About
Waking Up is a comprehensive mindfulness platform founded by Sam Harris—neuroscientist, philosopher, and bestselling author. Unlike typical meditation apps, Waking Up is built around genuine understanding of the mind, drawing on ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience while remaining entirely free from religious dogma or New Age fluff. The app features a curated library of guided meditations led by carefully vetted, world-renowned practitioners. Sam Harris personally guides users through an introductory course from foundational mindfulness principles into advanced meditation techniques. Beyond meditation, the platform offers in-depth conversations and lessons covering Stoicism, effective altruism, sleep science, and psychedelics research, making it a true education for the examined life. Users receive a short daily audio message designed to bring mindfulness into their everyday routines. The content is structured to help both complete beginners build a consistent practice and experienced meditators deepen their insight. Waking Up is available via a 7-day free trial, followed by monthly ($19.99/month) or annual ($129.99/year) subscription plans. A scholarship program provides completely free access to anyone who genuinely cannot afford it. The company also donates a minimum of 10% of profits to highly effective charities, reflecting a broader commitment to alleviating human suffering. It is ideal for curious individuals, students of philosophy, and anyone serious about developing a meaningful, lasting mindfulness practice.
Key Features
- Guided Meditations from Top Teachers: Access a curated library of guided sessions led by rigorously vetted, world-renowned mindfulness practitioners you can trust.
- Mindfulness Theory & Science: Go beyond technique—understand why you're meditating through lessons that blend ancient wisdom with pressure-tested modern neuroscience.
- Daily Mindfulness Reminders: Receive a short daily audio message crafted to bring your meditation practice into real life and maintain consistent habits.
- Thought-Provoking Conversations & Lessons: Explore expert-led discussions on Stoicism, effective altruism, sleep science, and psychedelics research for a fuller examined life.
- Scholarship Program: The full app is free for anyone who cannot afford it, ensuring high-quality mindfulness tools remain accessible to all.
Use Cases
- Building a consistent daily meditation habit with step-by-step guidance from Sam Harris and world-renowned teachers.
- Learning the neuroscience and philosophy behind mindfulness to develop a deeper, more meaningful practice.
- Exploring topics like Stoicism, sleep science, and effective altruism through expert-led audio conversations.
- Using daily audio reminders to integrate mindfulness into stressful workdays and busy routines.
- Accessing a premium mindfulness curriculum for free via the scholarship program when cost is a barrier.
Pros
- Depth and Intellectual Rigor: Unlike surface-level apps, Waking Up emphasizes understanding the science and philosophy of mindfulness, making it valuable for serious practitioners and curious learners alike.
- World-Class, Curated Instructors: Sessions are guided by carefully selected, trusted teachers—guaranteeing high-quality, credible instruction rather than unvetted content.
- Inclusive Access Model: The scholarship program and charitable giving model make Waking Up stand out as a socially conscious platform that prioritizes broad access over exclusivity.
Cons
- Premium Subscription Price: At $19.99/month or $129.99/year, Waking Up is priced higher than many competing meditation apps on the market.
- No Ongoing Free Tier: After the 7-day free trial, a paid subscription is required for regular users who do not qualify for the scholarship program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waking Up?
Waking Up is a mindfulness and meditation app created by neuroscientist and author Sam Harris. It offers guided meditations, educational content on mindfulness theory, and daily audio reminders, all grounded in science and philosophy rather than religious dogma.
How much does Waking Up cost?
Waking Up offers a 7-day free trial. After that, it costs $19.99/month on the monthly plan or $129.99/year on the annual plan.
Is Waking Up free for people who can't afford it?
Yes. Waking Up has a scholarship program that grants free full access to anyone who genuinely cannot afford a subscription. You can apply directly on their website.
Who is Waking Up designed for?
Waking Up is built for anyone genuinely curious about their mind—from complete beginners establishing their first meditation practice to experienced practitioners seeking deeper philosophical and scientific grounding.
What makes Waking Up different from other meditation apps?
Waking Up uniquely emphasizes understanding the theory and neuroscience behind mindfulness, not just guided relaxation. It includes in-depth conversations with scholars on Stoicism, philosophy, and well-being, making it as much an education platform as a meditation tool.
