Comparison · Meditation apps
Happier Meditation vs Headspace: which is better in 2026?
Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 84.0).
- 84.0Editorial score92.5
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Happier Meditation if you want
Goal-based meditation on phones and watches.
Lessons change with monthly goal check-ins, and a free account includes three courses. Full access costs $99.99 a year, and the app runs on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Android but has no web version.
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
- Happier Meditation can be used for free; Headspace requires payment.
Side by side
 Happier Meditation |  Headspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree account with three courses; full access is $99.99 a year | SubscriptionMonthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSAndroidiOS, iPadOS, Android | iOS, iPadOSAndroidiOS, iPadOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Main focus | Goal-based personal meditation | Stress, anxiety and sleep |
| Sleep content | Not highlighted | Sleep music, wind-downs and soundscapes |
| Courses | Three courses in the free account | Guided courses |
| Best for | Goal-based meditation on phones and watches | Structured courses for daily practice |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Happier Meditation vs Headspace
- Is Headspace better than Happier Meditation?
- Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 84.0). Happier Meditation is best for: goal-based meditation on phones and watches. Headspace is best for: structured courses for daily practice.
- Which is cheaper, Happier Meditation or Headspace?
- Happier Meditation: Free account with three courses; full access is $99.99 a year. Headspace: Monthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial.
- Do Happier Meditation and Headspace run on the same platforms?
- Happier Meditation supports iOS, iPadOS, Android. Headspace supports iOS, iPadOS, 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.
