Compare Calm and Gemmy AI: Which App is the Best?
Calm is a leading meditation and sleep app with 4.1 stars on Android, 4.8 stars on iOS, and 50M+ downloads. Known for celebrity-narrated sleep stories by Cillian Murphy and Bob Ross, plus comprehensive daily meditation programs. While most users love the content, some Android users report recent billing and technical concerns. | Gemmy AI is a Gemini-powered chat assistant that helps with creativity, productivity, and daily tasks through smart conversations and helpful prompts. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.3 Winner in this category | 6.9 |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Calm's content library is genuinely impressive and sets the standard for meditation apps. The celebrity-narrated sleep stories are the standout feature—falling asleep to Cillian Murphy's voice, Bob Ross painting descriptions, or Rosé's calming narration provides a unique experience users rave about. These aren't just celebrity gimmicks; they're high-quality productions that genuinely help people fall asleep. Outstanding features include:
The library is genuinely extensive, with enough variety that most users find multiple favorites. The quality is consistently high—professional voice work, good production values, and thoughtful content design. Users frequently mention specific favorites like "Painting with Bob Ross" or programs with Tamara Levitt that they return to regularly. The app uses a subscription model, with most content requiring payment. The free version offers limited access, which is standard for premium apps in this category. Some users wish for more free content to evaluate before subscribing, though the free trial provides opportunity to explore the library. A few long-term subscribers mention content updates could be more frequent, though the existing library is large enough that most users have plenty to explore. For daily users who cycle through content quickly, occasional waits for new stories can be noticeable. We're rating features 8.0 out of 10. The celebrity sleep stories, daily programs, and extensive meditation library provide excellent value, making Calm a feature-rich leader in the meditation app category. Winner in this category | 7.5 Gemmy AI packs in enough features to make it a solid AI assistant. Beyond just chatting with AI, it offers tools for creative work and productivity that actually come in handy. What Gemmy AI does well: 1. Gemini AI Integration: This is where Gemmy shines. It uses Google's advanced AI model for conversations that actually make sense. You can ask questions, get creative help, and receive detailed responses powered by one of the best AI models around. When we tested it, we could easily chat about various topics - from creative writing to technical questions. The AI responses were generally helpful and well-structured, though we did notice some outdated information here and there. 2. Prompt Library: This is a standout feature. There's a huge collection of pre-made prompts for different situations. Need help writing a story? Crafting social media content? Brainstorming ideas? There's likely a prompt to get you started. The prompts are organized well and easy to browse. We found this really useful when we needed inspiration for creative projects or wanted to try different writing styles. 3. Multi-language Support: Gemmy works in multiple languages, making it accessible to users worldwide. You can chat with the AI in your preferred language without any complicated setup. This feature works smoothly, and we tested it with several languages. The AI keeps its conversational quality across different languages, which is pretty impressive. 4. Save & Share: You can easily save important conversations and share insights with others. This is great for collaborative projects or when you want to keep track of useful AI responses for later. The save feature works reliably, and sharing is straightforward. We found this helpful when working on projects that needed input from multiple people. 5. Creative Content Help: Whether you need help writing stories, poems, or social media content, Gemmy can assist with various creative tasks. The AI provides suggestions and can help you develop ideas further. We tested this with several creative projects and found the AI quite helpful in generating ideas and providing structure for creative writing. 6. Regular Updates: The prompt library gets updated regularly with fresh content, so you always have access to current and relevant prompts. What's missing:
That's why we give features a 7.5 out of 10. The core AI functionality is strong, but the free tier limitations and occasional accuracy issues keep it from scoring higher. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Calm performs reliably for the vast majority of users across 50+ million downloads and two platforms. The 4.8-star iOS rating and 4.1-star Android rating indicate consistent, stable performance that users depend on nightly. Audio playback is smooth, sleep stories run without interruption, and the app handles background playback well while you sleep. Performance strengths:
The app handles demanding use cases well—playing audio continuously through 7-8 hours of sleep, managing large content libraries, and supporting offline downloads. Users who've used Calm for years mention it working consistently night after night, which demonstrates solid long-term reliability. A small percentage of users report occasional audio stopping during sleep sessions or rare app crashes. These issues seem device or configuration-specific rather than widespread problems, as the majority of users don't mention performance concerns. Some users note the splash screen takes a moment to dismiss, though this is designed as a brief mindfulness moment rather than a technical delay. Load times are generally good, with content starting quickly after selection. The app's size and resource usage are reasonable for the extensive content library it manages. Updates are regular, suggesting active maintenance and performance optimization. For an app with 50M+ downloads used nightly by millions, achieving 4.8 stars on iOS demonstrates exceptional performance reliability. The vast majority of users experience smooth, consistent operation exactly when they need it most—during meditation and sleep. We're rating performance 7.5 out of 10. Calm delivers reliable, stable performance for the overwhelming majority of users, with consistent playback and efficient resource usage. The high ratings across millions of users demonstrate performance excellence at scale. Winner in this category | 6.5 The app works okay in most situations, letting you chat with the AI without major interruptions. However, we noticed some performance issues that could affect the user experience. The basic functionality works fine - you can send messages and get responses from the AI without significant delays. The prompt library loads quickly, and the save and share features work reliably without performance problems. Performance strengths:
Performance issues:
However, we found several performance concerns that significantly impact the user experience. Multiple users specifically mentioned that the app is "very slowly" or has slow movement, indicating consistent performance issues. One user noted "Very Slowly moment this apps 😴😴" which suggests the performance problems are noticeable enough to affect user satisfaction. Some users also reported that the app can be resource-intensive, particularly when processing complex AI requests. The performance issues seem to be worse on older devices or when the app is handling multiple requests at once. That's why we give performance a 6.5 out of 10. While the app maintains basic functionality, the reported speed issues and performance inconsistencies prevent it from scoring higher. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Calm's design successfully creates a soothing, peaceful atmosphere that supports its meditation and sleep mission. The dark, calming color scheme with deep blues and purples sets the right mood immediately. Visual elements are thoughtfully chosen to promote relaxation rather than stimulation, which is exactly what you want from a meditation app. Design strengths:
The interface generally succeeds at fading into the background, letting the content take center stage. For most users, navigation feels natural—open the app, select your content, and start your meditation or sleep session without friction. Some users mention the splash screen "take a breath" message appears frequently and takes a moment before you can access content. While this fits the app's philosophy, a few long-term subscribers find it repetitive after daily use for years. The search function within categories could be more robust for power users who want to explore the full catalog depth. For subscribers, the experience is streamlined. For free users exploring before committing, distinguishing between free and premium content could be clearer, though this is fairly standard for freemium apps. We're rating design 7.5 out of 10. Calm delivers a beautiful, calming visual experience with thoughtful design that supports meditation and sleep. Minor navigation refinements would elevate it further, but the overall aesthetic excellence justifies the premium positioning. Winner in this category | 7.0 The design is clean and functional - you can start using it right away without much fuss. We liked the chat-based interface and how the prompt library is organized. Users seem to love the intuitive chat interface and the well-organized prompt system. It's easy to navigate and find what you need quickly. The app also looks good on mobile devices, making it simple to access your conversations and prompts on your phone. Design highlights:
Design issues:
That's why we give design a 7.0 out of 10. The interface is functional and accessible, but could use more refined visual design and better user onboarding. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.0 At around €70 per year (pricing varies by region), Calm positions itself as a premium meditation app, and for most users, the content library justifies the investment. With 50M+ downloads and 4.8 stars on iOS, millions of people clearly find value worth paying for. Users who've subscribed for years mention the app becoming an essential nightly routine they wouldn't want to give up. The value proposition is strong:
For users getting Calm through employer wellness programs, the value is excellent—high-quality content at no personal cost. Even at full price, long-term subscribers frequently mention the subscription has become essential for their sleep quality and mental health, which makes the cost worthwhile. The subscription model is standard for premium apps—the free version offers limited access to encourage paid subscription. Users can try the app during a free trial period to evaluate whether the content works for them before committing long-term. Cancellation through the Play Store is typically one-click, which most users navigate successfully. Some users report billing confusion during trial periods or difficulty with customer service responses when issues arise. A small number mention pricing discrepancies during promotional periods. Like any subscription service, it's important to track trial end dates and verify charges match promotional pricing if taking advantage of special offers. Compared to competitors, Calm sits at the premium end with Headspace, while Medito offers free content. The celebrity narrations and production quality differentiate Calm's value proposition. We're rating value for money 7.0 out of 10. The extensive, high-quality content library with unique celebrity narrations provides solid value for the subscription price, particularly for users committed to regular meditation and sleep improvement. Those with employer coverage get excellent value, and even full-price subscribers generally find the cost justified by daily use. Winner in this category | 6.0 You can use Gemmy AI for free without signing up, which gives you access to basic AI chat functionality. However, the free tier comes with pretty tight limitations that might not provide great value for regular users. To really enjoy all the benefits of Gemmy AI, including unlimited access to advanced AI capabilities and custom prompts, you'll need to upgrade to premium features through in-app purchases ranging from $4.99 to $36.99 per item. Pricing breakdown:
Value concerns:
The pricing structure is where we found some concerns. The freemium model severely limits free users with daily question restrictions, which many users found frustrating and insufficient for regular use. Several users specifically mentioned that the free tier limitations are too restrictive, with one user noting they should "increase the limit of questions per day for whoever did not take the premium." That's why we give value for money a 6.0 out of 10. While the core AI functionality is valuable, the restrictive free tier and premium pricing structure limit the overall value proposition for many users. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Calm is designed to be intuitive, and for most users, it succeeds. Opening the app and starting a meditation or sleep story takes just a few taps. The main interface presents your options clearly—browse by category, check out daily programs, or jump back to recently played content. Playback controls are simple and work as expected. For subscribers in their daily routine, the experience is smooth. Select your favorite sleep story, set a timer if desired, and drift off. The app remembers your preferences, making it easy to return to content you love. Many users mention using Calm nightly for years, which speaks to how well the basic experience works. Usability strengths:
The free trial process is standard for subscription apps—you provide payment information upfront, explore the content during the trial period, and can cancel before being charged. Most users navigate this successfully, though like any subscription app, you need to remember to cancel if you don't want to continue. Some users report specific issues: occasional login difficulties with Google authentication, confusion about which content is free versus premium for non-subscribers, and rare cases of the app stopping playback during the night. A small number of users mention subscription management confusion, though canceling through the Play Store is typically straightforward with one-click unsubscribe. The splash screen appears when opening the app, which some daily users find repetitive over time. For those who want to jump straight into content, this adds a brief delay, though it's designed to encourage that initial mindful breath. We're rating ease of use 7.0 out of 10. The app is genuinely easy to use for the vast majority of users, with intuitive navigation and simple playback. Minor friction points exist, particularly for free users exploring content boundaries, but don't significantly impact the subscriber experience. | 7.5 Gemmy AI works right out of the box - no complicated setup needed. Installing it is simple, and you can easily add it to both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, the chat interface is ready whenever you want to talk to the AI. The whole process is intuitive and easy to figure out. If you need help, the prompt library has plenty of examples that guide you through the features. With so many powerful features, Gemmy might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but everything clicks into place pretty quickly. The chat interface, in particular, is easy to use and much simpler than some other AI assistants we've tested. You can start typing immediately and get responses from the AI without any complicated setup. However, we noticed some usability issues that affect the overall experience. Several users mentioned that the app seemed complicated at first, suggesting the onboarding process could be more user-friendly. There's definitely a learning curve, though it's not steep - but it might put off users who expect everything to work immediately. We also found that the premium features and limitations aren't clearly explained upfront, which can be frustrating when users hit usage limits unexpectedly. The aggressive promotion of premium features throughout the interface can also be distracting. That's why we give ease of use a 7.5 out of 10. The app is generally intuitive once you get familiar with it, but could benefit from better onboarding and clearer communication about limitations and premium features. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Calm handles user data responsibly with standard privacy practices appropriate for a wellness app. The company partners with major employers and insurance providers, which requires meeting enterprise-level security and privacy standards. With 50M+ downloads and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, Calm maintains professional data protection practices. Security and privacy strengths:
The app collects usage data to track your meditation progress, favorite content, and streaks—standard for any app with personalization features. This data helps improve your experience by remembering preferences and providing personalized recommendations. The privacy policy outlines what data is collected and how it's used. Financial transactions are processed through Google Play Store, which provides an additional layer of security and familiar payment infrastructure. The Play Store handles payment information rather than the app storing it directly, following best practices for subscription apps. For users concerned about mental health data privacy, Calm's meditation and sleep content choices represent personal information. The app's enterprise partnerships and scale suggest they take this responsibility seriously, though as with any wellness app, users should review the privacy policy to understand data handling. Some users report billing questions during trial periods, which is common across subscription apps and typically relates to understanding trial terms rather than security issues. Standard subscription management through the Play Store provides familiar cancellation options for most users. The lack of data breach reports across millions of users and years of operation demonstrates solid security practices. For a wellness app trusted by major corporations, maintaining strong security and privacy standards is essential to business partnerships. We're rating security & privacy 7.0 out of 10. Calm maintains professional privacy practices appropriate for a wellness app with enterprise partnerships, handles user data responsibly, and shows no history of security breaches across millions of users. Winner in this category | 7.0 For Security & Privacy, we give Gemmy AI a solid 7.0/10. The app claims to prioritize user privacy and security, which is a good foundation for any AI application. The app says it's built with robust security measures to protect user data, and we didn't find any reports of major security incidents in user reviews. This suggests the basic security implementation is working as intended. Security strengths:
Privacy concerns:
While the app claims to have security measures in place, there's limited transparency about what specific protections are actually implemented. Users have no clear way to understand how their conversations and data are being handled, stored, or shared. That's why we give security and privacy a 7.0 out of 10. While the app makes positive claims about privacy protection, the lack of transparency and clear communication about data handling practices prevents a higher rating. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Calm has earned its position as a leading meditation and sleep app with 50M+ downloads, 4.8 stars on iOS, and 4.1 stars on Android. The celebrity-narrated sleep stories are genuinely special—falling asleep to Cillian Murphy, Bob Ross, or Rosé provides a premium experience that justifies the subscription for millions of users. The daily programs, extensive meditation library, and variety of soundscapes create comprehensive value. Long-term subscribers frequently mention Calm becoming essential to their nightly routine, helping with sleep quality and stress management over years of use. The production quality is excellent, the content library is extensive, and the app performs reliably for the vast majority of users. For those whose employers provide Calm subscriptions as a wellness benefit, it's an excellent value proposition. Recent Android reviews show some concerns—the last 100 reviews average 3.04 stars, lower than the overall rating. Some users mention billing confusion during free trials, occasional technical issues, and customer service responsiveness questions. These issues appear to affect a subset of Android users rather than representing the typical experience, but they're worth noting. If you're considering Calm, the free trial lets you explore the content library to see if the sleep stories and meditation programs work for you. The celebrity narrations and production quality differentiate it from competitors. For daily meditation and sleep improvement, Calm delivers substantial value that users rely on over years. Alternative options include Medito for free meditation content with no subscription required, and Headspace for premium content with different stylistic approach. But Calm's unique celebrity content and extensive library make it a strong choice for those committed to meditation and sleep improvement. | After testing Gemmy AI ourselves, we can say it's a decent AI assistant that does what it promises. The Google Gemini integration works well and provides real value for creative tasks and general productivity. The app is easy to use and has enough features to be useful for writing, brainstorming, and creative projects. The free version works fine for basic needs, but the limits are pretty tight if you want to use it regularly. That said, the freemium model with its restrictive free usage and the performance issues we ran into might not work for everyone. The app shows potential but could use some work on speed and more generous free limits. If you're looking for a basic AI assistant and don't mind the limitations, Gemmy AI is worth a try. But if you need better performance and more generous usage limits, you might want to look elsewhere. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
