Comparison

Anima vs CalmySleep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Anima

This app offers a simple, scientifically validated breathing technique to reduce stress and anxiety. Practice for just 5 minutes to achieve immediate calm and long-term benefits like improved mood and immune function.

Highlights
  • Cardiac coherence breathing exercises
  • Scientifically validated stress reduction
  • 7 distinct breathing modes
  • Visual and haptic guidance
  • Progress tracking and rewards
  • Customizable sessions
  • Privacy-focused, no data collection
Features
Read full description

Anima guides you through cardiac coherence and guided breathing exercises. Take five minutes to slow down, breathe, and find your calm, at your own pace. Free, with no ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. CARDIAC COHERENCE, MADE SIMPLE Cardiac coherence is based on slow, steady breathing, usually around 6 breaths per minute. This rhythm supports the natural interaction between breathing, heart rate, and the autonomic nervous system. The 365 method offers a simple routine: 3 times a day, 6 breaths per minute, for 5 minutes. Slow breathing exercises have been studied for their effects on stress, anxiety, and physiological regulation. Regular practice may also support relaxation, sleep, and concentration. CREATE YOUR OWN BREATHING EXERCISES Box breathing, triangle breathing, 4-7-8, or a custom rhythm without pauses: build the exercise that works for you in the Create tab, save it, and start it with a single tap. AN EXERCISE FOR EVERY MOMENT Balance: the classic cardiac coherence rhythm Energy: a longer inhale to start your day Relax: a longer exhale to help you slow down Express: a one-minute breathing break Focus: box breathing to help you refocus Sleep: the 4-7-8 method with guided relaxation Pre-teens and Kids: breathing rhythms adapted for younger users Free Session: choose your own rhythm and duration Arrange the list however you like: show, hide, or reorder your exercises. GUIDANCE THAT WORKS FOR YOU Follow a voice guide, gentle chimes, or simply breathe in silence. Visual guidance, subtle haptics, and breathing sounds let you practice the way you prefer, even with your eyes closed. YOUR PRACTICE, AT YOUR OWN PACE Unlock nature photography as you practice and use it as a background during your sessions. Keep track of your practice history, statistics, and reminders, without pressure or imposed goals. YOUR DATA STAYS YOURS Anima does not collect personal data related to your breathing practice. FREE. NO ADS. NO SUBSCRIPTION. An independent app created to make cardiac coherence simple, enjoyable, and accessible.

About

CalmySleep

Features
Read full description

CalmySleep helps you fall asleep with a curated selection of soothing sounds. AVAILABLE SOUNDS: - Pink noise - Gentle rain - Water lapping - Night wind - Distant wind and sea - Slow breathing - Breathing - Heartbeat 40 bpm - Heartbeat 63 bpm - Deep heartbeat - Slow heartbeat - Deep underwater FEATURES: - Sleep timer (15, 30 or 60 minutes) - Gradual fade-out stop - Runs in the background - No ads PREMIUM ACCESS: Free 20-minute trial. Full access available for 1 month, 1 year or lifetime.

Screenshots

Anima4 screens
CalmySleep3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Anima at none against CalmySleep's 3. CalmySleep's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CalmySleep sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Anima asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Anima ships an update every 2 weeks, CalmySleep every 11 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Anima versus CalmySleep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAnimaCalmySleep
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 11 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB59 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicolas HaddadAlain Ranvier

In-app purchases

None

Anima

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

CalmySleep

One-time3
  • Accès un mois$3.99
  • Accès un an$8.99
  • Accès à vie$17.99

Questions

Is Anima free?
Anima is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CalmySleep free?
CalmySleep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Anima or CalmySleep have ads?
Neither Anima nor CalmySleep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Anima or CalmySleep?
Anima ships an update every 2 weeks, and CalmySleep every 11 days. Most recently, Anima was updated on November 5, 2026 and CalmySleep on November 5, 2026.

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