Balance
Best for: Beginners
Price: $12/month or $50/year
Balance starts with the basics, walking you through foundational tools like body scanning and breath focus in five in-depth sections. Once you master those techniques, you can personalize your practice to what works best for you with as little or as much guidance as you need.
Calm
Best for: Experienced users
Price: $13/month or $70/year
Ever wanted Harry Styles to whisk you off into dreamland? The Calm app makes it happen. In addition to its extensive library of freeform practices—ideal for the more skilled users—you can also select a sleep session narrated by celebrities like Laura Dern, Matthew McConaughey, and the former One Direction star.
Headspace
Best for: Managing anxiety and stress
Price: $13/month or $70/year
Headspace makes meditation look fun, with cool illustrations and an app that’s easy to navigate. Their library consists of a wide variety of meditative practices to address specific issues, including anxiety, stress, work, and kids. Session lengths vary, so you can sneak in a meditative moment even if you have only three minutes on hand.
The Chopra App
The Chopra Center is making it easier than ever to take your self-care on the go. Their new app, launched in September, has guided meditation, helpful articles, and personalized tips for your personal growth and overall well-being.
Om No
Can’t get into meditation? Try mindfulness instead. The trick is to tackle one task at a time and to focus on being fully present in just that one task. Whether it’s washing your car, going for a walk, or sweeping the floors, you can still give your mind a break from the busyness without sitting down and saying “om.”