Three apps dominate meditation: Headspace (structured learning), Calm (relaxation and sleep), and Insight Timer (free library). They're all good. But they're good at different things. Here's the fastest way to decide.
Pick Based on Your #1 Goal
Want to LEARN meditation from scratch? → Headspace. It's the best teacher. The "Basics" course explains meditation concepts with animations and builds your practice progressively over 30 days. No other app teaches as well.
Want to SLEEP better? → Calm. Sleep Stories (bedtime stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey), sleep music, and yoga nidra make Calm the clear winner for insomnia. It's the best app at getting you unconscious.
Want FREE access to everything? → Insight Timer. Over 200,000 free guided meditations. No paywall for the core experience. If you know what you're looking for, it has more content than Headspace and Calm combined — all free.
Quick Comparison
| Headspace | Calm | Insight Timer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99/yr | $69.99/yr | Free (premium $60/yr) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 7 days | N/A (free forever) |
| Best for | Learning meditation | Sleep & relaxation | Variety & budget |
| Teaching style | Structured courses | Guided sessions | 10,000+ teachers |
| Sleep content | Good | Exceptional | Good (free) |
| Anxiety content | Excellent | Good | Good (varied quality) |
| Timer for silent sits | Yes | Yes | Best timer available |
| Beginner-friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Our Recommendation
Complete beginner: Start with Headspace's free trial. The teaching is unmatched. After 30 days, you'll know enough to decide if you want to stay or switch.
Intermediate practitioner: Insight Timer. You don't need hand-holding anymore — you need variety. And you can't beat free.
Stressed and can't sleep: Calm. The Sleep Stories alone justify the subscription for insomniacs.
Budget-conscious: Insight Timer. Always free. No compromises on the core experience.
Want the full deep-dive? See our Calm vs Headspace comparison or the comprehensive best meditation apps 2026 guide.
