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.
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.
- Ten Percent Happier: Includes a free trial with meditation basics, happiness teachings, and help for stress and sleep. The Ten Percent Happier Podcast features world-renowned teachers.
The resources and links listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement by MIT Medical.