Comparison · Meditation apps
Headspace vs Smiling Mind: which is better in 2026?
Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #7, score 92.5 against 82.5).
- 92.5Editorial score82.5
- 3Platforms3
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
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.
Choose Smiling Mind if you want
Free mindfulness programs for families.
Free for individuals and families, from an Australian non-profit, with mental fitness programs for children and adults. Funding depends on donations and partners, and school programs are a separate offering.
The main differences
- Only Smiling Mind runs on Web.
- Smiling Mind can be used for free; Headspace requires payment.
Side by side
 Headspace |  Smiling Mind | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 92.5 | 82.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #7 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionMonthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial | FreeFree for individuals and families; funded by donations |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSAndroidiOS, iPadOS, Android | iOSAndroidWebiOS, Android, Web |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Main focus | Stress, anxiety and sleep | Mental fitness for all ages |
| Sleep content | Sleep music, wind-downs and soundscapes | Getting Better Sleep program |
| Courses | Guided courses | Mental fitness programs |
| Best for | Structured courses for daily practice | Free mindfulness programs for families |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Headspace vs Smiling Mind
- Is Headspace better than Smiling Mind?
- Headspace ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#1 against #7, score 92.5 against 82.5). Headspace is best for: structured courses for daily practice. Smiling Mind is best for: free mindfulness programs for families.
- Which is cheaper, Headspace or Smiling Mind?
- Headspace: Monthly or annual subscription after a 14-day free trial. Smiling Mind: Free for individuals and families; funded by donations.
- Do Headspace and Smiling Mind run on the same platforms?
- Headspace supports iOS, iPadOS, Android. Smiling Mind supports iOS, Android, Web.
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.
