1. Insight Timer

Insight Timer isn't just your regular mindfulness app; it's a treasure trove of compassion-focused sessions. While many people know it for its soothing sleep stories, fewer are aware of its unique social component. Users can join groups with like-minded people who share their interests in compassion-focused practices. From free teacher-led courses to community circles, this app brings a unique approach to mindfulness with a communal touch. Plus, the live events provide real-time engagement that is rare in most mindfulness apps.

2. Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind offers a unique perspective on mindfulness by targeting a demographic often overlooked: young people and schools. Besides the usual individual mindfulness exercises, this app segments its users along age and experience, offering specialized programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This makes it inclusive, addressing the specific challenges and needs different age groups face. Furthermore, teachers can access tailored plans to integrate mindfulness practices into their classrooms, thus fostering a culture of compassion and mindfulness from a young age.

3. 10% Happier

Another less-known but highly effective app is 10% Happier, which emphasizes secular mindfulness and compassion practices. What sets this app apart is its integration of science and storytelling. Featuring insightful interviews with behavioral scientists and mindfulness experts, this app builds a solid foundation of scientific literacy around the benefits of mindfulness, making it a compelling choice for skeptics. Users can access a variety of compassion-focused mindfulness exercises designed to foster self-kindness and empathy.

4. Unplug

Unplug is a visually captivating app that offers users a unique blend of design and functionality. Unlike other mindfulness apps, Unplug makes extensive use of colors and visuals to create a truly engaging experience. One lesser-known feature is its seven-day immersion plans, which focus specifically on developing compassion. These plans include daily video lessons and practical exercises that encourage a deeper connection to oneself and others. With its vibrant interface and captivating content, Unplug makes mindfulness practice exciting and accessible.

5. Mindful Powers

Mindful Powers is an app that seamlessly intertwines mindfulness and interactive storytelling for children. This app aims to teach kids how to cope with stress through a series of engaging stories and interactive gameplay. A less-known feature is its use of narrative therapy, where children follow a character named Flibbert as they learn to regulate their emotions. The app's curriculum is scientifically validated, making it a trustworthy tool for parents and educators looking to introduce mindfulness and compassion to children in an educational yet entertaining way.

6. Calm

Calm is one of the most popular mindfulness apps, but its features go beyond traditional guided meditations. Not widely known, Calm also offers nature soundscapes and multi-day gratitude series, which are designed to cultivate emotional resilience and compassion. Moreover, the app includes a collection of bedtime stories known as ‘Sleep Stories,’ narrated by celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey and Leona Lewis. These stories help users wind down and create a sense of peace and empathy before sleep.

7. Ahimsa

Ahimsa focuses exclusively on compassion-based mindfulness practices inspired by ancient Indian philosophies. One of the app's unique features is its integration of the principle of non-violence into daily mindfulness practices. Users are encouraged to cultivate deep empathy not just for themselves but for all beings. Ahimsa offers a variety of programs ranging from loving-kindness meditations to mindfulness practices aimed at reducing harm in our daily activities. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a holistic approach to mindfulness.

8. Aura

Aura differentiates itself by offering users a machine learning-based personalization of mindfulness practices. This app uses AI to curate mindfulness practices tailored to individual users’ needs, including compassion and empathy exercises. While the app includes a range of traditional meditations, it also features unique, personalized stories and music tracks aimed at nurturing a sense of connection and compassion. This high level of customization makes Aura particularly effective for users looking to address specific emotional challenges.

9. Simple Habit

Though often marketed for its five-minute meditation practices, Simple Habit has a lesser-known side focused on compassion and community. This app offers specific meditations designed to enhance compassionate behaviors and even includes a ‘Meet a Mentor’ feature that provides personalized guidance. Furthermore, users can engage with community challenges that promote teamwork and the collective pursuit of compassion-centered goals. The combination of quick practices and community involvement makes it a comprehensive tool for busy individuals looking to develop compassion quickly but effectively.

10. Stop, Breathe & Think

Stop, Breathe & Think stands out with its emotional check-in feature, which helps users identify their feelings before offering a curated list of meditations. A lesser-known aspect of this app is its focus on community and giving back. Through partnerships with non-profits and schools, it provides mindfulness programs to underserved communities. Users can also set up compassion challenges that encourage acts of kindness and mindfulness. This makes ‘Stop, Breathe & Think’ not only a tool for personal development but also a way to impact wider communities positively.

11. Breethe

More than just a meditation app, Breethe offers a holistic approach to mindfulness that includes coaching sessions on compassion and forgiveness. A lesser-known feature is its series on relationships and emotional intelligence, aimed at fostering compassion in personal interactions. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship with yourself or others, Breethe offers comprehensive tools, including guided meditations, breathing exercises, and therapeutic content designed to cultivate a compassionate mindset. Many users find its approach to be holistic and deeply impactful.

12. Buddhify

Buddhify is a well-rounded mindfulness app that includes on-the-go meditation sessions. Unique to Buddhify is its focus on everyday activities. Users can meditate while commuting, eating, or even walking. One lesser-known feature is its comprehensive focus on compassionate living. Besides regular mindfulness practices, it offers specific programs that emphasize empathy and kindness towards others. By integrating mindfulness seamlessly into daily life, users find it easier to embed compassion into their everyday interactions, making it a great choice for those with busy schedules.

12 Compassion-Centric Mindfulness Apps You Should Try for a Calmer Mind

• Insight Timer: Offers community-based mindfulness sessions and live events that promote compassion.
• Smiling Mind: Provides specialized programs for different age groups, including school plans to instill mindfulness and compassion in young people.
• 10% Happier: Combines science and storytelling to emphasize compassion in a secular mindfulness setting.
• Unplug: Uses vibrant visuals and seven-day immersion plans focused on developing compassion.
• Mindful Powers: Integrates interactive storytelling and narrative therapy to teach children mindfulness and compassion.
• Calm: Features nature soundscapes and celebrity-narrated bedtime stories to foster emotional resilience and compassion.
• Ahimsa: Offers a holistic approach with non-violence and ancient Indian philosophies at its core.
• Aura: Utilizes AI for personalized mindfulness practices, including compassion and empathy exercises.
• Simple Habit: Provides quick five-minute practices and community challenges centered on compassion.
• Stop, Breathe & Think: Focuses on emotional check-ins and community engagement to foster compassion.
• Breethe: Includes coaching sessions on relationships and emotional intelligence.
• Buddhify: Features on-the-go meditation with a focus on compassionate living.

Incorporating these apps into your daily routine not only helps achieve a calmer mind but also fosters a sense of compassion for yourself and others.