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Meditation programs: Ten Percent Happier vs. Headspace

Quick Verdict

Both Ten Percent Happier and Headspace are strong contenders in the meditation app market, each offering a unique set of features and benefits. Headspace stands out with its flexible subscription options, diverse sleep aids, and personalized recommendations. Ten Percent Happier distinguishes itself through personalized meditation plans with monthly check-ins and integration with Apple Health. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeTen Percent HappierHeadspace
Guided meditation styles offeredOffers various meditation formats, including guided and unguided meditationsfocused attention, body scan, noting, visualization, loving-kindness, skillful compassion, resting awareness, reflection, insight (vipassana), calming (samatha), guided and unguided meditation options
Variety of meditation teachersProvides access to expert meditation teachers, aiming for a diverse and relatable groupAndy Puddicombe, Dora Kamau, Eve, Kessonga, Rosie Acosta
Beginner-friendly contentGeared toward those new to mindfulness and meditation, providing guided meditations and courses for beginnersBasics course that teaches fundamental breathwork techniques and meditation exercises
Advanced meditation techniquesOffers more advanced courses for experienced meditatorsPro series for training in longer periods of silence
Mindfulness exercisesHelps users incorporate mindfulness into their daily livesbreathing exercises to calm anxiety and increase focus
Sleep aids and sleep storiesProvides sleep meditationssleepcasts (dreamy landscape tours), sleep music, and wind-down exercises
Stress and anxiety management toolsOffers tools and sessions to support mental wellness and address stress and anxietyguided meditations and mindfulness exercises
Personalized meditation plansOffers personalized meditation plans tailored to individual needs and goals, with monthly check-inspersonalized recommendations based on user interactions, Today tab recommendations
Progress tracking and statisticsIncludes a profile hub to track progressprogress tracking and daily practice reminders
Offline content availabilityUsers can listen to content offlinedownloadable sessions for offline use on iOS and Android devices (some exceptions)
Integration with other health appsIntegrates with Apple HealthNot available
Subscription cost and free trial optionsOffers a 7-day free trial; annual membership costs $99.99; no monthly subscription optionfree trial with limited content, monthly subscription ($12.99), annual subscription ($69.99), discounts for families and students
Price$99.99 annually$12.99/month or $69.99/year
Overall ratingsNot availableStudies suggest reduced stress, anxiety, and depression with regular use.
Performance ratingsNot availableHigh-quality audio and video content, user-friendly interface.

Overall Comparison

Headspace: $69.99/year, Ten Percent Happier: $99.99/year

Pros and Cons

Ten Percent Happier

Pros:
  • Variety of meditation formats
  • Expert meditation teachers
  • Beginner-friendly content
  • Advanced courses available
  • Mindfulness exercises
  • Sleep meditations
  • Stress and anxiety management tools
  • Personalized meditation plans
  • Progress tracking
  • Offline content
  • Integration with Apple Health
  • User-friendly interface
  • Innovative formats like vertical videos
Cons:
  • Can be expensive compared to other meditation apps

Headspace

Pros:
  • Diverse range of meditation styles
  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators
  • Personalized meditation experience
  • Helpful sleep aids
  • Effective stress management tools
  • User-friendly interface
  • High-quality content
Cons:
  • Sleepcasts and some sessions not available for download
  • Subscription cost may be considered expensive by some users

User Experiences and Feedback