou
Petit BamBou is the most versatile meditation app I’ve ever seen. It’s an app that’s suitable for anyone from the age of only a couple of years old to seniors.
Petit BamBou is full of guided meditation courses that last anywhere from only three to 30 minutes.
I really like that Petit BamBou is one of the rare meditation apps that comes in more than one or two languages. With Petit BamBou, you can meditate in three different languages.
However, the greatest advantage is the ability to choose meditation courses according to your available time and also according to your psychological state and goals.
I’ve found courses inside Petit BamBou that are based on cognitive behavioral therapy which is pretty amazing considering many users think that Petit BamBou is only a simple meditation app.
Petit BamBou is a free app that’s available for iOS and Android users and I must say that it proudly keeps five-star ratings at both app marketplaces. However, keep in mind that the app features optional in-app purchases.
If you’re looking to get into the healthy habit of meditation, there’s no excuse as you get to choose your meditation time within the app.
Conclusion
Meditation is super useful and if you’re not sure what you’re doing or you need help, these are the best 15 meditation apps on the market.
Not only are they free, but they offer a wide range of features that will help guide you through your meditation and even reach your desired goals.
Even though you won’t be disappointed by downloading any of these apps, I highly recommend you to choose one that suits your needs the most.
Also remember, all you need is 5-10 minutes a day to replenish your mind and body!
