The 10 best breathing apps for iOS in 2026
Store data fetched 2026-09-02 from Apple's public App Store API.
How we ranked
- Dedicated to breath training. Apps built around breathing rank above suites where breathing is one feature among many.
- Usable without paying. Whether a genuine practice is possible on the free tier, from each app's store listing.
- Technique depth. Support for structured ratios (like nadi shodhana's 1:4:2) rather than one fixed rhythm.
- Apple Watch. Whether practice extends to the wrist, from each app's store listing.
- Track record. Years on the App Store, from Apple's data.
The ranking
1. Anuloma Viloma Timer OUR APP
View on the App StoreDedicated nadi shodhana (alternate nostril) timer. The only app on this list built for one technique. Every phase timed and shown, the classical 1:4:2 ratio, and your heart rate live on the wrist while you breathe. Free, no subscription necessary for the practice itself.
2. Breathwrk: Breathing Exercises
View on the App StoreBroad breathing exercise library. The strongest general breathing library on iOS: many techniques, classes and good design. If you want one app for many breath styles rather than depth in one, start here.
3. iBreathe – Relax and Breathe
View on the App StoreSimple guided breathing timer. Clean, focused box/paced breathing with a refreshingly simple model. Excellent for equal-phase work; no alternate nostril support.
4. Breathing Zone: Breathwork
View on the App StorePaced breathing for calm. A veteran paced-breathing app with a clinical bent and a long track record. One rhythm done well.
5. Breathing Exercises: Breathe+
View on the App StoreCustomisable breathing patterns. Highly configurable phase timing with a clear visual. Close in spirit to a dedicated timer, without the nostril-cue guidance.
6. Wim Hof Method: Breathwork
View on the App StoreWim Hof Method breathing rounds. The official home of the Wim Hof breathing style: retention rounds, cold-exposure tracking, a committed community. A different practice family from slow nasal work.
7. Open: Breathwork + Meditation
View on the App StoreGuided breathwork and meditation sessions. Beautifully produced guided breathwork classes. Session-led rather than timer-led; you follow a teacher, not a ratio.
8. Othership: Guided Breathwork
View on the App StoreGuided breathwork journeys. Immersive, emotional guided journeys from the sauna-and-ice-bath studio. Strong content, fully guided format.
9. Calm
View on the App StoreMeditation and sleep suite with breathing tools. The biggest meditation platform on the store. Breathing is one tool among hundreds of sessions; if you want the full relaxation suite, this and Headspace lead.
10. Headspace: Sleep & Meditation
View on the App StoreMeditation suite with breathing exercises. The other meditation giant, with excellent courses and sleep content. Breathing features are solid but not the centre of gravity.
Side by side
| # | App | Rating | Since | Languages | Focus | Model | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anuloma Viloma Timer | 5.0 | 2015 | 10 | Dedicated nadi shodhana (alternate nostril) timer | Free core practice, optional Pro | Live heart rate during practice |
| 2 | Breathwrk: Breathing Exercises | 4.8 | 2019 | 1 | Broad breathing exercise library | Free tier, subscription | Yes |
| 3 | iBreathe – Relax and Breathe | 4.9 | 2017 | 1 | Simple guided breathing timer | One-time purchase options | Yes |
| 4 | Breathing Zone: Breathwork | 4.8 | 2010 | 1 | Paced breathing for calm | Paid app | Yes |
| 5 | Breathing Exercises: Breathe+ | 4.7 | 2016 | 9 | Customisable breathing patterns | Free tier, unlocks | Yes |
| 6 | Wim Hof Method: Breathwork | 4.9 | 2014 | 1 | Wim Hof Method breathing rounds | Free tier, subscription | No official companion |
| 7 | Open: Breathwork + Meditation | 4.9 | 2021 | 1 | Guided breathwork and meditation sessions | Subscription | Yes |
| 8 | Othership: Guided Breathwork | 4.9 | 2021 | 1 | Guided breathwork journeys | Subscription | No official companion |
| 9 | Calm | 4.8 | 2013 | 10 | Meditation and sleep suite with breathing tools | Subscription | Yes |
| 10 | Headspace: Sleep & Meditation | 4.8 | 2012 | 1 | Meditation suite with breathing exercises | Subscription | Yes |
Using Android? There is no Android version of Anuloma Viloma Timer yet; register your interest and help us gauge demand.
Common questions
What is the best breathing app for iOS?
It depends on the practice. For alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana / anulom vilom) with structured ratios, Anuloma Viloma Timer is purpose-built and free to practice with, no subscription necessary. For a broad library of techniques, Breathwrk leads; for meditation suites with breathing tools, Calm and Headspace.
Are these ratings up to date?
The ratings, prices and dates on this page are fetched from Apple's public App Store data and the fetch date is shown above the table.
Who wrote this comparison?
Breath Lab, the makers of Anuloma Viloma Timer, which is ranked first. The criteria are stated and every number is Apple's, so the ranking can be checked rather than trusted.
Is there an Android version of Anuloma Viloma Timer?
Not yet. Android users can register interest at breathlab.org/android/ and we will gauge demand from it.