Compare Insight Timer and NordVPN: Which App is the Best?
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. | NordVPN is a premium VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering advanced security features, fast speeds, and a global server network, though it comes with a higher price point and some connection stability issues. | |
| 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. | 7.9 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. | 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.5 NordVPN offers an impressive array of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard). The kill switch protection, double VPN, and split tunneling provide comprehensive security options for different use cases. What sets NordVPN apart is its specialized server network, including servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and enhanced privacy. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier with limited servers, NordVPN provides access to 7,000+ servers across 60+ countries. The service also includes Threat Protection for ad and malware blocking, which adds value beyond basic VPN functionality. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. However, some advanced features like Meshnet (which was recently discontinued) and certain specialized servers may not be available in all regions. The service also lacks some cutting-edge features found in newer VPN providers, but it covers all the essential security and privacy needs effectively. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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:
Performance issues:
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. Winner in this category | 6.0 NordVPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that impact usability. The service offers fast connection speeds with the NordLynx 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 NordVPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN'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. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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:
What needs improvement:
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. | 7.5 NordVPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The map-based server selection is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries. The app's design is clean and professional, with a dark theme 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. However, some users have reported issues with the interface, particularly around server selection and connection management. The app can sometimes feel clunky when switching between servers, and the connection process isn't always as smooth as advertised. The recent interface updates have received mixed feedback from users. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's design is competitive but not exceptional. The interface is functional and professional, but it lacks some of the polish and refinement found in newer VPN services. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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:
Premium tier value:
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. Winner in this category | 6.5 NordVPN'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 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. 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. The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the connection 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. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN 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. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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:
What makes it difficult:
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. | 7.0 NordVPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without technical knowledge. The automatic server selection works well for most use cases, and the connection process is straightforward. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by several factors. 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. The connection process isn't always as smooth as expected from a premium service. The service also lacks some user-friendly features found in competitors. The server selection process can be confusing, and the app doesn't always provide clear feedback about connection status. Some users report issues with the kill switch not working properly, which can compromise security. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience, and the connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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:
Privacy concerns:
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. Winner in this category | 8.0 NordVPN 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 NordLynx. 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. NordVPN is based in Panama, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like double VPN and split tunneling for enhanced security. However, NordVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, including a data breach in 2019. While the company has since improved its security practices, some users remain concerned about the service's track record. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN'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. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | NordVPN is a premium VPN service that offers comprehensive security features and extensive server coverage, but its value proposition is compromised by 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, NordVPN 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, NordVPN'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. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
