Many mindfulness apps have been developed as meditation aids. Others are geared toward helping us to stay more present throughout the day, using a periodic bell or reminder.
Most of them have a free-trial period. Some then require a subscription, while others provide enough free content to support your ongoing mindfulness practice.
In a study that evaluated mindfulness-based iPhone apps based on standardized criteria, these apps received the highest scores:
Meditation app users at MIT have recommended these apps:
- Calm.com: Includes a seven-day free trial and multiple features, including a special bedtime-story option.
- Exhale: Focused on Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC) well-being, meditation, and rest.
- Headspace: Beginner-friendly, well-liked, and has a free trial and a discounted student plan.
- Healthy Minds Program App: Free and developed by a leading neuroscience research center. It combines podcast-style lessons on the science of meditation with both seated and active meditation skills.
- Insight Meditation Timer: Free and has a huge variety of guided meditation options from around the world. It may take a bit of exploring to discover which meditations work for best you.
- Liberate: Designed to not only be a meditation app, but a safe space for the Black community to develop a meditation habit.
MIT alumnus Robert Plotkin ’93 provides updates and information about apps and the intersection of science, technology, and mindfulness at Technology for Mindfulness.
The resources and links listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement by MIT Medical.
