The Best Meditation Apps Free to Download

Whether you’re best meditation apps free to unwind after a long day or calm your mind for better sleep, there are plenty of apps to help. But finding the right one can be tricky. To narrow down your choices, consider whether you’d like a clear curriculum or the option to create a group to meditate with friends in real time. The best apps also offer a variety of meditations to suit your preferences, from breathing techniques to mantras.

Developed by UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, this app offers a scientifically backed mindfulness program that begins with an in-depth self-assessment. After that, it guides you through a series of audio and video lessons to master meditation skills. It also includes a library of guided meditations, an unguided mode, and a timer that connects with your phone’s health app. A subscription unlocks full courses on developing focus, though the free version is more than enough to keep you busy.

Zen on the Go: Exploring the Best Free Meditation Apps

This app has a wide variety of bite-sized meditations that range from five to 15 minutes, so it’s easy to fit this one into your daily routine. It also features curated exercises on topics that address specific issues like “Dealing with Holiday Relatives” and “Manifesting Your Dreams.” It’s free to download but requires an in-app purchase for premium content.

This app was developed by a nonprofit dedicated to mindfulness and meditation education. It focuses on developing mental focus, decreasing stress, and increasing compassion and immune health. It emphasizes its scientific credentials, using research and neuroscience to build skill-based meditation techniques. While a largely subscription-based app, it does have some content available for free, including sessions created during the pandemic.