Alternatives Waking Up
Waking Up is a meditation app from Sam Harris, with a month-long introductory course, guided sessions and lessons on the ideas behind meditation. Steps is micro journaling in iMessage, a few questions about yesterday and today that you answer in writing. Choose Waking Up to learn and to sit, and Steps for a few words in iMessage about today.
| Compared | Steps | Waking Up |
|---|---|---|
| Kind of exercise | Micro journaling. You answer a few questions in writing | Meditation and lessons. You listen and sit Source |
| Where it happens | A message in iMessage on iPhone, iPad or Mac. Nothing to install | Its own app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Source |
| Time it asks | As long as your answers take, two to four questions, up to five with your own | A short meditation and lesson each day for a month to start Source |
| What you do | Reply to a message in your own words | Guided meditation and lessons, Moments, a timer, sleep content and a community Source |
| AI and your entries | Keeps and finds your words. Never scores your mood or gives advice | No AI features listed on its site Source |
| Price (US) | 30 free days, no card. Then $3 to $15 a month, you choose | $19.99 a month, $149.99 a year or $229.99 a year for a family, US App Store, and a free membership for anyone who can't afford it Source |
Details from Waking Up's own website and US App Store listing, checked on 14 September 2026. Prices change, so check theirs before you choose. Waking Up is a name that belongs to its owner.
You want something smaller than a course, like a message on the mornings you pick and a few questions about yesterday and today. You can answer standing in the kitchen with the day already half started.
