Calm is one of the most popular meditation and sleep apps, but its full library requires a paid subscription. There are legitimate ways to use it for free or at no cost to you: the free content included in the app, the free trial, and access through employers, health plans and other programs that pay for memberships. This guide explains each option on iPhone and iPad and how to avoid being charged when a trial ends.
Quick Answer
Download Calm from the App Store and create an account; some content is free without a subscription. For full access, start the free trial (and cancel before it renews if you don’t want to pay), or check whether your employer or health plan offers Calm at no cost.
Option 1: Use Calm’s Free Content
- Install Calm from the App Store and open it.
- Sign up with an email or Sign in with Apple. When the subscription screen appears, tap the X or Not now if offered.
- Look for content without a lock icon. Calm’s help center says free users can access a selection of meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories and music, and the selection can change.
Option 2: Start the Free Trial
- In the app, tap Start Free Trial (or choose a plan) when prompted.
- Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your Apple Account password.
- Enjoy full access for the trial period (commonly 7 days; check the length shown on the offer).
Cancel Before You’re Charged
- Open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions.
- Tap Calm and choose Cancel Free Trial (or Cancel Subscription).
Cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends. On iPhone, you usually keep access until the trial period finishes.
Option 3: Get Calm Through Your Employer or Health Plan
- Many employers provide Calm or Calm Health as a wellness benefit. Check your benefits portal or ask HR.
- Some health insurers offer Calm to members at no cost. For example, Kaiser Permanente has offered Calm to members; check your plan’s member site.
- Universities sometimes include Calm for students and staff.
These programs usually give you a special sign-up link; use it instead of subscribing in the App Store.
Option 4: Discounts and Family Sharing
- Family plan: Calm offers a Family plan for multiple people, which can lower the per-person cost.
- Promotions: Calm periodically runs discounts on annual subscriptions, especially around holidays.
- Gifts: Calm gift subscriptions can be redeemed on calm.com.
Free Alternatives
If you want ongoing free meditation, apps such as Insight Timer and Medito offer large free libraries, and Apple Watch’s Mindfulness app includes breathing sessions.
Avoid “Free Premium” Offers
Websites and apps promising free Calm Premium, modded versions, or shared accounts break Calm’s terms and can expose your device and Apple Account to scams or malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the trial more than once?
Free trials are typically limited to one per Apple Account.
Does Calm have a free version on iPad?
Yes. The same free content and trial are available on iPad.
How much does Calm cost after the trial?
Prices vary by region and plan and change over time; the current price is shown before you confirm in the App Store.
Summary
- Use Calm’s free content without subscribing.
- Start the free trial and cancel in Settings > Subscriptions if needed.
- Check your employer, health plan or school for free access.
- Try free alternatives for long-term free meditation.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.