Compare Disciplined and Calm: Which App is the Best?
Disciplined is a clean, effective habit tracker that helps you build consistent routines through simple tracking and visual progress monitoring. | 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. | |
| 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. | 7.6 Winner in this category | 7.3 |
| 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. | 7.5 Disciplined covers the basics of habit tracking well without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. It focuses on what matters most - helping you build and maintain good habits. The app keeps things simple, which many users actually prefer. Here's what works well:
But there are some limitations. The free version locks away detailed statistics, which frustrates some users. People also want features like grouping related habits together, adding notes to habits, and better streak tracking. While the core tracking works great, the feature set feels a bit basic compared to some alternatives. That's why we give features a 7.5. It's solid for basic habit tracking but missing some advanced capabilities that power users might want. | 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 |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Disciplined's performance is generally solid, but there are concerning reports about lag and stability issues that prevent a higher rating. Performance seems to vary depending on your device and how you use the app. Here's what works well:
But there are performance concerns that impact the rating. Several users report that the latest version became "laggy" on their devices, with one user noting that the app made their phone slow and eventually stopped working. Some mention bugs that prevented them from getting value from the app, especially after paying for premium. These issues appearing in recent reviews suggest ongoing performance challenges that need attention. We give performance a 7.0 - generally good, but the reported lag issues and occasional bugs prevent a higher score. Users with older devices should be particularly cautious. | 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 |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Disciplined's design is one of its best features. Users consistently praise the clean, intuitive interface. We love how it keeps things simple and focuses on what matters most. Here's what makes the design great:
Some users mention areas for improvement, especially around widget customization. One user wished the widget could be more transparent to better match their home screen. The "less is more" approach works well for a habit tracker, though some users might want more visual feedback or customization options. We give design an 8.5 - excellent for its clean, functional approach, with room for minor aesthetic improvements. Winner in this category | 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. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Disciplined's value is mixed - users have different opinions about whether the premium features are worth the cost. The pricing strategy and feature distribution significantly impact the overall value. Here's what's good about the value:
But several factors limit the value rating. Many users are frustrated that basic features like detailed statistics are locked behind the premium paywall. Some feel the free version is too limited, while others mention performance issues and bugs that reduce the perceived value. The fact that some users uninstall due to upgrade prompts suggests the freemium model could be better balanced. We give value for money a 7.0 - fair pricing for what's offered, but the free version limitations and some user-reported issues impact the overall value perception. Winner in this category | 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 |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Disciplined is really easy to use. Most users find it intuitive and straightforward. We can't think of a simpler habit tracker to get started with. The app's simplicity is its biggest strength when it comes to ease of use. Here's what makes it user-friendly:
But there are some usability issues that prevent a higher rating. Several users find the repeatability settings confusing, especially when setting up habits for quitting bad behaviors. Some also want features like adding notes to habits or grouping related habits together. While the basics are easy to use, some advanced features could use better guidance. That's why we give ease of use an 8.0. It's extremely user-friendly for basic operations, though some advanced features might take a little time to figure out. Winner in this category | 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. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Disciplined's approach to security and privacy seems standard for a habit tracking app, though we found limited specific information about their data practices during testing. Here's what we know:
But there are some concerns that prevent a higher rating. The app has privacy policy and terms of service on their website, but we couldn't find details about data encryption, third-party sharing, or specific security measures. The fact that it syncs data across devices raises questions about how secure the data transmission and storage are. We give security and privacy a 7.5 - adequate for basic use, but users concerned about data privacy should check the app's privacy policy for more specific details. Winner in this category | 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. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Disciplined is a solid choice if you want a simple, effective habit tracker. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone - it just does habit tracking really well. The clean design makes it easy to use, and the pricing is fair for what you get. The free version is limited, but the premium upgrade is worth it if you want better analytics and features. This app's strength is that it stays focused on helping you build better habits without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity. For users who want unlimited free habits, Habitive is the best option. Those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. If you want gamification, Habitica offers unique RPG elements. However, if you prefer simplicity and focus without distractions, Disciplined provides exactly what you need. Quick SummaryBest for: People who want simple, effective habit tracking without distractions Not ideal for: Users who need advanced analytics or social features Value: Good free version, reasonable premium pricing | 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. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
