Meditation and mindfulness apps

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.
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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 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
5 star review

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
5 star review

Smiling Mind

  • Guided meditation and mindfulness
  • Meditation reminders
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Smiling Mind
5 star review

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
5 star review

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
5 star review

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
4.5 star review

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
4.5 star review

Lift – Depression & Anxiety app

  • Daily activities and links to other resources
  • Meditation and mindfulness practices and AI interactive coach
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes
  • Cost: Basic is free, but there is a paid upgrade version
  • Read more about Lift – Depression & Anxiety app
3 star review

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

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

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.