11 Apps ComparedSeptember 2025

Best Meditation Apps for iOS - Expert Picks 2025

These meditation apps stand out for their high user ratings, diverse content, and proven effectiveness in reducing stress and improving sleep. They offer expert-led sessions, personalized experiences, and innovative features tailored to modern needs.

Best Meditation Apps for iOS - Expert Picks 2025

Our Top Pick

The best meditation app for iOS

#1
Headspace icon

Headspace

Headspace Inc.

4.8
973,806 ratings

Why It's #1

  • SOS sessions for immediate calm
  • Mindful workouts
  • Sleep casts for better rest

Screenshots

Headspace screenshot 1Headspace screenshot 2Headspace screenshot 3

About Headspace

Welcome to Headspace, your expert-led guide to mental health, mindfulness, and meditation. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, sleep trouble, or lifeโ€™s ups and downs, Headspace is here to support you. Explore science-backed exercises, courses, and programs that help you build everyday skills to care for your mind. For more support, you have access to licensed therapists, mental health coaches or Ebb, your empathetic AI companion. Headspace is always here, so you can always put your mind first. DAILY MEDITATIONS Discover mental wellness and mindfulness with over 500+ guided meditations. From quick 3-minute mental resets to longer sessions, we'll help you make meditation a daily practice. Meditate, practice mindfulness and relax. Headspace is proven to increase happiness and reduce stress in just 10 days. BETTER SLEEP Headspace helps improve your sleep with expert-led sleep tools, guided sleep meditations, sleep sounds, sleepcasts, and more. Explore sleep music and meditation for sleeping to reduce stress and anxiety. ANXIETY & STRESS RELIEF Headspace is the mental health app here to help you manage your stress through personalized recommendations, guided meditations, and exercises. Learn calming breathwork and breathing techniques to help with panic attacks, anxiety relief and calm. Just 2 weeks of Headspace reduces anxiety. AFFORDABLE THERAPY From finding the right therapist to easy scheduling, Headspace therapy makes it easier to start feeling better. Youโ€™ll also get access to mindfulness tools and Ebb, your empathetic AI companion, for support anytime you need it. Plus, with partnerships with major insurance companies, your sessions could cost as little as $0. COACHING & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Get matched and text with your own mental health coach and schedule sessions at your convenience. Headspace mental health coaches are trained professionals that provide personalized care to help you set and reach goals, manage everyday anxiety and stress, navigate major life events, and more. WELLNESS & BALANCE Increase balance with guided meditation and focus music. Calm and relax with quick breathing exercises, improve focus with binaural beats and calm your mind with relaxing music for studying. MINDFUL MOVEMENT Relieve stress, release tension, and strengthen your mind-body connection with mindful movement. Practice CBT techniques and CBT therapy exercises to reduce stress and anxiety. PROGRESS TRACKING Self-care tracker to follow your mental health journey. Share insights with your mindfulness coach or therapist so they can keep you on track towards your goals. Headspace is the everyday mental health app thatโ€™s proven to help. Stress less, sleep better, and feel happier with do-anywhere exercises and personalized recommendations from Ebb, Headspaceโ€™s AI mental health companion. Access online therapy and psychiatry through your organization.* (Check coverage with your coach or benefits team.) Start your free trial and experience the benefits of meditation, mindfulness and expert mental health therapy & coaching. Subscription options: $12.99/month, $69.99/year. These prices are for United States, pricing in other countries may vary. Coaching and therapy pricing varies by subscription. The subscription will automatically renew unless turned off in your iTunes Account Settings at least 24 hours before the current period ends. You can go to your iTunes Account settings to manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew. Your iTunes Account will be charged when the purchase is confirmed. If you subscribe before your free trial ends, the rest of your free trial period will be forfeited as soon as your purchase is confirmed. Headspace saves your meditation sessions to your Apple Health app. Read the terms and conditions here: http://www.headspace.com/terms-and-conditions Read the privacy policy here: https://www.headspace.com/privacy-policy

Overview

These meditation apps stand out for their high user ratings, diverse content, and proven effectiveness in reducing stress and improving sleep. They offer expert-led sessions, personalized experiences, and innovative features tailored to modern needs.

Ideal for anyone seeking mental wellness, from beginners to advanced practitioners, these apps help manage anxiety, enhance focus, and promote better sleep in today's fast-paced world.

We evaluated based on user ratings, content variety, ease of use, pricing value, and unique features like sleep aids and community support.

Why Headspace is Our #1 Pick

Key Reasons:

Highest overall rating among the apps

Comprehensive content for mental health and mindfulness

Free access with valuable introductory features

Standout Features:

Expert-led guided meditations

Sleep and anxiety-specific sessions

User-friendly interface with daily reminders

"Users consistently praise its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving daily mindfulness practices."

- What users love most

Our Recommendations

Best Overall

Headspace

Balances comprehensive features, high ratings, and a strong free offering for all users.

๐Ÿ’š Best Free

Insight Timer

Offers the largest library of free content with no paywall for basic use.

๐Ÿ’Ž Best Premium

Calm

Premium sleep stories and exclusive content provide exceptional value for dedicated users.

Easiest to Use

Happier Meditation

Simple, practical approach makes it ideal for beginners without overwhelming options.

Most Innovative

Sol

Combines meditation with social networking, offering a unique community-driven experience.

The 11 Best meditation Apps

Headspace icon
1

Headspace

by Headspace Inc.โ˜…4.8/5(973,806 reviews)Free
Best for:Individuals new to meditation or dealing with stress and sleep issues

Pros:

  • Wide range of meditation topics
  • High-quality audio guides
  • Free tier with substantial content

Cons:

  • Premium subscription required for full access
  • Can be repetitive for long-term users
Key Features:SOS sessions for immediate calm, Mindful workouts, Sleep casts for better rest

An expert-led app perfect for beginners and experienced meditators seeking structured mindfulness practices.

Calm icon
2

Calm

by Calm.comโ˜…4.8/5(1,902,169 reviews)Free
Best for:People struggling with insomnia or seeking relaxation before bed

Pros:

  • Extensive library of sleep stories
  • Beautiful UI and calming sounds
  • Celebrity-narrated content

Cons:

  • Premium content is expensive
  • Some users find it less focused on traditional meditation
Key Features:Daily Calm sessions, Breathing exercises, Kids' sleep stories

Award-winning app renowned for its sleep stories and relaxation techniques that users love for nightly use.

User Sentiment: Users frequently mention how it helps them relax and fall asleep quickly, with specific praise for narrators like Jay.
Happier Meditation icon
3

Happier Meditation

by Happier Meditation, Incโ˜…4.8/5(140,135 reviews)Free
Best for:Those who want a straightforward, no-frills meditation practice

Pros:

  • No-nonsense, accessible meditations
  • Award-winning content
  • Suitable for all skill levels

Cons:

  • Smaller community compared to others
  • Limited free content
Key Features:Real-world mindfulness tips, Interview series with experts, Personalized recommendations

A refreshing approach to mindfulness that emphasizes practicality over perfection, ideal for daily integration.

Insight Timer icon
4

Insight Timer

by Insight Network Incโ˜…4.9/5(427,541 reviews)Free
Best for:Meditators who enjoy variety and community interaction

Pros:

  • Massive free content library
  • Live events and groups
  • Customizable meditation timer

Cons:

  • Streak tracking can be unreliable
  • UI might feel cluttered to some
Key Features:30,000+ free guided meditations, Teacher-led courses, Global meditation events

The largest free meditation library with a global community, perfect for exploring diverse practices.

User Sentiment: Users love the variety and depth, though some complain about streak issues; many report long-term benefits to their practice.
Breethe icon
5

Breethe

by OMG. I Can Meditate! Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(64,632 reviews)Free
Best for:Users seeking customized meditation experiences based on mood or time of day

Pros:

  • AI-driven recommendations
  • Wide range of sleep aids
  • User-friendly design

Cons:

  • Premium features are locked behind paywall
  • Can be less immersive than others
Key Features:Mood-based session suggestions, Breathing exercises with visuals, Sleep sounds mixer

Personalized meditation app that adapts to your needs, offering tailored sessions for relaxation and sleep.

Om Mantra Chanting icon
6

Om Mantra Chanting

by Tai Leโ˜…4.5/5(74 reviews)Free
Best for:Users interested in traditional mantra chanting for energy and focus

Pros:

  • Simple and focused on mantras
  • Free to use
  • Calming audio quality

Cons:

  • Limited to mantra-based content
  • Basic features compared to comprehensive apps
Key Features:Om chanting sessions, Background play, Minimalist interface

Focused app on mantra meditation, ideal for those drawn to spiritual and energetic practices.

Hallow icon
7

Hallow

by Hallow, Inc.โ˜…4.9/5(305,377 reviews)Free
Best for:Christians and those seeking prayer-based meditation

Pros:

  • Faith-based content
  • Multiple language support
  • Strong community features

Cons:

  • Niche audience may not appeal to all
  • Premium subscription required for full access
Key Features:Daily prayer sessions, Saint meditations, Group prayer challenges

Top Christian prayer app that blends meditation with faith, providing spiritual peace and community.

User Sentiment: Users praise its comprehensiveness and ease of use, especially for new converts and daily prayer habits.
Sol icon
8

Sol

by Sol Technologies, Inc.โ˜…4.9/5(1,153 reviews)Free
Best for:People who want to meditate in a community setting

Pros:

  • Unique social features
  • Daily rituals and challenges
  • Research-backed content

Cons:

  • Newer app with less content
  • May not suit solitary meditators
Key Features:Social feed for sharing practices, Custom rituals, Growth tracking with friends

A social spiritual network that combines meditation with community, fostering meaningful connections.

Slowdive icon
9

Slowdive

by SLOWDIVE LTDโ˜…4.6/5(8,107 reviews)Free
Best for:Beginners or those looking for a straightforward meditation tool

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Free access
  • Focus on happiness and healing

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Smaller content library
Key Features:Mantra-based sessions, Progress tracking, Offline capabilities

App focused on mantra and meditation for happiness, offering simple, effective practices for all.

BetterSleep icon
10

BetterSleep

by Ipnos Software Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(383,136 reviews)Free
Best for:Individuals with sleep disorders or those needing sound-based relaxation

Pros:

  • Extensive sound library
  • Effective for sleep
  • Long-standing user base

Cons:

  • Can be overwhelming with options
  • Premium needed for best features
Key Features:Sound mixing tool, Sleep stories, Personalized soundscapes

Formerly Relax Melodies, this app excels in sleep aid with sounds and meditations that users swear by.

User Sentiment: Users report instant sleep aid and pain relief, with many long-term fans praising its effectiveness.
Peloton icon
11

Peloton

by Peloton Interactive, Inc.โ˜…4.9/5(791,605 reviews)Free
Best for:Fitness enthusiasts looking to add meditation to their routine

Pros:

  • Combines meditation with fitness
  • No equipment needed
  • High-quality production

Cons:

  • Meditation is a secondary feature
  • Subscription required for full access
Key Features:Workout and meditation bundles, Live classes, Community challenges

Fitness app with meditation components, ideal for those who want to integrate mindfulness with workouts.

Comparison Insights

Key Differences

Headspace and Calm lead in general mindfulness, while Insight Timer offers the most free content; niche apps like Hallow cater to specific audiences.

How to Choose

Consider your primary goal (e.g., sleep, stress, community), budget, and preferred meditation style (guided vs. self-directed).

Common Limitations

Most apps require internet for full features, and free versions have restrictions; they may not replace professional therapy for severe issues.

Emerging Trends

Increased use of AI for personalization, integration with wearables, and growth in social and faith-based meditation apps.

Key Insights

Meditation apps vary widely in focus, from sleep aid to faith-based practices; free tiers are common but premium unlocks depth; user communities enhance engagement.

Buying Guide

Essential Features

  • โ€ขGuided sessions for beginners
  • โ€ขSleep or stress-specific content
  • โ€ขFree trial or tier

Nice to Have

  • โ€ขOffline access
  • โ€ขCommunity features
  • โ€ขPersonalization algorithms

โš ๏ธ Red Flags

  • โ€ขHigh pressure to subscribe
  • โ€ขPoor user reviews on reliability
  • โ€ขLimited content in free version

Pricing Expectations

Expect to pay $5-15/month for premium features, with many apps offering substantial free content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best meditation app for beginners?

Headspace or Happier Meditation are great starts due to their structured, easy-to-follow sessions and free introductory content.

How do I choose between free and paid meditation apps?

Start with free versions to explore; upgrade if you need more depth, sleep aids, or ad-free experiences, as paid apps often offer exclusive content.

What's the learning curve like for meditation apps?

Most apps are designed to be user-friendly with low learning curves, offering guided sessions that require no prior experience.

Conclusion

The top meditation apps for iOS in 2025 provide diverse options for mental wellness, with Headspace leading for overall quality and Insight Timer for free access. Each app caters to different needs, from sleep to community.

Our Final Recommendation

Choose based on your primary goal: Headspace for general use, Calm for sleep, or Insight Timer for free variety.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

What We're Hoping to See in the Future

Expect more AI-driven personalization, integration with health ecosystems, and expanded content for niche audiences in the coming years.

Current Trends: Increased use of AI for personalization, integration with wearables, and growth in social and faith-based meditation apps.

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Top Meditation Apps for iOS in 2025: Reviews & Rankings