Meditation apps have exploded in popularity in recent years as more people seek tools to reduce stress and anxiety. Two of the most popular ones are Calm vs Headspace. But with so many features and options, how do you choose?
This comprehensive guide compares Calm vs Headspace across key factors like cost, user experience, features, and more. Read on to determine which meditation app may be the best fit for your needs in 2023.
For those seeking a well-rounded approach to mindfulness with a focus on sleep improvement and relaxation, Calm emerges as the superior choice. Its extensive library of sleep stories, calming music, and meditation variety tailored for all ages makes it the ideal companion for users looking to enhance their mental well-being and sleep quality.
Overview of Calm Vs Headspace
Calm and Headspace are two leading meditation apps that help users relax, sleep better, manage stress and anxiety. Both offer guided meditations, sleep stories, music and more.
Calm launched in 2012 and has over 100 million downloads. It’s known for its soothing visuals and celebrity-narrated sleep stories. Calm also has targeted content for kids.
Headspace started in 2010 and has over 90 million users. It emphasizes beginner-friendly guided meditations and personalized recommendations. Headspace is big on tracking progress through its statistics feature.
While the core purpose is similar, the two apps have distinct styles and features. Keep reading to see how Calm and Headspace stack up across key comparison points.
Key Differences between Calm and Headspace
| Factor | Calm | Headspace |
|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 or 14 days |
| Price | $14.99/month or $69.99/year | $12.99/month or $69.99/year |
| Design & visuals | Soothing nature scenes | Bold colors, simple illustrations |
| Content focus | Sleep, stories, music | Meditation, mindfulness |
| Stats tracking | Basic | Robust progress tracking |
| Specialized content | Calm Kids | Meditations for health needs |
Cost and Subscription Options
Both Calm and Headspace offer free trials so you can test them out before committing.
Calm Pricing
Calm has the following subscription options:
- Free version: 7-day trial with limited content
- $14.99/month: Unlimited access to all features
- $69.99/year: One-year discounted subscription
- Other discounts: Available for students, families, teams
Notable perks include a lifetime membership for $399.99 that unlocks all future content.
Headspace Pricing
Headspace has two main payment plans:
- $12.99/month: Monthly subscription after 7-day free trial
- $69.99/year: Annual subscription after 14-day free trial
Discounted rates are offered for students, families, and educators. Plus, Headspace partners with employers and health providers to offer free access to members.
Overall, the annual pricing is very similar between Calm and Headspace. Calm’s monthly rate is a bit cheaper but Headspace offers a longer free trial for the annual plan.
Visuals and User Experience
Calm and Headspace take different approaches when it comes to visual design.
Calm’s Visual Style
Calm uses soothing nature imagery like rippling water or swaying leaves to induce a relaxed state. The app has a serene, minimalist style with muted colors.
Quotes like “Be present and enjoy the moment” reinforce the calming message. The overall vibe is peaceful and zen.
Headspace’s Visual Style
Headspace employs bold, bright colors and fun illustrations to grab attention while keeping things straightforward.
The meditations feature little avatars that represent concepts like “noting” thoughts or “letting go.” Quirky animations provide visual interest.
Headspace has more bold, cartoonish visuals compared to Calm’s soft, tranquil imagery. It aims to be friendly versus serene.
User Experience and Interface
Calm and Headspace both offer user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to navigate the apps.
Key highlights:
- Intuitive navigation: Easy to find meditations, stories, music
- Clean layouts: Content organized into clear categories
- Soothing visuals: Relaxing imagery and scenes
- Simple controls: Change settings with a tap
Calm offers gorgeous nature visuals while Headspace provides quirky illustrations. But the layouts and controls are straightforward and simple to use.
Features and Content Comparison
Calm and Headspace provide a wide range of guided meditations, sleep stories, music and more. Here’s an overview of their key features and content differences:
Calm Features
Calm offers:
- 7-day beginner’s program: Welcome guide for meditation newbies
- Daily Calm: 10-25 min daily guided meditation
- Sleep stories: Bedtime stories narrated by celebrities
- Music: Relaxing and uplifting tunes
- Masterclasses: Premium courses on mindfulness topics
- Calm Body: Mindful movement videos
Headspace Features
Headspace provides:
- Basics: Beginner 10-day meditation course
- Meditate: Hundreds of themed meditation sessions
- Sleep: Wind down exercises and sleepcasts
- Move: Gentle movement routines
- Focus: Exercises to boost concentration
- Kids: Animated meditations for children
Standout Features
Calm really shines with its sleep stories. These cinematic tales are voiced by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and LeBron James.
Headspace is especially strong for beginners with its Basics course. It also has excellent stats tracking so you can monitor meditation progress over time.
Both have solid core offerings, but Calm excels at sleep and stories while Headspace leads for structured courses and robust stats.
Specialized Content
In addition to their core meditation features, Calm and Headspace offer specialized content tailored to specific needs or demographics.
Calm Specialized Content
Calm provides targeted practices including:
- Calm Kids: Meditations and sleep stories for children
- Pregnancy: Sessions for expectant mothers
- Anxiety: Practices to manage anxiety
- Grief: Support for grieving and loss
- Self-esteem: Meditations to build confidence
Headspace Specialized Content
Headspace offers guided meditations for:
- Health: Content on cancer, chronic pain, miscarriage
- Anxiety: Managing anxiety and panic
- Focus: Improving attention and concentration
- Kids: Animated meditations for children
- Teens: Practices for teenagers
Both apps have solid content for common concerns like anxiety. Calm goes more in-depth for different demographics and life situations, like pregnancy and grief support.
Benefits and Effectiveness
Research shows both Calm and Headspace can provide real benefits when used consistently. Here’s an overview of their effectiveness:
Calm Benefits
Studies found Calm led to:
- Less stress and anxiety: Decreased cortisol levels and anxiety symptoms
- Better sleep: Increased sleep duration and quality
- Improved focus: Higher scores on cognitive function tests
Headspace Benefits
Research on Headspace found:
- Reduced stress: Lower perceived stress after consistent use
- Increased resilience: Higher self-reported resilience scores
- Better attention: Improved focus after using Headspace
While more research is needed, the available evidence suggests both Calm and Headspace can help reduce stress, enhance focus and improve sleep when used regularly.
Customer Reviews
Calm and Headspace enjoy positive customer reviews overall. Here are some common feedback themes:
Calm Reviews
“So many good meditations to choose from. I’m sleeping better already!”
“My anxiety has gone down a lot after starting Calm. I especially like the nature scenes.”
“Some of the sleep stories are hit or miss but finding the ones you like makes a big difference.”
Headspace Reviews
“As a beginner I found the Basics so helpful for learning how to meditate.”
“The animations keep me engaged during the sessions versus getting distracted.”
“I wish there were more stats but the ones they have are great for tracking progress.”
Positive reviews praise both apps for their range of content and how effective they are for reducing stress and improving sleep quality. Users mention it takes consistency to see the full benefits.
Verdict: Which App Wins?
So should you choose Calm or Headspace? With their excellent user experience, proven benefits and abundance of content, both are great options that come down to personal preferences.
However, here are some key points that may help decide which one is right for you:
- Calm stands out for its sleep stories, soothing visuals and content for specific concerns. Choose Calm if those features appeal to you.
- Headspace shines for its structured courses for beginners, robust stats tracking and quirky visual style. Select Headspace if those factors are most important.
- Budget: The monthly pricing is cheaper for Calm but annual cost is almost identical. Headspace offers longer free trials.
- Kids content: Both have children’s meditations but Calm goes bigger on sleep stories.
Ultimately, it depends on which features suit your needs and style. Good news – there’s no wrong choice between these two excellent apps!
The Rise of Meditation for Stress Relief
In a world where stress and anxiety are ever-present, meditation has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a respite for millions seeking solace and inner peace. The ancient practice of meditation, rooted in centuries-old traditions, has found a new lease on life in the digital age, thanks to the advent of meditation and mindfulness apps. These apps, like Headspace and Calm, have revolutionized how we approach mental wellness, making meditation accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time.
How Apps Can Help in Building a Consistent Practice
The key to reaping the benefits of meditation lies in consistency. However, establishing and maintaining a regular meditation practice can be daunting for many, especially beginners. Herein lies the beauty of meditation apps. They offer structured guidance, a variety of meditation techniques, and the flexibility to meditate at your convenience, making it easier to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to improve sleep, reduce stress, or simply find a moment of peace, these apps provide the tools you need to succeed.
By leveraging the power of technology, Headspace and Calm have opened the doors to a world of mindfulness, inviting users to explore meditation in a new and engaging way. With features like guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness exercises, these apps cater to a wide range of needs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
As we delve deeper into the comparison between Headspace and Calm, we’ll explore their offerings in detail, providing insights to help you choose the app that best aligns with your meditation goals. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of meditation, understanding the nuances of these popular apps will empower you to make an informed decision, setting you on the path to a more mindful, balanced life.
Frequently Asked Questions : Calm vs Headspace
Which app is better for beginners?
Headspace is likely better for beginners. It offers a “Basics” course to teach meditation step-by-step. Calm has excellent content too but Headspace takes a more structured approach specifically for newbies.
Which has more meditation variety?
Calm has a wider variety of meditation topics and themes, from nature walks to gratitude. Headspace has strong core meditations but Calm edges out in terms of sheer volume of guided meditation content.
Which app is better for sleep?
Calm specializes more in sleep with its bedtime sleep stories. Headspace has wind-downs and sleepcasts too but Calm has more extensive sleep-focused content if that’s your main goal.
Is Calm or Headspace worth it?
Yes, both Calm and Headspace are worth it for most people seeking guided meditations. The subscription cost is reasonable for an app you’ll likely use daily. Reviews and studies suggest they deliver meaningful benefits like less stress and better focus when used consistently.
Can you access Calm or Headspace for free?
You can access limited content on Calm and Headspace without paying during the free trial period (7-14 days). After the trial, a paid subscription is required to unlock full access. Some users may get Calm or Headspace for free through their employer, school, or health insurance.
Give Calm and Headspace a Try!
Calm vs Headspace : they both offer life-changing benefits that make them worth exploring. Take advantage of the free trials to experience the apps first-hand.
Sample both and see which resonates most. You have nothing to lose and peace of mind to gain!
With engaging features, stellar reviews and proven effectiveness, Calm and Headspace deliver practical tools to reduce stress and live with more mindfulness. Start reaping the rewards now by choosing the meditation app that’s right for you.