Waking Up vs Headspace: 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
Headspace
The polished beginner-friendly default.
8.5/ 10
Head-to-head
| Waking Up | Headspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Pricing | $129.99/yr | $69.99/yr |
| Best for | Serious or returning meditators | Beginners |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web |
Pros & cons
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
Headspace pros
- Best onboarding
- Strong sleep content
- Clear curriculum
Headspace cons
- Content can feel shallow over time
Our verdict
Winner: Waking Up. If you want a serious, lifelong practice, this is the app. Free-if-needed pricing is rare and admirable.
In short
- Waking Up – If you want a serious, lifelong practice, this is the app. Free-if-needed pricing is rare and admirable.
- Headspace – Best starter app. Many graduate to Waking Up after a year.
See the full best meditation apps ranking for every app in this category, or browse all head-to-heads.