Comparison · Meditation apps
Insight Timer vs Waking Up: which is better in 2026?
Insight Timer ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#4 against #5, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 87.0Editorial score85.5
- 2Platforms2
- YesFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Insight Timer if you want
Browsing a broad free library of sessions.
Insight Timer's free app covers meditation, sleep, yoga and breathwork. Structured courses and offline listening sit behind its Premium subscription, so the free app suits browsing more than following a set program.
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 Waking Up runs on Android.
- Insight Timer can be used for free; Waking Up requires payment.
Side by side
 Insight Timer |  Waking Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.0 | 85.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree app; optional Insight Premium subscription, monthly or annual | SubscriptionAnnual $129.99 or monthly $19.99 after a seven-day trial |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSiOS, iPadOS | iOSAndroidiOS, Android |
| Made by | Insight Network Inc | Waking Up, LLC |
| Main focus | Meditation, sleep, yoga and breathwork | Awakening and philosophy-based meditation |
| Sleep content | Sleep tracks, nature sounds and bedtime tales | Guided meditations for sleep |
| Courses | Courses with the Premium subscription | 30-day introductory course |
| Best for | Browsing a broad free library of sessions | Meditation with philosophy and teaching |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Insight Timer vs Waking Up
- Is Insight Timer better than Waking Up?
- Insight Timer ranks higher in our list of meditation apps (#4 against #5, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Insight Timer is best for: browsing a broad free library of sessions. Waking Up is best for: meditation with philosophy and teaching.
- Which is cheaper, Insight Timer or Waking Up?
- Insight Timer: Free app; optional Insight Premium subscription, monthly or annual. Waking Up: Annual $129.99 or monthly $19.99 after a seven-day trial.
- Do Insight Timer and Waking Up run on the same platforms?
- Insight Timer supports iOS, iPadOS. 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.
