Mindfulness is a simple way to reap big health benefits like better focus, relief from stress, and reduced anxiety. But learning how to practice mindfulness can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t live near a mindfulness meditation teacher or can’t afford to take regular classes.
The good news is that there are meditation and mindfulness apps — dozens of them, actually — that will teach you to keep your attention on the present moment. And yes, you can learn mindfulness from an app.
Here are a few of the best ones.
12 of the Best Mindfulness Apps
Breathe (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app offers a range of options, such as guided meditations, inspirational talks, mindfulness master classes, sleep music playlists, bedtime readings, and nature sounds.
buddhify (iPhone and Android; $4.99 for iPhone, $2.99 for Android): This app has more than 200 meditations and mindfulness exercises, with ones that you can do while traveling, at work, eating, or even online.
Calm (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): With this app, you can access breathing exercises, mindful walking meditations, and calming exercises wherever you go. There is even a section with meditations for children between ages three and 17.
Headspace (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app comes with guided mindfulness and meditation exercises, as well as the option to create a personalized meditation plan. You can even listen to one of the sleep music tracks or nature soundscapes to help you fall asleep.
Healthy Minds Program (iPhone and Android; free): This app was developed by the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, based on research into the neuroscience of well-being. The app uses a four-step process to help focus and calm the mind (awareness, connection, insight, purpose).
Insight Timer (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This is my favorite meditation app, although I use it mainly as a timer during unguided meditations. The timer sounds are much less jarring than the built-in iPhone alarm sounds. This app also offers thousands of guided meditations, with more being added each week.
Meditation and Relaxation Pro (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app offers meditation sessions and exercises that will help you focus, boost your self-esteem, sleep better, let go of stress, and find a little happiness.
The Mindfulness App (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app offers tools for the complete beginner and those ready to do regular guided or silent meditations. You can set up the app to remind you to practice and track your progress in the meditation journal.
Sattva (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): If you want to branch out into different kinds of mindfulness techniques, this app offers meditations, chants, and mantras of varying length. You can also track your progress in your meditation journal.
Simple Habit (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app will help you improve your focus, sleep better, breathe more easily, and let go of stress. Choose from a range of mindfulness exercises and guided meditations to suit your situation and needs.
10% Happier (iPhone and Android; free with optional in-app purchases): This app comes with a range of guided meditations and videos, with new content added each week. It also focuses on dealing with everyday stressors like pandemics and politics.
If you have another favorite that you think should be on this list of best mindfulness apps, feel free to leave a comment below.
