Headspace: what people say on TikTok, Reddit, YouTube and X

How it feels

26% positive, 11% negative, 44% mixed, 19% neutral (109 on-topic posts and comments).

What people like

1. signature soundscapes and sleep habitats keep long-term users subscribed 3 mentions

   • The soundscapes (especially rainfall and birds) and sleep habitats were the main reasons I stuck with headspace for the last 3-4 years. Please keep up the great work. YouTube · 8 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes
   • Espectacular. Amo el sonido de Headspace. Los graficos son increibles también, pero definitivamente el sonido de Headspace es TODO. YouTube · 4 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes
   • I love everything about Headspace❣️ YouTube · 6 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes

2. guided meditations are effective and better than other apps 3 mentions

   • Incredible product. Much better guided meditations than any other app. Headspace taught me to meditate freshman year of college. After their generous seven day free trial, I felt like I had already learned what I needed and never used the app again. X · 10 likes under a 98K-view post: Headspace, the meditation app, got acquired by Sword Health for $300M, down from their pea…
   • Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothere… Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Headspace
   • no one wants to hear this lol but--breathing exercises and meditation have really helped my anxiety. i use the Headspace app. i like the interface and voices of the guided meditations. i get flushed all over when i get worked up, and i’ve definitely noticed less cases of that sin… Reddit · 3 likes under a post: r/Raynauds: Help me survive another winter

3. specific meditation series content resonates and sticks with users 3 mentions

   • I once did a meditation series about regret on the Headspace app, and one quote really stuck with me: “we tend to regret things because we assume things would’ve turned out better. When the truth is, they could’ve turned out worse.” I wonder if it would help you to visualize an a… Reddit · 10 likes under a post: r/pregnant: Pregnant - ashamed
   • **Things that might help:** **- Create routines.** Prioritise sleep hygiene and try to establish a daily rhythm that works for you. **- Take a break from social media.** Give your mind some space to breathe. **- Good nutrition,** Vitamin D supplements **- Practise mindfulness.** … Reddit · 9 likes under a post: r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide: Non-medicinal cures for depression?
   • Night time meditation. You need to relax your nervous system. I do yoga or use the headspace app Reddit · 20 likes under a post: r/biglaw: I cant sleep

4. the signature sound and production are carefully thought out and calming 3 mentions

   • 😍😍😍 YouTube · 2 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes
   • Como amo que todo esté tan pensado en Headspace! YouTube under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes
   • Thank you for sharing this peaceful energy! It’s exactly what I needed today. I also share calming sounds and meditation music on my channel to help others unwind. Wishing everyone a restful night! 🌙🍃" YouTube · 1 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes

5. free YouTube guided sessions are enough to build a foundation 2 mentions

   • When i started to meditate again, i was using the free guided sessions that headspace has on youtube. Just search like "5/10/15/20 minutes guided meditation headspace" on youtube. Since you're not seeking anything spiritual, these are enough to give you the foundations until you … Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?
   • If you know a teacher, they get headspace for free. It has lots of new meditations now too Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?

6. free access through employer EAP or educator plans makes it worth using 2 mentions

   • Yep that’s why I use headspace. 100% covered through EAP Reddit · 6 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • If you happen to work in education, headspace gives free memberships to educators! Reddit · 7 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?

7. non-spiritual, therapeutic framing of meditation appeals to users 2 mentions

   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 16 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness
   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 5 likes under a post: r/Meditation

Complaints and problems

1. app is buggy and unusable after updates (wrong sessions play, duration picker broken) 2 mentions

   • This app is unusable. I bought Headspace subscription after few years of not using it and why is this so bad? It worked beautifully when I had subscription last time. It's literally unusable I can't even play my mediation. When I press first meditation in this pack the 3rd day st… Reddit · 22 likes under a post: r/Headspace
   • Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothere… Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Headspace

2. subscription too expensive for what you get 2 mentions

   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 16 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness
   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 5 likes under a post: r/Meditation

3. too much content moved behind paywall, even 1-minute breathing exercises 1 mention

   • Cancel your headspace sub!!!. in the beginning, the app was cool. now they have pretty much everything behind a pay wall (even a 1 minute breathing exercise 😂). while also making it difficult for people to cancel or get their money back. this reddit page is full of subscribers w… Reddit · 38 likes under a post: r/Headspace

4. accessibility declining and support replies come from a bot 1 mention

   • Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothere… Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Headspace

5. hard to cancel and get refunds 1 mention

   • Cancel your headspace sub!!!. in the beginning, the app was cool. now they have pretty much everything behind a pay wall (even a 1 minute breathing exercise 😂). while also making it difficult for people to cancel or get their money back. this reddit page is full of subscribers w… Reddit · 38 likes under a post: r/Headspace

6. seen as a business-first app, not real meditation; founder called an ambitious businessman 1 mention

   • I don't know how Headspace defines mindfulness, but generally cellphone apps are a joke. They're entertainment, meant to get you interested so that you'll pay a few bucks or watch ads. The Headspace founder, Puddicombe, is typical: an ambitious businessman who spent some time at … Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Have you tried limiting social media? How did it affect your practice and ov…

7. lost its soul after founder Andy, the ex-monk, left 1 mention

   • And then Andy, the ex-buddhist monk, quit and Headspace lost its soul YouTube · 1 likes under a 2K-view post: How Headspace Created Its Signature Sound | Behind the Scenes

Questions people ask

1. what happened after the acquisition and valuation drop, and can the team bounce back? 3 mentions

   • Do you think this was just a covid success story that changed direction post covid or was there more to it than that? X under a 98K-view post: Headspace, the meditation app, got acquired by Sword Health for $300M, down from their pea…
   • hold on, for some reason I thought Headspace had waaaaaaay more users. X under a 98K-view post: Headspace, the meditation app, got acquired by Sword Health for $300M, down from their pea…
   • Agree. There is always a reason for the giant valuation decline. However, it is an extremely good team and they could bounce it back. X under a 98K-view post: Headspace, the meditation app, got acquired by Sword Health for $300M, down from their pea…

2. are paid meditation apps like Calm and Headspace worth it for sleep and stress? 2 mentions

   • Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?. I have heard a lot about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness lately, and I am considering trying one of the paid apps like Calm, Headspace, Insights timer, etc since the free versions I have used feel a little limited… Reddit · 10 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews
   • Has anyone had success with Headspace or Calm? Trying to Meditate more - has anyone seen benefits with these apps?. Reddit · 8 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews

3. how does Headspace compare with Calm for OCD and severe anxiety? 2 mentions

   • Headspace or Calm app. Hi everybody, A fellow OCD brother here. Recently, my thoughts have been flaring moreso than usual. Was wondering if anyone had experience with these apps. I’ve used Calm in the past but never used Headspace. Now that my yearly subscription is up, I’m wonde… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/OCD
   • Have you tried Headspace? How do they compare? Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually usi…

4. is the paid subscription worth it versus free alternatives? 2 mentions

   • What frustrated you, out of interest? Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • Headspace Meditation App Review 2026 | Pros and Cons – Honest & Unbiased YouTube

5. how do Headspace points work through Vitality health? 1 mention

   • Headspace. Is anyone getting the headspace points? From what I can see we get this app free and if we do a mindfulness meditation, we get 2pts? Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Vitalityhealth

6. how does it rank against Calm and Insight Timer in app store search? 1 mention

   • I’d lead with the check-in, but make the difference a little more concrete than “a meditation for how you feel.” Something like: “Tell it what’s on your mind. Get a guided session for today.” Then show the two questions and a short snippet of the session in a video. That lets peo… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/iOSAppsMarketing: how do you market a meditation app in a crowded space without leading …

7. what are good alternatives to Headspace? 1 mention

   • Right I signed up at the start so have lifetime and didn't fully take in your post sorry. Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?

Buying signals

1. users considering subscribing but weighing cost against free alternatives 3 mentions

   • Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?. I have heard a lot about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness lately, and I am considering trying one of the paid apps like Calm, Headspace, Insights timer, etc since the free versions I have used feel a little limited… Reddit · 10 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews
   • Long time users, how are you doing?. Are there other long time users here, how are you doing compared to when you started? *** I've been using Headspace daily for more than 10 years now and it's become so integral part of my daily life that I don't even notice it anymore. I was a… Reddit · 22 likes under a post: r/Headspace
   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 16 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness

2. users canceling or switching away from Headspace 3 mentions

   • Cancel your headspace sub!!!. in the beginning, the app was cool. now they have pretty much everything behind a pay wall (even a 1 minute breathing exercise 😂). while also making it difficult for people to cancel or get their money back. this reddit page is full of subscribers w… Reddit · 38 likes under a post: r/Headspace
   • I left Headspace and switched to Medito. Completely free and has different kinds of meditations. As far as I know it's only available as app. Reddit · 12 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?
   • Headspace has gone way downhill, I would definitely not recommend it. Reddit · 9 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?

3. users get Headspace free via insurance/EAP and use it because of that 3 mentions

   • Yep that’s why I use headspace. 100% covered through EAP Reddit · 6 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • If you happen to work in education, headspace gives free memberships to educators! Reddit · 7 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • If you know a teacher, they get headspace for free. It has lots of new meditations now too Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?

4. people ask for recommendations and are pointed to Headspace 2 mentions

   • Have you tried Headspace? How do they compare? Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually usi…
   • How are you learning to meditate? You do know it is a thousand of years old tradition with libraries full of scholarship and training. People in this sub like to say, just sit. And sure, at its core that's right. But it's kinda like throwing you in the water when you don't know h… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: how do i start without getting scared??

5. lifetime subscribers signed up early and stay loyal 1 mention

   • Right I signed up at the start so have lifetime and didn't fully take in your post sorry. Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?

Compared with other brands

1. Insight Timer praised as free alternative with huge library 9 mentions

   • No but I enjoy my free version of Insight Timer enough that I have thought about paying for a membership. Reddit · 38 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • Insight timer has an insane amount of free meditations of all styles. Tens if not hundreds of thousands. It's what I typically use. Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?
   • Insight Timer is good with lots of free guided sessions Reddit · 15 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?

2. Waking Up seen as deeper, more school-like alternative 5 mentions

   • Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually using?. Hey everyone! What's up? I am hitting a wall with my current routine and figured this is the best place to get real feedback rather than reading sponsored blogs or fake app store reviews. I have spen… Reddit · 19 likes under a post: r/Meditation
   • Waking Up is very good in my view. Reddit · 13 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?
   • Waking Up is aligned with what you are describing. It is not free, but I believe that they have a schoscholarship on if you truly need it. Reddit · 4 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?

3. Calm compared; some prefer its sleep stories or specific teachers 5 mentions

   • I stan hard for Calm, but I do primarily use it for the sleep stories since I’m not a great sleeper. Before paying for anything, check on the app for your health insurance. Many of these are covered by your insurance or through an EAP. It will be under a section labeled “Other Be… Reddit · 22 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • I paid for Calm and was so incredibly frustrated by it that I just dumped it after like a week. It might be useful for some but it wasn't built for me. Reddit · 5 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • Calm exclusively for Jeff Warren. Nobody else really vibes with me but I find Jeff so accessible, insightful, and enjoyable. I started with waking up and liked it (probably for the same reason--I like his podcast), but I get calm for free through work. In my opinion, Jeff Warren … Reddit · 3 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually usi…

4. Medito recommended as completely free replacement 4 mentions

   • I left Headspace and switched to Medito. Completely free and has different kinds of meditations. As far as I know it's only available as app. Reddit · 12 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Alternatives to headspace?
   • Medito - it’s so good and free too Reddit · 6 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?
   • Medito rocks imo, and it’s cool as hell that it’s free. Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?

5. compared with Calm as the two default paid meditation apps 4 mentions

   • Headspace or Calm app. Hi everybody, A fellow OCD brother here. Recently, my thoughts have been flaring moreso than usual. Was wondering if anyone had experience with these apps. I’ve used Calm in the past but never used Headspace. Now that my yearly subscription is up, I’m wonde… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/OCD
   • How are you learning to meditate? You do know it is a thousand of years old tradition with libraries full of scholarship and training. People in this sub like to say, just sit. And sure, at its core that's right. But it's kinda like throwing you in the water when you don't know h… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: how do i start without getting scared??
   • Hi everyone! I’m the independent developer behind Meditation Journey, an iPhone meditation app. I built it for people who want a choice in how they practice: follow audio guidance, or read the instructions first and meditate without a voice talking throughout the session. Like He… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/iosapps: The App Shelf - November 2026

6. Balance praised for free year and voice options 3 mentions

   • Balance. They do an entire year of premium free. It’s excellent. Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness: Alternatives to headspace?
   • I tried all of them and have stuck with Balance, only for guided sleep meditation because I’m a terrible sleeper. Leah’s voice (I like that you can choose different voices!) is so soothing and gentle, I’m usually out within the 10 mins on the shortest ones! Has helped me with tra… Reddit · 2 likes under a post: r/UninfluencedReviews: Paid Meditation Apps like Calm and Headspace worth it?
   • Balance Reddit · 3 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually usi…

7. Headspace compared unfavorably on price vs free apps 2 mentions

   • Headspace charges $69.99 a year. Calm charges $69.99 a year. A nonprofit in the Netherlands made a meditation app that charges $0, and it plans to keep it that way. It's called Medito. You get hundreds of guided meditations, sleep stories, 30-day courses, breathing exercises, and… X · 12 likes
   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 5 likes under a post: r/Meditation

What people want next

1. users want free or cheaper access and more free content 3 mentions

   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 16 likes under a post: r/Mindfulness
   • Alternatives to headspace?. I loved headspace and the way it handles meditation not as something spiritual and that you must do crossed legged on the floor while humming, but as something therapeutic that reshapes the way you handle yourself and your emotions. Now, I want to star… Reddit · 5 likes under a post: r/Meditation
   • Cancel your headspace sub!!!. in the beginning, the app was cool. now they have pretty much everything behind a pay wall (even a 1 minute breathing exercise 😂). while also making it difficult for people to cancel or get their money back. this reddit page is full of subscribers w… Reddit · 38 likes under a post: r/Headspace

2. users want bug fixes and better accessibility 2 mentions

   • Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothere… Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Headspace
   • This app is unusable. I bought Headspace subscription after few years of not using it and why is this so bad? It worked beautifully when I had subscription last time. It's literally unusable I can't even play my mediation. When I press first meditation in this pack the 3rd day st… Reddit · 22 likes under a post: r/Headspace

3. users want human support instead of bot replies 1 mention

   • Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothere… Reddit · 26 likes under a post: r/Headspace

4. want a read-first, then practice option without a voice talking throughout 1 mention

   • Hi everyone! I’m the independent developer behind Meditation Journey, an iPhone meditation app. I built it for people who want a choice in how they practice: follow audio guidance, or read the instructions first and meditate without a voice talking throughout the session. Like He… Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/iosapps: The App Shelf - November 2026

5. want to see how many people worldwide are meditating with you 1 mention

   • I love that it shows you how many people around the world were meditating with you on their network. It’s a really nice touch. Reddit · 1 likes under a post: r/Meditation: Looking for some honest meditation app recs - what are you guys actually usi…

Quotes worth reading

Cancel your headspace sub!!!. in the beginning, the app was cool. now they have pretty much everything behind a pay wall (even a 1 minute breathing exercise 😂). while also making it difficult for people to cancel or get their money back. this reddit page is full of subscribers with these experiences. headspace has shown that they are just like every other corporation, if not worse. because they aim to capitalise off your stress and anxiety and charge you for peace of mind. similar to the MEGA-c…

Really disappointed in Headspace lately. Sad to say I'm disappointed in Headspace lately. Seems to be very buggy, accessibility is going down hill and when I e-mailed them about it I just get replies from a bot. Gives a very distant impression and as if they just can't be bothered. Such a shame as the app used to be so good. I mean I still find the meditations really helpful but the app itself seems to be getting worse and worse.

This app is unusable. I bought Headspace subscription after few years of not using it and why is this so bad? It worked beautifully when I had subscription last time. It's literally unusable I can't even play my mediation. When I press first meditation in this pack the 3rd day start playing. Also duration in selection there are 100 toggles and 10 are pressed at the same time? And changing it doesn't work btw. I can't even choose a duration.

And then Andy, the ex-buddhist monk, quit and Headspace lost its soul

Yeah, I started by using the Headspace app and doing just 10 min a day. I found the app helpful for guided meditations and learning about everything. Now I just use it as a timer and to keep my streak. 489 days so far. Just remember not to get discouraged. There’s no such thing as a “bad” meditation. Sometimes it’ll be more challenging, and that’s ok.

I don't know how Headspace defines mindfulness, but generally cellphone apps are a joke. They're entertainment, meant to get you interested so that you'll pay a few bucks or watch ads. The Headspace founder, Puddicombe, is typical: an ambitious businessman who spent some time at a monastery and now wants to be a guru. All of that is defining meditation as lifestyle enhancement. (I once saw pictures from the Calm app that showed a brain lifting weights. :) Repetition of a mantra is a simple way t…