// MEDITATION APPS
Waking Up vs Ten Percent Happier: Complete Meditation App Comparison Guide
Waking Up and Ten Percent Happier represent two distinct approaches to meditation apps, each targeting different user mindsets and goals. Waking Up, created by neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris, focuses on consciousness exploration and non-dual awareness through a structured philosophical lens. Ten Percent Happier, founded by journalist Dan Harris, takes a practical, skeptic-friendly approach with evidence-based teachings from renowned meditation teachers. Both apps cost $99 annually and cater to users seeking deeper understanding rather than simple relaxation. However, they differ significantly in teaching methodology, content structure, and target audience. Waking Up emphasizes theoretical understanding of consciousness and self-inquiry, while Ten Percent Happier focuses on practical application and habit formation for busy, analytically-minded individuals.
Waking Up
$99
Ten Percent Happier
$99
[FEATURE COMPARISON]
| Feature | Waking Up | Ten Percent Happier |
|---|---|---|
|
Teaching Approach The fundamental methodology and philosophy behind the meditation instruction |
Philosophical/consciousness-based with non-dual awareness focus | Practical/evidence-based with skeptic-friendly explanations |
|
Content Structure How the meditation content is organized and delivered to users |
28-day introductory course + theory + conversations | 500+ guided meditations + video lessons + teacher-led courses |
|
Instructor Variety Range and diversity of meditation teachers available |
Limited instructors, primarily Sam Harris-led content | High-profile teachers including Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg |
|
Session Length Options Range of meditation session durations available |
Primarily structured course format with set durations | Flexible lengths from 5-30 minutes with timer options |
|
Free Content Access Amount and quality of content available without subscription |
Minimal free content, requires subscription for full experience | Limited free tier with basic meditations and introductory content |
|
Target User Profile The ideal user demographic and experience level for each app |
Serious seekers interested in consciousness and philosophy | Skeptical beginners and busy professionals seeking practical benefits |
|
Additional Features Extra tools and content beyond basic guided meditations |
Philosophy podcasts, consciousness theory, self-inquiry practices | Video lessons, SOS meditations, daily dose sessions, podcast integration |
[PROS & CONS]
Waking Up
Pros
- Deep philosophical insights into consciousness and self-awareness
- Unique non-dual awareness approach rarely found in other apps
- High-quality theoretical content with neuroscience backing
- Free scholarships available for those who cannot afford subscription
Cons
- Limited instructor variety compared to competitors
- Advanced concepts may overwhelm meditation beginners
- Less flexible session structure and timing options
Ten Percent Happier
Pros
- Excellent for skeptical beginners with practical explanations
- High-profile meditation teachers including Joseph Goldstein
- Flexible session lengths from 5-30 minutes plus timers
- Video lessons provide valuable context before meditations
- Strong focus on building sustainable daily habits
Cons
- Higher subscription cost compared to some meditation apps
- Smaller overall content library than some competitors
- Limited free content makes it hard to evaluate before subscribing
[OUR VERDICT]
Ten Percent Happier wins for its practical approach, extensive teacher variety, and better content flexibility, making meditation accessible to more users.
The choice between Waking Up and Ten Percent Happier ultimately depends on your philosophical orientation and meditation goals. Waking Up excels for users seeking profound insights into consciousness and the nature of self. Sam Harris's background in neuroscience and philosophy creates a unique approach that goes beyond stress reduction to explore fundamental questions about awareness and identity. The app's structured 28-day course provides a solid foundation, though the content can feel intellectually demanding for casual users.
Ten Percent Happier proves superior for practical meditation application and habit formation. With over 500 guided meditations from respected teachers like Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg, it offers more variety and flexibility. The app's strength lies in making meditation accessible to skeptics and busy professionals through evidence-based explanations and bite-sized sessions. The integration of video lessons before meditations helps users understand the 'why' behind practices, making concepts stick better.
For content depth and instructor diversity, Ten Percent Happier takes the lead with its extensive library and renowned teacher roster. However, Waking Up offers a more transformative experience for those ready to explore deeper philosophical territory. The price point of $99 annually is identical, making the decision purely about approach and personal preference.
Ten Percent Happier emerges as the more versatile choice for most users due to its practical approach, extensive content library, and proven ability to help skeptical beginners develop sustainable meditation habits while still offering depth for advanced practitioners.
Our pick:
Ten Percent Happier
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