Meditation helps reduce stress, improve focus, and bring a sense of calm to daily life—and you don’t need to spend a dime to get started. Thanks to a growing number of free meditation apps, it’s easier than ever to begin or maintain a mindfulness practice without paying for a subscription.
I’ve tested many of them, and these are the ones I keep coming back to. Whether you’re just getting started or want to build a daily routine, these apps are solid, free, and worth your time.
1. Insight Timer
I use Insight Timer when I want options. This app gives you access to over 130,000 free meditations, music tracks, and talks from teachers around the world. You can filter by how long you want to meditate, what you’re working on (like sleep or anxiety), or even by your favorite teachers.
It also has a meditation timer with bells and ambient sounds—perfect for unguided sessions.
What I like:
- Huge free library
- Meditations for anxiety, focus, and sleep
- Sleep music and soundscapes
- Optional community groups
Heads-up: The amount of content can be overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly find favorites.
If you’re looking for a free meditation app for anxiety or sleep, this one should be on your phone.
Download:
2. Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is my go-to for family use or classroom settings. Developed by psychologists and educators, it’s fully free and designed for different age groups—from kids to adults.
What I like:
- Guided programs by age group
- 100% free, no in-app purchases
- Great for educators and parents
- Tracks your progress
Heads-up: It’s not super robust for adult users, but excellent for children and teens.
If you’re after a free meditation app for kids, this is the best pick.
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3. Healthy Minds Program
When I want something research-backed, I go to the Healthy Minds Program. It’s created by neuroscientists and offers a mix of lessons and guided meditations centered around awareness, insight, purpose, and connection.
What I like:
- Based on neuroscience and psychology
- Structured and goal-oriented
- Mixes education with practice
- 100% free
Minor downside: Not a ton of variety in session types, but it’s focused and clear.
Looking for a science-based meditation app? Try this one.
Download:
🧘 Ready to Take Your Practice Further?
Meditation is a great start—but combining it with movement brings even more balance and clarity. If you’re in Ahmedabad, join us for expert-led yoga and meditation sessions designed to energize your body and calm your mind.
🌟 Book Your First Yoga Class Now4. MyLife Meditation (formerly Stop, Breathe & Think)
I like how this app checks in with how I’m feeling, then suggests meditations based on that mood. It’s like a meditation that fits your day, not the other way around.
What I like:
- Personalized recommendations based on your mood
- Sessions for adults, teens, and kids
- Integrated with Alexa and Apple Health
Heads-up: The free version is limited but still useful for quick daily check-ins.
Looking for a free meditation app for stress relief? This one’s worth a shot.
Download:
5. UCLA Mindful
UCLA Mindful is a no-frills app developed by the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. It’s direct, simple, and perfect when you just want to focus on meditation without distractions.
What I like:
- Clear, simple sessions (3 to 19 minutes)
- Available in English and Spanish
- 100% free with no ads or upsells
Keep in mind: It’s pretty basic—but in a good way.
Need a free guided meditation app in Spanish? This one delivers.
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6. Oak Meditation
Oak is clean, simple, and to the point. I use it when I want a quick mindfulness or breathing session without having to scroll or decide too much.
What I like:
- Minimalist interface
- Free meditations, breathwork, and sleep sessions
- Tracks your progress with stats and streaks
Downside: Only available on iOS.
If you’re looking for a simple free meditation app for iPhone, Oak hits the mark.
Download:
7. Simple Habit (Free Tier)
When I’m short on time, I open Simple Habit. It specializes in short 5-minute meditations for quick relief, whether I’m commuting, falling asleep, or dealing with stress at work.
What I like:
- Focused, time-efficient meditations
- Great interface
- A variety of teachers and session types
Watch out: Most of the content is behind a paywall, but the free stuff is well-made.
Looking for a free meditation app for busy people? This is made for that.
Download:
8. Aura (Free Tier)
Aura feels like a personalized mindfulness assistant. It gives me a new track daily based on how I’m feeling—whether it’s a meditation, sleep story, or calming sound.
What I like:
- Personal recommendations
- Tracks mood, habits, and progress
- Includes sleep, nature sounds, and journaling
Heads-up: Free access is limited to one daily session, but it’s a good taste of the platform.
If you want a personalized meditation app for free, Aura’s a strong choice.
Download:
FAQs About Free Meditation Apps
What are the best completely free meditation apps?
Some of the best truly free meditation apps include Insight Timer, Smiling Mind, Healthy Minds Program, Oak, and UCLA Mindful. These offer high-quality sessions with no required subscription.
Can free meditation apps really help with anxiety and stress?
Yes. Many free meditation apps offer guided sessions specifically designed for stress reduction, anxiety relief, and emotional regulation. Apps like MyLife, Insight Timer, and Aura are especially useful for this.
Which free meditation app is best for beginners?
UCLA Mindful and Oak are great for beginners. They offer simple, easy-to-follow meditations without overwhelming options. Insight Timer is also beginner-friendly if you want more variety.
Are there free meditation apps for sleep?
Yes. Insight Timer, Aura, and Simple Habit offer free guided meditations, bedtime stories, and calming sounds designed to help you sleep better.
Can I use meditation apps offline?
Some apps, like Insight Timer and Oak, allow you to download sessions for offline use. Others may require a premium upgrade for that feature.
Is there a meditation app for kids or teens?
Yes. Smiling Mind is designed specifically for children, teenagers, and educational settings. It’s a 100% free, structured program that’s perfect for younger users.
🧘 Ready to Take Your Practice Further?
Meditation is a great start—but combining it with movement brings even more balance and clarity. If you’re in Ahmedabad, join us for expert-led yoga and meditation sessions designed to energize your body and calm your mind.
🌟 Book Your First Yoga Class Now