Finding moments of peace and focus in our increasingly noisy world can be a real challenge. Like many, I’ve explored various methods to aid sleep and concentration, from the humble fan to the more unconventional ticking clocks. When the opportunity arose to test the Calm app, I was eager to discover if it could offer a more structured approach to mindfulness and relaxation. So, how much is the Calm app, and does it live up to the hype? I spent several months exploring its features, and here’s my experience.
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Getting Started with Calm
The Calm app can be downloaded from their official website, the Apple App Store, or the Google Play Store. I chose to download it on my iPhone.
Upon downloading, you gain immediate access to a limited selection of free content. This includes a timed meditation, a single sleep story, and the initial session of a few multi-day meditation programs. However, this free content serves more as a preview of the premium version’s offerings. To truly benefit from the app’s potential, signing up for a full subscription is necessary.
Understanding Calm App Pricing
The Calm app offers different subscription options to cater to different needs. Understanding the cost is crucial to determining if it aligns with your budget and wellness goals. So, how much is the Calm app?
When I initially signed up, the pricing structure included:
- Monthly Subscription: $14.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.
- Annual Subscription: $69.99 per year with a 14-day free trial.
- Family Plan: $99.99 per year, covering up to six premium accounts.
- Lifetime Subscription: A one-time payment of $399.99 for permanent access. This option eliminates recurring subscription management.
It’s worth noting that as of January 2025, the Calm website primarily promotes the annual and family subscriptions. Information regarding the lifetime and monthly plans is less readily available and requires navigating through their FAQs.
I opted for the monthly subscription initially. This allowed me the flexibility to cancel if the app didn’t meet my expectations. The monthly cost was comparable to other premium streaming services I already used, making it a manageable addition to my expenses.
During the sign-up process, the app asks questions about your experience with meditation and sources of stress in your life. While these questions resemble those asked before engaging with a mental health service, they seem more geared towards data collection than personalizing the app experience.
My Personal Experience with the Calm App
My introduction to Calm, like many others, was through its advertisements. Amidst the usual barrage of commercials, Calm’s ads stood out with their soothing narratives and calming visuals, promising an escape from the daily grind.
Initially, I assumed Calm was primarily a story-reading service or a white noise generator for sleep. However, upon subscribing, I discovered a wealth of content far beyond my initial expectations.
One of Calm’s most impressive features is its extensive library of content, ensuring that users can find something that resonates with them. While rain soundscapes are abundant, Calm also features a diverse range of talented voice artists, including celebrities, covering various topics. For instance, listening to LeVar Burton guide me through the solar system proved surprisingly captivating and beneficial.
Calm also provides curated music playlists, including “Infinite Lofi for Focus,” one of three generative music channels. These channels feature seamlessly blended music designed to play continuously and adapt over time.
In addition to relaxation-focused content, Calm offers guided meditations for various situations, such as “Reducing Work Anxiety” and “Overcoming Negative Thinking.” I even paused writing this review to participate in a four-minute “Step Away From the Computer” meditation, which encouraged mindful movement and breathing exercises.
Exploring Calm’s Soundscapes
I started by exploring Calm’s soundscapes, particularly the rain sounds. Unlike my limited experience with Alexa’s rain sound playback, Calm offered over 15 different rain soundscapes, ranging from “Rainforest Rain” to the unexpectedly soothing “Car in the Rain.”
The app also features diverse and imaginative soundscapes beyond rain, including washing machines, ocean waves, city noise, airplane cabins, “Spaceship Engine Room,” and “Serene Submarine.”
Calm also offers limited-time soundscapes inspired by popular TV shows and books. While “The Office” soundscape was too noisy for my personal preference, I could see its appeal to other users.
For my specific needs, “Infinite Lofi for Focus” proved invaluable. I’ve found that listening to instrumental music without vocals helps me manage my ADHD during work. This playlist provided the ideal level of engagement without being distracting.
The Magic of Calm’s Sleep Stories
During my trial, I explored several of Calm’s sleep stories, which are easily accessible and feature playback controls similar to podcasts. These stories consist of original narratives and excerpts from books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Great Gatsby.
One particular sleep story, “Mr. Calm,” quickly became a favorite.
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Narrated by Mr. Calm, the story describes a serene world using calming imagery, such as a koala napping in a beanbag chair on spring break. The 39-minute story consistently lulled me to sleep within the first 10 minutes.
The Calm app acknowledges the effectiveness of its sleep stories, even sending a “Good Morning” message expressing hope that users never discover the ending.
However, the app’s effectiveness hinges on consistent engagement, similar to a gym membership.
Promotional stats highlighted the positive results reported by users. I found that on nights when I listened to “Mr. Calm” or rain sounds, I fell asleep more quickly. Conversely, on nights when my phone battery died and the room was too quiet, I missed the app’s calming influence.
Calm App: Pros & Cons
Overall, my experience with Calm was largely positive. However, like any app, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Wide variety of soundscapes, guided meditations, music, and narrated stories.
- Annual, family, and lifetime subscription plans available.
- Free 14-day trial.
- Features talented voice actors, meditation leaders, and celebrities.
- Crystal-clear audio quality.
- Options to set reminders, flag favorites, download content for offline use, and set sleep timers.
Cons:
- Refunds may not always be possible.
- Can be a waste of money if not used consistently.
Final Thoughts on Calm: Is It Worth The Cost?
Ultimately, I enjoyed my time exploring the Calm app and its diverse features. I even appreciated the app’s timely encouragement when I struggled to get out of bed one morning and saw a five-minute “Starting Off on the Right Foot” meditation.
The app’s portability is a significant advantage. As someone who prefers background noise, I appreciated replacing a droning fan with peaceful sounds or calming music.
Even during mundane tasks, like cleaning out a storage unit, Calm’s “Infinite Lofi for Focus” provided a soothing alternative to my usual podcasts.
Without this review, I might have remained within the confines of the rain soundscapes. However, I now see Calm as a valuable tool for my routine, provided I commit to consistent use.
In conclusion, the value of the Calm app depends on the user’s engagement.
Therefore, if the annual or lifetime subscription fits your budget, it’s worth considering for its long-term accessibility, regardless of monthly usage fluctuations. During busy periods, the subscription feels worthwhile, justifying the cost over several months.
The Calm app also makes a thoughtful gift for stressed individuals. While I might not purchase it for myself due to budget considerations, I enjoyed using the content and would appreciate receiving it as a gift.
Whether you seek a quick break or a longer meditation session, Calm offers a wide array of options. And if you’re curious about the sounds of a starship bridge, Calm has you covered. As for me, I’m still wondering what happens during the final 29 minutes of “Mr. Calm.”
