The 4 types of breathing apps
| Type | How you follow | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided / meditation apps | A voice talks you through | Beginners who like instructions | Large libraries, yearly subscriptions |
| Breathwork apps | Many techniques and programmes | Variety, energising and calming patterns | Some techniques use intense breathing |
| Pacer apps | An animation or sound sets the rhythm | Simple, daily slow breathing | Need to watch the screen (animation) |
| Vibration pacer apps (Pianissimo) | You feel each breath through the phone on your chest | Lying down, eyes closed, before sleep | Headphones recommended |
6 questions to ask before you download
- Can you try a full session free, before any payment screen?
- Do you need to create an account?
- Does it work offline?
- Is there a one-time purchase, or only a subscription?
- Can you follow it with your eyes closed?
- Does the App Store privacy label say what data it collects?
Are free breathing apps good enough?
For learning a technique, often yes. Paid versions usually add more paces, durations and sounds. A good test: use the free version at the same time for a week before paying.
Your first session is free. No account. Pianissimo lets you feel slow breathing through your phone before you decide.
Subscription or one-time purchase?
Many breathing and meditation apps sell a yearly subscription to a large content library. An app built around one routine can be sold once. Pianissimo offers both: “One purchase, yours forever”, or a yearly plan.
How Pianissimo answers the 6 questions
| Question | Pianissimo |
|---|---|
| Free session before payment? | Yes, your first full session is free |
| Account needed? | No |
| Works offline? | Yes |
| One-time purchase? | Yes, or a yearly plan |
| Eyes closed? | Yes: the pace is a vibration on your chest |
| Privacy label | “Data Not Collected” |
This guide is published by the makers of Pianissimo.
FAQ
Is there a breathing app for Apple Watch?
Apple Watch includes a built-in breathing feature. Pianissimo runs on iPhone; there is no Apple Watch app.
What is the best breathing app for sleep?
One you can follow lying down with your eyes closed, with a timer that ends on its own.
Related
Last updated: 31 October 2026.
Before you start
A relaxation session, not a medical device. A phone contains magnets and radios: Apple advises keeping it away from implanted medical devices, so do not rest it on your chest if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator. If you are pregnant or have a heart or lung condition, ask your doctor first.