Best Meditation Timer Apps (2026)
Compare StillMind vs Insight Timer vs Calm vs Headspace. Features, pricing, bells, offline mode—everything you need to choose the right timer for your practice.
Read Comparison →A Meditation Timer That Respects Your Practice
Beautiful, reliable timer with AI-guided meditations when you need them, silence when you don't. Customizable bells, intervals, and presets, all in your pocket. iOS & Android.
You don't need an app to teach you how to meditate. You know your technique. You know your breath.
Sometimes you need complete silence. Sometimes you need gentle guidance. Your practice isn't one-size-fits-all.
Most mindfulness timer apps force you to choose: either pre-recorded guided sessions that never quite fit, or a basic timer with nothing else. Subscription walls block features. Loading screens spike your cortisol.
You need a timer that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Pure Function, Zero Clutter
One tap to start. Adjustable duration. Customizable opening and closing bells. Optional interval bells at your chosen frequency. Dark mode for evening practice. That's the entire interface. Everything else gets out of your way.
Your Favorite Sessions, Instantly
Practice the same way each morning? StillMind learns your patterns and surfaces your most common durations, session types, and bell configurations as presets. 10-minute breath focus before breakfast? It's waiting for you, ready to start.
Bells That Actually Sound Like Bells
Most meditation timer apps use synthesized 'meditation sounds' that feel sterile. StillMind uses carefully recorded singing bowl bells, temple bells, and gongs. The same instruments you'd hear in an actual meditation hall. Our meditation bell timer respects your practice with authentic sounds. Because details matter.
Works Completely Offline
Your morning meditation shouldn't require WiFi. StillMind's timer works everywhere: airplanes, remote retreats, camping trips. Your practice, untethered.
How It Works
1
Set
Choose your duration (or pick a preset from your history)
2
Sit
Start the timer and meditate with your preferred technique
3
Rise
When the closing bell rings, your session automatically logs to your practice history
Why StillMind for Meditation Timing?
Compare StillMind's timer to other meditation apps
| Feature | StillMind | Meditation Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Timer | Free forever | Often behind paywall |
| Custom Bell Sounds | ✓ | Rarely available |
| Custom Session Duration | Any length | Preset options |
| Voice Notes During Session | Eyes closed, no interruption | Must open app |
| Journal Integration | Immediate reflection | Separate or none |
| Interval Bells (Optional) | ✓ | Sometimes |
| No Guided Content Pressure | ✓ | ✗ |
What Users Say
"I honestly love this app. It feels so wholesome and easy to use. The design is simple but really modern, and the dark mode makes it extra relaxing. Being able to customize meditations is great, but I also like that there are quick defaults when I just want to jump right in. Overall, it just feels calming, intuitive, and really supportive. Definitely one of the best meditation apps I've tried."— emaaaesasa
"I have never really had the habit of meditating but this app is so simple and intuitive that it is perfect for my chaotic mind. I love that you can adjust the session length and pick a meditation session type. The journal entry right afterwards is so perfect for you to jot your thoughts down after a session. This app is actually worth it. I actually look forward to my mornings now for my personal 2-5min moment with myself."— gabikrawczyk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the bell sounds?
Yes! Choose from singing bowls, temple bells, gongs, or silence. Adjust volume independently from your device.
Does the timer work with screen off?
Absolutely. StillMind respects battery life. Your screen can sleep; the timer keeps running.
Can I set interval bells?
Yes. Set interval bells at any frequency (every 5 minutes, every breath cycle count, etc.) to check your posture or transition practices.
What's the best meditation timer for iPhone?
StillMind works beautifully on iOS with full offline support, customizable bells, and seamless integration with your practice. Unlike other meditation timer apps, all core features are free forever with no ads or interruptions.
Can meditation timers work offline?
Yes. StillMind's timer works completely offline, making it perfect for airplanes, remote retreats, or anywhere without internet. Your practice never depends on connectivity.
Do I need a meditation timer or can I use my phone?
A dedicated meditation timer app provides gentle bells, automatic session logging, and no notifications disrupting your practice. StillMind eliminates the distraction of opening your phone's clock app and accidentally seeing messages.
What bell sound is best for meditation?
Singing bowls are most popular for their calming resonance, but the best sound is what feels right to you. StillMind offers authentic singing bowls, temple bells, and gongs so you can find your preference.
How long should I meditate as a beginner?
Start with 5 minutes daily and gradually increase. StillMind lets you set any duration and saves your preferences as presets, making it easy to build consistency without overthinking the setup each time.
Can I use a meditation timer while traveling?
Absolutely. StillMind works offline and adapts to any time zone automatically. Whether you're on a plane, in a hotel, or camping off-grid, your practice continues uninterrupted.
Are free meditation timers as good as paid ones?
StillMind's timer is free forever with full customization, authentic bell sounds, and offline functionality. Many paid apps lock basic timer features behind subscriptions. You shouldn't pay monthly just to sit quietly.
A timer that serves your practice, not the other way around
Free forever. No credit card required.
Start Your Meditation Timer
Interval bells. Direction compass. Free on iOS & Android.