Waking Up vs Balance: which meditation apps should you pick?
Our independent head-to-head from the 2026 edition of Best Meditation Apps.
Waking Up
Sam Harris's meditation app – substantive and philosophical.
9.2/ 10
Balance
Personalized meditation app with adaptive plans.
7.9/ 10
Waking Up vs Balance: head-to-head specs
| Waking Up | Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Pricing | $129.99/yr | $69.99/yr |
| Best for | Serious or returning meditators | Beginners wanting personalization |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
Waking Up vs Balance: pros and cons compared
Waking Up pros
- Deepest content library in the category
- Free if you can't afford it (no questions)
- Goes beyond beginner mindfulness
Waking Up cons
- Less hand-holding than Headspace
- Sam Harris is polarizing for some
Balance pros
- Adaptive onboarding
- Clean UX
Balance cons
- Library smaller than competitors
Waking Up vs Balance: which is better in 2026?
Winner: Waking Up. If you want a serious, lifelong practice, this is the app. Free-if-needed pricing is rare and admirable.
Waking Up vs Balance in one sentence
- Waking Up – If you want a serious, lifelong practice, this is the app. Free-if-needed pricing is rare and admirable.
- Balance – A polished alternative to Headspace.
See the full best meditation apps ranking for every app in this category, or browse all head-to-heads.