Software · head to head
Headspace vs BetterHelp
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Headspace paid subscription required for unlimited access; free tier is limited; BetterHelp pricing from $50-$90 per week billed every 4 weeks with location and therapist availability variations
- They diverge on capability: Headspace covers Guided meditations, BetterHelp covers Video Sessions.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Headspace and BetterHelp actually diverge.
| Attribute | Headspace | BetterHelp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12.99/month | $50/week |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2010 | 2013 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Headspace
- Guided meditations
- Sleep stories
- Focus playlists
- Breathing exercises
- SOS sessions
- Apple Health
- Google Fit
- Apple Watch
Only in BetterHelp
- Video Sessions
- Phone Sessions
- Messaging
- Journaling
- Worksheets
- HIPAA
- Cloud deployment
- Mobile support
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Headspace
- Workout trackingnot BetterHelp
- Nutrition managementnot BetterHelp
- Health monitoringnot BetterHelp
- Fitness coachingnot BetterHelp
- Wellness improvementnot BetterHelp
BetterHelp
- Online therapy with licensed mental health professionalsnot Headspace
- Flexible scheduling with messaging, video, phone, and live chat optionsnot Headspace
- Access to 150+ worksheets and therapy support modulesnot Headspace
- Weekly free group seminars with expert therapistsnot Headspace
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Headspace
- Paid subscription required for unlimited access; free tier is limited
- Mobile-first design means web experience is less feature-complete than mobile apps
- Limited integration with other health and fitness apps compared to some competitors
- Coaching services available only at higher tiers or additional cost
BetterHelp
- Pricing from $50-$90 per week billed every 4 weeks with location and therapist availability variations
- Not suitable for minors or those under legal guardianship
- Cannot provide official diagnoses, fulfill court orders, or prescribe medication
- Requires reliable internet access; not appropriate for emergency or crisis situations
Pricing, plan by plan
Headspace
$12.99/month- Monthly$12.99/month
- Unlimited meditation access
- Sleep content
- Focus music
- Annual$69.99/year
- Same as monthly
- 14-day free trial
- Student$9.99/year
- Full access with student verification
BetterHelp
$50/weekNo published plan breakdown. See the BetterHelp review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Headspace if
- You need guided meditations.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro.
- You also want sleep stories.
Choose BetterHelp if
- You need video sessions.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want phone sessions.
Questions people ask
- Is Headspace or BetterHelp better?
- Neither clearly leads. Headspace starts at $12.99/month and BetterHelp at $50/week, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Headspace or BetterHelp?
- Headspace starts at $12.99/month and BetterHelp at $50/week.
- Does Headspace or BetterHelp run on more platforms?
- Headspace runs on iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro. BetterHelp runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Headspace best used for?
- Headspace is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what BetterHelp is typically brought in for.
- What can Headspace do that BetterHelp cannot?
- Headspace covers Guided meditations, Sleep stories, Focus playlists, Breathing exercises. BetterHelp covers Video Sessions, Phone Sessions, Messaging, Journaling. Both handle Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Headspace: How much does Headspace cost?
Headspace offers a monthly plan at $12.99/month or annual plan at $69.99/year (approximately $5.83/month). Students can subscribe for $9.99/year. A 14-day free trial is available. HSA and FSA eligible options support pre-tax payments.
SourceHeadspace: What content does Headspace include?
Headspace includes 1,000+ expert-led exercises covering meditation, stress relief, sleep resources including sleepcasts and soundscapes, anxiety management tools, and optional mental health coaching services with trained mindfulness experts.
SourceHeadspace: On which platforms can I use Headspace?
Headspace is available on iOS, Android, web browsers, Mac, Apple Watch Series 6+, and Apple Vision Pro. Smart home integration with Google Assistant and Alexa allows hands-free access on compatible devices.
SourceHeadspace: Does Headspace offer therapy or coaching?
Headspace includes meditation and mindfulness training led by trained experts. Mental health coaching is available as an add-on service. For therapy, users seeking clinical counseling should explore Headspace's mental health services or other dedicated therapy platforms.
SourceHeadspace: Is Headspace research-backed?
Yes. Headspace describes itself as the most research-backed meditation app on the market with 500+ hours of guided content, peer-reviewed studies demonstrating efficacy, and Ebb AI personalization that adapts sessions to user mood.
Source