If you’re seeking relaxation, better sleep, or a moment of tranquility during your hectic day, chances are you’ve come across the Calm app. Known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality audio content, Calm has gained massive popularity as a go-to meditation and mindfulness tool. But for those interested in exploring its premium features, one key question often arises: How much does Calm actually cost?
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
The Calm app offers both free and premium content. The premium subscription is $69.99 per year (equivalent to about $5.83/month), and there’s also a lifetime membership for $399.99. Calm frequently runs discounts and promotions, so pricing may vary. A limited selection of meditations and features are available for free, but most of the app’s robust content is behind the premium paywall.
An Overview of Calm
Calm is a mindfulness and mental wellness app designed to help users manage stress, get better sleep, and cultivate gratitude through a wide variety of tools, including:
- Guided meditations
- Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities
- Calming music and nature sounds
- Daily Calm sessions
- Breathing exercises and mindfulness masterclasses
It serves millions of users globally and has earned accolades from Apple, Google, and mental wellness experts.
How Much Does Calm Cost?
Calm employs a freemium model, which means users can download the app and access limited features for free, but a subscription is needed to unlock the full experience. Below is a breakdown of the pricing tiers:
1. Free Version
The free version offers a small selection of introductory meditation sessions, a few breathing exercises, and some basic sleep tracks. It’s a great way to test the waters before diving into the full program. However, key features such as new Daily Calms, comprehensive sleep content, and Masterclasses are not included.
2. Premium Subscription
The Calm premium subscription provides full access to all content and features. You’ll get thousands of meditation guides, sleep stories, music tracks, and more. The pricing for Calm Premium is as follows:
- $69.99 per year (after a 7-day free trial)
- Equivalent to about $5.83 per month when billed annually
- Lifetime access: $399.99 one-time payment
While Calm doesn’t offer a standard monthly plan through the app stores, some users report in-app offers providing alternatives depending on region or promotional availability.
3. Calm for Business and Families
Calm also has options for group or family subscriptions:
- Calm for Business: Tailored packages for companies looking to invest in employee wellbeing. Prices vary based on the number of subscriptions needed.
- Calm Family Plan: While Calm does not officially offer a publicly listed family plan, they occasionally offer shared account options or discounts for additional users. It’s worth reaching out to customer service if you’re interested in sharing Calm within a household.
Is the Calm Premium Subscription Worth It?
Tens of thousands of users seem to think so. Here’s why many opt in for the premium plan:
- Access to 100+ Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and LeBron James
- Guided Meditation Series tailored to different needs like stress, focus, and self-esteem
- Exclusive music tracks produced by artists such as Moby and Keith Urban
- Daily Calm: new audio meditation delivered every day
- Calm Masterclass: lessons taught by mindfulness experts and psychologists
- Offline Access for meditation sessions on the go
Special Discounts and Promotions
One thing to note is that Calm occasionally offers promotional discounts — especially around holidays or Mental Health Awareness month. Some ways to seize a better deal include:
- Trial periods: New users typically get a 7-day free trial of Premium.
- Referral codes: Calm sometimes offers discounts if a friend refers you to the app.
- Student and teacher discounts: Calm has partnered with organizations to provide free or discounted access to educators and students.
- Health insurance or employer benefits: Some healthcare providers and employers offer Calm subscriptions for free or at a discounted rate as part of their wellness programs.
Pro tip: Sign up through Calm’s website rather than through app stores like Apple’s App Store or Google Play, as you may find better deals or more flexible subscription options.
Comparison to Other Meditation Apps
How does Calm stack up, cost-wise, against competitors? Here’s a brief look:
| App | Annual Cost | Lifetime Option | Free Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm | $69.99 | $399.99 | Yes |
| Headspace | $69.99 | No | Yes |
| Insight Timer | $59.99 | No | Yes |
| Ten Percent Happier | $99.99 | No | Yes |
While Calm isn’t the cheapest option, its expansive library and polished user experience make it a strong contender for those dedicated to wellness and mindfulness practice.
How to Cancel a Calm Subscription
If you decide Calm isn’t for you, canceling your subscription is straightforward — but it depends on how you signed up. Here’s how:
- Subscribed via App Store or Google Play: Cancel directly through your phone’s subscription settings.
- Subscribed via the Calm website: Log into your account at www.calm.com and navigate to “Subscription” in the account settings.
Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the billing period.
Final Thoughts
The Calm app is more than just a meditation tool — it’s an immersive experience in digital mindfulness. While the pricing might appear steep at first glance, the breadth of high-value content, expert guidance, and intuitive design reveals why so many people are willing to invest in their mental well-being.
If better sleep, stress reduction, or building a meditation habit sounds appealing, the Calm premium subscription may offer excellent value. The free version lets you dip your toes, but unlocking the full library can have a real impact on your peace of mind in today’s fast-paced world.
Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a curious beginner, Calm has something to offer — just take a deep breath, press play, and see where it takes you.
