Taking care of our mental health should always rank high on our self-care list. Focusing your energy and checking in on your mental state should become a daily habit. One simple way of doing this every day is by spending a few minutes in meditation. It helps you in stress management, grounding you, and relaxing your mind.
Fortunately, there are a lot of meditation apps you can download to your phone to help you with your daily meditation. From focusing your energy to helping you get a good night’s sleep, there are many options you can choose from online. We've rounded up a list of the 10 best apps to get you started, and a guide on how you can choose the right one for you.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Getting into the habit of meditating daily can be as easy as downloading an app to your phone. Whether you are experienced or starting out, there is an app that can meet your needs. Here are things you should take into consideration before downloading.
One of the first things you should consider before downloading your meditation app is the concern you want to address. There are certain apps that aim to help you sleep better, while others are meant for stress relief. There are also apps that focus on spirituality. Some are a combination of all these.
Meditation helps you relax your body and brain, which can result in helping you sleep better. It has also been found to increase melatonin, the sleep hormone. A JAMA study found that meditation helps bring a relaxation response that improves sleep habits.
Look for meditation apps with guided sessions that can help you sleep. Others offer a white noise feature you can download to help bring you deep slumber. And who says bedtime stories are just for kids? There are some that offer bedtime stories - some narrated by Hollywood celebrities - for you to listen to before bedtime.
When you feel overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, and worry, meditation can help you cope. There could be moments when stress can be so overwhelming that you can’t even begin with the tasks you need to accomplish for the day.
Some meditation apps have short sessions that have breathing exercises that can help you start your day. Others offer courses and even masterclasses on how you can deal with stress. There are also some that have morning affirmations that center your mind and take your anxiety away.
The practice of meditation has been around for centuries and has been widely used in many religions to help connect to a higher being. Spiritual meditation goes beyond relaxation and reducing stress. This is about connecting to the universe.
These apps are usually made for advanced users, although some offer easy-to-digest courses for beginners. You can choose an app that has short courses on finding your life’s purpose, or one that offers masterclasses conducted by well-known spiritual leaders, healers, and guides.
Let’s face it - not everyone has a full hour that they can allot each day to meditate. As you build this daily habit, you will know best just how much time you have in your daily schedule to practice meditation. Some apps are designed for a quick 5-minute session, while there are some that can go deeper with hour-long sessions.
Not all meditation apps come free. While a lot of them come with at least a 7-day trial period, there are options where you can subscribe for a month, a year, or even a lifetime. There are also some apps that you can download for free but which also offer in-app purchases that you might want to consider.
Do you know that there are now apps that offer meditation for children as young as 3 years old? Meditation’s benefits definitely know no age. Check the app you are downloading to see if there are sessions tailor-fit for your age. There are also some programs that customize their offerings from 3-12-year-olds, to 13-18-year-olds, and to 19-year-olds and above.
If you are looking for something more than just sessions, there are certain apps that have additional features for you to use. Some examples of these are breathing guides that you can easily use throughout the day and self-guided sessions that allow you to customize your meditation.
Other notable features to look out for are a notification timer to remind you about your daily session and mindfulness journals that help you keep track of your progress. There are also some apps that curate sessions to help you achieve your meditation goals. These types of inclusions are quite useful in helping you cultivate a daily meditation habit.
Meditation is simpler than you think, and Headspace can be your starting point! With videos explaining essential meditation concepts, this app is well-suited for beginners beginning their wellness journey. It boasts an extensive library of meditations tailored for advanced users seeking specific focuses such as stress reduction, enhanced mental well-being, and improved sleep.
Moreover, Headspace sets itself apart by providing numerous meditation courses and mindfulness exercises. Best of all, it offers a user-friendly interface, as highlighted in reviews. Many users also love its guided meditations and sleepcasts, comparing them to a streaming service for sleep and overall mental well-being.
Type | Sleep, Stress, and Spirituality |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 1 Minute |
In App Purchases | ₱ 149.00 per Month, ₱ 1,290.00 per Year |
Age Range | From 3 Years Old |
Features | Session Timer, E-mail Reminders, Progress Tracking, Program Training, Meditation for Kids |
Easy to navigate for users of various skill levels, this meditation app accommodates both newcomers and those with experience. It offers various packages, from 3-minute deep breathing sessions to sleep stories. Users enjoy the calming effect of the app's bedtime stories, including narrations by famous actors like Matthew McConaughey.
Additionally, Calm maintains regular updates, consistently introducing new features. For instance, there's 'Calm Kids,' designed for children as young as three years old, teaching them basic meditation practices through fun cartoon characters and classic bedtime stories. Those who have downloaded this app are impressed by its extensive library of meditations and soundscapes.
Type | Sleep, Stress, and Spirituality |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 3 Minutes |
In App Purchases | ₱ 649 - ₱ 3,090 for Calm Premium |
Age Range | From 3 Years Old |
Features | Meditation Programs, Masterclasses, Calm Body, Sleep Stories, Music, Mindfulness for Kids |
If you have clear goals for meditation, this is the app for you. It offers over 162,000 guided meditation sessions covering diverse topics, providing you with ample choices! You can browse by topic to find a session aligned with your objectives or search by meditation length to match your schedule. As such, users appreciate the app's variety of options.
In addition, Insight Timer includes a self-led meditation feature, allowing you to choose the session's length and the bell sound indicating its end. This customization makes it easy to integrate meditation into your routine. The app also has sleep programs featuring music, soundscapes, stories, and courses for relaxation. There are even live events, ranging from yoga to guided meditations.
Type | Sleep, Stress, and Spirituality |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 1 Minute |
In App Purchases | ₱ 99- ₱ 999 for Teacher Donation, ₱ 299 - ₱ 999 for Meditation Course, ₱ 3,190 for Premium |
Age Range | 16 Years Old and Above |
Features | Timer for Self-Led Meditations, Charts and Milestones, Daily Insight, Sleep Programs, Live Events, Tracks for Kids. Discussion Groups, Community Features, Progress Tracker |
Type | Stress & Sleep |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 1 Minute |
In App Purchases | ₱ 629 for Monthly Membership, ₱ 4,690 for Yearly Premium Membership |
Age Range | From 4 Years Old |
Features | Sleep Trackers, Guided Meditations, Music Pieces |
If you're serious about finding Zen, Sattva is the app for you. Sattva, which translates to 'existence,' is a comprehensive meditation app featuring chants and mantras delivered by Sanskrit scholars. Within its library, you'll discover deep, simple, and authentic sessions, some even starting at just 6 minutes. Furthermore, you can personalize your practice by setting your own goals.
The app also has a meditation journal to track your progress, along with thought collections and playlists to support your spiritual journey. Sattva users appreciate the app's focus on their physical health, allowing them to observe how the meditation practice impacts their overall well-being. Specifically, it incorporates a heart rate monitor and mood tracker!
Type | Spirituality |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 6 Minutes |
In App Purchases | ₱ 649 for Montly Subscription, ₱ 2,490.00 for Yearly Subscription, ₱ 19,990 for Lifetime Subscription |
Age Range | Not Applicable |
Features | Guided Meditations, Chants, Mantras, Meditation Music, Meditation Timer and Tracker, Playlists, Heart Rate Monitor |
This app provides meditation programs for users of all ages, including kids aged 3 to 12, teenagers, and adults. This inclusivity makes it a perfect choice for the whole family to engage in daily mindfulness sessions. Parents found Smiling Mind especially useful in connecting with their children and understanding what they are going through emotionally.
An excellent advantage of this app is that it comes absolutely free. There is no need to upgrade your account to fully enjoy what it has to offer. They have sessions on mental health, such as fostering a sense of calm and learning how to regulate emotions. It's never too early to teach someone these skills that will help them to navigate life.
Type | Stress |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 1 Minute |
In App Purchases | None |
Age Range | From 3 Years Old |
Features | Body Scan, Charting and Tracking of Sessions, Programs on Relationships, Sports, and Mindful Eating |
Let's face it: even with the best of intentions, sometimes we just can't find the time to meditate. Thankfully, Aura has a 3-minute personalized meditation that you can integrate into your daily routine. It also provides various channels for exploring mini-meditations that can help kickstart your day.
Additionally, this app has a feature called the 'Mindful Breather' that synchronizes your breath with a circle. This circle expands and contracts, guiding your breathing. You can practice this in 30-second intervals and set reminders to prompt you at specific times throughout your day. Reviewers appreciate these gentle reminders for brief breathing exercises. This is especially beneficial for staying grounded during stressful moments at work or school.
Type | Stress and Sleep |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 3 Minutes |
In App Purchases | ₱ 399 for Monthly Subscription, ₱ 1,050 for 3-Month Subscription, ₱ 1,490 for 6-Month Subscription, ₱ 2,490 for Yearly Subscription |
Age Range | From 4 Years Old |
Features | Personalized Meditation, Life Coaching, Inspirational Stories, Music and Nature Sounds |
Type | Stress and Sleep |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 10 Minutes |
In App Purchases | None |
Age Range | From 4 Years Old |
Features | Various Meditation Content |
From the author of the book of the same title, Ten Percent Happier was developed based on how meditation skills can enhance your life. Dan Harris, an ABC News anchor, author, and app designer, discovered meditation to calm his mind after experiencing an on-air panic attack in 2004.
The app is designed for beginners and explorers, particularly those who may still be unsure about meditation's relevance to them. It guides individuals through the basics via videos that they can complete at their own pace. Users have found this app to be a valuable companion in exploring meditation's benefits and its potential to enrich their lives.
Type | Stress and Sleep |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 10 Minutes |
In App Purchases | ₱ 489 for Monthly Subscription, ₱ 3,190 for Yearly Subscription |
Age Range | From 6 Years Old |
Features | Daily Dose Meditation, Personal Coaching, Built-in Timer |
Type | Sleep, Stress |
---|---|
Session Length | Starts at 5 Minutes |
In App Purchases | None |
Age Range | From 4 Years Old |
Features | Progress Tracker, Meditation Customization |
Aside from having a regular meditation schedule, it also helps to set up a place where you will be doing this regularly. Here are some items worth considering as you prepare that spot for your daily meditation exercise.
Editor & Re-editor: R. Umlas, J. Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the app recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from the App Store, Google Play, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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