It can be a double-edged sword, though, since the sheer volume might seem like an overwhelming number of options to consider, especially if you’re just getting into meditation at home. One easy way to help narrow your search is to consider your budget. Yes, you can absolutely pay a reasonable fee for an app that offers a few more bells and whistles. And there are some fantastic meditation apps that are free to download and offer a limited number of free basic meditations or a free trial before you’re encouraged to upgrade to a premium membership. (Calm and Headspace are just a couple top-rated examples). But what about starting your mental wellness journey with a totally and completely free meditation app? It’s the best no-strings-attached way to dip your toe into everything from meditation basics to mindfulness-based breathing techniques, guided sessions to emotional check-ins. Because who needs to have another slow-building subscription fee hanging over their heads? A meditation app is supposed to help relieve stress, not add to it! Here are five free meditation apps to check out before shelling out for something you might not stick with (although, we think you likely will). This app also offers features like meditation music and a free meditation timer that allows you to practice unguided, complete with ambient noise and a soft ending bell. For iOS and Android devices. For iOS and Android devices. RELATED: How to Start Meditating at Home for a Quieter Mind Inside the app, explore research-backed mindfulness programs by category (e.g., at work, for the whole family, for adults) or by themes (attention and concentration, sleep, stress, relationships). Smiling Mind is extremely beginner-friendly, and you can start from scratch, learning about what mindfulness means, how it works, the research behind it, and primer meditation sessions. For iOS and Android devices. For iOS and Android devices. For iOS and Android devices.
