Apps and online care
Rootd vs Headspace
They differ on 7 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Rootd
You open Rootd during a panic attack and tap one large button; it then guides your breathing and grounding step by step.
Headspace
You pick short guided meditations, courses on stress, anxiety or sleep, sleepcasts and focus music, and do a few minutes a day on your phone.
Where they differ
- Good for
- Rootd: People who get panic attacks and want a guided tool to use in the moment; Learning what happens in the body during panic so it feels less frightening
- Headspace: Beginners who want structured, short guided meditations; People dealing with everyday stress or trouble winding down for sleep
- Cost
- Rootd: Free version, or Free; Full Access about $79.99/year or $199 lifetime
- Headspace: $69.99/year or $12.99/month
- How you pay
- Rootd: Free, I'll pay myself
- Headspace: I'll pay myself
- Where
- Rootd: iPhone, Android
- Headspace: iPhone, Android, Web
- Research
- Rootd: Early research
- Headspace: Strong research support
- Sells your data
- Rootd: No
- Headspace: Yes
- HIPAA
- Rootd: Not stated
- Headspace: No
The same for both: kind of help (an app i use on my own), probably not for (anyone in crisis or thinking about suicide: call or text 988), privacy (grade c).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.