Meditation app built for sceptics — practical, no-nonsense mindfulness teaching without the spiritual framing, formerly branded Ten Percent Happier.
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Happier -- rebranded from Ten Percent Happier in 2024, and still widely referred to by its old name -- built its reputation on a specific angle: meditation instruction for people who find the topic's usual spiritual or new-age framing off-putting. Its content leans on plain, practical language and features teachers and guests from psychology and neuroscience backgrounds alongside meditation teachers.
Like Headspace, content is organised into structured courses rather than a flat library -- stress, sleep, focus and general mindfulness fundamentals. What sets it apart is tone: explanations tend to address common scepticism directly ("does this actually do anything?") rather than assuming buy-in.
The app grew out of a long-running podcast interviewing meditation teachers, scientists and public figures about mindfulness -- some of that interview-style content carries over into the app, which is a different format from a typical guided-session library.
Subscription-based, usually with a free trial; exact pricing and trial length change periodically, so check the current offer directly on their site.
Best fit: someone who has actively resisted meditation because it felt too 'woo', and wants the practical, evidence-referencing framing instead. Less good fit: someone who already meditates comfortably and doesn't need the scepticism addressed.
Same limitation as any meditation app: a self-directed wellness tool, not a treatment for a diagnosed condition. For anxiety or depression that isn't responding to a regular practice, structured therapy is a different category of help.
In-depth science-based articles about this product
Learn more about how Happier (formerly Ten Percent Happier) supports these health areas