Compare Insight Timer and ExpressVPN: Which App is the Best?

	ExpressVPN	Insight Timer
	ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service with 50M+ downloads and 4.7/5 rating, offering fast speeds, strong security, and 105+ server locations, though it comes with a high price point and recent connection stability issues. VPN	Insight Timer offers the largest free meditation library available, with over 100,000 guided sessions from expert teachers. While the app suffers from UI bloat and intrusive prompts, its exceptional content variety and generous free tier make it a top choice for dedicated meditators. Meditation
Key Features	105+ server locations worldwide – Access to servers in 105+ countries for bypassing geo-restrictions Military-grade encryption (AES-256) – Strong encryption to secure your connection and protect your data No-logs policy with independent audits – The service does not collect or store any user data Kill switch protection – Automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection is lost Split tunneling for selective routing – Route specific apps through the VPN tunnel to protect your privacy Lightway protocol for faster connections – Proprietary protocol for faster and more reliable connections 24/7 customer support – Helpful support team available to assist you Up to 8 simultaneous connections – Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously to protect your privacy Built-in password manager – ExpressVPN Keys for secure password storage	100,000+ Guided Meditations – Access an enormous library of free meditations covering every practice type imaginable, from secular mindfulness to Buddhist traditions, with new content added daily Sleep Content Library – Thousands of sleep meditations, music tracks, soundscapes, and bedtime stories to help with insomnia and improve sleep quality Customizable Meditation Timer – A simple yet powerful timer with interval bells, ambient sounds, and complete customization for unguided practice Expert Teachers – Learn from over 11,000 meditation teachers, psychologists, and neuroscientists from top institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford Discussion Groups – Join thousands of community groups organized by practice type, religion, interests, or life circumstances for peer support Progress Tracking – Track your meditation journey with detailed stats, milestones, and streak counters to build consistent habits Offline Downloads – Premium subscribers can download meditations for offline listening without internet connection 1,000+ Premium Courses – In-depth structured courses covering topics like better sleep, stress reduction, and building specific meditation skills (requires subscription)
Our Rating	7.5	7.9
Total users	0	0
Total ratings	0	0
Average rating	— ⭐	— ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free
Android	Downloads	Downloads
iOS
Features	8.0 ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like the proprietary Lightway protocol. The kill switch protection, split tunneling, and built-in password manager provide comprehensive security options for different use cases. What sets ExpressVPN apart is its extensive server network spanning 105+ countries, including specialized servers for streaming and enhanced privacy. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier with limited servers, ExpressVPN provides access to 105+ server locations worldwide. The service also includes advanced features like split tunneling for selective routing and a built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys), which adds value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in newer VPN providers, such as multi-hop connections and specialized servers for specific use cases. The service also doesn't offer some cutting-edge features like obfuscated servers or advanced privacy features that some competitors provide. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, ExpressVPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive VPN features.	9.2 Insight Timer's feature set is genuinely impressive, particularly when you consider how much is available for free. The star of the show is undoubtedly the meditation library—over 100,000 guided meditations covering virtually every tradition, style, and need you could imagine. During testing, we easily found content for specific moods, time constraints, and practice levels. Key features that stood out include: Meditation Library: Unmatched variety with daily additions from 11,000+ teachers Sleep Content: Extensive collection of sleep meditations, music, and soundscapes Customizable Timer: Sophisticated yet simple timer with interval bells and ambient sounds Community Features: Discussion groups covering topics from atheism to transcendental meditation Progress Tracking: Comprehensive stats showing streaks, total time, and milestones Live Events: Real-time group meditations with practitioners worldwide The meditation timer deserves special mention—it's one of the most flexible we've tested, with options for interval bells, ambient background sounds, and complete customization. This alone could justify using the app, even if you ignore the guided content entirely. However, we encountered some frustrations. The search and filtering system feels inadequate given the massive library size. Finding specific meditations you've saved can be surprisingly difficult, and there's no effective way to organize favorites into custom playlists. The sleep feature also has a significant flaw: it auto-plays random music after meditations end, which multiple users report as genuinely disruptive when trying to fall asleep. Despite these issues, the sheer breadth of content is remarkable. We rate features at 9.2—excellent core functionality with room for better organization and refinement.
Performance	6.0 ExpressVPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers fast connection speeds with the Lightway protocol, and the extensive server network provides good coverage for most use cases. The service works well for streaming and geo-blocking when connected. However, the service's performance is significantly impacted by connection stability issues. Many users report frequent disconnections, slow connection times, and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The auto-connect feature doesn't work reliably, and some users experience issues with the app not connecting at all. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but ExpressVPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.	7.5 Performance on Insight Timer is generally solid with some notable exceptions that affected our experience and appear frequently in user reviews. The app handles its massive content library reasonably well, though we encountered occasional hiccups that shouldn't exist in a mature app with millions of users. Performance strengths: Content Loading: Meditations and music tracks load quickly on good connections Timer Reliability: The meditation timer runs accurately without draining battery excessively Offline Playback: Downloaded content (premium feature) plays smoothly without internet Background Audio: Continues playing reliably when switching apps or screen locking Performance issues: Startup Delays: The app can take several seconds to open, particularly when loading mandatory splash screens and quotes Occasional Crashes: Some users report the app freezing on startup or during playback, requiring reinstallation Sleep Mode Bugs: The auto-play feature after meditations fails to stop, continuing to play unwanted content Search Lag: Searching the massive library sometimes results in noticeable delays Sync Issues: Cross-device synchronization occasionally fails to update progress or saved content During our testing period, we experienced one instance where a meditation stopped unexpectedly, and the app wouldn't let us rewind without a premium subscription—frustrating when you've just been kicked out of a focused state. This exact scenario appeared in multiple user reviews. The most significant performance concern relates to app bloat. The Android version's recent rating decline from 4.7 to 3.87 (last 100 reviews) correlates with complaints about increased crashes, blank screens on startup, and general sluggishness. Multiple users mentioned the app "used to be fast" before recent feature additions. Battery usage is reasonable during active meditation but increases when using background music or sleep features throughout the night. The app respects system audio focus and doesn't conflict with other media apps. We rate performance at 7.5—adequate for daily use but showing signs of strain from feature additions and requiring attention to stability issues.
Design	8.5 ExpressVPN's interface strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The server selection process is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries. The app's design is clean and professional, with a modern interface that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed. The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. The server selection process is straightforward, and the connection process is smooth and reliable. The app provides clear feedback about connection status and server performance. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. The design reflects the premium positioning of the service.	6.8 Design is where Insight Timer's evolution becomes most apparent, and unfortunately, not in a positive direction. The app has transformed from a clean, simple meditation timer into a feature-heavy platform, and the interface struggles to balance all these elements gracefully. What works well: Visual Consistency: The color scheme and typography remain pleasant throughout Teacher Profiles: Well-designed pages showcasing meditation teachers and their content Timer Interface: The core timer screen maintains a calm, focused aesthetic Dark Mode: Thoughtfully implemented for evening meditation sessions What needs improvement: Information Overload: The home screen tries to show everything at once—courses, live events, challenges, community posts, and recommendations all competing for attention Inconsistent Navigation: Finding specific features requires learning where they're hidden in the increasingly complex menu structure Marketing Intrusion: Premium course promotions and retreat advertisements feel out of place in a meditation app Forced Modals: Splash screens, daily quotes, and commitment prompts interrupt the experience with slow fade animations The design challenges stem from feature creep rather than poor aesthetic choices. The app tries to be a meditation timer, content library, social network, learning platform, and marketplace simultaneously. This creates visual clutter that works against the calm, focused experience you'd expect from a meditation app. Several longtime users specifically mentioned that the app "used to be beautiful" before recent updates added more promotional elements and mandatory interactions. We experienced this firsthand—opening the app often means dismissing quotes, surveys, or upgrade prompts before reaching your saved meditations. We rate design at 6.8—acceptable visual aesthetics undermined by cluttered information architecture and intrusive elements that detract from the core meditation experience.
Value for Money	6.5 ExpressVPN's value proposition is mixed, with strong security features but questionable reliability for the premium price. The service offers comprehensive security features, extensive server network, and good performance when working properly. The ability to connect up to 8 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the recent connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost. Users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection problems might find value in the service, but those seeking reliability and performance might be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN. However, the service's value is significantly impacted by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, ExpressVPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.	9.5 From a pure value perspective, Insight Timer is outstanding. The free tier alone offers more content than many premium meditation apps, making it one of the best deals in the category. No ads, no hard paywalls on essential features, and genuinely useful free content—this is increasingly rare. Free tier value: Tens of thousands of guided meditations at no cost Full meditation timer with all customization options Community features and discussion groups Progress tracking and statistics Sleep content and ambient sounds No advertisements interrupting practice Premium tier value: 1,000+ structured courses for deeper learning Offline downloads for travel and poor connectivity Advanced playback controls (rewind, fast forward, repeat) High-quality audio streaming Resume playback feature The free version proved entirely sufficient for building a consistent meditation practice in our testing. At €1.99-€219.99 (depending on billing period), the premium subscription offers genuine convenience improvements rather than unlocking critical functionality. This pricing strategy respects users who can't afford subscriptions while providing meaningful upgrades for those who can. Compared to Calm and Headspace, which require subscriptions for most content, Insight Timer delivers exceptional value. Even compared to the completely free Medito, Insight Timer's massive library and teacher variety justify its freemium model. The only deduction comes from the increasingly aggressive marketing for premium features and paid courses. While the core app remains free, the promotional elements can make it feel like you're being pushed toward purchases. Some users report this creates pressure that detracts from the meditative experience. We rate value for money at 9.5—exceptional free offering with fair premium pricing, slightly diminished by promotional tactics.
Ease of Use	7.5 ExpressVPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection stability issues. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service, and the premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience.	6.5 Ease of use is perhaps Insight Timer's most polarizing aspect, with experiences varying dramatically between new users and those returning after time away. The app can be genuinely straightforward for daily meditation, but getting to that daily routine involves navigating several obstacles. What makes it easy: Quick Play: Once you've found favorite meditations, replaying them is simple Timer Setup: Creating custom timer sessions is intuitive and saves your preferences Teacher Following: Following favorite teachers ensures their new content appears in your feed Basic Navigation: The main tabs are clearly labeled and logically organized What makes it difficult: Onboarding Overload: New users face extensive questionnaires about goals, preferences, and commitment levels Forced Interactions: Regular users report having to click through multiple screens—commitment prompts, surveys, daily quotes—just to start meditating Hidden Settings: Options to disable certain features are buried or non-existent Content Discovery: With 100,000+ meditations, finding the right one without good filters is overwhelming Interrupted Sessions: Several users reported technical issues where meditations stop unexpectedly, requiring premium features to rewind The most common complaint we found echoes across hundreds of reviews: "I just want to meditate, but the app won't let me." Users who haven't opened the app in days or weeks face particularly aggressive re-engagement tactics—mandatory surveys asking about their absence, prompts to set new goals, and multiple screens before reaching the main interface. One user summed it up perfectly: "Used to be a simple timer. Now I need to click through commitments, ads for classes, and questionnaires that impede my meditation every single time." This sentiment appeared repeatedly in our review analysis, especially from longtime users who remember the simpler early versions. For someone using the app daily with established favorites, it functions reasonably well. For anyone else, expect friction. We rate ease of use at 6.5—adequate once you learn to navigate the obstacles, but frustratingly complex for what should be a calming experience.
Security & Privacy	8.5 ExpressVPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and the proprietary Lightway protocol. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops. The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like split tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, ExpressVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its acquisition by Kape Technologies. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's ownership and data practices. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers. Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.	8.0 Insight Timer takes a reasonably solid approach to privacy, though not exceptional compared to privacy-focused alternatives. The app can be used entirely without creating an account, which is excellent for those concerned about data collection. However, most users will eventually create accounts to sync progress and save favorites. Privacy strengths: No Account Required: Core meditation and timer features work without registration Transparent Permissions: Only requests necessary permissions for notifications and audio playback Data Control: Users can export their data and delete accounts through settings Optional Features: Social and community features are opt-in rather than mandatory Privacy concerns: Data Collection: Once registered, the app tracks detailed usage statistics and meditation habits Third-Party Analytics: Uses standard analytics tools to monitor user behavior Community Features: Discussion groups and social elements introduce data sharing with other users Marketing Data: User information appears to inform premium upgrade targeting and course recommendations The privacy policy is reasonably clear about data collection practices, though it's lengthy and covers the typical bases for a modern app. Your meditation habits, session lengths, and content preferences are tracked and used to improve recommendations. This data isn't sold to third parties, but it is used internally for product development and personalization. Compared to Medito, which achieves higher privacy scores through its nonprofit, open-source model, Insight Timer is more typical of commercial meditation apps. It's better than apps that require accounts immediately, but not as privacy-focused as some alternatives. We rate security and privacy at 8.0—solid practices that respect user data without achieving the highest standards of privacy-focused apps.
Conclusion	ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that offers comprehensive security features and extensive server coverage, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives. For users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection issues, ExpressVPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience. Ultimately, ExpressVPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations.	Insight Timer presents a fascinating contradiction: it offers arguably the best free meditation content library available while simultaneously frustrating users with an increasingly cluttered experience. The core value proposition remains exceptional—tens of thousands of guided meditations, a flexible timer, and genuine expertise from world-class teachers, all without mandatory subscriptions or advertisements. However, the app's evolution from simple meditation timer to comprehensive wellness platform has introduced friction that works against its core purpose. Forced surveys, commitment prompts, marketing for courses and retreats, and UI complexity detract from what should be a calming, focused experience. The declining Android ratings (3.87 in recent reviews vs. 4.7 overall) tell a clear story: longtime users are frustrated with the direction. Despite these challenges, we found Insight Timer valuable for our daily practice. The content quality and variety are unmatched, and once you establish your favorite teachers and meditations, the app functions well enough. The premium subscription feels optional rather than necessary, which is refreshing in this category. If you're seeking the most polished, distraction-free meditation experience, Calm or Headspace might serve you better despite their subscription requirements. If you want completely free, no-strings-attached meditation with a cleaner interface, Medito is worth considering. But if you value content variety above all else and can tolerate some interface frustrations, Insight Timer delivers exceptional value. Just be prepared to click through a few extra screens to get to your meditation.
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Our Recommendation