Table of Contents
The Calm app is one of the most popular meditation and sleep apps out there. But before you get too excited about downloading it, you might be wondering: is Calm free to use?
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Calm is not entirely free, but it does offer a few things at no cost. Most of the content sits behind a paywall. There’s a 7-day free trial so you can test it out. If you love it, you’ll probably have to subscribe to unlock everything.
What You Can Access for Free
Let’s start with the good news: there is some free content on Calm. You don’t have to pay to get a taste of peace and relaxation.
Here’s what you get for free:
- One daily meditation (called the Daily Calm)
- A few sleep stories
- Some nature sounds and breathing exercises
- Basic programs to get started with meditation
That’s pretty cool if you’re dipping your toes in. But if you want to fully explore that ocean of zen, you’ll need a subscription.
Calm Premium Pricing Breakdown
Alright, time to talk dollars. Calm Premium is the full version of the app, and it’s packed with tons of goodies.
Here are your main pricing options:
- Annual Subscription: $69.99 per year (that’s about $5.83/month)
- Monthly Subscription: Not offered anymore as of 2024
- Lifetime Subscription: $399.99 (one-time payment)
Yes, the annual plan is the most popular. It’s much cheaper than most monthly-subscription mental wellness apps. And once you’re all in, there are no extra fees or sneaky upgrades.
What Do You Get With Calm Premium?
So, if you do decide to upgrade, what do you get in return?
Quite a bit, actually! Calm Premium gives you full access to:
- Over 100 guided meditations covering stress, anxiety, focus, and sleep
- More than 100 sleep stories read by voices like Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba
- Soothing music for relaxation, focus, or sleep
- New content added regularly
- Masterclasses from mindfulness experts
- Calm Kids – meditations and stories made just for children
Basically, think of it as a whole mental gym for your mind.
7-Day Free Trial – Try Before You Buy
Still on the fence? That’s totally fair. Calm knows this, which is why they offer a 7-day free trial for Premium.
Just be sure to cancel if you don’t want to be charged. Once the trial ends, you’ll auto-enroll in the annual subscription.
Here are some tips to avoid surprise charges:
- Set a reminder on your phone to cancel in 6 days
- Explore as much Premium content as possible during the trial
- Decide if the content actually helps your daily routine
Is the Calm Lifetime Subscription Worth It?
$399.99 sounds like a lot—but if you’re serious about long-term meditation or sleep help, it might be a smart buy.
Let’s break it down:
- Annual plan: $69.99/year
- Lifetime plan: $399.99
After about 6 years, the lifetime plan pays for itself. So, if you plan to use it long-term, it’s actually a good deal!
Family Plan: Share the Zen
If you have family or friends who also want to be calm and relaxed, there’s a Calm Family Plan.
Here’s how it works:
- Includes 6 premium accounts
- Costs about $99.99 per year
- Each user gets their own profile and recommendations
That breaks down to under $17 per person per year. Sweet, right?
Are There Discounts?
Yes! Calm often offers deals and promos. Here’s how you can snag them:
- Watch for seasonal sales (Black Friday, New Year, etc.)
- Check Calm’s email newsletter
- Students and teachers may be eligible for discounts
- Sometimes available through credit card benefits or promotions
Tip: Some companies or health insurance plans even offer Calm for free as a perk. Be sure to check!
Can You Cancel Anytime?
Yup. Canceling your Calm subscription is easy, but there’s a catch.
If you cancel, you’ll still have access to Premium until your current billing cycle ends. However, Calm does not offer refunds for unused time.
To cancel, just:
- Go to your phone’s subscription settings
- Select Calm
- Tap “Cancel Subscription”
Simple as that!
How Does Calm Compare to Other Apps?
Let’s have a quick look at how Calm stacks up:
| Feature | Calm | Headspace | Insight Timer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Content | Limited | Limited | Lots! |
| Annual Price | $69.99 | $69.99 | $0 (optional donation) |
| Kids Content | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sleep Stories | Yes | Yes | No |
So Calm is polished, packed with content, and great for sleep. But it does come at a price.
Final Thoughts
Calm is not a free app—but if mental wellness is a big priority for you, it might be worth the cost. The free version is great for short-term relaxing, but Premium unlocks a whole world of meditations, music, and magic nighttime stories.
Whether you try the free Daily Calm or dive into a lifetime of guided serenity, the Calm app can truly help you reset, breathe, and snooze like a pro.