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Headspace and Calm are the two most popular meditation apps in the world. Both offer guided meditations, sleep content, and mindfulness tools — but they take very different approaches. Here's which one is right for you.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Headspace | Calm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £9.99/mo (£49.99/yr) | £8.99/mo (£41.99/yr) |
| Free content | ~10 sessions | ~7 sessions |
| Teaching style | Structured courses | Flexible, drop-in |
| Sleep stories | 200+ | 500+ (including celebrities) |
| Meditation library | 1,000+ | 800+ |
| Focus music | ✅ Curated playlists | ✅ Original compositions |
| For beginners | ⭐ Excellent (guided courses) | Good (but less structured) |
| Clinical evidence | 30+ published studies | Limited studies |
| Family plan | Up to 6 members | Up to 5 members |
Headspace: Best For...
- 🧑🎓 Complete beginners — structured 10-day foundation course teaches you from scratch
- 📚 Learning meditation properly — courses on stress, focus, sleep, and relationships
- 🏢 Workplace wellness — employer plans available at many UK companies
- 🧪 Evidence-based approach — most clinically researched meditation app
Calm: Best For...
- 😴 Sleep problems — 500+ sleep stories narrated by Stephen Fry, Matthew McConaughey, etc.
- 🎵 Background content — better ambient music and soundscapes
- 💰 Budget conscious — slightly cheaper annual plan
- 🧘 Experienced meditators — more flexible, less structured approach
Our Verdict
Choose Headspace if
You're new to meditation, want structured learning, or value clinical backing
Choose Calm if
You primarily want sleep content, prefer celebrity narration, or want a slightly cheaper option
Money-Saving Tip: Both apps offer free trials. Try Headspace's 7-day trial first, then Calm's. You'll quickly discover which teaching style resonates with you before committing to a subscription.
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Compare All Meditation Apps
Including free alternatives like Insight Timer and Smiling Mind
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Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated February 2026.