Item: Headspace
Rating: 4.1
Author: Jared Levenson

We independently evaluate, document our experience, and compare the best online mental health apps, courses, and services. Our links may result in a commission. Learn more.

The Headspace app and online content make it one of the world’s leading providers of online mindfulness meditation training

Headspace believes that being mindful should be a part of everything you do, not just when you sit down to meditate.

They offer unique tools and resources for mindfulness that are based on real knowledge from 2,000 years ago and are supported by scientific research. The international team at Headspace tries to improve the health and happiness of the world by giving people ideas, advice, and support for living a mindful life.

Headspace - $12.99/Month

Overall

4.1

Third-Party Reviews

(4.5)
Quality

(3.5)
Pricing

(4.5)
Design

(4)

Summary

Headspace is best for people who are dealing with stress, and burnout, want to improve their productivity, learn or practice meditation, and prefer a minimalistic approach.

Pros

Provides access to hundreds of meditations, sleep sounds, and focus music
Offers mental health support through coaching and therapy sessions
Includes high quality instructional audio experiences
Easy to use and navigate user interface
Available for both Apple and Android devices
Features calm moments reminders throughout the day to keep users mindful
Allows personalization of audio experiences with various volume levels, timer settings, and background noises
Trackable stats help users understand their practice over time
Offers special programs for different age groups such as children or teens
Accessible at anytime from anywhere allowing users flexibility in their practice
Ability to save progress in specific sessions so that users can return to them later
Email notifications help keep users on track when they forget to meditate
Supports educational initiatives by providing free access to its content through Headspace School Programs
Free 7 day trial allows users to test out the app before committing

Cons

Does not offer individualized guidance or feedback beyond the programs offered
Requires a subscription to access all of the content
Audio loops may become repetitive over time
Limited access to guided meditations if you do not have a Premium account
Sleep Sounds and Focus Music can be limited depending on package purchased
Amount of free content is limited compared if you upgrade to a paid plan
No ability to sync data across multiple devices which limits portability between devices
Timer options for meditation sessions can only be set in increments of 10 minutes
Cannot customize session length when doing guided meditations
Stats and analytics tracking require an active subscription
Not available in all countries due to geographic restrictions
No ability to track goals that were achieved or need improvement during each session
Individual audio files cannot be downloaded directly from the app, they must be streamed online
Does not offer integration with other products such as smartwatches or fitness trackers
Content is not tailored based on personal feedback

About This Headspace Review

Our team bought and currently uses Headspace. We have documented our experience in the video playlist below.

We’ve documented our experience below, and also have written about Headspace in our other articles about Headspace customer service, login info, Headspace and Starbucks rewards, Headspace subscription plans, Headspace free trials, and job openings at Headspace. You can also see our Headspace video playlist below:

Overall, we think Headspace is best for a few different types of people who share a few different common characteristics:

Table of Contents

Who is Headspace Best For?

Students – the Headspace student plan is high quality while also being one of the lowest-priced subscription plans on the market.
People who want to learn meditation via guided audio – there are many ways to learn meditation, and Headspace is primarily a guided meditation platform. Its best content focuses on teaching the basics of mindfulness to beginners.
Your primary focus is learning meditation – Headspace doesn’t have celebrities, alarms, or fancy whistles or bells. It’s a straightforward app designed to train people in mindfulness.

Whether you’re a student planning on going into full-time employment, or you’re already well into your career, Headspace is best for people who are dealing with stress, burnout, and productivity – and who also want to learn or practice meditation, and who also prefer a minimalistic approach.

It’s more secular, scientific, and practical than other apps and focuses a lot of its messaging on practical strategies to implement mindfulness throughout a busy day.

However, some people should probably not use Headspace and others might be better off using a different platform.

How did we reach these conclusions? Watch the video playlist below, and read a breakdown of our analysis down below!

New to Headspace – Sign-Up, Free Trial, and Student Plan

My 1st Time Using Headspace | My Reaction

Quick & Easy Guide to Unlocking the Best Deals With Headspace Coupon Codes

Is Headspace Worth the Money? Breaking Down The Costs of a Subscription

How Headspace Uses Design to Make Mental Health Accessible For All

Background of Headspace

Headspace is an app that provides guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help users cope with stress and anxiety.

It was created by Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk who has dedicated himself to teaching people the benefits of meditation.

He has even given a TED talk, “All it takes is 10 mindful minutes”, which explains why he believes that anyone can learn to meditate and reap the benefits.

How Does Headspace Work?

Headspace offers a variety of different meditation sessions ranging from 3 minutes to 1 hour in length.

The sessions are designed for all levels of experience, so whether you’re just starting or have been meditating for years, there will be something that suits your needs.

Additionally, the app also offers sleep casts (bedtime stories), daily reminders (to encourage consistent practice), and SOS exercises (for when you need an immediate boost).

List of Evidence-Based Benefits Of Using Headspace

The benefits of using Headspace are numerous. While meditation until the 1960s and 70s was considered new age, today major universities embrace the scientific rigor supporting mindfulness meditation.

There are numerous scientific studies that have attempted to study the effectiveness of learning mindfulness meditation for anxiety and depression through different methods such as in-person, group, and online.

Many studies have chosen, without financial incentives, to use Headspace and other apps such as Calm, to measure the effects of online mindfulness training for students, professors, and adults under stress, burnout, and depression.

For example, a 2015 study titled “Mindfulness and Compassion: An Examination of Mechanism and Scalability”, found an increase of 23% in empathy.

Importantly, this study’s authors report no financial relationship with Headspace.

In the article’s Competing Interests section, the paper’s authors write: “Although Headspace, Inc. provided free use of their product (as they often do for research teams), they were not involved in the conduct, analysis, or reporting of the research in any way.

Moreover, none of the authors possess any type of financial relationship with Headspace, Inc. that might be considered in any way a conflict of interest. This does not alter the authors’ adherence to PLOS ONE policy on sharing data and materials.”

List of Science Papers that Utilize Headspace to Study Effects of Mindfulness Meditation

Is Headspace Good for Mental Health?

Overall, with the science listed above, and our own experience, we can say that for the right people who want simple guided mindfulness meditation, Headspace is definitely beneficial for mental health and worth your investment.

However, it’s important to remember that Headspace isn’t a substitute for professional help or medical advice. If you are experiencing serious mental health issues, it’s best to speak to a doctor or therapist about your options.

Overall, Headspace can be a helpful tool for managing stress and improving mental well-being. However, if you are struggling with more serious mental health issues, it’s important to seek professional help as well.

But! There are downsides to Headspace as well. Other platforms focus their messaging on different people and feature different tools, guided meditation styles, and pricing models.

Let’s focus on what sets Headspace apart, both the good and the bad:

Headspace Pros and Cons

Pros of Headspace:

Easy-to-use interface
Variety of content including guided meditations, sleep exercises, and more
Positive reviews from users and experts
7-day free trial with a monthly payment plan

Cons of Headspace:

The monthly subscription is higher than other meditation apps
Some users report finding the app repetitive at times
No lifetime or one-time purchase option is available

What are the Negatives of Headspace?

Headspace is a popular meditation and mindfulness app, but there are some negatives to consider.

The first negative is that there is no true free version of Headspace. While Headspace does have Youtube Channel with 540 guided meditations, and their app does provide 7- and 14-day free trials, there is no version of the Headspace app that is free forever.
Another potential downside of Headspace is that it may not be suitable for everyone. Some users have reported feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content available, while others have found the voiceover too distracting. In our opinion, the user interface of Headspace is less cluttered than others (for example, Insight Timer features many more options on its homepage).
Additionally, some people may find that they need more guidance than what Headspace provides to make progress with their mental health. Headspace does not provide any medication, therapy, or any topics related to nutrition, relationships, etc.
No celebrities. Unlike Calm, in which celebrities such as Lebron James have been featured, Headspace just uses a few teachers that are not involved in marketing.
The pricing model can be more expensive than other meditation apps (Insight Timer offers a great free version). Additionally, the marketplace for meditation apps is large. There are many other free apps and even online guided meditation services that provide nearly the same quality as Headspace with a forever-free model.

Finally, it’s important to note that Headspace should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it’s best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any type of meditation or mindfulness app.

Overall, Headspace can be a great tool for meditation teachers helping people learn how to meditate and practice mindfulness, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is right for you.

What Percentage of People Should Not Meditate At All?

Headspace is a digital platform that provides access to guided meditation and mindfulness content. It is designed to help people reduce stress, sleep better, focus more, and be happier. However, Headspace is not suitable for everyone.

For example, according to the National Institute of Health², a meta-analysis of 83 studies with a combined total of 6,703 participants discovered that 55 of them had negative things to say about meditation.

The researchers arrived at the conclusion that 8% of those who tried meditation experienced unfavorable effects.

Notably, this is roughly the same amount of individuals who underwent unsuccessful psychological interventions, with the most frequently reported negative effects being anxiety and depression.

Who is Headspace Not For? 10 Things To Watch Out For

In addition to the 8% of people who should not meditate, Headspace is probably not recommended for other people with different preferences, and certain symptoms.

Here is a comprehensive list of criteria for which to watch out if you’re considering a Headspace:

Crisis – People who are in crisis or have severe mental health issues should not consider using Headspace without consulting a mental health professional first.
Get Triggered When Feel Body – People who have experienced trauma and are easily startled or triggered should also use caution when using Headspace as body scans can be triggering for some individuals.
Can’t Handle Silence Even for Short Periods – Those with an extremely loud inner critic may find it difficult to focus on the audio-visual content of Headspace, as any moment of silence may be incredibly uncomfortable or painful.
Difficulty with Suicidal or Other Intrusive Thoughts – Some people may struggle to remain present while meditating with Headspace, as the intrusive thoughts that continuously come to the surface can be overwhelming and distracting.
Obsessive Thinking – Additionally, people who tend to overanalyze or become stuck in their own heads might find it difficult to stay in the present moment with Headspace. Although the authors of this article are definitely overthinkers and have benefited from meditations such as Headspace through the years!
Debilitating Self-Doubt – Those who have difficulty trusting themselves or are dealing with self-doubt should also practice caution when using Headspace as these qualities can prevent them from engaging fully and benefiting from this method of meditation. Compassion or other forms of goal setting to build success, like Tiny Habits, are more appropriate.
Seizures / Some Medications – Additionally, those with certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or seizure disorders should also consult a doctor before using Headspace as the audio and visual content may trigger seizures in some individuals..
ADHD – Some people with attention disorders like ADHD may find it difficult to stay focused and concentrate while meditating with Headspace.
Overly Suspicious – Those who are prone to paranoia or experience delusions should exercise caution when using Headspace as the audio-visual content can trigger these symptoms in some individuals in rare cases.
Bad Hearing – Individuals with hearing impairments should consult a medical professional and determine appropriate ways of using Headspace for themselves before attempting it independently without assistance from professional guidance.

If you are unsure whether Headspace is right for you, it is best to speak with your doctor or mental health professional before trying it out. They can provide advice on how to use the app safely and effectively based on your circumstances.

What Are The Negatives of Headspace?

Headspace is a popular meditation and mental health app, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. While Headspace has many benefits, there are even more negatives to consider before signing up.

One potential downside of Headspace is the cost. The basic version of the app is free, but if you want access to all of its features, you’ll need to pay for a subscription. This can be costly for some people who are already struggling financially.
Another issue with Headspace is that it doesn’t offer personalized advice or guidance. The app provides general tips and techniques for managing stress and anxiety, but it doesn’t provide individualized support or advice tailored to your specific needs. If you’re looking for more personalized help, you may want to consider other options such as therapy or counseling.
Finally, Headspace isn’t suitable for everyone. Some people may find the guided meditations too simplistic or repetitive, while others may find them too long or difficult to follow. Try out the app and see if it works for you before committing to a subscription plan.

Overall, Headspace can be a great tool for managing stress and improving mental health, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before signing up.

If you decide that Headspace isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other options available that might better suit your needs, which we cover more below.

Third-party Reviews of Headspace

Are you looking for third-party reviews of the Headspace app? If so, you’re in luck! There are plenty of reviews available online from independent sources.

Trustpilot Headspace – 2.2 / 5 average rating from 490 reviews
G2 Headspace for Work – 4.7 / 5 average rating from 66 reviews
Knoji Headspace – 4.2 / 5 average rating from 68 reviews
Apple App Store – 4.8 / 5 average rating from 928,700 ratings
Google Play Store – 4.5 / 5 average rating from 295,000 ratings

Overall, reviewers have praised Headspace for its guided meditation focus music, which can help users relax and sleep better. Some users have even reported feeling less stressed after only a few sessions with the app.

However, some people have complained about the cost of the subscription or the lack of features in the free version of the app.

Overall, most reviews are positive and suggest that Headspace is an effective way to practice mindfulness and meditation without having to leave your home or spend too much money.

What Does Reddit Say About Headspace?

Reddit users have a lot to say about Headspace, the popular meditation app.

Most users find it easy to use and appreciate the range of different meditations and coaches available.
Many people recommend downloading the app and trying out the free sessions to get a sense of guided meditation.
Some users suggest that 90 consecutive days is too much for beginners, but others believe it can be beneficial if you’re struggling with forming a regular meditation practice.

Headspace is generally seen as a great tool for learning how to meditate, although some people argue that it lacks variety.

The monetization of mindfulness is one of the most debated topics when discussing Headspace – while many people find value in subscribing to the service, others are critical of Headspace for its for-profit nature and prefer free alternatives such as Insight Timer instead.

Overall, Reddit users seem to agree that Headspace is a great starting point for those looking to learn more about meditation and mindfulness. Whether or not it’s worth subscribing depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Comment
by u/defiant_turtle1 from discussion “Starting on December 7, 2021, access to the Headspace app will only be available with a paid subscription, and we’ll no longer offer free content within the app.”
in Meditation

Comment
by u/ThePsylosopher from discussion headspace app for skeptics: does it really work?
in Meditation

Comment
by u/delcrossb from discussion What are your thoughts on the Headspace app?
in Headspace

What Does the Headspace App Do?

The Headspace app is a tool that can help you manage stress, sleep better, and live a healthier and happier life. It offers guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and sleep content to help you relax and be kind to your mind.

With the Headspace app, you can access on-demand content for stress relief, focus improvement, sleep music, guidance, and more. It’s designed to improve the mental health benefits and happiness of users around the world.

Use these two links to download the Headspace App:

What Features Does The Headspace App Have?

Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that provides users with a variety of features to help them manage their mental health.

The app offers guided meditations, mindful workouts, breathing exercises, soundscapes, and more.
It also includes courses on topics like stress management, resilience building, and anxiety relief.
Additionally, the app has a sleep section with breathing exercises and Sleepcasts to help users relax before bedtime.
Headspace is available for iOS and Android devices.

Overall, Headspace is an excellent resource for those who are looking to explore meditation and mindfulness for the first time or those who want to deepen their practice. With its wide range of features, it can be a great tool for managing mental health.

What are the Benefits of Using Headspace?

Headspace is a popular meditation app that can help users manage stress, improve focus, and even sleep better.

It offers guided meditations and a simple-to-navigate interface, making it an ideal introduction to meditation for beginners.

Studies have shown that using Headspace meditations can increase positive emotions by 16% and compassion by 21%. Additionally, it may help reduce symptoms of certain conditions such as anxiety.

Overall, the benefits of using Headspace include:

Stress management
Improved focus
Better sleep
Increased positive emotions
Increased compassion
Reduced symptoms of anxiety and other conditions

If you’re looking for an easy way to practice mindfulness meditation, Headspace could be the perfect solution for you!

What Problems Can Headspace Help Me With?

The Headspace meditation app can also help people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

The app provides tools to help users manage their emotions better and build resilience. It also offers resources for those dealing with grief or trauma. By using the app regularly, users can learn how to better manage their thoughts and feelings to lead healthier lives.

Signing up for Headspace is easy and can be done in just a few steps.

First, visit the Headspace website at https://www.headspace.com/subscriptions and click on the “Start your free trial” button to get started. You will then need to create an account with your email address and a password.

Once you have created your account, you will be able to access hundreds of sleep meditations, guided mindfulness exercises, bedtime sounds, wind-downs, and more.

You can also sign up for Headspace through their app which can be downloaded from your app store. If you already have a personal Headspace account, you can use that to sign up as well. Just make sure that you are using the same email address that was used when creating the account so that it links properly.

Does Headspace Offer Any Discounts?

Yes, Headspace does offer discounts but not all the time. At the moment, there are no specific discounts available, but Headspace still wants to make sure everyone has access to their services regardless of their financial situation.

What Does Headspace Cost?

Monthly Subscription to Headspace with a 7-Day Free Trial – For those who want to sample Headspace for a month, the subscription plan from Headspace is the ideal option. This auto-renewing subscription has a monthly fee of $12.99, and after each payment cycle, the exact same amount will be charged to your card. This plan has a 7-day free trial period so you may test the app and determine whether its design suits your needs for learning and practicing.
Yearly Subscription to Headspace – Includes a 14-Day Free Trial – For those who want to use Headspace consistently over the full year, this membership plan is ideal. This plan is $69.99 per year and offers a 56% savings over the monthly subscription price.It is a subscription that automatically renews, and offers a 14-day free trial so you may explore the app’s content in-depth and determine whether this service can help you find more mental space.
Student Headspace Plan – The Headspace student plan, subject to verification, provides the best savings and is by far the most affordable option overall. The cost is $9.99 per year ($0.83 per month, however, you must pay annually; there is no monthly payment option). As mindfulness meditation is a lifelong practice, getting started early will help you reap its full benefits over time. This Headspace subscription is a deal at $9.99 a year.
Family Subscription Plan – Costs $99.99 USD each year for six accounts. For families, this subscription is excellent. It provides a cost-effective method for everyone to have access to Headspace by allowing up to six additional family members to download the app. The family plan is an additional value proposition and is $99.99 a year.
Headspace for Educators Plan – Headspace is available to teachers and support personnel in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia who work with kids in grades K–12.
Headspace for the Office – One method for your team to care for their minds is Headspace for Work, which is focused on mindfulness. Your team gets access to hundreds of meditations and exercises for stress, attention, sleep, and movement, and Headspace claims to have some of the highest adoption rates in the sector.

Overall, Headspace can contribute to the problem by reducing stress and burnout, resulting in fewer sick days, better focus, better attendance, and fewer tantrums.

List of Headspace Subscription plans

Headspace is a popular meditation app that can help people struggling with mental health. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a variety of features to help users relax and manage their stress levels.

The cost of a Headspace subscription³ depends on the plan you choose.

Annual – $69.99 / year
Monthly – $12.99 / month or $155.88 per year
Family – 6 accounts for $99.99 per year
Student – $9.99 / year
Educators – Free (subject to verification)
Work – Custom quote

If you’re interested in trying out Headspace, the annual plan selection will grant you a 14-day free trial so that you can test out the app before committing to the subscription fee.

Overall, Headspace is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy way to manage stress and anxiety levels through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Does Headspace Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Headspace does offer a free trial. You can try the entire Headspace library for free during your trial period.

7-day free trial with full access when signing up for a monthly subscription
14-day free trial with full access when signing up for the yearly subscription

During this time, you will have access to all of their content so you can explore and find what works best for you.

So if you’re looking for help managing stress or improving mental health, then give Headspace’s free trial a try and see how it works for you!

Can You Pause the Headspace Subscription?

Headspace doesn’t let you put your subscription on hold right now. You can turn off the auto-renew feature of your account, though, so that it will end when your paid time is up.

Can You Cancel the Headspace Subscription?

Yes, you can cancel your Headspace subscription. To do so, open the Settings app on your device and tap on your name. Then, select the Subscriptions tab and find the Headspace subscription. Tap “Cancel Subscription” to disable it from auto-renewing at the end of the current billing cycle.

If you purchased your subscription via Google Play, open the Google Play Store and click on Menu (the 3 horizontal lines icon). Select Subscriptions and find the Headspace Subscription. Click on “Turn Off Auto Renewal” to cancel it.

Can You Freeze a Headspace Subscription?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot freeze a Headspace subscription. Headspace does not currently offer the option to pause or freeze your subscription. However, you can disable the auto-renewal feature on your subscription so that it will not automatically renew when it expires.

Can I Get a Refund at Headspace

Generally speaking, Headspace does not offer refunds.

What are Alternatives To Headspace

Meditation apps are a great way to help reduce stress and anxiety, and there are many options available. Here are 7 alternatives to Headspace that you can try:

Calm: This popular meditation app has hundreds of guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs, and more. https://www.calm.com/
Smiling Mind: This free mindfulness app offers over 300 meditations for both adults and children. https://smilingmind.com.au/
Ten Percent Happier: This app provides guided meditations for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. https://www.tenpercent.com/
Insight Timer: With over 30,000 free guided meditations from over 4,500 teachers, this app is perfect for those looking for variety in their practice. https://insighttimer.com/
Buddhify: This app helps users learn how to stay mindful throughout the day with audio exercises tailored to different activities like commuting or working out. https://buddhify.com/
Waking Up: Created by Sam Harris, this app offers a comprehensive course on meditation and mindfulness practices with daily lessons and exercises. https://wakingup.com/
Omvana: This app provides access to thousands of hours of audio content from experts around the world on topics such as yoga, hypnosis, and meditation music tracks. https://omvanaapp.com/

Is Headspace or Calm Better?

If you’re looking for a meditation app to help with your mental health, it can be hard to decide between Headspace and Calm. Both apps have a lot of happy users, but some differences may make one better for you than the other.

Headspace is geared towards beginners, providing structure and guidance as you learn how to meditate. It also has a broad selection of quality content ranging from guided meditations to mindfulness exercises.

Calm is more focused on relaxation and sleep, featuring several sleep stories narrated by famous figures. It also asks about your meditation experience and what kind of content you’d like to see.

Overall, both apps have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider which features are most important to you before making a decision. If you’re just starting with meditation, Headspace may be the better choice for you. But if relaxation and sleep are your main goals, then Calm might be the way to go.

When is Headspace Better Than Calm and Vice Versa?

Headspace and Calm are two popular meditation apps that can help with mental health. Both offer a variety of features, but they differ in terms of structure and content. Headspace is ideal for beginners looking for a structured system to progress through, while Calm offers more freedom and choice.

Headspace is better for those who want a guided approach to meditation, as it provides step-by-step instructions and helpful visuals. It also has an extensive library of meditations for different topics such as stress relief, focus, sleep, and more.
Calm is better suited for those who have some experience with meditation or mindfulness practices. It offers more flexibility in terms of content and allows users to customize their experience by selecting the type of content they want to see. It also includes sleep stories narrated by famous figures which can be helpful for relaxation before bedtime.

Overall, both Headspace and Calm are excellent apps for meditation and mindfulness practices. The best option depends on your individual needs and preferences.

As we said above, if you’re just starting with meditation or need guidance on how to practice it, then Headspace may be the right choice for you. If you’re already experienced with other meditation techniques or want more freedom in terms of content selection, then Calm may be the better option.

Is Headspace Worth It?

Headspace is a popular meditation and mental health app that has been gaining traction in recent years. It’s designed to help people with stress, sleep, focus, movement, and more. So the answer to “Is Headspace Worth It?” is yes!

Again, if you’re looking to learn meditation via guided meditation exercises, and you’re struggling with stress or burnout – Headspace can be a truly excellent choice.

The app also includes a variety of different activities such as breathing exercises, sleep sounds and music, mood-boosting music, and more.

The best part about Headspace is that it’s free to try out! You can get started with a 7-day free trial and see if it works for you before committing to a subscription plan. With so many features available at no cost, it’s worth giving Headspace a try if you’re looking for ways to manage your mental health.

Overall, Headspace is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their mental health. With its wide range of features and free trial period, it’s worth trying out if you’re struggling with stress or other mental health issues.

Headspace Review Conclusion: