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Free Headspace alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

3 of the 6 Headspace alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). Calm, Insight Timer and Happier Meditation rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

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
  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)