The right meditation app can transform your ability to focus. After testing dozens of meditation platforms, I've identified the apps that specifically excel at building concentration and training attention.
Each app offers unique approaches and techniques for developing the mental fitness required for sustained focus in our distraction-saturated world.
The Complete List
1. Waking Up by Sam Harris
Why it's essential: Created by neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris, Waking Up goes beyond basic mindfulness to explore the nature of consciousness itself. The app combines meditation practice with theory, helping you understand why these techniques work.
Key features: Daily meditations, introductory course, conversations with experts, and lessons on attention, consciousness, and the nature of mind. The practice timer and theory lessons work together to deepen both understanding and skill.
Best for: Intellectually curious meditators who want to understand the "why" behind meditation, not just the "how." Ideal for skeptics and those interested in secular, science-based approaches.
2. BrightMind
Why it's essential: Developed by Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher who bridges Eastern contemplative practices with Western science. BrightMind teaches a systematic approach to concentration training with clear, measurable progress.
Key features: Structured training programs, the unique "See-Hear-Feel" framework, and techniques specifically designed to enhance focus. Includes both guided and self-timed sessions with detailed instructions.
Best for: Serious meditators who want a systematic, skill-based approach to concentration training. Great for those willing to put in consistent practice for measurable results.
3. Headspace
Why it's essential: One of the most approachable meditation apps, Headspace makes mindfulness training accessible and enjoyable. Co-founded by former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe, it offers a gentle on-ramp to meditation practice.
Key features: Beginner-friendly guided meditations, focus-specific courses, sleepcasts, and mindful movement exercises. The animations and friendly interface lower the barrier to starting a practice.
Best for: Meditation beginners who want a gentle, well-structured introduction. Excellent for building a daily habit with minimal friction.
4. Ten Percent Happier
Why it's essential: Created for skeptics by skeptics, this app features meditation teachers like Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg alongside guided practices designed for busy, stressed people. The focus on practical applications makes meditation feel relevant to daily life.
Key features: Expert teachers, topic-specific courses, daily coaching, and meditations ranging from 3-30 minutes. Strong emphasis on applying mindfulness to real-world challenges including focus and concentration.
Best for: Skeptical beginners, busy professionals, and anyone who finds traditional meditation approaches too "woo-woo."
5. Calm
Why it's essential: While known for sleep content, Calm offers robust meditation programs including specific tracks for focus and concentration. The daily meditations and variety of teachers provide options for different preferences.
Key features: Daily Calm meditations, masterclasses from mindfulness experts, breathing exercises, and focus music. The app excels at creating a calming environment that makes meditation inviting.
Best for: People who want variety in their meditation practice and appreciate beautiful design. Good for those who need help calming a busy mind before focusing.
6. Insight Timer
Why it's essential: The world's largest free meditation library with over 100,000 guided meditations from thousands of teachers. This diversity means you can find exactly the style of concentration training that resonates with you.
Key features: Free access to massive meditation library, live events, courses, and customizable meditation timer. Includes many evidence-based attention training programs from various traditions.
Best for: Experienced meditators who want variety and freedom to explore different teachers and techniques. Budget-conscious practitioners who want quality content without subscription fees.
7. Oak Meditation & Breathing
Why it's essential: A minimalist app that focuses on the fundamentals: unguided meditation, guided meditation, and breathing exercises. The simplicity removes distractions and helps you build a consistent practice.
Key features: Clean, simple interface, customizable timers, breathing exercises, and optional guidance. No premium upsells or distractions—just meditation tools.
Best for: Minimalists who want a straightforward tool without complexity. Great for building self-directed practice once you've learned the basics.
8. Medito
Why it's essential: A completely free, non-profit meditation app with no ads, upsells, or premium content. Founded on the principle that meditation should be accessible to everyone, Medito offers quality guided meditations for focus and attention training.
Key features: Free courses including concentration training, daily meditations, timers, and breathing exercises. Content created by experienced meditation teachers and constantly updated.
Best for: Anyone who wants quality meditation guidance without cost barriers. Ideal for those committed to free, open-source tools.
How to Use This List
Don't download all these apps at once. Instead:
- Start with one app - Commit to 10-14 days before switching
- Match the app to your style - Intellectual? Try Waking Up. Complete beginner? Start with Headspace
- Practice daily - Even 10 minutes consistently beats occasional hour-long sessions. For specific techniques beyond what apps provide, explore these 10 tested exercises to improve focus, concentration, and attention
- Track your focus - Notice if your concentration improves in daily activities
The goal isn't to collect meditation apps—it's to build the skill of focused attention.
Meditation works best when combined with other focus-building strategies. Learn how to rein in mind wandering during focused work to apply your meditation practice to real work sessions.
What Makes a Great Meditation App for Focus?
The apps on this list share three qualities:
- Evidence-based techniques - They draw from established meditation traditions and modern neuroscience
- Specific attention training - Not just relaxation, but deliberate concentration practice
- Sustainable design - They help you build a consistent practice, not just consume content
Research shows that regular meditation can improve attention span, reduce mind-wandering, and enhance cognitive control. These apps provide the structure and guidance to make that research translate into real results.
Your attention is trainable. These apps give you the tools and techniques to strengthen it systematically.