The 7 Best Meditation Apps for Relaxation and Mindfulness

Meditation is one of my all-time favourite ways to add in a little bit of relaxation and mindfulness into my day. Long gone are the days of trawling through YouTube videos trying to find good meditation tracks, though, as there are now dozens of apps available to help you meditate. Here are some of my top picks.

1. The Anti-Burnout Club

Best for free meditation classes

Although not technically an app, we do have access to dozens of free meditation tracks on our platform. You’ll find meditations for creating calm, relaxing, mindful productivity and so much more. Look through all the free meditation classes we have on offer here.

Key Features:

• A range of absolutely free meditation courses and classes
• Mindful moments and sleep stories
• Dozens of other courses and classes (not just meditation)

2. Headspace

Best for Beginners

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps, offering a user-friendly interface and guided sessions that are perfect for beginners. With courses on stress, sleep, and focus, Headspace helps users develop a consistent mindfulness habit. The app also includes animations and bite-sized meditations for those who need a quick mental reset.

Key Features:

• Guided meditations for different needs
• Sleep stories and relaxation techniques
• Focus-enhancing exercises

3. Calm

Best for Sleep and Relaxation

Calm is a beautifully designed app that focuses on meditation, sleep, and relaxation. It offers guided sessions, nature sounds, and bedtime stories narrated by soothing voices. The “Daily Calm” feature provides a new meditation each day, making it easy to stay on track.

Key Features:

• Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey
• Breathing exercises and calming music
• Meditation programs for stress and anxiety

4. Insight Timer

Best for Variety

Insight Timer is a free meditation app with an extensive library of over 130,000 guided meditations from renowned teachers. Unlike other apps that require a subscription, Insight Timer provides a vast selection of free content, making mindfulness accessible to everyone.

Key Features:

• Thousands of free guided meditations
• Customizable meditation timer with ambient sounds
• Courses from leading mindfulness experts

5. Happier

Best for Sceptics and Science-Based Meditation

Ten Percent Happier (now just called Happier) was created for those who are sceptical about meditation but want to explore its benefits. It features practical, science-backed mindfulness techniques and interviews with meditation experts.

Key Features:

• Courses with top meditation teachers
• Practical mindfulness tips for daily life
• Podcast-style content with engaging discussions

6. Buddhify

Best for On-the-Go Meditation

Buddhify is designed for people who want to incorporate mindfulness into their busy lives. Unlike other meditation apps, Buddhify focuses on short, practical meditations that can be done anywhere—whether you’re commuting, working, or trying to sleep.

Key Features:

• Meditations tailored to different activities
• No subscription required, just a one-time payment
• Sessions for stress, pain, and difficult emotions

7. Simple Habit

Best for Busy People

If you struggle to find time for meditation, Simple Habit offers 5-minute sessions designed to fit into a hectic schedule. The app features content from mindfulness teachers, therapists, and even former monks, making it a great tool for stress relief on the go.

Key Features:

• Short, effective meditation sessions
• Personalised recommendations
• Meditation for work, sleep, and relationships

Choosing the best meditation app depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re new to meditation, Headspace is a great starting point. If sleep is your main concern, Calm might be the best choice. For those looking for free content to get started, then The Anti-Burnout Club is ideal. Whether you want quick sessions, in-depth mindfulness training, or a structured meditation journey, there’s an app that suits your lifestyle.

No matter which app you choose, the most important step is to start. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Happy meditating!