Headspace is one of the two apps that define the sleep meditation category globally. Founded in 2010 by Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson, it has built a vast following in Australia thanks to its structured, evidence-informed approach to mindfulness and sleep. For the 2026 edition of our rankings, Headspace earns a 4.7 rating - fractionally below Calm, primarily due to a smaller dedicated sleep content library.
Headspace's answer to Sleep Stories is the Sleepcast - generative audio journeys that mix ambient sound with loose narrative, designed to fade into the background as you drift off. Sleepcasts are effective and distinctive, but the library of around 50 options is smaller than Calm's. The Wind Down feature, a pre-sleep sequence combining light stretching, breathing, and a short meditation, is one of the most practically useful features in any sleep app we tested.
Headspace costs A$17.99 per month or roughly A$10.00/month on an annual plan - slightly cheaper than Calm. The free tier includes several foundational meditation courses, a limited set of sleep meditations, and the first few levels of the Basics course, making it a meaningful trial product.
Headspace is the best choice for Australians who want a solid free tier before committing, or who find Calm's Sleep Stories approach too narrative-heavy. Its structured beginner courses and the Wind Down feature make it an excellent all-around mindfulness companion, even if pure sleep-content depth is slightly behind the leader.
Health Disclaimer: Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or wellness programme. This site does not replace medical advice.
