The best free apps for anxiety in 2026 (that are actually free)

When you’re anxious, the last thing you need is to download an app, answer twenty questions about your feelings, and then hit a paywall.

Here are the best anxiety apps that are genuinely free, or have a free version that’s actually useful, as of October 2026.

Full disclosure: we make Breatheasy, so we’re not neutral. We’ve put it first because its core tools for anxiety and panic are free forever. We’ve tried to describe the other apps fairly. Free features and prices change, so check the app store before you decide.

What counts as “free” here

We’ve included apps where the tools you need most, especially in an anxious moment, are free to use without a trial or a card. Some have optional paid extras.

1. Breatheasy: best free app for panic attacks and anxiety

Breatheasy is built around one big button: “I’m feeling anxious.” Tap it and Luma walks you through it: rate how strong the anxiety feels, breathe slowly as your phone pulses gently, ground yourself with 5-4-3-2-1, then see how far the anxiety came down.

Free forever:

• the panic button, which works without internet and without an account
• breathing exercises (Calm, Box and 4-7-8) with gentle vibrations
• a tool for riding out urges, especially useful for OCD
• crisis help and an emergency contact one tap away
• ten-second check-ins and a journal
• the first lesson in each course, and two sleep sounds
• calming games, a Calm Garden and a kind streak with a free rest day each week

Optional Premium: chats with Luma, all lessons, mood patterns, and all sleep sounds and stories, for $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year. The 3-day trial needs no card and never charges you automatically.

Worth knowing: Breatheasy is coming soon to iPhone and Android, so it isn’t in the app stores yet.

2. Medito: completely free meditation

Medito is run by a nonprofit foundation and makes its meditations, courses, sleep stories, breathing exercises and timer free, without needing an account.

Best for: meditation and sleep, with no upsells.

3. Insight Timer: the biggest free library

Insight Timer has a very large library of free guided meditations, talks and music from many different teachers, plus a free timer. There’s an optional paid tier.

Best for: variety, and trying lots of different voices and styles.

4. Mindfulness Coach: free, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs

Made by the VA’s National Center for PTSD, Mindfulness Coach teaches mindfulness step by step. It’s free, has no in-app purchases, and anyone can use it, not just veterans.

Best for: learning mindfulness in a structured, no-frills way.

5. PTSD Coach: free help for trauma-related anxiety

Also from the VA’s National Center for PTSD, PTSD Coach offers education about PTSD, a self-assessment, ways to find support and tools for managing stress. It’s free and open to anyone.

Best for: anxiety linked to past trauma.

6. Breathe2Relax: free breathing, from the US Defense Health Agency

Breathe2Relax teaches diaphragmatic breathing with guided exercises. It was first designed for the military community and is now available to the public, free.

Best for: a simple, focused breathing coach.

7. Apple Watch Mindfulness app: built in

If you have an Apple Watch, the built-in Mindfulness app includes Breathe sessions guided by an animation and gentle taps on your wrist.

Best for: quick, discreet breathing breaks.

8. Finch: gentle self-care for free

Finch turns small self-care goals into caring for a virtual pet bird. Its core features are free, with an optional paid tier.

Best for: building small daily habits in a soft, friendly way.

9. DARE: free audios for anxiety and panic

DARE, based on Barry McDonagh’s book, offers a large set of free guided audios for anxiety, panic and worry, with paid premium extras.

Best for: people who like to listen, and a “lean into it” approach.

10. Rootd: a free panic button

Rootd offers a free panic button, breathing and a journal, with more content in a paid subscription.

Best for: another panic-focused option with lessons available on the paid plan.

Quick comparison

App	Best for	Free without a trial?
Breatheasy	Panic and anxiety in the moment	Yes, core tools free forever
Medito	Meditation and sleep	Yes, everything
Insight Timer	Variety of meditations	Yes, most content
Mindfulness Coach	Learning mindfulness	Yes, everything
PTSD Coach	Trauma-related anxiety	Yes, everything
Breathe2Relax	Breathing	Yes, everything
Apple Watch Mindfulness	Breathing on your wrist	Yes, built in
Finch	Gentle habits	Yes, core features
DARE	Audio for panic	Yes, free audios
Rootd	Panic help	Yes, some tools

A note on apps that have closed

Some lists still include apps that are no longer available. For example, the App Store listing for MindShift CBT said it would stop being updated or supported after March 31, 2025. Check an app is still active before you rely on it.

How to spot a “free” app that isn’t

• A card for the trial. If a “free trial” needs your card, it may start charging automatically unless you remember to cancel.
• Everything locked after setup. Some apps ask lots of questions, then show a paywall.
• Ads and trackers. Read the privacy policy. Free apps sometimes make money from your data.
• Help in a crisis. A good app points you to real help, like 988 or 911, rather than keeping you in the app.

When an app isn’t enough

Free apps can help a lot, but if anxiety is affecting your life, talk to a doctor. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, for some people, medicine help most people. If cost is a barrier, community health centers offer care on a sliding scale (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov). If you’re having thoughts of ending your life, call or text 988 (US) now.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free app for anxiety?

For help in the middle of anxiety or panic, we built Breatheasy so that its panic button, breathing and journal are free forever. For free meditation, Medito and Insight Timer are excellent. The VA’s Mindfulness Coach and PTSD Coach are also free.

Are there completely free anxiety apps with no subscription?

Yes. Medito, Mindfulness Coach, PTSD Coach and Breathe2Relax are free with no subscription. Breatheasy’s core tools are free forever, with an optional Premium.

Are free anxiety apps safe?

Many are, but check the privacy policy, especially what happens to your data, and whether the app shows ads or uses trackers. Apps from nonprofits and government agencies are often a good choice.

Do free anxiety apps work?

Research suggests apps can reduce anxiety a little on average, particularly those based on CBT and mood tracking. They work best as a support alongside treatment, not a replacement.

Sources

• Mobile apps, National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Breathe2Relax app fact sheet, Defense Health Agency, 2025
• Start a Reflect or Breathe session on Apple Watch, Apple Support
• MindShift CBT on the App Store, Apple
• Current evidence on the efficacy of mental health smartphone apps for symptoms of depression and anxiety, Linardon and others, World Psychiatry, 2024