Headspace vs Calm: Which Is Better for Gifting?

Headspace: The Structured Approach

Headspace launched in 2010, founded by Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk. The app is known for its charming animations, structured meditation courses, and evidence-based approach backed by 65+ peer-reviewed studies.

What Sets Headspace Apart

• Structured meditation courses: Headspace organizes content into multi-day courses (e.g., "Basics" is 30 days, "Managing Anxiety" is 10 days). This progressive structure is perfect for beginners who want a clear learning path.
• Scientific research backing: Headspace has funded or participated in 65+ peer-reviewed studies showing measurable benefits for stress, focus, and sleep. This scientific credibility reassures skeptical recipients.
• Charming animations: Headspace's signature style features playful animations that explain meditation concepts. It's approachable and removes intimidation for newcomers.
• Focus music for productivity: Headspace has an extensive library of focus music, soundscapes, and work playlists designed to enhance concentration. This is great for students or knowledge workers.
• Movement integration: Headspace includes guided yoga sessions, cardio workouts, and mindful movement exercises—combining mental and physical wellness.
• Netflix partnership: Headspace has Netflix shows ("Headspace Guide to Meditation," "Headspace Guide to Sleep") that extend the brand and introduce meditation concepts in an accessible format.

Headspace Considerations

• Smaller meditation library: With 500+ meditations, Headspace has significantly less content than Calm's 1,500+. Advanced users might exhaust content faster.
• Less sleep content: While Headspace has "Sleepcasts" (ambient soundscapes with narration), it doesn't match Calm's extensive Sleep Stories library.
• More clinical aesthetic: Headspace's design is friendly but functional. It feels more like a wellness tool than a luxury relaxation app.

Calm: The Sleep & Relaxation Expert

Calm launched in 2012 and quickly became the highest-valued mental wellness app (valued at $2B+). Known for its serene design, celebrity Sleep Stories, and emphasis on both meditation and sleep, Calm takes a holistic approach to mental wellness.

What Sets Calm Apart

• Best-in-class sleep content: Calm's Sleep Stories are its killer feature—bedtime stories for adults narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Stephen Fry, and Harry Styles. These are genuinely soothing and effective for falling asleep.
• Larger content library: With 1,500+ meditations, Calm offers 3x more meditation content than Headspace. There's more variety for different moods, durations, and topics.
• Daily Calm: Every day, Calm releases a new 10-minute meditation on a relevant theme. Even free users get this, creating a daily ritual and reason to open the app.
• More calming aesthetic: Calm's design emphasizes tranquility—soft colors, nature scenes, gentle animations. The app itself feels like a mini-retreat.
• Better ambient sounds: Calm has an extensive library of nature sounds, rain, ocean waves, and other ambient audio for focus, relaxation, or sleep.
• Masterclasses: Calm includes video masterclasses from wellness experts on topics like mindful eating, positive psychology, and stress management.

Calm Considerations

• Less structured for beginners: Calm doesn't emphasize multi-day courses the way Headspace does. Beginners might feel overwhelmed by so many one-off session choices.
• Less movement content: Calm has some stretching videos but doesn't match Headspace's yoga and fitness integration.
• Fewer focus features: While Calm has focus music, it's not as extensive or central to the app as Headspace's productivity tools.

Winner by Use Case

Meditation Experience

The core meditation experience differs between the two apps:

• Headspace uses Andy Puddicombe's calm, friendly British voice for most meditations. Sessions feel structured and educational, often explaining why you're doing a technique.
• Calm features multiple narrators with different styles. Sessions tend to be more ambient and less instructional—they guide you into states rather than teaching techniques.

Verdict: Headspace is better for learning meditation as a skill. Calm is better for experienced meditators who just want guided relaxation.

Sleep Features

Both apps help with sleep, but Calm is the clear winner here:

• Calm has 100+ Sleep Stories, including celebrity narrators (Matthew McConaughey reading "Wonder," Harry Styles' "Dream With Me"). These are genuinely engaging bedtime stories that lull you to sleep.
• Headspace has "Sleepcasts"—ambient soundscapes with minimal narration. Think rain on a tent, a slow train ride, or waves on a beach. Less story, more atmosphere.

Both include sleep music, sleep meditations, and breathing exercises for sleep. But Calm's Sleep Stories are in a league of their own.

Verdict: If sleep is the primary concern, Calm is the better choice.

Design & Aesthetics

Design matters for wellness apps—the look and feel influence how relaxed you feel:

• Headspace uses playful orange and blue colors, charming animations, and a friendly, approachable style. It feels like a helpful coach.
• Calm uses soothing blues, nature photography, and gentle animations. It feels like a mini spa retreat on your phone.

Verdict: Calm's design is more relaxing and spa-like. Headspace's design is more energetic and motivating. Choose based on your recipient's personality.

Ease of Gifting

Both apps make gifting simple and elegant:

1. Purchase an annual membership as a gift on their website
2. Enter the recipient's email or generate a gift code
3. They receive instant access with personalized setup
4. Both apps offer beautiful digital gift cards you can print or email

Both apps are the same price ($69.99/year), so cost isn't a deciding factor. Both also offer family plans for up to 6 members if you want to gift to multiple people.

Our Final Recommendation

If your recipient is new to meditation or wants to build a consistent practice: Go with Headspace. The structured courses, scientific backing, and friendly teaching style make it the best meditation learning platform. Perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to reduce stress through evidence-based practices.

If your recipient struggles with sleep, anxiety, or stress and wants maximum content variety: Go with Calm. The Sleep Stories alone are worth the price, and the larger content library ensures they'll never get bored. Perfect for anyone who needs help winding down, relaxing, or sleeping better.

Both apps are genuinely life-changing for many people. You're gifting daily relief from stress, better sleep, and improved mental health. The recipient will think of you every time they feel calmer and more centered—making this one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.