# Insight Timer vs Calmind

The clearest difference is rating: Insight Timer at 4.9 against Calmind's 4.4. Insight Timer also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (447K vs 49). Calmind's advantage is review sentiment (88% vs 70%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Insight Timer sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Calmind sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Insight Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Insight Timer has 447K ratings behind it against 49, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Insight Timer's written reviews are positive against 88% of Calmind's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Insight Timer ships an update weekly, Calmind every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Insight Timer | Calmind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (447K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/insight-timer-meditate-sleep/id337472899/reviews)** | [4.4 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmind-light-meditation/id895886281/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **447K** | 49 |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#15** | — |
| Size | 243 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Insight Network Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/983080487) | [Brainmedia](https://appshunter.io/developer/895886284) |

## What reviewers say

### Insight Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/insight-timer-meditate-sleep/id337472899)

**Currently charting:** #15 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #91 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

Access thousands of guided meditations, music tracks, and talks from world-renowned experts to calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Daily new content is added, catering to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

**Highlights:** Thousands of guided meditations, Music tracks and ambient sounds, Meditation timer, Community discussion groups, Progress tracking, Offline listening (premium)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Insight Premium Meditation | $9.99 | per month |
| Insight Premium Meditation | $59.99 | per year |
| Insight Premium Meditation | $59.99 | per year |
| MemberPlus Family | $89.99 | per year |
| Teacher Donation (XS) | $1.99 | one-time |
| Meditation Course: Single Use | $4.99 | one-time |
| Teacher Donation (S) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Meditation Course: Multi Use | $19.99 | one-time |
| Truth Anxiety course – Own | $19.99 | one-time |
| Teacher Donation (M) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Teacher Donation (L) | $49.99 | one-time |
| Teacher Donation (XL) | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💤 Great for sleep and relaxation
- 🌍 Diverse range of teachers and content
- 🕰️ Customizable timer with bells/chimes
- 🆓 Generous free content
- 🧠 Helps with anxiety, stress, and mental health

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Overly commercialized with constant upselling
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with mandatory account creation
- 🔀 Confusing and cluttered user interface
- 🐛 Bugs, crashes, and technical issues
- 🔒 Paywall blocking access to core features

**Reported bugs**

- Timer frequently pausing or shutting down during use
- Inconsistent tracking of meditation streaks and progress
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Inability to leave reviews for meditations

**Requested features**

- Ability to sort/filter bookmarked meditations
- Option to disable opening quotes and mood check-ins
- Improved offline functionality and caching
- More customization options for the timer
- Better community features and social integration


### Calmind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmind-light-meditation/id895886281)

This app uses science-backed flashlight stimulation and binaural beats to guide users into deep relaxation and sleep. It offers a structured daily wellness plan including guided breathing, journaling, and nature sounds. Designed for those who struggle with stress, sleep, or quieting their minds, it provides a unique approach to mental wellness.

**Highlights:** Flickering Light Stimulation (FLS), Binaural beats and ASMR, Structured daily wellness plan, Guided breathing exercises, Gratitude journal, Nature soundscapes, 500+ customizable sessions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calmind Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Calmind Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Calmind premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Calmind Premium | $44.99 | per 3 months |
| Calmind premium 1yr | $69.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $299.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Insight Timer free?

Insight Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Calmind free?

Calmind is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Insight Timer or Calmind?

Insight Timer is rated higher. Insight Timer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 447K ratings, while Calmind averages 4.4 from 49 ratings.

### Do Insight Timer or Calmind have ads?

Neither Insight Timer nor Calmind shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Insight Timer or Calmind?

Insight Timer ships an update weekly, and Calmind every 6 weeks. Most recently, Insight Timer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Calmind on August 6, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*