Headspace alternatives
Headspace costs $69.99/year or $12.99/month on the US App Store and includes Ebb, its AI companion. Here are alternatives sorted with free options first, including apps whose AI does more than recommend content.
| Alternative | Free plan | Paid from | Platforms | Used to train AI? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headspace (for reference) | No | $5.83/mo | iOS, Android | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Insight Timer | Yes | $5.00/mo | iOS, Android, Web | No. Insight Timer says it does not train AI models using your data. |
| Wysa | Yes | $6.25/mo | iOS, Android | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Calm | Limited | $5.83/mo | iOS, Apple Watch | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Balance | No | $4.17/mo | iOS | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Aura | Unknown | $5.83/mo | iOS | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Ash | Unknown | $14.17/mo | iOS | Possibly. Ash's privacy page says transcripts aren't used to train or improve Ash unless you opt in, but the policy also allows using conversation and platform data to improve the platform, including model training. |
| Earkick | Unknown | See notes | iOS, Apple Watch, Web | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
| Endel | Unknown | See notes | iOS | unknown (not stated on the pages we checked) |
"Paid from" is the lowest annual-equivalent monthly price we could verify (USD). Sorted by free plan, then price.
Insight Timer
Huge free meditation library with Reflect, an AI conversation partner.
Free plan: Yes, a large free library of guided meditations.
Pricing: Premium (MemberPlus): $59.99/year or $9.99/month (US App Store).
Best for: Free-first meditators who want an AI reflection partner on top of a big library.
Wysa
Anonymous AI chat for everyday emotions, with CBT-style exercises.
Free plan: Yes, the core AI chat is free and anonymous.
Pricing: Premium: $74.99/year or $19.99/month on the US App Store (other price points listed). Guided support with human coaches costs extra (e.g. $79.99/month).
Best for: Structured self-help exercises with a free, anonymous AI chat.
Calm
Sleep Stories and meditation library; AI works in the background on recommendations.
Free plan: Some programs and features are free forever; most content needs Calm Premium.
Pricing: US App Store: Calm Premium $79.99/year or $16.99/month (other price points such as $69.99/year and $14.99/month also listed).
Best for: Sleep and relaxation from a big human-narrated library; AI is a minor part.
Balance
Meditation coach app that assembles each day's session from your answers.
Free plan: Free trial, then a subscription.
Pricing: $11.99/month or $69.99/year (US App Store; a $49.99/year option with a 7-day trial is also listed).
Best for: Learning meditation step by step with sessions tailored to you.
Aura
Meditation, sleep, CBT and coaching tracks matched to you with AI-driven personalization.
Free plan: "Try Aura Free" trial; the full library needs Premium.
Pricing: US App Store: Aura Premium $69.99/year or $11.99/month (other price points listed, e.g. $59.99/year and $7.99/month).
Best for: Variety from many teachers and formats, matched to your mood.
Ash
AI built for mental health support that remembers your story and offers weekly insights.
Free plan: Free to download; the US App Store lists "Unlimited access" subscriptions. Whether a free tier remains isn't stated on the pages we checked.
Pricing: Unlimited access: $19.99/month or $169.99/year on the US App Store (other price points listed).
Best for: Open-ended, supportive conversation about everyday stress and relationships (not a substitute for therapy).
Earkick
AI self-care companion for mood tracking, breathing and reflection.
Free plan: Free trial of Premium. The website also offers a free web chat with its "Panda" companion, no signup.
Pricing: Premium: $14.99/month; annual options listed from $44.99 to $107.99 on the US App Store.
Best for: Mood tracking with a friendly AI companion.
Endel
AI-generated soundscapes for focus, relaxation and sleep.
Free plan: Free trial may be offered; the App Store terms mention free trials "if offered".
Pricing: US App Store lists several plans, e.g. $59.99/year, $119.99/year, $19.99/month and $124.99 lifetime; check the price shown to you.
Best for: Focus and sleep sound rather than guided meditation.
FAQ
Is there a free Headspace alternative?
Insight Timer has a large free library plus Reflect, its AI conversation partner. Wysa's core AI chat is free. Calm keeps some content free.
Which alternative has an AI you can talk to?
Insight Timer (Reflect), Wysa, Earkick and Ash all offer AI conversation. Balance and Aura use personalization to pick sessions instead.
Which one says it doesn't train AI on my data?
Insight Timer says it does not train AI models using your data. Check each app page for what others publish.
These apps support everyday wellbeing. None of them replace professional care; in a crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis line.