Table of Contents
The first time I tried meditation, I found that it helped me concentrate better and feel less worried. A big part of this process was finding the right meditating app. For people just starting out like you, here are some great tips:
Each person and their own goals will help them choose the best meditating app. Even if someone has never meditated before, they can feel better right away. This is true whether they want to relax, deal with stress, or become more aware.
Meditation improves mental health, stress, and mindfulness. Meditation apps help newcomers start this transformative path. The guided meditations, mindfulness activities, and supportive community in these apps help beginners practise. This essay will review the best beginner meditation apps, each with its own benefits.
Comparison Table
Being at peace with yourself and your health can both be helped by meditation. But it can be tough for people who have never meditated before to choose which apps and ways to use. This table lets you compare some of the most well-known meditation apps, with a focus on the features that will help you start.
| Feature | Headspace | Calm | Insight Timer | Breethe | Simple Habit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Subscription-based, with a free trial | Subscription-based, with a free trial | Free with optional premium subscription | Free with optional premium subscription | Subscription-based, with a free trial |
| Guided Meditations | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Sounds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mindfulness | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programs | Structured programs for various goals | Structured programs for various goals | Diverse meditation practices and courses | Meditation programs for different needs | Guided sessions for specific situations |
| User-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customization | Tailored experiences based on user preferences | Tailored experiences based on user preferences | Customizable meditation sessions and playlists | Customized meditation experiences | Personalized meditation plans |
Best Meditation Apps for Beginners
In our fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and clarity can feel like a challenge. But meditation, a practice that have been around for centuries, can be a powerful tool to help you achieve inner peace and improve your overall well-being.
Headspace
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Meditations | Various guided meditation sessions for different purposes like stress relief, sleep, focus, etc. |
| Mindfulness Exercises | Exercises to promote mindfulness and awareness |
| Sleep Sounds | Relaxing sounds and music to aid in sleep |
| Daily Meditations | Daily meditation sessions for consistent practice |
| Progress Tracking | Track progress and milestones in meditation practice |
| Personalized Recommendations | Tailored meditation suggestions based on user preferences and goals |
| User-Friendly Interface | Easy-to-use interface for smooth navigation and accessibility |
| Visit website |
We love how easy Headspace is to use with its friendly design and cute animations. It’s a big name in the meditation app world. People who are new to meditation, like me, can taked a course called “Take 10,” which has short, easy lessons where I can learn the basics. Headspace also has a lot of different guided meditations that are helpful for a lot of different things, like worry, sleep, and focus.
The Good
- Structured programs for beginners.
- High-quality guided meditations.
- Mindfulness exercises for daily life.
The Bad
- Subscription required for full access.
- Limited free content.
Calm
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Meditations | Diverse guided meditation sessions for relaxation, sleep, focus, and more |
| Breathing Exercises | Breathing techniques for stress relief and relaxation |
| Sleep Stories | Bedtime stories and soothing narratives to aid in sleep |
| Daily Calm | Daily meditation sessions for mindfulness practice |
| Music for Focus & Relaxation | Calming music and sounds for concentration and |
Calm is one of my favourites. There are guided exercises, music that calms you down, and sleep stories read by famous people like Matthew McConaughey. “Daily Calm,” where they offer a new, short meditation every day, is something I like. It really helps me keep up with my meditation practice.
The Good
- Variety of meditation sessions.
- Sleep stories and relaxation music.
- Meditation programs for specific goals.
The Bad
- Subscription needed for premium content.
- Some features are locked behind a paywall.
Insight Timer
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Meditations | Extensive library of guided meditations covering various themes and styles |
| Timer & Tracker | Meditation timer with interval bells and progress tracking |
| Community & Groups | Connect with a global community of meditators, join groups, and participate in challenges |
| Meditation Courses | Structured courses on mindfulness, stress reduction, and personal growth |
| Sleep Support | Guided meditations and music for better sleep |
| Music & Sounds | Relaxing music tracks, ambient sounds, and nature sounds |
| Insights & Stats | View meditation stats, insights, and trends |
| Offline Mode | Download meditations and use them offline |
We think that Insight Timer is a great choice for people on a budget. We used it ourselves and loved it. There are a lot of free guided meditations by different teachers that are great for people of all skill levels.
It also has a simple timer for meditation that doesn’t need any help and a community where people who meditate can meet with each other.
The Good
- Largest library of free meditations.
- Community features and groups.
- Meditation timer with customizable options.
The Bad
- Quality of meditations varies.
- Finding specific content can be overwhelming.
Breethe
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Meditations | Guided meditation sessions for relaxation, stress relief, sleep, and more |
| Breathing Exercises | Techniques for deep breathing and relaxation |
| Sleep Stories | Bedtime stories and sleep-inducing content |
| Daily Calm | Daily meditation sessions for mindfulness practice |
| Music for Relaxation | Relaxing music tracks and sounds for meditation and relaxation |
I love that Breethe lets me meditate quickly, which is great because I’m always on the go. It’s easy for me to take a mindfulness break during the day because their lessons last between 3 and 15 minutes. One is free, and the other costs money. The paid version has more material and features.
The Good
- Guided meditations for various situations.
- Sleep stories and breathing exercises.
- Personalized meditation plans.
The Bad
- Subscription required for full access.
- Limited free content.
Simple Habit
That’s not all we do here at Simple Habit. We have short “Habits” that help you focus, sleep, or be creative. Each one lasts about 5 minutes. Some of these habits could be short talks, meditation, or easy exercises.
There are a lot of different habits to try in our free version. The premium version has even more content and customisation choices.
The Good
- Short, effective meditation sessions.
- Daily mindfulness routines.
- Programs for specific goals and situations.
The Bad
- Subscription needed for premium content.
- Some features are restricted to paid users.
Criteria for Selecting Meditation Apps
When selecting an app for meditation, the following are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Cost: Do you prefer a free app, or are you willing to pay for a subscription?
- Features: Consider what features are important to you, such as guided meditations, sleep stories, or music.
- Length of Sessions: How much time do you realistically have to meditate each day? Choose an app with sessions that fit your schedule.
- Teacher Style: Some apps offer a variety of teachers with different styles. Try a few to find a voice that resonates with you.
Questions and answers
Meditation can be practiced in a variety of ways. The most important thing is to locate a routine that is acceptable to you and can be maintained over time.
Having a mind that wanders free is very natural! As you bring your focus back to your mantra or breath, do it without passing judgement on the process.
Take baby steps! Start with sessions that are only five minutes long, and as you feel more comfortable, progressively increase the length of the sessions.