Headspace: Meditation & Sleep

User Experience Report

Week of April 9th, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

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Headspace: Meditation & Sleep

Top Insights This Week

Week of April 9th, 2025
This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.
It highlights trends and insights to help you understand what matters most.
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All Insights

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TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Headspace: Meditation & Sleep's key feedback

1

Subscription Paywall

A significant number of users are frustrated by the extensive paywall, which restricts access to previously free content, making the app less accessible for those who cannot afford the subscription. Approximately 20% of users express dissatisfaction with the lack of free features. "I used to love Headspace, but now everything is behind a paywall, making it inaccessible for those who can't afford it."

Analyzing reviews data...

2

Customer Support Issues

Users frequently report dissatisfaction with the lack of responsive customer support, especially when dealing with subscription and technical issues. Around 15% of users have mentioned problems with getting timely help or responses from support. "I tried reaching out to customer support multiple times about my subscription issue, but I never received a response."

Analyzing reviews data...

3

Technical Glitches

Several users experience technical issues such as app freezing, content not loading, and problems with subscription activation, which disrupts their experience. Approximately 10% of users have encountered these technical problems. "I subscribed for support, but none of the videos worked until hours after my subscription was processed, missing the moment I needed it."

Analyzing reviews data...

4

Cluttered Interface

The app's interface is perceived as cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find specific meditations or features. About 8% of users have expressed frustration with the app's usability. "The UI is cluttered and awful, making it hard to find what you're looking for, which is stressful."

Analyzing reviews data...

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

#1 USERS CHOICE

Insight Timer
Insight Timer is highly praised for its extensive free content and variety of meditation options, making it accessible to a wide audience. Users appreciate the community aspect and the ability to connect with meditation teachers, although some have noted occasional technical issues.

#2 RUNNER UP

Calm
Calm receives positive feedback for its soothing sleep stories and meditation content, which many users find effective for relaxation and sleep. However, some users express frustration with the app's paywall and subscription model, feeling that it limits access to content.

#3 Straggler

Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
Headspace is appreciated for its structured meditation programs and the positive impact on users' mental health. However, users have mixed feelings about the app's user interface and subscription model, with some finding it cluttered and others frustrated by the lack of free content.
Competitors Analysis
Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse.
Insight Timer
#1 Users Choice
Insight Timer is highly praised for its extensive free content and variety of meditation options, making it accessible to a wide audience. Users appreciate the community aspect and the ability to connect with meditation teachers, although some have noted occasional technical issues.
Calm
#2 Runner-up
Calm receives positive feedback for its soothing sleep stories and meditation content, which many users find effective for relaxation and sleep. However, some users express frustration with the app's paywall and subscription model, feeling that it limits access to content.
Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
#3 Straggler
Headspace is appreciated for its structured meditation programs and the positive impact on users' mental health. However, users have mixed feelings about the app's user interface and subscription model, with some finding it cluttered and others frustrated by the lack of free content.

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Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Subscription Barriers
Users are frustrated by the extensive paywalls, which limit access to previously free content, making the app less accessible for those in need of mental health support. This shift towards a subscription-heavy model is perceived as a barrier to entry, especially for users who cannot afford it.
I used to love Headspace, but now everything is behind a paywall, making it inaccessible for those who need it most.
Customer Support Issues
There is a significant lack of responsive customer support, with users reporting unresolved issues and no follow-up from support teams. This lack of assistance is causing dissatisfaction and a sense of being ignored.
I reached out multiple times about my meditation streak resetting, but received no response from support.
Technical Glitches
Users experience technical issues such as app freezing, content not loading, and subscription activation delays, which hinder their ability to use the app effectively. These glitches are particularly problematic during critical moments when users seek immediate support.
I subscribed for support but none of the videos worked until hours after my subscription was processed.
Interface Complexity
The app's interface has become cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find desired content quickly. This complexity detracts from the user experience, especially for those seeking immediate meditation sessions.
The UI is cluttered and it's hard to find what you're looking for, making it stressful to use.
Lack of Free Content
The app offers minimal free content, which discourages potential users from trying the app before committing to a subscription. This approach limits the app's appeal to new users who are hesitant to pay without experiencing the app's benefits first.
You can't do or play anything without subscribing, which makes it hard to know if it's worth it.
Refund and Billing Issues
Users report issues with unexpected charges and difficulties obtaining refunds, leading to dissatisfaction and a perception of unethical billing practices. This has resulted in users feeling misled and financially burdened.
I was charged immediately despite being promised a free trial, and now I'm stuck with a subscription I didn't want.
Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience
Subscription Barriers
Users are frustrated by the extensive paywalls, which limit access to previously free content, making the app less accessible for those in need of mental health support. This shift towards a subscription-heavy model is perceived as a barrier to entry, especially for users who cannot afford it.
Customer Support Issues
There is a significant lack of responsive customer support, with users reporting unresolved issues and no follow-up from support teams. This lack of assistance is causing dissatisfaction and a sense of being ignored.
Technical Glitches
Users experience technical issues such as app freezing, content not loading, and subscription activation delays, which hinder their ability to use the app effectively. These glitches are particularly problematic during critical moments when users seek immediate support.
Interface Complexity
The app's interface has become cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find desired content quickly. This complexity detracts from the user experience, especially for those seeking immediate meditation sessions.
Lack of Free Content
The app offers minimal free content, which discourages potential users from trying the app before committing to a subscription. This approach limits the app's appeal to new users who are hesitant to pay without experiencing the app's benefits first.
Refund and Billing Issues
Users report issues with unexpected charges and difficulties obtaining refunds, leading to dissatisfaction and a perception of unethical billing practices. This has resulted in users feeling misled and financially burdened.

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

I used to love Headspace a few years back and now you have to pay for EVERYTHING. The only free sleepcast that helped me get to bed just became blocked by a paywall. I am upset clearly and will not be downloading this app again.
greana m
Week of April 9th, 2025
I love the app and use it daily. My frustration is with my continuous requests to Support to fix the fact my run streak of days meditated continues to reset. It just did it again… and I get NO response when submitting requests for a fix.
Mooersis
Week of April 9th, 2025
I have been using Headspace for years and have always enjoyed the app. The meditation style works really well for me. Lately, however, there’s a lot of content bloat which makes it difficult to just find a meditation in the moment. Consider adding AI or a helper tool to help practitioners find the meditation they need in the moment.
Sean_Ams
Week of April 9th, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes
I used to love Headspace a few years back and now you have to pay for EVERYTHING. The only free sleepcast that helped me get to bed just became blocked by a paywall. I am upset clearly and will not be downloading this app again.
Candice Wu
App Store
I love the app and use it daily. My frustration is with my continuous requests to Support to fix the fact my run streak of days meditated continues to reset. It just did it again… and I get NO response when submitting requests for a fix.
Kelly Williams
Google Play
I have been using Headspace for years and have always enjoyed the app. The meditation style works really well for me. Lately, however, there’s a lot of content bloat which makes it difficult to just find a meditation in the moment. Consider adding AI or a helper tool to help practitioners find the meditation they need in the moment.
Koray Okumus
Google Play

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