When I started researching free meditation apps, I realised after a while that “free”, wasn’t free. The results should’ve stated that free meant a free trial period, then a paid subscription. I wanted to find completely free apps, with no charge, ever. So I continued looking and I found 6 completely free meditation apps.

My selection of free meditation apps

All 6 meditation apps were downloaded and I went through all the content, various meditations, videos, texts, and audio files. I followed links online. None of the apps have free trial periods, then paid subscriptions – all are completely free to use and all have options to make donations if you wish. 

These are the apps, with the overall winner being Plum Village. More about each app has been included below the table, as well as how I determined the criteria.

Criteria for grading the apps

I decided not to score or grade the apps, as you’re not getting more for your buck on one versus another one, so to speak. I firmly believe that in today’s world where you get nothing for nothing, so it’s an amazing treasure to find 6 completely free apps. Each one has its strengths and these are how I put them forward in their categories.

I tested the 6 apps with 6 different categories: 

1. “Your meditation journey” while using the app. 
2. Who is the app for? 
3. Different meditation background sounds.
4. Different languages offered.
5. Content.
6. Simplicity/ease of use.

1.“Your meditation journey” while using the app 

If you meditate regularly, it is a good idea to keep track of your “personal journey”. This may include different types of meditations, such as sitting or active meditations. You should keep track of your meditational length of time. When you start, you’ll most likely be able to meditate for a very short time. As you progress, your length of time will gradually increase. Some apps will categorise your meditations and either show you a history or break down the categories and show your progress.

2. Who is the app for? 

The biggest group using meditation apps is probably adults. Some apps will cater to children, teenagers, and families too. Furthermore, apps may be catered specifically for at work and educators.

3. Different background sounds

Some people prefer meditating to nature sounds. Others may enjoy soft music or common sounds such as bells or bowls. Many people prefer to meditate in silence as it’s less distracting.

4. Different languages offered

Always a good idea to offer various languages, other than English. Fantastic to see Sign Language being offered.

5. Content

It’s probably the most important category, even if the app is free. There are always going to be people who have never meditated and would like some help. It is a good idea to have starter meditations and practice sessions. There should be a range of meditations catering to different levels. Adjustable timers with various options are another great feature.

6. Simplicity/ease of use

You should be able to navigate around the app easily. Different sections should be easily seen and understood. The various screens should be appealing and not too contrasting with colours, too much text, or confusing sections.

Healthy Minds Program

A well-being app that has 4 decades of research grounding in science. World-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson and his team at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin, have shown that 4 areas to train the mind are: Awareness, Connection, Insight, and Purpose.

The opening page (My Path) has the 4 sections set out, as well as a foundations section to start you off.  

• The Explore tab has many meditations available in different sections. Choose between sitting or active, different speakers, and timer duration. Media available are audio files or texts.
• The Favorites tab will show your recent activity as well as any meditations you have marked as favorites.
• The Donations tab enables you to donate, in US Dollars, a one-off amount, monthly or custom amount.
• The Profile tab will show you a snapshot of your activity or a more in-depth report.
• The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 4.85*.
• Other social media sites you can visit them on are: YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• The app can be used in both Landscape and Portrait mode.

In-depth report

 Lack of other languages

Smiling Mind

• The Home page has a new content section and some sections to try. 
• The Explore More programs takes you to the Explore tab. 
• The Support Us button enables you to donate a one-off amount, monthly or custom amount. You can choose various currencies.
• The Explore tab has sections for adults, kids, youth, families, Educators, At Work, Other languages (Arabic, Dari, Kriol, Ngaanyatjarra, and Pitjantjatjara), and Research projects (restricted access). There are meditations and activities with audio and videos. A great feature is the feeling emoticons before each activity.
• The Favorites tab will show your programs and sessions that have been marked.
• The More tab has a wealth of info showing your downloads, reminders, preferences, and information about their partners, FAQs, In Schools, At Work, Privacy and terms, and a contact section. Another helpful section is the tips and tricks which has a huge Blog library.

The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 4.65*.

Other social media sites you can visit them on are: YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit,  Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The app can be used in both Landscape and Portrait mode.

Tips and Tricks Blog Library

Lack of record of your journey

Meditopia

The Welcome page has a video to watch, a daily meditation, an adjustable meditation timer, a sleep section, a challenge section, and a history section. There is also an emergency section covering some strong emotions and accompanying meditations. The Medito Course section contains numerous topics and sessions.

The more options icon (3 dots) contains a donation section where you can donate online in various currencies, a blog section, edit stats, send feedback email, and FAQs.

• The Explore button takes you to the large library of meditations. You can choose between speakers, speed, and background sounds (7) Sessions may be marked as a favorite or a download. There are some Spanish meditations too.
• The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 4.75*.
• Other social media sites you can visit them on are: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram (with an option of other languages), and LinkedIn.
• The app can be used in both Landscape and Portrait mode.
• The artwork in the app is beautiful..

7 changeable sounds

Lack of record of your journey

UCLA Mindfulness

• The Welcome page has a more options icon with an adjustable meditation timer getting started (videos), basic meditations (with 15 extra languages) wellness meditations, Hammer podcasts and Drop-ins, a timer, and an online Spanish section.
• There is also a collapsible menu at the top with a timer, newsletter (UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center), classes (online and at the center), research, about MARC, and donations online.
• The app offers 6 different sections to explore, with a few videos to get you started.
• Basic meditations with 15 other languages in audio files and Wellness meditations in audio files.
• Hammer podcasts & Drop-ins.
• A library of meditations as audio files. There’s an option to bookmark any.
• A button for Spanish speakers takes you online to a Spanish section.
• The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 4.5*.
• Other social media sites you can visit them on are: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
• The app can be used in both Landscape and Portrait mode.

15 other languages in audio files

Lack of record of your journey

Plum Village

• The opening page has a search option at the top and is also the Resources page. Here you can find a huge library of meditations, songs, texts, chants, poems, music, and, films. They are in text, video, and audio files.
• The Talks tab again contains a vast library of talks and videos.
• The Meditations tab has an enormous library of audio and videos.
• The Extras tab contains adjustable timers, bells, the latest updates, a favorites and playlist section, a download section, a list of retreat dates, my activity, settings, about Plum Village, and a contacts section.
• The About Plum Village app has links to online sections about the app and review options.
• On the app, you have an option of 5 other languages and all content has the option to add to favorites, download, and share.
• The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 5*.
• Other social media sites you can visit them on are: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• The app can be used in only Portrait mode.

All content has the option to add to favorites, download, and share

Cons: Lack of record of your journey

Mindfulness Coach

The app was developed for veterans, service members, and others by VA’s (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) National Center for PTSD. The opening page has a top left drop-down menu with reminders, how to use the app, support (for crises, not the app), exporting user data, settings, feedback, the Project team, references, and sharing the app. 

The top right is your journey record.

There are 4 sections:

• Mindfulness Training has texts on building your expertise, a questionnaire, and a seated practice.
• The Practice Now section takes you through various exercises to explore different topics. There is also an option to load your favorites and download others. 
• The Track Progress section is where your goals, assessments, and practice logs are.
• The Build Expertise section contains various texts covering many topics and FAQs.
• Your journey is shown as a seedling that grows. 
• The reviews from App Store and Google Play are 4.8*.
• Other social media sites you can visit them on are only YouTube.
• The app can be used in both Landscape and Portrait mode.

Your journey is shown as a seedling that grows

Lack of other languages

Now you have a set of 6 free meditation apps to choose from. As you’ve seen, each one has it’s pros and cons. To be honest, I don’t think it’s as simple as black or white, but more importantly, about what works best for you. Give them a try – they’re free! Maybe try all 6 and then choose, or even use all 6…

Frequently asked questions about meditation apps

Meditation apps at a glance

Category	Healthy Minds	Smiling Mind	Medito	UCLA Mindfulness	Plum Village	Mindful Coach
App reviews	4.85 ☆	4.65 ☆	4.75 ☆	4.5 ☆	5 ☆	4.8 ☆
Other  languages		✓		✓	✓
App size	77.7MB	41.8MB	98.1MB	56MB	66MB	136MB
Portrait or Landscape usage	✓	✓	✓	✓	Only  portrait	✓
Info on: YouTube	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Facebook		✓	✓	✓ (no posts)	✓
Instagram	✓	✓	✓ (with other languages)	✓	✓
Twitter		✓		✓	✓
TikTok		✓			✓
LinkedIn	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Reddit		✓	✓		✓
Types of media	Audio, text	Audio, video	Audio	Audio, video	Audio, video, text	Audio, photo, text