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Data as of Oct 16, 2026Based on 130 AI responses
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Calm holds a narrow lead over Insight Timer, earning recommendations primarily for celebrity sleep stories, relaxation, and soothing soundscapes. When seekers need straightforward routines without mystical framing, Ten Percent Happier is often suggested for skeptical practitioners.
Rank and Mentioned in · since Jul 6
| # | Brand | Recommended for | Mentioned in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | sleep stories, relaxing soundscapes, and nighttime relaxation routines | sleep stories, relaxing soundscapes, and nighttime relaxation routines | 93% |
| 2 | a massive free library featuring thousands of meditation teachers | a massive free library featuring thousands of meditation teachers | 92% |
| 3 | structured foundational courses and mindfulness exercises for beginners | structured foundational courses and mindfulness exercises for beginners | 84% |
| 4 | theory-heavy, philosophical mindfulness sessions for experienced practitioners | theory-heavy, philosophical mindfulness sessions for experienced practitioners | 37% |
| 5 | a completely free, non-profit app with foundational courses | a completely free, non-profit app with foundational courses | 24% |
| 6 | customizable soundscapes, sleep tracking, and bedtime audio mixes | customizable soundscapes, sleep tracking, and bedtime audio mixes | 22% |
| 7 | free, psychologist-designed mindfulness programs organized across age groups | free, psychologist-designed mindfulness programs organized across age groups | 19% |
| 8 | practical, no-nonsense mindfulness techniques suited for meditation skeptics | practical, no-nonsense mindfulness techniques suited for meditation skeptics | 18% |
| 9 | neuroscience-backed mindfulness curricula provided entirely through non-profit access | neuroscience-backed mindfulness curricula provided entirely through non-profit access | 15% |
| 10 | bedtime stories, hypnosis tracks, and targeted insomnia relief | bedtime stories, hypnosis tracks, and targeted insomnia relief | 12% |
| 11 | 12% | ||
| 12 | 9% | ||
| 13 | 8% | ||
| 14 | 8% | ||
| 15 | 7% |
What’s changing · since July
Since July, Insight Timerrising has grown across the market to become one of the three most cited options for sleep stories and soundscapes. Sleepiestrising has also picked up regular mentions for bedtime audio after being absent previously.
Weeks of Sep 21 – Oct 5, 2026 · Since Jul 5
Widest split: Smiling Mind, 8% on ChatGPT Search and 31% on Google AI Mode.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm | 94% | 92% | |
| Insight Timer | 94% | 89% | |
| Headspace | 83% | 84% | |
| Waking Up | 42% | 31% | |
| Medito | 20% | 28% | |
| BetterSleep | 27% | 17% | |
| Smiling Mind | 8% | 31% | |
| Ten Percent Happier | 17% | 20% | |
| Healthy Minds Program | 5% | 25% | |
| Slumber | 11% | 14% |
25% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. verywellmind.com, nytimes.com, youtube.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
Market map
Mentioned in · since Jul 6
Leading brands by topic
What is the best meditation app?
What's the best mindfulness or meditation app for a beginner?
Which meditation apps focus on sleep stories and soundscapes?
