Struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood? Need better sleep, mindfulness, or emotional support? There’s an app for that!
This easy-to-digest guide covers the best mental health and wellbeing apps—free and paid—to help you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. We’ve handpicked options vetted for their effectiveness and user experience, from AI-powered support to guided meditation.
Before You Dive In: Important Considerations
- Not a Replacement for Professional Help: While these apps offer valuable tools, they are not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you’re experiencing severe mental health challenges, please consult a healthcare professional.
- Privacy & Data Security: Always review an app’s privacy policy before use. Look for apps that clearly outline how they handle your personal data.
- Personal Fit: What works for one person may not work for another. Be open to trying a few different apps to find what resonates most with your needs and preferences.
- Consistency is Key: The benefits of these apps are often realised through consistent use. Try to integrate them into your daily routine.
Mental Health Support & Therapy Apps
(For anxiety, depression, and professional help)
- Best for: Mindfulness & meditation, beginners
- Key features: Guided meditations for various situations (stress, focus, kindness), sleepcasts (sleep stories), mindful movement exercises, dedicated courses on specific topics.
- Cost: Free (limited basic meditations), Premium ~£10/month or ~£50/year.
- Why try it? Renowned for its clear, friendly guidance and diverse content library. Excellent starting point for anyone new to meditation.
- User Review Highlight: “Headspace has transformed my mornings. Just 10 minutes makes a huge difference.”
- Best for: Sleep & relaxation, advanced meditation
- Key features: Extensive library of sleep stories (including celebrity narrators), breathing exercises, guided meditations (for anxiety, gratitude, self-esteem), nature soundscapes, Calm Body gentle stretching.
- Cost: Free trial, then ~£40/year (often offers student/educator discounts).
- Why try it? Ideal if racing thoughts keep you awake or you’re looking for deeper relaxation. Beautiful interface and a wide range of content.
- User Review Highlight: “Harry Styles’ sleep story is a game-changer! I’m out like a light.”
Woebot (AI Chatbot Therapy)
- Best for: Quick mental health check-ins, learning CBT/DBT skills
- Key features: AI chatbot leveraging Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, mood tracking, guided exercises for anxiety and depression, psychoeducation.
- Cost: Free
- Why try it? Offers accessible, immediate support and teaches practical coping strategies in a conversational format. It’s like texting a wise, supportive friend with a therapeutic toolkit.
- Considerations: Not a human therapist, best for skill-building and self-reflection.
BetterHelp (Online Therapy)
- Best for: Professional online counselling and therapy
- Key features: Access to licensed therapists (video, phone, chat), personalised matching process, diverse specialisations (anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma), unlimited messaging with your therapist.
- Cost: ~£50-80/week (billed monthly, financial aid often available).
- Why try it? Provides flexible, private, and convenient access to professional mental health support from the comfort of your home. Great for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person therapy.
- Important Note: BetterHelp is a subscription service, ensuring continuity of care.
Mood Tracking & Self-Care Apps
(For understanding emotions & building resilience)
- Best for: Comprehensive mood tracking & goal setting
- Key features: Customisable mood journal, CBT tools (thought records), gratitude logs, breathing exercises, actionable insights based on your entries, goal tracking for improving wellbeing.
- Cost: Free (with premium options for advanced features).
- Why try it? Helps you spot patterns in your emotions, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies. It’s a robust tool for self-awareness and personal growth.
- Best for: Quick, easy mood logging & habit monitoring
- Key features: One-tap mood tracking (choose emojis), activity tagging, habit tracking, visual statistics and charts, customisable moods and activities.
- Cost: Free (premium ~£3/month for more icons, backups, etc.).
- Why try it? Super simple and doesn’t require extensive writing, making it easy to maintain consistency. Great for visualising your emotional trends over time.
Finch (Self-Care Pet)
- Best for: Motivation & gamified self-care
- Key features: Care for a virtual pet (your “Finch”) by completing self-care tasks (e.g., hydration, journaling, meditating), daily prompts, reflective exercises, gratitude practice.
- Cost: Free (premium ~£5/month for more pet customisation and activities).
- Why try it? Makes self-care fun and rewarding, providing a gentle nudge to prioritise your wellbeing. Excellent for those who benefit from positive reinforcement and a sense of accomplishment.
Sleep & Relaxation Apps
(For better rest & stress relief)
- Best for: Tracking sleep quality & waking up refreshed
- Key features: Smart alarm that wakes you during your lightest sleep phase, detailed sleep analysis (sleep stages, quality), snore detection, sleep aid sounds, sleep notes for identifying influences.
- Cost: Free (limited features), Premium ~£30/year.
- Why try it? Helps you understand your sleep patterns and optimises your wake-up time to reduce grogginess. Perfect for improving overall sleep hygiene.
- Best for: Falling asleep fast & power naps
- Key features: Unique “dreamscapes” (dynamic combinations of music, voiceovers, and sound effects) designed for sleep and naps, guided meditations for focus.
- Cost: Free trial, then ~£10/month or ~£70/year.
- Why try it? Clinically designed with patented algorithms to help you quickly quiet your mind and drift off. Highly effective for those who struggle with insomnia or need a quick energy boost.
Productivity & Focus Apps
(For ADHD, stress, or motivation struggles)
- Best for: Beating phone addiction & staying focused
- Key features: Grow virtual trees by setting a timer and avoiding your phone, plant real trees with in-app coins (partnerships), track your focus time.
- Cost: ~£4 (one-time purchase for full features).
- Why try it? Turns productivity into a rewarding game, helping you build healthy focus habits and reduce screen time. A tangible way to see your progress.
- Best for: Robust website & app blocking across devices
- Key features: Comprehensive distraction blocking for websites and apps, syncs across all your devices (phone, tablet, computer), scheduling sessions, “locked mode” to prevent overriding.
- Cost: ~£7/month (discounts for longer subscriptions).
- Why try it? An essential tool for breaking serious doomscrolling or procrastination habits, especially for work or study. Provides a digital “lock” on distractions.
Bonus: UK-Specific Mental Health Resources
Beyond apps, here are trusted UK resources for support:
- Kooth – Free, safe, and anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people (under 25s) across the UK.
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7 confidential support for anyone struggling with their mental health).
- Mind – Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Excellent resources and local services.
- Shout 85258 – Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, confidential mental health support anytime.
Final Tips for Your Wellbeing Journey:
- Experiment and Personalise: Don’t be afraid to try a few different apps to see which ones best fit your needs and preferences. Your journey is unique!
- Start Small, Stay Consistent: Begin with short sessions (e.g., 5 minutes of meditation daily) and gradually increase. Consistency is more important than intensity.
- Integrate with Real-World Support: Apps are powerful tools, but they complement, not replace, other forms of support like talking to trusted friends and family, engaging in physical activity, spending time in nature, or professional therapy when needed.
- Listen to Yourself: Pay attention to how using an app makes you feel. If it’s not helping or feels overwhelming, it’s okay to try something new.
(All prices approximate as of June 2025—please check individual app stores for the latest pricing and terms.)