Waking Up review

Waking Up is the most serious meditation app here. It takes a rational, secular approach and aims at insight into how your mind works, not just stress relief. The Introductory Course by Sam Harris is the spine, and from there you can follow series from teachers trained in Tibetan, Indian, Burmese and Western traditions, explore lessons on topics such as nonduality, Zen and Stoicism, or listen to long conversations. There are sleep meditations too, and members can join a private community. Business terms are generous: a free trial, refunds on request through support and free scholarship memberships, no questions asked, for anyone who cannot afford it. Waking Up sells an annual subscription, but its site did not show a USD price from our location. Newcomers who just want to relax may find it heavy. If you want to go deep, nothing else on this list compares.

Who it is for

Experienced or curious meditators who want depth, theory and a secular approach.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• The Introductory Course by Sam Harris
• Series from teachers across Tibetan, Indian, Burmese and Western traditions
• Lessons and conversations on topics like nonduality and Stoicism
• Meditations for sleep
• Private member community

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Deepest teaching and theory on this list
• Strength: Refunds available on request through support, per Waking Up
• Strength: Free scholarship membership for anyone who cannot afford it
• Weakness: Philosophical content can feel heavy for stress-relief users
• Weakness: No free plan beyond the trial and scholarships
• Weakness: Our USD price check is pending

Key facts

• Free trial: Yes, before the annual subscription
• Plans: Annual subscription
• Scholarships: Free membership on request
• Library: Over 600 hours of audio

Where it ranks

Waking Up is No. 9 in our Best Meditation Apps verdict.