Headspace, Calm, Waking Up and Stoic, compared with Steps

Four good apps, and Steps, micro journaling in iMessage. Here is what each asks of a busy day, from their own sites, checked on 13 September 2026.

Two kinds of practice

Headspace, Calm and Waking Up are meditation apps you open, listen to and sit with. Stoic is a journaling app you open morning and evening. Steps is micro journaling that comes to you in iMessage, a few questions about yesterday and today. Each is a way to pay attention on purpose, in a different format. What is micro journaling? →

Headspace A meditation app with guided sessions, sleepcasts, courses and coaching. People who want a guiding voice and short sessions, with kids' content for families. Steps vs Headspace →
Calm An app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, with daily sessions and Sleep Stories. People who want sleep audio, a guided ten minutes, or a For Parents collection. Steps vs Calm →
Waking Up A meditation app from Sam Harris, with a month-long introductory course, lessons and guided sessions. People who want to learn the ideas behind meditation, with a family plan to share. Steps vs Waking Up →
Stoic A journaling app with morning and evening check-ins, mood tracking and breathing. People who want journaling, mood charts and breathing in one app. Steps vs Stoic →

Facts and prices come from each company's own website and US App Store listing, checked on 13 September 2026. All names belong to their owners. Prices change, so check theirs before you choose.

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