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Apps and online care

Calm vs Healthy Minds Program

They differ on 6 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.

Calm

Calm helps you relax and sleep with guided meditations, Sleep Stories, music and breathing exercises.

Healthy Minds Program

You pick a short guided meditation or a podcast-style lesson, and can also do 'active' practices while walking or doing chores.

Where they differ

Good for
Calm: Beginners who want short guided meditations; People who fall asleep better with stories, soundscapes or music
Healthy Minds Program: People who want a free, research-based meditation program; Busy people who prefer short or on-the-go practice
Probably not for
Calm: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988
Healthy Minds Program: Anyone in crisis (call or text 988)
Cost
Calm: Free version, or $79.99/year or $16.99/month
Healthy Minds Program: Free
How you pay
Calm: Free, I'll pay myself
Healthy Minds Program: Free
Where
Calm: iPhone, Android, Web
Healthy Minds Program: iPhone, Android
HIPAA
Calm: No
Healthy Minds Program: Not stated

The same for both: kind of help (an app i use on my own), research (strong research support), privacy (grade c), sells your data (yes).

In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.