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. Becoming more mindful helps reduce tension, stress and anxiety. It also helps you notice what supports your wellbeing. Here are some apps to get you started.

App  Features Clinical review

Āio



  • Meditation app based on Māori teachings
  • Free version of the app comprises six basic videos
  • Available from Google Play and 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

Melon

  • Tracks sleep, activity, feelings
  • Wellbeing articles and videos
  • Shared community and personal coach
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes
  • Cost: Free trial
  • Read more about Melon

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 Google Play and 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

Learn more

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.

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

Related topics

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

App developer: If you are the developer and would like to provide updated information about this app, please email the app library manager at hello@healthify.nz

Disclaimer: Healthify’s 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.

Credits: Healthify Editorial Team

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