Meditation and mindfulness apps

Apps are a convenient way to learn meditation and mindfulness techniques.
These skills can be used to manage conditions such as anxiety and sleep problems.
Learn more about meditation and mindfulness apps.

There are a variety of mobile phone apps for breathing, meditation and mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of each moment of your day as it happens. It involves being aware of your feelings, thoughts and body sensations as you experience them.
Becoming more mindful helps reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and low mood. It helps improve wellbeing and may also improve sleep and help people cope with pain.
Being mindful may also support people adopt healthier choices. Learn more about mindfulness.

Here are a few meditation and mindfulness apps reviewed by Healthify

App	Features	Clinical review
Āio	Meditation app based on Māori teachings Free version of the app comprises 6 basic videos Available from iTunes Cost: Free basic; paid subscription upgrade for more videos Read more about Āio
Headspace	Guided meditation Meditation reminders Meditation tracking Available from Google Play and iTunes Cost: Free trial; paid subscription for full content Read more about Headspace
Smiling Mind	Guided meditation and mindfulness Meditation reminders Available from Google Play and iTunes Cost: Free Read more about Smiling Mind
Virtual Hope Box	Games Meditation exercises Activities to reduce stress Motivational quotes Available from Google Play and iTunes Cost: Free Read more about Virtual Hope Box
Buddhify	Mindfulness audio Can share mindfulness audios with others using social media, messaging, text or email Available from iTunes Cost: Basic: $6.49, paid upgrade: $30 per annum for subscription Read more about Buddhify
Voda	Reminders Daily check-in, notifications Available from Google Play and iTunes Cost: Basic is free, but there is a paid upgrade version Read more about Voda
Kalda LGBTQIA+ Mental Health	Goal setting and tracking Calculator or counter Reminders and data exports Graphs and reporting Data exports Daily Habits and reflection questions Available from Google Play and iTunes Cost: Basic is free, but there is a paid upgrade version Read more about Kalda LGBTQIA+ Mental Health app
Mana Restore	Counselling online chat Aunty Dee free tool Free helpline links and emergency contact numbers Free information including videos of mental health related topics Available from website Cost: free Read more about Mana Restore

Mindfulness
Mindfulness – personal story
Anxiety | Mate māharahara
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide – how to choose a health app
NZ health app library

As there are so many apps to support mental health and wellbeing, we have not been able to review all those available. We have instead identified independent organisations that have reviewed these apps.

ReachOut.com(external link) (Australia) helps young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough time.
PsyberGuide(external link) (United States) helps people make responsible and informed decisions about apps and other digital tools for mental health.
Mind in Brighton and Hove(external link) (United Kingdom) promotes good mental health.

You may also find the following article useful: Do mental health apps really work?(external link) Patient Info, UK

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Meditation and mindfulness apps