Calm App Review: Is It Worth Gifting?

What We Like

1. Sleep Stories Are Genuinely Magical

Calm's Sleep Stories are its killer feature. These are bedtime stories for adults, narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Harry Styles, and LeBron James. They're designed to help you drift off, and they work remarkably well. If your gift recipient struggles with insomnia, this alone justifies the subscription.

2. Beautiful, Calming Design

Calm lives up to its name. The app's interface is gorgeously designed with soothing colors, gentle animations, and an intuitive layout. Using it genuinely feels relaxing, which matters for a wellness app.

3. Daily Calm Routine

Every day, Calm releases a new 10-minute guided meditation called the Daily Calm. It's a great way to build a consistent meditation habit. The recipient can start their morning or wind down their evening with a fresh, relevant meditation each day.

4. Works for All Experience Levels

Whether the recipient has never meditated before or has years of practice, Calm has content for them. Beginner courses teach the basics, while advanced meditations dive deeper. Sleep music, breathing exercises, and masterclasses round out the offerings.

5. Celebrity Narrations Add Appeal

Beyond Matthew McConaughey and Harry Styles, Calm features narrations from Stephen Fry, Idris Elba, and others. For someone who's skeptical about meditation, hearing their favorite celebrity guide them can make the experience more approachable.

What to Consider

1. Annual Subscription Required

While Calm offers a free tier, most of the valuable content (including Sleep Stories) requires a Premium subscription. The annual commitment is standard for meditation apps, but it means you're gifting a full year upfront.

2. Paywall Can Feel Aggressive

Some users find Calm's paywall frustrating—many enticing features are locked behind Premium. If the recipient tries the free version first and encounters too many locked features, it might diminish the gift's impact. Consider explaining what's included when you gift it.

3. Limited Free Content to Preview

Unlike some competitors, Calm's free tier is quite limited. If you're unsure whether the recipient will use it, there's not much for them to trial before committing to the full year you've gifted. However, the annual plan is their best value, so this is mostly a consideration for new users.

Who It's Best For

How to Gift Calm

1. Visit Calm's gift page using our link below (you'll get their best current offer).
2. Choose your gift plan—annual ($69.99), monthly ($14.99/mo), or lifetime ($399.99 one-time).
3. Select delivery method: email delivery (instant) or printable certificate (if you want a physical card to give).
4. Add a personal message explaining why you chose this gift. Example: "I know how stressed you've been lately—this will help you unwind and sleep better!"
5. Complete checkout. The recipient receives an email with redemption instructions, or you print the certificate to present in person.

Pricing Breakdown

Calm offers several subscription options. For gifting, we recommend the annual plan for best value:

Alternatives

If Calm doesn't feel quite right, consider:

• Headspace — Better for meditation beginners who want structured courses. Less variety, but more systematic. Same price ($69.99/yr). Read our Headspace review → See Headspace vs Calm comparison →
• Insight Timer — Free app with thousands of meditations. Great for budget-conscious gifts, but lacks the polish and Sleep Stories of Calm.
• Balance — Personalized meditation plans. Good for beginners, but smaller library than Calm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Calm gifting work?

Purchase a gift subscription on Calm's website, and the recipient receives an email with redemption instructions. They create an account (or log into their existing one) and activate the gift. It's instant and seamless.

Is Calm worth the price?

At $69.99/year (less than $6/month), Calm is excellent value if the recipient uses it regularly. Sleep Stories alone are worth it for insomnia sufferers. If they'll use it 2-3 times per week, it's absolutely worth the cost.

What are Sleep Stories?

Sleep Stories are narrated bedtime tales designed to help you fall asleep. They feature calming voices (including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey), soothing background music, and meandering storylines that lull you to sleep. They're surprisingly effective.

Does Calm work offline?

Yes! Premium subscribers can download meditations, Sleep Stories, and music for offline use. Perfect for flights, camping, or anywhere without reliable internet.

Can beginners use Calm?

Absolutely. Calm has a "How to Meditate" course for complete beginners, plus introductory meditations as short as 3 minutes. The app guides you through everything step-by-step.

Calm vs Headspace: Which is better as a gift?

Calm is better for variety, Sleep Stories, and experienced meditators. Headspace is better for beginners who want structured courses. Both cost the same ($69.99/yr). Read our full comparison →

Final Verdict

Calm earns our "Best for Wellness" badge for meditation gifts. It's the most versatile meditation app, with content for beginners and experts alike. The Sleep Stories are a standout feature that sets Calm apart from competitors.

If you're gifting to someone who's stressed, struggles with sleep, or has expressed interest in meditation, Calm is an excellent choice. It's a gift that promotes genuine wellbeing—and they'll think of you every time they use it to unwind.