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Comparison · Meditation apps

Calm vs Headspace: which is better in 2026?

Calm91.5#2 in best meditation appsHeadspace92.5#1 in best meditation apps

Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #2, score 92.5 against 91.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

  • 91.5
    Editorial score
    92.5
  • 3
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Calm if you want

Sleep stories and relaxation sessions.

Sleep library of more than 500 sleep stories and sounds, with wide platform reach: iOS, Android and the web, plus Apple Watch and Wear OS. The full library needs a subscription, unlike Medito and Smiling Mind.

Choose Headspace if you want

Structured courses for daily practice.

Guided courses, sleep content and a family plan in one subscription. It runs after a 14-day free trial, and the company's online therapy is sold as a separate service.

The main differences

  • Only Calm runs on Web.

Side by side

CalmHeadspace
Score91.592.5
Rank in list#2 of 7#1 of 7
PriceSubscriptionSubscription with a free trial; full library is paidSubscriptionMonthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial
Free to useNoNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsiOSAndroidWebiOS, Android, WebiOS, iPadOSAndroidiOS, iPadOS, Android
Made byNot statedNot stated
Main focusSleep, stress and mindfulnessStress, anxiety and sleep
Sleep content500+ sleep stories and soundscapesSleep music, wind-downs and soundscapes
CoursesNot highlighted on its siteGuided courses
Best forSleep stories and relaxation sessionsStructured courses for daily practice
Strengths
  • Over 500 sleep stories and sleep sounds
  • Runs on iOS, Android and the web
  • Works with Apple Watch and Wear OS
  • Large library of guided meditations and courses
  • Sleep music, wind-downs and soundscapes
  • Family and student plans are offered
Limits
  • Full library requires a paid subscription
  • Store purchases must be canceled through Apple or Google
  • Core content needs a paid subscription after the trial
  • Subscriptions renew automatically until canceled
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Calm vs Headspace

Is Headspace better than Calm?
Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #2, score 92.5 against 91.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Calm is best for: sleep stories and relaxation sessions. Headspace is best for: structured courses for daily practice.
Which is cheaper, Calm or Headspace?
Calm: Subscription with a free trial; full library is paid. Headspace: Monthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial.
Do Calm and Headspace run on the same platforms?
Calm supports iOS, Android, Web. Headspace supports iOS, iPadOS, Android.