After testing dozens of meditation apps, I carefully selected the top nine to make your decision easier. Evaluating each app based on key factors such as meditation library size, cost, personalization, and unique features, this list will help you find the best fit for your daily meditation practice.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Meditation App - Insight Timer | Read review
- Best for Beginners - Headspace | Read review
- Best for Depression - Calm | Read review
- Best for Anxiety - Happier | Read review
- Best for One-on-One Coaching - Aura Health | Read review
- Best for Sleep Meditations - Slumber | Read review
- Best for Young Adults - Balance App | Read review
- Best for Christian-Based Meditation - Abide | Read review
- Best Mindfulness App - Waking Up | Read review
Best Meditation Apps at a Glance
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120,000+ free meditations -
Options for all skill levels -
Community groups for connection -
Mentors and workshops available
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Large library may feel overwhelming -
Full courses require a premium subscription -
Workshops and mentoring cost extra
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Simple meditation guidance -
Progressive courses that build new skills -
Student and family discounts available -
Kid-friendly meditations
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No free content included -
Sessions capped at 30 minutes -
Student & family plans are only available on website
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Simple layout -
Free courses on sleep, stress, & focus -
Good for beginners
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Limited free content -
Lacks a clear starting point -
Celebrity-led sessions feel gimmicky
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Anxiety focused meditations -
Advanced search and filtering -
Video intros explain key points of session
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Only offers an annual subscription -
Cannot favorite whole courses
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User-friendly and highly customizable -
Offers one-on-one wellness coaching -
Advanced filtering for meditations
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No free meditation content -
No live sessions, only recordings -
Coaching requires an extra fee
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Generous free version -
Sleep-focused meditations & soundscapes -
Includes kids’ bedtime stories -
Offers a seven-day free trial
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Limited to sleep content -
No monthly subscription available -
Kids’ stories best suited for ages under ten
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Compact library avoids overwhelm -
Ideal meditations for college-age users -
One-year free trial with annual plan
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No course personalization options -
Highly structured -
Courses must be completed in order
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Simple, intuitive navigation -
Advanced search and filtering
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Limited free access -
Occasional glitches -
Lacks mindfulness technique instruction
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Includes a seven-day free trial -
Beginner-friendly mindfulness course -
Free subscription scholarships on website
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Pricing only revealed after the trial ends -
Heavy on lectures
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Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com are fair, honest, thorough, and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Meditation Apps
- Cost: $59.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
I found Insight Timer to be a versatile meditation app with an impressive free library of guided meditations. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features cater to experienced meditators. Insight Timer offers live events, including yoga sessions, mood tracking, private mentoring, and workshops, providing a well-rounded meditation experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Over 120,000 free meditation sessions in a vast library
- Suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned meditators
- Community hub enables users to engage with others in topic-specific groups
- Offers opportunities to enhance your practice through mentorship or workshops
Cons - The extensive free library may feel overwhelming for new users
- Full courses require a premium subscription
- Additional fees apply for workshops and one-on-one mentoring
Cost
Insight Timer provides an impressive amount of free content—enough to keep users engaged for months with a wide variety of meditation sessions. For those seeking more in-depth guidance, the app offers a Member Plus subscription, priced at $59.99 annually, which includes a seven-day free trial and unlocks access to complete meditation courses.
To learn more about pricing, read our in-depth Insight Timer review.
Overview
Insight Timer was found to be an excellent resource for building a lasting meditation practice, offering thousands of free sessions that can keep users engaged for months. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to learn mindfulness, while features like white noise, soundscapes, and a community space provide additional support for relaxation and connection with other meditators.
For those seeking more advanced options, Insight Timer’s premium subscription, Member Plus, unlocks access to in-depth meditation courses and adds useful features like fast-forward, rewind, and resume capabilities. You can also save your favorite teachers or courses, and the app tracks your progress automatically. A standout feature is the continuously updated content, ensuring fresh material is always available, along with detailed teacher bios listing their qualifications.
To learn more, read our full Insight Timer review.
- Cost: $12.99 monthly
- Free Trial? Yes, 14 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Headspace is an excellent app for beginners, offering an approachable and easy-to-use design. Its structured meditation courses guide users step-by-step, building confidence while developing mindfulness skills. With clear instructions and well-organized content, Headspace makes starting a meditation practice simple and accessible for those new to mindfulness.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Mindfulness and meditation courses are simple and approachable
- Courses are designed to gradually build new skills over time
- Offers significant discounts for students and families through their website
- Includes easy-to-follow meditations tailored for children up to age 12
Cons - No free meditations are offered within the app
- Sessions are capped at 30 minutes, which may not meet the needs of advanced users
Cost
Headspace is priced at $12.99 monthly or $69.99 annually. The monthly plan includes a seven-day free trial, while the annual plan offers a 14-day free trial.
To learn more about pricing, read our in-depth Headspace review.
Overview
Headspace excels at helping beginners develop a consistent mindfulness and meditation practice. The app offers over 50 structured meditation courses, making it easy to build skills step by step. For those completely new to meditation, the “Basics” course provides an excellent introduction, covering essential techniques such as body scanning, focused attention, and noting. Users can also watch introductory videos of the teachers, creating a more engaging and approachable learning experience.
Headspace stands out because it makes meditation accessible and enjoyable. Its intuitive, user-friendly design removes any intimidation often associated with starting a meditation practice. The app fosters a welcoming atmosphere, free of pretentiousness, where users feel genuinely encouraged to succeed.
To learn more, read our full Headspace review.
- Cost: $14.99 monthly; $69.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Calm distinguishes itself with a sleek design and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to explore a broad selection of meditations. With a focus on various topics, it’s particularly well-suited for intermediate-level meditators aiming to enhance their practice.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Simple layout with content divided into three clear sections
- Offers free meditation courses on key topics such as sleep, anxiety, stress, & focus
- Designed for users who already have a basic understanding of meditation
Cons - Limited free content that can be difficult to locate
- Lacks a clear starting guide, which may be disorienting for new users
- Celebrity-led sessions may come across as superficial or gimmicky
Cost
Calm offers a selection of free meditation courses. Its premium subscription costs $14.99 monthly or $69.99 annually. Users can explore premium content before subscribing with a seven-day free trial.
To learn more about pricing, read our in-depth Calm review.
Overview
Calm shines as the Best Meditation App for Depression, offering a flexible and supportive approach for users navigating their mental health journey. Its structure allows those who have moved past beginner-level meditations to deepen their practice without feeling overwhelmed. Intermediate users can explore targeted courses on topics like stress relief, work-life balance, focus, and managing intense emotions, making it an excellent resource for addressing the emotional challenges tied to depression.
A recent update enhances Calm’s usability by letting users search for meditations based on specific goals, such as reducing stress and anxiety, fostering personal growth, or managing the demands of parenting. These features make Calm particularly effective for users seeking tools to cope with depression. While it offers a wide range of options, finding the most suitable courses for intermediate meditators can be tricky, but its strengths far outweigh this limitation. This thoughtful design and targeted focus helped Calm earn its place as the top meditation app for depression in our review.
To learn more, read our full Calm review.
- Cost: $14.99 monthly; $99.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Happier (formally Ten Percent Happier) is a meditation app designed to support those managing anxiety. It provides a wide selection of meditation courses and sessions specifically focused on alleviating anxiety symptoms. Unique features like video introductions for meditations and in-app podcasts make it an engaging and user-friendly option.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Topic-specific meditations tailored for anxiety relief
- Search tool to locate courses, sessions, or teachers easily
- Video intros highlight key meditation features
Cons - Only offers annual subscriptions
- Can only favorite individual sessions, not entire courses
Cost
Happier offers a limited free version alongside a premium subscription, priced at $14.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. The premium plan includes a seven-day free trial, allowing users to explore its full features before committing.
To learn more about pricing, read our in-depth Happier review.
Overview
Dan Harris founded Happier — formerly Ten Percent Happier — after experiencing a panic attack during a live news broadcast, a moment that pushed him to reevaluate his work-life balance and address the root causes of his anxiety. This personal journey inspired the app’s strong focus on meditations tailored to anxiety and its symptoms, such as stress, insomnia, and elevated heart rate.
For those dealing with anxiety, the “Taming Anxiety” course is an excellent starting point. This course includes ten 13-minute meditation sessions designed to help users understand and manage their anxiety. A standout feature of the app is its video introductions, which provide context and guidance before each meditation.
To learn more, read our full Happier review.
- Cost: $11.99 monthly
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Aura is a meditation and mindfulness app designed to support a wide range of needs through meditations, prayers, and personalized one-on-one coaching. The app tailors its content based on user preferences, allowing you to focus on specific areas of your life and customize your experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Intuitive design with extensive personalization options
- Offers one-on-one coaching with wellness and mental health professionals
- Library filters by duration, coach, gender, country, and guidance preferences
Cons - No free meditation content included
- Therapy feature uses pre-recorded audio rather than live sessions
- Wellness coaching requires an additional fee beyond the subscription
Cost
Aura Health is available for $11.99 monthly or $59.99 annually, with a seven-day free trial. A lifetime membership is also offered for $399.99. One-on-one coaching starts at $69, with final costs depending on the coach.
Overview
Aura Health provides mental health and wellness coaching designed to enhance your meditation practice, set personal goals, and improve daily well-being. Each coach has a detailed bio outlining their location, areas of expertise, services offered, and pricing. Coaching sessions are available in 30-minute or 1-hour options, with exact costs provided after registration.
Aura’s coaching operates similarly to traditional wellness coaching, offering the flexibility to schedule sessions at dates and times that suit your needs. A key feature is the ability to send text messages to your coach between sessions, fostering ongoing support. Additionally, coaches can recommend specific meditations within the app to help you achieve your wellness goals. Our team found these features to be an excellent blend of personalization and accessibility, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Cost: $59.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Slumber is a meditation app specifically designed to promote better sleep, offering a curated collection of sleep meditations, stories, and soundscapes. Every feature is tailored to help users fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Generous free version with a dedicated "Free" section for easy access
- Focuses exclusively on sleep meditations and soundscapes
- Includes bedtime stories for kids, ideal for younger audiences
- Offers a seven-day free trial
Cons - Limited to sleep content, lacking meditations for stress or focus
- No monthly subscription option is available
- Kids' bedtime stories are more suited for children under ten
Cost
Slumber is priced at $59.99 annually and includes a seven-day free trial.
Overview
Slumber is a strong choice for anyone looking for a dedicated sleep meditation app. While it lacks broader options like focus or stress meditations, its narrow focus allows it to excel in helping users unwind and improve their sleep. Its design is reminiscent of the sleep section in the Calm app, but Slumber exclusively features sleep-related content, making it a great fit for those with sleep-specific needs.
One feature that commands attention is the clearly labeled “Free” section, eliminating the hassle of searching for free content within the app. Our team appreciated how user-friendly and focused Slumber is, making it a valuable tool for anyone prioritizing better sleep.
- Cost: $69.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 1 year
- Platforms: iOS & Android
The Balance App offers a personalized meditation experience tailored to your skill level, meditation frequency, and progress. With its moderate library of courses and single-session meditations, Balance is an excellent choice for young adults just beginning their mindfulness journey.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Small library avoids overwhelming new users
- Focused meditations on communication, focus, and adapting to change—ideal for college-aged users
- One-year free trial included with the annual subscription
Cons - Limited library compared to other apps
- Lacks options to customize meditation courses
- Courses are highly structured, requiring completion in order
Cost
Balance costs $69.99 annually and includes a generous one-year free trial, making it an affordable option for young adults.
To learn more about pricing, read our in-depth Balance App review.
Overview
Balance emerges as an ideal choice for young adults aged 18–25 navigating significant life transitions, such as starting college, living independently, or entering new relationships. Its practical courses on communication, focus, and embracing change equip users with essential skills for managing these challenges. The app also provides quick, 10-minute meditations through its “Today” screen, perfect for busy schedules—whether between classes, before work, or while preparing to meet friends.
The one-year free trial is one of the longest available and earned Balance 5 out of 5 stars for “Cost and Free Trials” in our scoring rubric for meditation apps. Combined with its beginner-friendly design and relevant course topics, Balance is perfectly suited for young adults learning to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.
To learn more, read our full Balance App review.
- Cost: $39.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Abide is a meditation app designed specifically for Christians, offering guided meditations rooted in biblical teachings. Users can explore topics like anxiety, parenting, or kid-friendly content, with each session incorporating Bible verses to provide spiritual guidance.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Meditations are grounded in Christian biblical teachings
- Intuitive, user-friendly design for easy navigation
- Ability to search or select meditations by topic
Cons - Free access limited to two-minute previews of select meditations
- Occasional glitches, such as incorrect content loading
- Lacks mindfulness techniques outside of a biblical framework
Cost
Abide is available for $39.99 annually and includes a seven-day free trial.
Overview
Abide ranks among the top meditation apps for Christians, and it’s clear why. Each meditation is thoughtfully framed around scripture, providing a meaningful way to combine prayer and mindfulness. The app’s soothing design, calming background sounds, and easy navigation make it a pleasure to use.
Abide is especially fitting for those looking to deepen their spiritual connection throughout the week. It’s a valuable resource for moments of reflection before or after Bible studies, sermons, or Mass. Our team appreciated how the app blends faith and meditation, making it a unique and focused tool for Christian users seeking spiritual growth.
- Cost: $99.99 – $129.99 annually
- Free Trial? Yes, 7 days
- Platforms: iOS & Android
Waking Up is a mindfulness app rooted in neuroscience and psychology, designed to help users explore the nature of their minds. Combining meditations, mindfulness exercises, and educational content similar to TED Talks, Waking Up provides a holistic approach to mindfulness and personal growth.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Includes an automatic seven-day free trial
- Features a beginner-friendly introduction to mindfulness
- Offers scholarships for free subscriptions through the website
Cons - Pricing is not disclosed until after the free trial
- Users seeking mindfulness exercises may find the frequent lectures less engaging
Cost
Waking Up costs $129.99 annually on Apple or $99.99 annually on Android and the website. To save, it’s best to sign up via the website. A seven-day free trial begins automatically when you register.
Overview
Waking Up sets itself apart due to its exceptional teachers, including renowned mindfulness experts like Sam Harris, Henry Shukman, and Loch Kelly. The app features an excellent introductory course for beginners and 18 additional courses covering topics such as walking meditations, compassion awareness, and meditation for children. It also tracks your progress by recording the days, minutes, and sessions you’ve completed, similar to other leading apps.
Waking Up excels in its focus on the science and theory behind mindfulness. Beyond teaching techniques, it explores why meditation works and shares wisdom for navigating daily life. This combination makes Waking Up ideal for advanced practitioners and those eager to deepen their understanding of mindfulness and meditation.
Our team was impressed by the app’s balance of practical exercises and theoretical insights, making it a powerful tool for anyone seeking a deeper connection to mindfulness.
Compare the Best Meditation Apps
| Price? | $59.99 annually | $12.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly | $11.99 monthly | $59.99 annually | $69.99 annually | $39.99 annually | $99.99 - $129.99 annually |
| Free Trial? |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Available on Apple? |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Available on Android? |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Extra Features? |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Includes Beginner Meditations? |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price? | ||||||||
| $59.99 annually | $12.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly | $11.99 monthly | $59.99 annually | $69.99 annually | $39.99 annually | $99.99 - $129.99 annually |
| Free Trial? | ||||||||
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| Available on Apple? | ||||||||
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| Available on Android? | ||||||||
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| Extra Features? | ||||||||
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| Includes Beginner Meditations? | ||||||||
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Other Companies We Considered
During our search for the top meditation apps, we found a few noteworthy options that didn’t make it to our main list but still deserved attention. If the featured apps above aren’t quite what you’re looking for, here are three alternative meditation apps to explore.
Price: $30 annually
Free Trial? No
Platforms: iOS & Android
Learn MoreShow less
Buddhify is a meditation and mindfulness app designed to fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Unlike traditional apps that require dedicated time for meditation, Buddhify focuses on short, guided sessions tailored to specific activities, such as commuting, working, or winding down for sleep. It offers over 200 meditations across various topics, including stress, anxiety, focus, and personal growth. Buddhify costs $30 annually but does not have a free trial.
To learn more, read our full Buddhify review.
Price: $19.99 monthly; $199.99 annually
Free Trial? Yes, 14 days
Platforms: iOS & Android
Learn MoreShow less
Alo Moves is an accessible and versatile app that combines yoga, fitness, and mindfulness in one platform. With classes led by expert instructors, users can explore a variety of yoga styles, strength training, pilates, guided meditations, and more. The app is priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, both options including a 14-day free trial to get started.
To learn more, read our full Alo Moves review.
Price: $6.99 monthly; $59.99 annually
Free Trial? Yes, 3 months
Platforms: iOS & Android
Learn MoreShow less
Yours is a relatively new meditation app that we’re excited to feature on our list. The app includes meditation courses, mindfulness exercises, mood tracking, and more to support mental well-being. Yours is priced at $6.99 per month or $59.99 per year and currently offers a generous three-month free trial.
Final Verdict
“Finding the right meditation app can transform your mindfulness journey, and after testing a wide range of options, we’ve identified top choices to meet different needs. Insight Timer impressed us with its vast, ad-free library of free meditations, making it a versatile tool for meditators of all levels. Headspace provided a welcoming, structured experience for beginners eager to learn the basics, while Calm offered a soothing sanctuary for those managing depression.
For users navigating anxiety, Happier delivered practical, relatable tools, while Aura Health stood out for its personalized one-on-one coaching. If better sleep is your goal, Slumber provides a focused selection of sleep meditations. Balance offered young adults personalized guidance during pivotal life transitions, and Abide seamlessly blended meditation with scripture for spiritual reflection. Waking Up took mindfulness to new depths with its insightful, science-backed approach.
Whether you’re starting your meditation journey or looking to deepen your practice, these apps provide the tools and guidance to support relaxation, emotional balance, and personal growth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Meditation Apps?
Meditation apps are digital tools designed to guide and support users in practicing meditation and mindfulness. They typically offer a variety of features, such as guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep aids, and relaxation techniques. Many apps cater to different goals, including stress reduction, anxiety relief, improved focus, and better sleep. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, meditation apps provide accessible, on-the-go options to help incorporate mindfulness into daily life.
Is There A Free Meditation App?
Yes, several meditation apps offer free content. For example, Insight Timer provides access to thousands of free meditation sessions, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced meditators alike.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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American Psychological Association. (2019, October 30). Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation
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Bell, C. (2024, April 9). Insight timer app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/insight-timer-review/
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Bell, C. (2024, April 30). Headspace app review 2024: pros & cons, cost & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/headspace-review/
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Bell, C. (2024, April 11). Calm app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/calm-app-review/
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Bell, C. (2024, May 2). Ten percent happier app review 2024: pros & cons, cost, & who it’s right for. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ten-percent-happier-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, Psy. D (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, M.D. (New Medical Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Buddhify, Alo Moves, and Yours Meditation App. Changed logo and name of Happier following rebranding from Ten Percent Happier.
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