Quick Answer:
Headspace is better for anxiety — its 30-session Managing Anxiety course is the most structured anxiety programme of any meditation app. Calm is better if your anxiety primarily affects sleep (Sleep Stories are unmatched). Both cost $69.99/year. For severe anxiety, consider professional CBT therapy alongside either app.
Anxiety Features Compared
| Feature | Headspace | Calm |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety course | 🏆 30-session Managing Anxiety | Anxiety meditations (less structured) |
| Sleep anxiety | Sleepcasts, wind-downs | 🏆 100+ Sleep Stories |
| Panic relief | 🏆 SOS emergency meditations | Breathing exercises |
| Breathing tools | Guided breathing | Guided breathing |
| Structure | 🏆 Progressive courses | Individual sessions |
| Price | $69.99/yr (14-day trial) | $69.99/yr (7-day trial) |
| Our rating for anxiety | 🏆 ★★★★★ 4.8 | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
Our Recommendation
Choose Headspace if: You want a structured anxiety programme, need SOS panic meditations, or prefer progressive skill-building.
Choose Calm if: Your anxiety mainly affects sleep, you prefer a relaxed atmosphere, or you want content for kids too.
Choose Insight Timer if: You want free anxiety meditations — 250,000+ at no cost.
See our full Calm vs Headspace comparison and best apps for anxiety.
When Apps Aren't Enough
If anxiety persists after 4-6 weeks of consistent app use, structured CBT therapy is the next step. Online-Therapy.com combines meditation with professional CBT from $48/week.
Try Online-Therapy.com — 20% Off →
