In a world that’s always buzzing, finding moments of peace can sometimes feel like a distant dream. Anxiety, an all-too-common companion for many, often makes these moments even more elusive. However, the solution might be closer and more accessible than you think. Enter breathing apps—a digital oasis where calm can be a swipe away, and best of all, many of them are free. Let’s explore 15 standout breathing apps designed to ease anxiety, offering a detailed look at what they provide, their pros and cons, and why they might just be the tool you need to find your zen.
1. The Mindfulness App
- What it offers: Guided and silent meditation sessions, mindfulness notices, and statistics to keep track of your meditation journey.
- Pros: User-friendly interface, variety of meditations, personal statistics.
- Cons: Full access requires a subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free version available; offers in-app purchases.
- The Mindfulness App
2. Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
- What it offers: Themed meditation sessions, “Sleep by Headspace” for better sleep, and “Move Mode” for mindfulness exercises.
- Pros: Beginner-friendly, comprehensive content, and specialized tracks for stress.
- Cons: Most content locked behind subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free trial; subscription needed for full access.
- Headspace
3. Calm
- What it offers: Meditation sessions, sleep stories, breathing programs, and calming music.
- Pros: Wide range of choices, high-quality sessions, and additional focus on sleep.
- Cons: Limited free content.
- Free or Paid: Free trial; subscription for full content.
- Calm
4. Stop, Breathe & Think
- What it offers: Tailored meditation and mindfulness experiences based on your current mood.
- Pros: Personalized recommendations, easy to use, tracks progress.
- Cons: Advanced features require subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free with in-app purchases.
- Stop, Breathe & Think
Free Breathing Apps for Anxiety
5. Breethe: Meditation & Sleep
- What it offers: Guided meditations, bedtime stories, breathing exercises, and music.
- Pros: Comprehensive lifestyle guide, not just a meditation app.
- Cons: Heavily gated by subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free trial available; subscription required for full features.
- Breethe
6. Insight Timer
- What it offers: The largest library of free guided meditations, music tracks, and talks by meditation and mindfulness experts.
- Pros: Completely free access to a large library, community features.
- Cons: Overwhelming amount of content for beginners.
- Free or Paid: Free; offers in-app purchases for Plus membership.
- Insight Timer
7. Smiling Mind
- What it offers: Programs tailored to different age groups, aimed at reducing anxiety and increasing resilience.
- Pros: Completely free, age-specific programs, educational focus.
- Cons: Limited content compared to others.
- Free or Paid: Free.
- Smiling Mind
8. MyLife Meditation
- What it offers: Personalized meditation and mindfulness experiences based on how you feel.
- Pros: Personalized experiences, varied meditation lengths.
- Cons: Full content requires a subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free version available; in-app purchases required for more content.
- MyLife Meditation
9. Breathe2Relax
- What it offers: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises designed specifically to combat stress.
- Pros: Focus on breathing, scientifically backed, completely free.
- Cons: Lack of meditation or mindfulness content.
- Free or Paid: Free.
- Breathe2Relax
10. Prana Breath: Calm & Meditate
- What it offers: Customizable breathing patterns, meditation courses, and advanced statistics.
- Pros: Customization of breathing patterns, offline access.
- Cons: Advanced features require a guru version.
- Free or Paid: Free with optional guru version purchase.
- Prana Breath
Free Breathing Apps for Anxiety
11. iBreathe – Deep Breathing
- What it offers: Simple breathing exercises with customizable durations and intervals.
- Pros: Easy to use, customization, minimalistic design.
- Cons: Limited features.
- Free or Paid: Free.
- iBreathe
12. Breathwrk: Breathing Exercises
- What it offers: Science-backed breathing exercises for various goals like reducing stress or sleeping better.
- Pros: Wide range of exercises, incorporates science, tracks progress.
- Cons: Some content hidden behind premium.
- Free or Paid: Free version available; premium content requires subscription.
- Breathwrk
13. Tide – Sleep & Meditation
- What it offers: Focus timer, sleep and nap sounds, meditation for different situations.
- Pros: Integrates productivity tools with relaxation techniques.
- Cons: Full access requires a subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free trial; in-app purchases for full access.
- Tide
14. Oak – Meditation & Breathing
- What it offers: Guided meditation, breathing exercises, and sleep sounds.
- Pros: Straightforward interface, entirely free.
- Cons: Less variety than other apps.
- Free or Paid: Free.
- Oak
15. Simple Habit Meditation
- What it offers: Five-minute meditation sessions for busy people, sleep content, and mindfulness coaching.
- Pros: Short sessions for busy schedules, variety of instructors.
- Cons: Full access requires a subscription.
- Free or Paid: Free trial; subscription model.
- Simple Habit
Free Breathing Apps for Anxiety Each of these apps brings its unique approach to breathing and meditation, catering to a wide array of preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking a quick calming breath, a deeper dive into meditation, or a full night of restful sleep, there’s an app designed to escort you towards a more serene state of mind. Remember, the best app for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your life, helping you to find those much-needed moments of peace. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey to calm.
