Customer Reviews (500)

micampe • 2025-03-26T00:19:27-07:00

When I open the app to meditate I don’t want to be badgered to update the stupid app. I come here to get away from all the other apps that want to distract me AND YOU DO THE SAME. I update the app whenever I DECIDE, not you. The app was a lot better a couple of years ago when it was simple, now it’s just Netflix for meditation content, using the same tricks I’m trying to use meditation to fight against.

Lafonda1 • 2025-03-25T14:34:48-07:00

I downloaded this after listening to one of Dan Harris books that mentioned it. I was excited to try it. Once I completed my five free lessons everything else is locked. It requires a payment. I would not recommend this app unless you were looking forward to paying to meditate.

nicknameMAD123456 • 2025-03-24T07:21:05-07:00

I’ve used this app for years now. Over the last several months, almost every time I open the app, I’m asked to update it. This is a distraction from my primary interest in using the app at that moment to connect to the present. Are all the updates necessary? It’s only March and we’re on update #7 for 2025. Other than this, I love the collection of meditations and talks. There are many great teachers here!

Summary of Key Insights

The Happier meditation app, formerly Ten Percent Happier, generally receives positive feedback, with many users praising its diverse content, skilled teachers, and positive impact on their lives. However, recent updates and changes, particularly the removal of the podcast and the introduction of a forced "check-in" process, have generated significant negative sentiment. Users also express concerns regarding pricing, lack of new content, and technical issues. Overall sentiment is positive, but the negative trends related to recent changes warrant immediate attention. The app boasts a high percentage of 5-star ratings (68.8%), but the significant number of 1-star reviews (13.8%) highlights areas needing improvement.

Key Strengths:

  • Variety of meditation styles and teachers.
  • Helpful guided meditations and courses.
  • Positive impact on stress, anxiety, and sleep.
  • Engaging podcast content (prior to removal).
  • Appeals to both beginners and experienced meditators.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Negative impact of recent app updates (forced check-in, UI changes).
  • Removal of the 10% Happier podcast from the app.
  • Lack of new content and courses.
  • Technical issues (crashing, audio problems).
  • Pricing concerns (high annual subscription cost, limited free content).
  • Forced personalization that some users find counter to mindfulness.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a considerable period, but many refer to "recent updates" in 2024 and early 2025, indicating a focus on the app's current state.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis was used to gauge the overall emotional tone of the reviews.
    • Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned topics, features, and issues.
    • Manual review was conducted to understand the context and nuances of user feedback.

Key User Pain Points

  • Forced "Check-In" Process: Many users strongly dislike the new mandatory "check-in" process on the home screen, finding it intrusive, unnecessary, and counter to the principles of meditation. It adds an extra step before accessing meditations and forces users to engage with features they don't want.
  • Removal of the 10% Happier Podcast: The removal of the podcast from the app is a major source of dissatisfaction, particularly for long-time subscribers who valued ad-free access.
  • Lack of New Content: Users consistently report a lack of fresh meditations, courses, and features, making the subscription feel less valuable over time.
  • Technical Issues: Several users experience technical problems, including app crashes, audio glitches, and difficulty logging in or canceling subscriptions.
  • Pricing: The high annual subscription cost is a barrier for some users, especially given the limited free content and the perception that the app's value has decreased.
  • Unwanted Personalization: The AI-driven personalization, designed to suggest relevant meditations, misses the mark for some, limiting the range of options and creating irrelevant suggestions.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Option to Opt-Out of "Check-In": Provide users with the ability to disable the mandatory check-in process.
  • Reinstatement of the 10% Happier Podcast: Bring back the podcast within the app, ideally with ad-free access for subscribers.
  • More New Content: Regularly add new meditations, courses, and features to keep the app fresh and engaging.
  • Apple Watch Support: Some users are missing the Apple Watch support.
  • Apple TV App: Many users would appreciate an Apple TV app for a more immersive meditation experience.
  • Offline Playback: Enhance offline playback reliability.
  • Better Playlist Management: Improved organization and curation of favorite meditations.
  • Search by Teacher: Enable easier searching by meditation teacher.
  • Monthly Subscription Option: Offer a monthly subscription option for those who prefer not to commit to an annual plan.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Variety of Content and Teachers: Users appreciate the wide selection of meditation styles, topics, and instructors, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
  • Effective Guided Meditations: The guided meditations are praised for their quality, helpfulness, and positive impact on stress, anxiety, and sleep.
  • Accessibility for Beginners: The app is considered user-friendly and suitable for individuals new to meditation.
  • Knowledgeable and Relatable Teachers: The teachers are described as skilled, supportive, and relatable, making meditation feel less intimidating.
  • Positive Impact on Well-being: Many users report significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being as a result of using the app.
  • Podcast Integration (Historically): The podcast was a valuable addition, providing insightful interviews and discussions.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  1. Address "Check-In" Backlash: Implement an option to disable the mandatory "check-in" process immediately. This is causing widespread frustration and subscription cancellations.
  2. Investigate and Fix Technical Issues: Resolve app crashes, audio glitches, and login problems to ensure a stable and reliable user experience.
  3. Restore Podcast Access: Reintegrate the 10% Happier podcast into the app or provide a seamless way for subscribers to access an ad-free version in their preferred podcast app.

Medium Priority:

  1. Increase Content Updates: Prioritize the creation and release of new meditations, courses, and features to maintain user engagement and justify the subscription cost.
  2. Improve Personalization: Refine the AI-driven personalization to provide more relevant and diverse recommendations, and ensure it doesn't limit user choice.
  3. Enhance Navigation and UI: Reconsider the recent UI changes and address user concerns about navigation, visual design, and overall usability.

Low Priority:

  1. Expand Platform Support: Develop apps for Apple Watch and Apple TV to cater to user preferences.
  2. Offer Flexible Pricing: Consider offering a monthly subscription option to make the app more accessible.
  3. Improve Search Functionality: Enable easier searching by meditation teacher and other relevant criteria.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Meditation Personalization with User Control: A meditation app with highly customizable AI personalization where users can fine-tune the algorithm's influence, set content filters, and provide direct feedback on suggestions.
  • Meditation App with a Focus on Community and Social Connection: An app that integrates social features, such as group meditations, forums, and the ability to connect with other users for support and encouragement.
  • Meditation App with Gamified Progress Tracking (Optional): An app with optional gamified elements (streaks, badges, challenges) to motivate users, but with the ability to disable these features for those who find them distracting.
  • Meditation App with Offline-First Design: A meditation app that prioritizes offline access to content, ensuring a reliable experience even without an internet connection.
  • Meditation App with Focus on Specific Demographics: Meditation content curated specifically for seniors, addressing themes like aging, loss, and finding purpose in later life.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Associated with Recent Updates: A clear trend shows a decline in user satisfaction following recent app updates, particularly those related to the "check-in" process and UI changes.
  • Value Placed on Podcast Integration: The removal of the podcast has had a significant negative impact on user sentiment, indicating its importance to subscribers.
  • Desire for Fresh Content: Users consistently express a desire for new meditations, courses, and features, suggesting a need for ongoing content development.
  • Importance of Technical Stability: Technical issues, such as crashes and audio glitches, are a major source of frustration and can lead to negative reviews.
  • Shift Away from Dan Harris Focus: Some users feel that the app has lost its original appeal since Dan Harris’s departure.

Conclusion

The Happier meditation app has a strong foundation and a loyal user base, but recent changes have created significant challenges. Addressing the negative feedback related to the "check-in" process, podcast removal, and lack of new content is crucial for retaining existing subscribers and attracting new ones. Prioritizing technical stability and user experience will also be essential for maintaining a positive reputation. By focusing on these key areas, the app can regain its momentum and continue to provide valuable mindfulness resources to its users.

Overall Recommendation: Revert or modify the recent changes based on user feedback, prioritize bug fixes, and invest in new content creation to restore user satisfaction and maintain the app's competitive edge.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/happier-meditation/id992210239?uo=2