Open is one of the most stylish ways to learn breathwork and meditation, with live and on-demand classes, short sessions for busy days and an in-person studio option. It is highly rated by users and starts with a free trial. It is more expensive than basic meditation apps, so use the trial to see whether its music-driven, class-style approach suits you.
What we like
- Breathwork, meditation, movement and sound in one membership
- Live classes plus an on-demand library, from 5-minute breathwork to longer sessions
- Free trial before you pay
- Highly rated on the App Store (4.9 from thousands of ratings)
- Optional in-person studio classes and Apple Health integration
Keep in mind
- Pricier than many meditation apps
- Class-style format may feel intense for complete beginners
- Pricing details are not displayed on the website
- Not a substitute for therapy or clinical care
Breathwork has become one of the most popular stress-relief practices of the past few years, partly because it is so accessible: you need nothing but your lungs and a few quiet minutes. Open is a mindfulness platform that has helped bring it to a wider audience, combining breathwork with meditation, movement and sound in a format that feels closer to a boutique fitness class than a traditional meditation app.
We looked at what the membership includes, what it costs and who it is likely to suit.
What Open offers
Open describes itself as a place to come to your senses. Its classes mix four ingredients: breathwork, meditation, movement and sound. You can join live classes, choose from an on-demand library, follow daily meditations and work through monthly programs. Sessions range from about 5 minutes of breathwork to 60-minute strength and conditioning classes.
Sound is central to the experience, and the platform has brought in musician James Blake as Chief Sound Officer. Classes often feel immersive and music-led, which many users find more engaging than a voice-only meditation.
The live format is a key difference from most meditation apps. Joining a class at a set time with other people adds accountability, and teachers can guide the group through a session in real time. If your schedule does not allow that, the on-demand library covers the same styles of practice whenever you have a few minutes.
App features
- Guided breathwork for calm, focus and energy, including short sessions for busy days
- Guided meditations led by experienced teachers, plus a meditation timer
- Movement classes, including strength and conditioning
- Sleep sounds such as white noise and rain
- Progress tracking with reminders, streaks and badges
- Apple Health integration for logging mindful minutes
- Community features for sharing experiences
The app is available on iOS and the web, and coverage has also described an Android version. In-person studio classes are booked with credits through the website's schedule.
See Open's current range
Pricing and the free trial
Open is free to download, with a membership unlocking the full class library. Coverage we reviewed described a 14-day free trial with unlimited live and on-demand classes, followed by about $20 a month or $150 a year, which works out to roughly $12.50 a month on the annual plan. Pricing can change, so confirm current rates in the app before the trial ends.
In-person classes are paid for separately using credits. If you mainly want to practice at home, the app membership is all you need.
To judge value, compare it with what you would otherwise spend. A single boutique breathwork or yoga class can cost as much as a month of Open, so if you would use it several times a week, the membership is good value. If you expect to use it once in a while, a free breathing timer may be enough. Set a calendar reminder a couple of days before your trial ends so you can decide deliberately rather than being billed by default.
Getting started with breathwork
If you are new to breathwork, a few pointers help:
- Start short. Five to ten minutes is enough to notice an effect.
- Choose calming sessions first. Slow breathing with longer exhales tends to be relaxing, while faster, energizing techniques can feel intense.
- Practice sitting or lying down, never while driving or in water.
- Stop if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, and return to normal breathing.
- Build a routine: a morning session to start the day, or an evening session to unwind.
Breathwork pairs well with other habits. A short session before bed can replace late-night scrolling, and a few minutes of slow breathing before a stressful meeting can take the edge off. Over a few weeks, many people find they can use the same techniques without the app at all, which is a sign the practice is working.
Who Open suits
Open suits people who want stress relief with structure and energy, those who enjoy the community feel of a class, and anyone who has tried traditional meditation apps and found them too passive. Its range of short sessions makes it practical for busy schedules, and its movement classes add value for people who want to combine mindfulness and exercise.
If you prefer a completely hands-off approach, a device such as Apollo Neuro or Sensate may be easier to stick with. If you want to explore vagus nerve stimulation, Pulsetto and Truvaga are alternatives, though slow breathing itself is a free way to engage the body's relaxation response.
Things to keep in mind
Some breathwork techniques, particularly fast or intense breathing, are not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant or have epilepsy, heart or lung conditions, high blood pressure or a history of panic attacks, check with a doctor and stick with gentle, slow-breathing sessions. Breathwork and meditation can support mental wellbeing, but they are not a replacement for professional care if you are struggling.
Our verdict
Open is a polished, engaging and well-loved mindfulness platform that makes breathwork feel modern and approachable. It costs more than basic meditation apps, but the live classes, sound design and variety justify the premium for many users. Try it during the free trial and see whether it becomes a habit.
Open products at a glance
| Product | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Open membership (monthly) | Unlimited access to live and on-demand breathwork, meditation and movement classes. | about $20/month |
| Open membership (annual) | The same access billed yearly at a lower effective monthly price. | about $150/year |
| In-person class credits | Credits for booking classes at Open's in-person studio. | — |
| Free trial | Trial period with unlimited live and on-demand classes before billing begins. | Free |
Prices as listed on the brand's site at the time of our research and may change. Check the store for current pricing.
Open FAQs
What is the Open app?
Open is a mindfulness platform offering live and on-demand breathwork, meditation, movement and sound classes, through an app and in-person studio sessions.
How much does Open cost?
Coverage we reviewed listed about $20 a month or $150 a year after a free trial. Check the app for current pricing.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Open offers a free trial, described in coverage as 14 days with unlimited classes.
Is breathwork safe for everyone?
Gentle, slow breathing is safe for most people. Fast or intense techniques are not suitable for everyone, so check with a doctor if you are pregnant or have heart, lung or seizure conditions.
Can Open help with sleep?
Many members use evening breathwork, meditation and sleep sounds to wind down. It may help with relaxation, but persistent insomnia should be discussed with a doctor.
People who want guided breathwork and meditation with a modern, music-led feel
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