Healthy Minds Program
An app that teaches meditation with short lessons and practices, free.
What Healthy Minds Program does
Healthy Minds Program is a free meditation app from a non-profit linked to University of Wisconsin-Madison research. It pairs short podcast-style lessons with guided practices, including active ones you can do while going about your day. It works on iPhone, iPad and Android.
Healthy Minds is a good pick if you like to understand why before you practice. Each step starts with a short lesson, then a guided session that puts it to use.
Many practices are active, so you can do them while walking, cleaning or commuting instead of sitting still. There are also short well-being check-ins you can repeat over time.
It's free and runs on donations. It's lighter on sleep content than sleep-focused apps, so pair it with a sound app if bedtime is your main goal.
A good way to start: follow the path in order for a couple of weeks, one lesson and one practice a day. Try an active practice on your walk or commute so it fits into time you already have.
Alternatives to Healthy Minds Program
Who it's for
Skip it if: People mainly looking for sleep sounds or stories. Anyone who wants a big library of teachers.
Pricing
Free planHealthy Minds Program is free and supported by donations. No subscription is listed.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free with no in-app purchases listed
- Clear lessons alongside each practice
- Active practices fit into a busy day
- On iPhone and Android
Watch out for
- Little sleep-specific content
- Smaller library than the big paid apps
- Fewer voices to choose from
Want a course that teaches a habit one small step at a time? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “an app that gives me a two-minute lesson and a five-minute practice each day, in order, like a course”
Questions people ask
Is Healthy Minds Program free?
Yes. It's free and funded by donations, with no subscription listed on the App Store.
Who makes it?
Healthy Minds Innovations, a non-profit linked to research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do I have to sit still?
No. Many practices are active, so you can do them while walking or doing everyday tasks.
Is it on Android?
Yes. It's on Google Play and the App Store.