There is so much buzz today about the benefits of meditation, and it has always seemed like something I should do, but I struggled to make it a consistent habit. I have dabbled on and off for years with YouTube videos and meditation podcasts, and while they were great options, I felt that I needed more guidance and structure. Then I discovered the Balance app.
Whether you’re brand-new to meditation or an experienced pro looking for a fresh approach, Balance adapts to meet your needs. Over the past year, this app has not only made meditation easy and accessible but has also significantly improved my mental well-being. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about Balance, including my personal experience using it daily.
***This post is not sponsored. While I do offer a link to sign up, I am not compensated if you use it. I just want to share a great product with my readers!
What Is the Balance App?
At its core, Balance is a guided meditation app designed to help users manage stress, build focus, sleep better, and incorporate self-care into their lives. But it’s so much more than that! The app’s standout features for me were the structured plans and customization—it tailors meditations to your mood, goals, and progress, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned meditators.
Platforms: Available on iOS and Android, Balance works seamlessly on your smartphone or tablet.
Cost: After an impressive 1-year free trial, the app costs $69.99 annually or $399 for lifetime access. However, since I’ve been using Balance, they continuously have some kind of promotion going on to reduce the price in order to keep you as a customer. For example, mine is currently displaying an offer for a lifetime membership for $99.99, which I think is a great deal!
Why Balance Stands Out
Key Features
1. Daily Check-ins for Tailored Meditations
If you are not sure which meditation to choose or which skills to work on, you can use the Daily Meditation where you are prompted select how you’re feeling that day. Based on your response, it recommends a meditation to meet your current needs. I use the feature a lot because it encourages me to check in with myself and prioritize self-care.
2. Meditation Plans for All Goals
Balance offers structured plans for specific goals, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Improving focus and productivity
- Sleeping better
- Lifting your mood
I started with the foundational plans, which were perfect for learning the basics of meditation. Now, I’m working through a plan focused on increased productivity, and I love how it simplifies decision-making by guiding me step by step. One downside, in my opinion, is that the advanced foundations plans take a minimum of 15 minutes. I wish there was an option to continue to deepen my skills without increasing the time required because let’s face it, we’re all busy! 15 minutes might not sound like much, but when time is of the essence, shorter meditations are my go-to’s.
3. Sleep Tools
For those turning to meditation as a way to improve sleep quality or their ability to fall asleep, Balance has a variety of tools, including:
- Guided sleep meditations
- White noise and color noise options
- Soothing bedtime stories
- Sound immersions to quiet your mind
These features have helped me drift off more easily on restless nights, especially when my mind won’t stop racing.
4. Single Meditations for On-the-Go Use
If you prefer flexibility, there are plenty of single meditations to use. Some of my favorites I do again and again include:
- Waking Up
- Midday Reset
- Gratitude
- Morning Brew
These quick options fit seamlessly into a hectic schedule, making it easy to prioritize mental health. Regardless of when you are trying to fit meditation into your day, there is something here for you. I know as a toddler mom that as soon as I get into a rhythm, something will change and I’ll back to the drawing board. Flexibility is a must for me to squeeze in self-care where I can.
5. Custom Work and Focus Timers
One of my favorite features is the app’s options for finding focus. Depending on the day, I will alternate between lo-fi music or task timers with background focus noise. The Pomodoro technique options make tackling long tasks manageable and even enjoyable. This is a great addition for anyone trying to implement block scheduling into their day because you can set the timer for the length of your block and focus on the task at hand until it goes off.
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Ease of Use
The app’s user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Even as a beginner, I never felt overwhelmed or confused. However, some meditation plans require you to complete prerequisites before unlocking advanced content, which helps build foundational skills but can feel restrictive if you’re ready to dive into something specific.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gamification Keeps You Motivated: Streaks, badges, and daily reminders make building a meditation habit fun and rewarding.
- Variety to Keep Things Fresh: Whether you’re meditating for focus, stress relief, or sleep, Balance will have something for you.
- Customizable Options: Adjust the length of meditations and choose between two instructor voices to suit your preferences.
- Beginner-Friendly: The step-by-step guidance ensures anyone can start meditating confidently.
Cons
- Limited Appeal for Advanced Users: Some experienced meditators may find the instructions and explanations too detailed.
- Balance has a smaller meditation library than apps like Calm or Headspace. However, they consistently update and add new options.
- Advanced Plans Start at 15 Minutes: While this might not bother everyone, I prefer shorter sessions as part of my busy morning routine.
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How I Use Balance
I start most mornings with a quick 5-10 minute meditation from Balance to ground myself and set intentions for the day. It’s become a core part of my self-care routine and has noticeably improved my mood and stress management skills.
The “while you work” meditations are perfect for deep focus. Whether I’m tackling blog posts, managing household tasks, or brainstorming new ideas, the lo-fi music and timers help me stay productive without distractions.
I also love the fun stress relief activities, like a walking meditation or a wind-down session before bed. Balance is versatile enough to fit into any part of my day.
Comparison to Competitors
I’ve tried other apps like Calm and Headspace, but here’s why I chose Balance:
- 1-Year Free Trial: Most apps only offer 1-2 weeks, which isn’t enough to establish a habit. Balance gives you time to explore and build consistency.
- Tailored Recommendations: Balance’s personalized approach makes it feel like a meditation coach in your pocket.
- Focus on Beginners: While Calm has a larger meditation library, Balance excels at teaching the fundamentals and guiding you through the process.
Is Balance Right for You?
If you’re new to meditation or looking to rekindle your practice, Balance is an excellent choice. Its tailored approach, guided plans, and fun features make it approachable and effective. However, advanced meditators might find the content too basic or that there is too much talking and explanation.
Final Thoughts: My Life with Balance
After a year of using Balance, I can confidently say it has made a noticeable difference in my life. On days when I stick to my practice, I feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to handle stress. When I fall out of the habit, I quickly notice the difference—it’s a reminder of just how powerful these daily activities can be for improving mental health.
If you’re curious about meditation, I highly recommend giving Balance a try. With a free year of premium access, there’s nothing to lose—and you might just gain a new perspective on how to relieve stress and anxiety in your life.
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FAQs
How much does Balance App cost?
After the 1-year free trial, Balance costs $69.99 annually or $399 for lifetime access. Look out for discounts!
Is the Balance App really free for a year?
Yes! Your first year includes unlimited access to all premium features, meditations, and tools.
Is Balance better than Calm?
It depends on your needs. Balance is ideal for beginners and budget-conscious users, while Calm offers a larger meditation library for advanced users.
Can Balance help me sleep better?
Absolutely! The app offers guided meditations, sound immersions, and bedtime stories to help you drift off with ease.
Have you tried the Balance app? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! If you want to sign up for your FREE 1-Year Trial, you can do so using my link!
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