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Headspace alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll meditation and mindfulness apps

Top picks

  • Calm logo

    Best overall

    Calm

    Yearly price (web): $79.99/yr after a 7-day free trial

  • Insight Timer logo

    Best free option

    Insight Timer

    Starting price: $9.99 a month (MemberPlus)

Common reasons people leave Headspace: little free content without a subscription, and app increasingly promotes coaching and therapy services. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Headspace, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Calm currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Calm logoCalmFree plan + paid$79.99/yr after a 7-day free trialNoiOS, Android, Web5 of 568.8
2Insight Timer logoInsight TimerFree plan + paid$9.99 a month (MemberPlus)NoiOS, Android, Web8 of 864.8
3Happier Meditation logoHappier MeditationFree plan + paid$99.99/yearNoiOS, Android4 of 461.8
4Waking Up logoWaking UpPaid—NoiOS, Android5 of 542.3
5Brain.fm logoBrain.fmPaid$14.99 per monthNoWeb, iOS, Android +25 of 542.3
6Lyra Health logoLyra HealthPaid—NoWeb, iOS, Android5 of 540.9
  1. Calm logo

    1. CalmTop pick

    Best for: People who want a large library of sleep stories, music and guided sessions in one paid app

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    The main rival, with a bigger sleep library of Sleep Stories and soundscapes.

    Pros

    • Very large sleep library: Sleep Stories, soundscapes and music
    • Clear starter programs: 7 Days and 21 Days of Calm
    • Runs on phones, web, Apple TV and smartwatches
    • Family plan and a one-time lifetime option

    Cons

    • Most content needs a paid subscription
    • Prices differ between web, App Store and Google Play
    • Sleep-heavy library is more than some meditators need
    Visit Calm Compare with HeadspaceDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Calm a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Yearly price (web)
    $79.99/yr after a 7-day free trial
    Checked Nov 8, 2026calm.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Sleep Stories
    500+ narrated Sleep Stories
    Checked Nov 8, 2026calm.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices
    iOS, Android, web, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Wear OS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026calm.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starter programs
    7 Days of Calm, then 21 Days of Calm
    Checked Nov 8, 2026calm.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Breathing tool
    60-second Breathe Bubble
    Checked Nov 8, 2026calm.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Insight Timer logo

    2. Insight Timer

    Best for: People who want a large free library and a flexible timer without paying for a subscription

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    Free access to most of a huge library, if the subscription is the sticking point.

    Pros

    • Most of a 200,000+ track library is free
    • Thousands of teachers across many styles and traditions
    • Customisable timer for unguided sessions
    • Live events and community groups

    Cons

    • Quality varies widely between teachers
    • Size makes it hard to find a clear starting path
    • Courses and offline listening need Member Plus
    Visit Insight Timer Compare with HeadspaceDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Insight Timer a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Free content
    200,000+ tracks, mostly free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Paid tier
    Member Plus, $59.99/yr
    Checked Nov 8, 2026insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Teachers
    18,000+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Paid features
    Courses, advanced journaling, offline listening
    Checked Nov 8, 2026insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Company
    Insight Network Inc.
    Checked Nov 8, 2026insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $9.99 a month (MemberPlus)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026help.insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    MemberPlus annual plan
    $59.99 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026help.insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026help.insighttimer.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Happier Meditation logo

    3. Happier Meditation

    Best for: Beginners and sceptics who want meditation explained by teachers, not just guided audio.

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    Teacher-led courses that explain the how and why of meditation, with three courses free before subscribing.

    Pros

    • Courses explain the reasoning behind each practice
    • Wide range of established meditation teachers
    • Three courses free without subscribing
    • Practical topics such as anxiety, focus and parenting

    Cons

    • Full library needs a yearly subscription
    • Fewer sleep stories and soundscapes than Calm
    • Mobile only, with no desktop app
    Visit Happier Meditation Compare with HeadspaceDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Happier Meditation a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Subscription
    $99.99/year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026tenpercent.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Three courses
    Checked Nov 8, 2026tenpercent.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Founded
    2014
    Checked Nov 8, 2026tenpercent.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Origin
    Dan Harris's book 10% Happier
    Checked Nov 8, 2026tenpercent.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Waking Up logo

    4. Waking Up

    Best for: Analytical, secular-minded people who want to understand meditation, not just relax

    PaidiOS, Android

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    Deeper, more philosophical teaching for people who've outgrown beginner courses.

    Pros

    • Deep library of lessons and conversations, not just guided tracks
    • Secular approach with no belief system required
    • Free scholarship membership if cost is a barrier

    Cons

    • Annual subscription only, with no limited free tier
    • Less sleep and relaxation content than Calm
    • Philosophical focus may feel heavy for beginners after quick stress relief
    Visit Waking Up Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Waking Up a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Nov 6, 2026wakingup.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pricing
    Annual subscription
    Checked Nov 6, 2026wakingup.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Scholarship
    Free membership if you can't afford it
    Checked Nov 6, 2026wakingup.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Founded
    2018
    Checked Nov 6, 2026wakingup.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Library
    600+ hours of audio
    Checked Nov 6, 2026wakingup.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Brain.fm logo

    5. Brain.fm

    Best for: Knowledge workers and people with ADHD who want unobtrusive music for focus sessions and sleep

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    Dedicated to functional music for focus and sleep rather than meditation courses.

    Pros

    • Separate modes for focus, relaxation, meditation and sleep
    • Desktop menu-bar app with a built-in session timer
    • Available on web, iOS, Android, Mac and Windows

    Cons

    • No free plan once the trial ends
    • Few guided meditations compared with Calm or Headspace
    • Can't mix your own ambient sounds like Noisli
    Visit Brain.fm Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Brain.fm a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Monthly price
    $14.99 per month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026brain.fm(opens source in a new tab)
    Yearly price
    $99.99 per year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026brain.fm(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Web, iOS, Android, desktop
    Checked Nov 8, 2026brain.fm(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop apps
    macOS 12+ and Windows 10+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026brain.fm(opens source in a new tab)
    Research funding
    NSF grant
    Checked Nov 8, 2026brain.fm(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Lyra Health logo

    6. Lyra Health

    Best for: Large employers wanting a global mental health benefit that can replace their EAP

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    40.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Headspace

    Clinical therapy and psychiatry for employers that need more than meditation.

    Pros

    • Large provider network of 30,000+ clinicians across 180 countries
    • Covers therapy, coaching, psychiatry and specialty care for children and teens
    • Reporting on engagement and outcomes for benefits teams

    Cons

    • No self-pay option: individuals need an employer or plan that offers it
    • Pricing is custom quote only
    • Aimed at larger organisations, so small businesses have fewer options
    Visit Lyra Health Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.37
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Lyra Health a good Headspace alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Pricing
    Custom quote per organisation
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lyrahealth.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Provider network
    30,000+ providers
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lyrahealth.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Services
    Therapy, coaching, psychiatry, specialty care
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lyrahealth.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Global coverage
    180 countries
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lyrahealth.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Founded
    2015
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lyrahealth.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Headspace alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Calm logo

Best Headspace alternative for most people

Calm

The main rival, with a bigger sleep library of Sleep Stories and soundscapes.

Insight Timer logo

Best Headspace alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Insight Timer

Free access to most of a huge library, if the subscription is the sticking point.

Brain.fm logo

Best Headspace alternative for Mac

Brain.fm

Dedicated to functional music for focus and sleep rather than meditation courses.

Brain.fm logo

Best Headspace alternative for Windows

Brain.fm

Dedicated to functional music for focus and sleep rather than meditation courses.

Happier Meditation logo

Best Headspace alternative for iPhone and Android

Happier Meditation

Teacher-led courses that explain the how and why of meditation, with three courses free before subscribing.

Lyra Health logo

Best Headspace alternative for working in the browser

Lyra Health

Clinical therapy and psychiatry for employers that need more than meditation.

Headspace alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Headspace?

Calm ranks first right now. The main rival, with a bigger sleep library of Sleep Stories and soundscapes. Insight Timer and Happier Meditation follow it in our ranking.

Headspace vs Calm: what's the difference?

Both Headspace and Calm are free with paid plans. Verified prices: Headspace $99.99 a year for up to 6 people, Calm $79.99/yr after a 7-day free trial. Both run on iOS, Android and Web.

Is Headspace free?

Headspace is free with paid plans. Free trial: 14 days; Family plan: $99.99 a year for up to 6 people; Student plan: $9.99/yr for verified students; Student discount: $9.99 a year for verified students. Checked on Headspace's own site, November 2026.

How much do Headspace alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Headspace alternatives: Calm, $79.99/yr after a 7-day free trial; Insight Timer, $9.99 a month (MemberPlus); Happier Meditation, $99.99/year; Brain.fm, $14.99 per month. Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Headspace?

Yes. Calm (free plan + paid), Insight Timer (free plan + paid) and Happier Meditation (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Headspace?

None of the 6 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Headspace?

The complaints we hear most: little free content without a subscription; app increasingly promotes coaching and therapy services; courses can feel basic for experienced meditators.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Headspace, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.