Comparison · Meditation apps
Calm vs Waking Up: which is better in 2026?
Calm ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#2 against #5, score 91.5 against 85.5).
- 91.5Editorial score85.5
- 3Platforms2
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
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 Waking Up if you want
Meditation with philosophy and teaching.
The most philosophical choice here, with lessons and conversations on nonduality, free will and stoicism beside guided meditations. The annual plan costs $129.99, and a seven-day trial is offered.
The main differences
- Only Calm runs on Web.
Side by side
 Calm |  Waking Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.5 | 85.5 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionSubscription with a free trial; full library is paid | SubscriptionAnnual $129.99 or monthly $19.99 after a seven-day trial |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOSAndroidWebiOS, Android, Web | iOSAndroidiOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Waking Up, LLC |
| Main focus | Sleep, stress and mindfulness | Awakening and philosophy-based meditation |
| Sleep content | 500+ sleep stories and soundscapes | Guided meditations for sleep |
| Courses | Not highlighted on its site | 30-day introductory course |
| Best for | Sleep stories and relaxation sessions | Meditation with philosophy and teaching |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Calm vs Waking Up
- Is Calm better than Waking Up?
- Calm ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#2 against #5, score 91.5 against 85.5). Calm is best for: sleep stories and relaxation sessions. Waking Up is best for: meditation with philosophy and teaching.
- Which is cheaper, Calm or Waking Up?
- Calm: Subscription with a free trial; full library is paid. Waking Up: Annual $129.99 or monthly $19.99 after a seven-day trial.
- Do Calm and Waking Up run on the same platforms?
- Calm supports iOS, Android, Web. Waking Up supports iOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
