Waking Up vs Breethe: Which Meditation App Wins in 2025?

Waking Up by Sam Harris offers a deep, philosophical approach to mindfulness, ideal for those seeking wisdom beyond basic relaxation. Breethe, on the other hand, focuses on sleep and stress relief with over 1700 guided sessions, perfect for beginners and those prioritizing calm. Both apps have high ratings and millions of downloads, but cater to different meditation goals. This comparison helps you choose based on your personal journey.

Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app icon

Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom

Recommended
Rating
★ 4.61
Downloads
1,000,000+
Developer
Waking Up LLC
View on Play Store
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app icon

Breethe - Sleep & Meditation

Rating
★ 4.61
Downloads
1,000,000+
Developer
Breethe
View on Play Store

About this app A Life-Changing Approach to Mindfulness—Learn More than Basic Relaxation Methods Recognized as a 2025 Pick by NYT Wirecutter Featured as a 2026 pick for the App Store “App of the Day” Thousands worldwide call Waking Up life changing. Whether you want better s…

Pros

  • Philosophical depth with talks from Sam Harris and other experts
  • Daily guided meditations that build a structured practice
  • Includes music and sleep content as well
  • Ad-free experience with no distractions
  • Awarded by NYT Wirecutter and App Store App of the Day

Cons

  • Limited free content; subscription required after trial
  • Less variety in sleep-specific meditations compared to Breethe
  • May feel too intellectual or intensive for casual users

Breathe mindfulness, peace and restful sleep into your life. De-stress, be happier & healthier with over 1700 guided meditations, soothing music, nature sounds, inspirational talks and much more from leading experts in their field. Recommended by People & InStyle. Can’t sleep?…

Pros

  • Over 1700 guided meditations, sleep stories, and music
  • Excellent sleep support with bedtime routines and sounds
  • Recommended by People and InStyle magazines
  • Beginner-friendly with easy navigation
  • Offline download capability for on-the-go use

Cons

  • Some users report repetitive content after extended use
  • May lack deep philosophical teachings for advanced practitioners
  • Occasional ads in the free version

Final Verdict

Our pick: Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom

For users seeking a transformative, intellectually rigorous meditation practice, Waking Up is the clear winner with its unique curriculum and philosophical depth. However, if your primary need is sleep support or a vast library of guided meditations, Breethe offers more variety and immediate relaxation tools. Considering overall value and depth, Waking Up stands out for long-term growth. We recommend Waking Up for its life-changing potential and award-winning content.

Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app icon

Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 1
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 1
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 2
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 2
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 3
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 3
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 4
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 4
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 5
Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom Android app screenshot 5
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app icon

Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 1
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 1
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 2
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 2
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 3
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 3
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 4
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 4
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 5
Breethe - Sleep & Meditation Android app screenshot 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app has higher ratings?

Breethe has a slightly higher rating at 4.6276 compared to Waking Up's 4.6108, but both are highly rated with millions of installs.

Can I use these apps offline?

Yes, both apps allow offline downloads for premium users. Breethe explicitly promotes offline access, while Waking Up also supports it.

Are there ads in these apps?

Waking Up is completely ad-free. Breethe may show ads in its free version but removes them with a subscription.

What are the device requirements?

Both apps require Android 5.0 or higher and work on most modern smartphones. Check Google Play for specific device compatibility.

Which app should I choose?

Choose Waking Up if you want a deep, philosophical meditation practice. Choose Breethe if you need extensive sleep content and guided meditations for relaxation.