11 Best Meditation Apps to Help You Find Inner Peace Anywhere

Meditation seems daunting to many people. They may wonder if they'd be able to just sit there without getting incredibly antsy, or whether their minds would wander and they'd spend those moments making a mental shopping list for dinner rather than finding some inner peace. Even if they're open to the idea, they may get stuck on "Who has the time?" But what with our packed work-plus-home schedules or kids' school stresses, we all could use some element of relaxation in our lives, and meditation could be just the help we need.

Meditation practices help us organize our thoughts and calm our busy brains, even if we just do short guided sessions. And — great news — there isn't a right or wrong way to meditate; doing it could revolve around a chanted mantra, or simply repeating a chosen routine daily, explains Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, a Siddha Master known for her work with the United Nations' Culture of Peace Program.

Establishing these daily habits can be so much easier if you get started with mobile apps and guided meditation services that aim to educate new users and inspire experienced enthusiasts. Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and engineering director in the Good Housekeeping Institute, says the best meditation apps blend both auditory and visual cues (like videos!) to help people practice meditation daily. Experts in GH Labs have tested dozens of wellness apps and services that tout meditation offerings; most of the best options require users to pay a monthly or semi-annual membership fee, unlocking thousands of hours of content. Rothman adds that there are free options to choose from — including a best-tested option on this list — but those who regularly meditate often find a wider, more comprehensive selection via paid apps

Below, we're sharing the 11 best meditation apps based on our expert reviews, editor's picks and current user ratings. The following is a selection of the best meditation apps and services to download now.

Best meditation apps:

• Best Overall: Calm
• Best Budget Service: Ten Percent Happier
• Best Guided Meditation: Core Meditation
• Best Audio Selection: Headspace
• Best for Beginners: Waking Up
• Best for Sleep: Aura
• Best for Short Sessions: The Mindfulness App
• Best Free Service: Insight Timer
• BIWOC-Focused: Exhale
• LGBTQ+-Focused: Sowl Mate
• Best for Consistency: Unplug
• Best for Mindfulness: Simple Habit
• Best for Mantras: Sattva