Calm for Android

If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at 2:00 AM, staring at the ceiling, your mind racing with everything from tomorrow’s to-do list to the existential dread of whether you remembered to lock the front door, you’re not alone. The Calm app promises to be your solution, packed with soothing lullabies and on-demand therapy sessions, all wrapped up in muted tones and the occasional celebrity voice. But does it deliver on its promise of tranquility, or does it leave you more frazzled than before? After months of nightly use, daily meditations, and a few run-ins with the quirks of modern app life, here’s my deep-dive review.

From the moment you open Calm, it’s clear the developers want you to, well, calm down. The interface is a gentle gradient of blues and purples, with softly animated backgrounds, like rippling lakes, misty forests, and the kind of rain that makes you want to curl up with a book. The onboarding is smooth, asking you about your goals: better sleep, less anxiety, or more focus. You’re then whisked away to a dashboard that’s as inviting as a freshly made bed.

However, the Calm’s crown jewel is its sleep tales. If you thought bedtime stories were just for kids, think again. The app has assembled a veritable Avengers of narrators: Matthew McConaughey, Idris Elba, Stephen Fry, and even Bob Ross (yes, the happy little trees guy). There are over 300 stories to choose from, ranging from dreamy train rides through Norway to the adventures of Humphrey the tuxedo cat. My personal favorite is the beautiful “Wonder” with McConaughey, which is basically 30 minutes of him gently philosophizing you into oblivion. And it’s not just for adults. If you have little ones who treat bedtime like a competitive sport, Calm’s got you covered with stories featuring Transformers, My Little Pony, and Minions. 

Calm isn’t just about sleep. The app boasts a broad library of guided meditations, ranging from quick 3-minute “emergency calm” sessions to 21-day programs on everything from anxiety to self-esteem. The Daily Calm by Tamara Levitt is a fan favorite, with 10-minute meditations that are like a mental reset button for your day.

There are also specialized tracks for focus, breaking bad habits, gratitude, and even mindful movement. I particularly enjoyed the body scan meditations, which are like a spa day for your nervous system. And if you’re worried about “new age” vibes, rest assured: the content is grounded, practical, and recommended by actual psychologists and therapists.

If you’re the type who needs a little background noise to get in the zone or out of your head, Calm’s music and soundscapes are a treat. There’s exclusive music from artists like Moses Sumney and Tom Middleton, as well as a smorgasbord of nature sounds: ocean waves, rainstorms, babbling brooks, and even the elusive “brown noise”, which in my practice is way more relaxing than it sounds.

The soundscapes are perfect for sleep, work, or just drowning out the neighbor’s questionable taste in late-night karaoke. And yes, you can loop your favorites for hours of uninterrupted bliss.

Calm isn’t just about helping you fall asleep; it wants to help you stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. The app includes sleep tracking tools that let you log your nightly hours, monitor sleep quality, and build a bedtime routine. There’s even a gratitude check-in and mood journal, so you can reflect on your day and set intentions for tomorrow. 

Calm’s content is top-notch. The meditations are well-structured, the stories are genuinely soothing, and the music selection is vast. The app is easy to navigate, and there’s something for every mood and moment. So if you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, insomnia, or just need a mental pick-me-up, Calm is an awesome solution.

No app is perfect, and Calm has its quirks. You might experience occasional crushes during longer sessions or when trying to play downloaded content offline. In addition, the app can be a bit pushy with pop-ups: reminders to refer friends, rate sessions, or log your mood. While I appreciate the encouragement, sometimes I just want to drift off without being asked to share my zen with the world.

The subscription model is another sticking point. While Calm offers a free trial and some free content, most of the good stuff is locked behind a paywall. If you’re on the fence, I recommend taking advantage of the free trial to see if it’s worth the investment for you.

Pro Tips:

• Try out the free content before committing to a subscription.
• Explore the Sleep Stories, since there’s something magical about being read to sleep.
• Use the sleep tracking and journaling features to build a bedtime routine.
• If you run into technical issues, don’t be afraid to reach out to support.