Among healthcare software, the market for mental health apps is growing rapidly. More people use digital tools for stress relief, therapy, and self-care every day. Meditation, sleep support, AI-powered chatbots, and mood tracking are some of the most popular features. However, not every app with such self help techniques is able to keep users engaged. Many struggle with expensive subscriptions, or content that feels repetitive.
What makes a mental health app successful? How do the most popular ones keep users engaged? Why do some grow while others lose users after just a few weeks?
Before we answer these questions, let’s briefly define what we mean by mental health apps.
What is a mental health app?
A mental health app is a digital tool created to support you through your smartphone or tablet. It’s a pocket-sized resource offering techniques, guidance, and support to help you manage anxiety, sleep issues, and even more complex challenges like depression or suicidal thoughts.
These apps are gaining popularity as they’re usually accessible, affordable, and easy to use. They can often be a helpful first step for young people looking to manage urges, navigate difficult moments, and build resilience. For example, instead of waiting weeks for a therapy appointment, users can access guided meditations, relaxation techniques, or even chat with a licensed therapist straight away. This keeps it natural while making it clear that apps are a complement, not a substitute, for professional treatment.
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A few characteristics that make these apps work and widely used:
- Accessibility: They are available 24/7 and offer support at the exact moment it’s needed.
- Personalisation: They can track moods, or suggest exercises based on your preferences, essentially adapting to your needs.
- Affordability: Getting a free app is an option, while others offer subscriptions through in-app purchases. However, it’s still at a relatively agreeable price compared to conventional therapy.
Now that we’ve covered what they are, let’s look at their growing popularity in the UK.
The mental health apps market in the UK
The mental health apps market in the UK is growing as well as is the need for healthcare app development. By 2030, it’s expected to be worth $734.41 million (around £577.8 million as of writing) with a 17.8% annual growth rate
Why is the industry expanding?
The answer is simple – because of the rising demand, workplace adoption, and NHS staff backing. The pandemic increased awareness of different conditions including anxiety and depression, pushing more people to seek digital solutions. Businesses also use apps in employee wellbeing programs, as they’re a cost-effective way to support staff.2 On top of this, the NHS is motivating their own staff to use apps such as Headspace, greatly helping users to engage with these kind of digital tools more easily.3
What users like (and why they leave)
Users like these apps for mood tracking, guided meditation, and therapy chatbots. These tools make it easier to manage stress, emotions, and even depression. But many people stop using them within two weeks.4
What’s frustrating is that a lot of features aren’t available for free, so users feel like they’re missing out. Let’s not forget that people will always prefer a free app. Perhaps even worse, some apps also repeat the same exercises or chatbot responses, which gets boring fast.
Privacy concerns add another reason for people to leave. In the end, if an app doesn’t feel useful, engaging, and safe, users won’t stick around.
Where there’s opportunity
To retain users, apps need to offer more reasons to return. Regular content updates can help. For example, adding new exercises, a safety plan, fresh guided sessions, or interactive tools keeps the experience from feeling repetitive. A better notification system could also make a difference. Instead of generic daily reminders, an app could check in after a stressful event or suggest an exercise based on recent mood tracking.
Building trust is another key factor. Getting approval from the NHS isn’t the only way to do this. Apps can gain credibility through certifications from ORCHA Health, collaborations with therapists, or partnerships with universities. Clear privacy policies and real reviews also help users feel confident in their choice of mobile app.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the top apps for mental health in the UK and what makes them work.
10 best mental health apps in the UK
The market for mental health and wellbeing apps is booming, with thousands of options available. But not all of them are successful. Some attract millions of users, while others struggle to keep people engaged. So, what makes a mental health app stand out?
This list consists of the most downloaded, highest-rated, and best-reviewed apps in the UK as of February 2025. They represent different approaches to mental health support, from meditation and therapy to self-care and mood tracking.
Of course, this list isn’t set in stone – new apps will continue to emerge, and the ones featured here will evolve over time. As the mental health tech space grows, we can expect even more innovation and improved user experiences.
1. Headspace
Headspace is a mindfulness app. It helps users with too much pressure, anxiety, and focus by offering meditation sessions and relaxation exercises.
Key features:
- Guided meditations – step-by-step sessions for stress, focus, and better sleep.
- Sleepcasts – it is in an-app feature with bedtime with stories and relaxing sounds to help users fall asleep.
- Daily mindfulness exercises – short activities to help build a habit.
- Animations & visual guides – users can practice mindfulness in a simple way.
Monetisation model: Subscription-based – the app offers a free trial (14 or 7 days), but continued usage requires a monthly or yearly subscription.
Price: £9.99 per month, £49.99 per year (£4.17 per month).
User retention strategies:
- Structured courses – users progress through meditation programs, which keeps them engaged.
- Daily reminders – encourages consistent practice.
- Personalised suggestions – content recommendations based on user activity.
Credibility & market position:
- NHS-recommended – listed as a trusted mental health resource.
- Research-backed – multiple studies show it is effective in reducing stress and improving focus.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.8 stars (966K+ ratings), Android: 4.4 stars (328K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Huge library of meditations.
- Helps build a daily habit.
What frustrates users:
- Most features require a paid plan after the trial.
- Some meditations feel repetitive over time.
2. BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform. The app connects users with licensed therapists for video, phone, or chat-based sessions. It’s designed to make therapy more accessible and convenient for people who don’t want or can’t attend in-person sessions.
Key features:
- Live video, phone & chat therapy – users can choose how they talk to their therapist.
- Unlimited messaging – people can text their therapist anytime.
- Flexible scheduling – sessions can be booked at convenient times.
- Therapist matching – the app pairs users with a therapist based on their needs.
Monetisation model: Subscription-based – users pay a weekly fee for therapy.
Price: £60 per week – discounts are available depending on the personal situation (eg., student or unemployed).
User retention strategies:
- Therapist matching – users can switch therapists easily if they’re not happy.
- Flexible communication – live sessions, texting, and chat options keep people engaged.
- Financial aid – discounts for those who qualify help keep users subscribed.
Credibility & market position:
- Licensed professionals – all therapists on the platform are certified.
- Global reach – available in multiple countries.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.8 stars (139K+ reviews), Android: 4.6 stars (55K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Therapists are available without long wait times.
- Different ways to communicate (chat, video, or phone).
- Can switch therapists if needed.
What frustrates users:
- Doesn’t accept health insurance, making it expensive for some.
- Prices vary, depending on location and therapist demand.
- No in-person option – all therapy is online.
3. Calm
Calm is a sleep and meditation app. It helps users reduce stress, cope with anxiety, and improve focus through guided meditation, breathing techniques, and bedtime stories.
Key features:
- Guided meditations – sessions for anxiety, focus, and relaxation.
- Sleep stories – narrated bedtime stories to help users fall asleep.
- Breathing exercises – quick techniques to manage tensions.
- Music library – soundscapes and calming music for relaxation.
Monetisation model: Freemium – basic content has some free resources, but most features require a paid subscription (a 7-day free trial is available).
Price: £14.99 per month, £39.99 per year (£3.34 per month).
User retention strategies:
- Daily reminders – encourages regular meditation.
- Streak tracking – rewards users for consistent practice.
- New content added regularly – keeps users engaged.
Credibility & market position: “App of the Year” by Apple (2017) – one of the most well-known meditation apps. Research-based – studies show it can reduce stress.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.8 stars (1.8M+ reviews), Android: 4.4 stars (500K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Easy to use, with lots of content.
- Stories are a unique feature.
- Works for both beginners and experienced users.
What frustrates users:
- Most features require a subscription.
- Some users struggle to cancel their plans.
4. Wysa: Mental Health Support
Wysa is a self-help app. With an AI-powered chatbot, it helps users with stress and anxiety management. It uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to offer guidance and develop coping skills through text-based conversations.
Key features:
- AI chatbot – users chat with an AI that responds with support and exercises.
- CBT-based exercises – guided techniques to help with negative thinking.
- Mood tracker – users log emotions to track patterns.
- Guided meditations – short sessions for relaxation.
Monetisation model: Freemium – the basic chatbot is available with a free version, but therapy sessions and premium features require payment (a 7-day free trial is available).
Price: £66.99 per year for premium access, £11.99 per month, and £149.99 for lifetime access.
Therapist: monthly – 4 sessions for £79.99 (£19.99 per session), quarterly– 12 sessions for £144.99 (£12.08 per session).
User retention strategies:
- Personalised conversations – the AI adapts based on past chats.
- Daily check-ins – users are encouraged to log feelings regularly.
- Anonymous & private – no human interaction is needed, which keeps some users engaged.
Credibility & market position:
- CBT-based – uses clinically backed techniques.
- Studied in research – shown to help reduce anxiety in some clinical studies.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.9 stars (23K+ reviews), Android: 4.6 stars (150K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Feels private and easy to use.
- Offers CBT techniques without needing a therapist.
- Lower cost than traditional therapy.
What frustrates users:
- AI has limits – not the same as talking to a human.
- Most features require payment after a few free app sessions.
- No voice or video options – text-only.
5. Reflectly
Reflectly is a great app that helps users track their moods and reflect on daily experiences. It uses AI to suggest prompts and encourage self-reflection helping with low self-esteem. The app was built with Flutter.
Key features:
- AI-powered journal prompts – suggests daily questions to guide reflection.
- Mood tracking – users log emotions and see patterns over time.
- Daily challenges – small tasks, like positive affirmations, to build positive habits.
- Voice-to-text – users can dictate journal entries instead of typing.
Monetisation model: Freemium – basic features are free, but other resources require a subscription through in-app purchases.
Price: £79.99 for lifetime access, with occurring deals at £19.99/lifetime.
User retention strategies:
- Personalised reminders – users get nudges to fill a thought diary regularly.
- Progress tracking – mood trends help users stay engaged.
- Daily quotes & challenges – encourages habit-building.
Credibility & market position: Based on positive psychology – focuses on habit-building.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.6 stars (81K+ reviews), Android: 4.1 stars (40K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Easy to use and visually appealing.
- Helps build a daily journaling habit.
- No ads in the premium version.
What frustrates users:
- Some find the app too basic for deep self-reflection.
- Focus on positivity can feel limiting – less emphasis on negative emotions.
6. Clarity: CBT Self-Help Journal
Clarity is a CBT-based journaling app. It helps users identify negative thoughts, track their mood, and develop healthier thinking patterns through guided journals and mental health exercises.
Key features:
- Guided journals – users answer structured prompts to work through thoughts.
- Mood tracker – logs emotions and provides insights over time.
- CBT exercises – short activities to help challenge negative thinking.
- Mini-courses & assessments – quick lessons on mental health topics.
Monetisation model: Freemium – users can try some features for free, but a subscription is needed for full functionality (a 7-day free trial is available).
Price: Subscription starts at £59.99 per year (£5.00 per month).
User retention strategies:
- Daily check-ins – users log their thoughts and moods regularly.
- Personalised insights – the app suggests exercises based on entries.
- Educational content – courses keep users engaged.
Credibility & market position: Based on CBT techniques – uses structured methods from therapy.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.8 stars (26K+ reviews), Android: 3.9 stars (7K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Helps build a regular journaling habit.
- Includes CBT-based exercises.
What frustrates users:
- Most content is locked behind a subscription.
- Features vary between iOS and Android devices.
- Some users find the CBT lessons too simple.
7. iBreathe – Relax and Breathe
iBreathe is a simple breathing exercise app. It helps users stay safe, reduce stress and improve focus by guiding them through slow breathing techniques.
Key features:
- Pre-set breathing sessions – includes popular techniques like box breathing and 4-7-8 breathing.
- Customisable sessions – users can adjust inhale, exhale, and hold times.
- Daily reminders – helps users remember to practice breathing.
- Apple Watch integration – exercises are available on the go.
- Apple health sync – tracks breathing sessions alongside other health data.
Monetisation model: Free with a one-time purchase.
Price: One-time fee to remove ads for £2.99 (no subscriptions).
User retention strategies:
- Simplicity – there are no distractions, it’s focused on breathing.
- Daily reminders – encourages users to build a habit.
- Custom settings – users can adjust exercises to fit their needs.
Credibility & market position: Recognised by Healthline as one of the best breathing apps.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.9 stars (14.5K+ reviews), not available on Android devices.
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Simple and easy to use.
- No subscriptions, just a one-time purchase.
- Works well with Apple Health and Apple Watch.
What frustrates users:
- Only available on iOS, no Android version.
- Some users want more guidance or extra features.
8. Finch: Self-Care Pet
Finch is a self-care app combined with a virtual pet. Users complete wellness tasks, mood tracking, and relaxation exercises to help their pet grow.
Key features:
- Virtual pet – users take care of a digital pet by completing self-care tasks.
- Mood tracking – logs emotions and tracks progress.
- Guided breathing – a quick way to manage anxiety.
- Daily challenges – short activities to improve daily life.
- Community features – users can connect with friends for support.
Monetisation model: Freemium – the app is free, but some features require a subscription (a 7-day free trial is available).
Price: £39.99 per year (£3.33 per month) for Finch Plus (optional premium plan).
User retention strategies:
- Habit-forming gameplay – users feel motivated to return daily to help their pet grow.
- Daily challenges & rewards – encourages consistency.
- Community support – people can connect with other users inside the app for peer support.
Credibility & market position: Well-reviewed by users, but there are some concerns about data privacy.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 5.0 stars (385K+ reviews), Android: 4.9 stars (335K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- A unique approach that combines self-care with a pet game.
- Lots of small activities to keep engagement high.
- Strong community features help users stay motivated.
What frustrates users:
- Some key features require a subscription.
- Privacy concerns – some users worry about data sharing.
- Might not appeal to everyone, some prefer a more traditional self-care app.
9. BetterMe: Mental Health
BetterMe is a self-improvement app that combines meditation, stress management, and sleep tools. It offers quick sessions, guided courses, and habit-building exercises to help users with their mental wellbeing.
Key features:
- Daily programs – users get a checklist of self-care activities.
- Short meditations – quick sessions for stress, focus, and relaxation.
- Sleep stories & sounds – audio designed to help with sleep.
- Breathing exercises – simple techniques to reduce tension.
- Community features – users can track progress and interact.
Monetisation model: Freemium – the app is free to download, but premium features require a subscription (a 7-day free trial is available).
Price: £34.99 per 12 weeks (approximately £11.66 per month), or £20/month for the full version (some features cost extra).
User retention strategies:
- Personalised content – users get recommendations based on goals.
- Daily challenges & streaks – encourages habit-building.
- Variety of exercises – different session lengths to fit any schedule.
Credibility & market position: Popular in the wellness space, but some users report issues with subscription management.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.7 stars (15K+ reviews), Android: 4.2 stars (64K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Lots of different content (meditations, breathing, sleep).
- Easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Daily checklists help build consistency.
What frustrates users:
- Subscription management issues, as some users struggle to cancel.
- Extra costs for certain features beyond the main subscription.
- Some content feels repetitive over time.
10. MindDoc: Mental Health Support
MindDoc is a mood-tracking and self-assessment app that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques. Users log their emotions daily, and the app analyses patterns to provide insights into their mental wellbeing.
Key features:
- Mood tracking – users answer daily check-in questions to spot trends.
- Personalised insights – the app suggests patterns based on logged moods.
- CBT-based exercises – short activities to help with stress and anxiety.
- Educational content – articles and courses on mental health topics.
Monetisation model: Freemium – users can download it for free, though in-app purchases are needed to unlock all features (a 7-day free trial is available)
Price: 12 Months – £5.83 monthly, 6 Months – £7.49 monthly, 3 Months – £9.99 monthly.
User retention strategies:
- Regular assessments – users answer structured questions daily.
- Progress reports – the app provides feedback on mood patterns.
- Self-help resources – extra content keeps users engaged.
Credibility & market position:
- Developed with clinical psychologists – uses evidence-based methods.
- Registered as a medical product in the EU.
App Store and Google Play Store performance: iOS: 4.7 stars (29K+ reviews), Android: 4.3 stars (39K+ reviews).
Pros & cons:
Why users like it:
- Daily check-ins help users track patterns over time.
- Designed with input from mental health professionals.
- Simple interface, easy to use.
What frustrates users:
- Many features require a paid plan.
- Not a replacement for professional therapy.
- Some users feel the insights could be more detailed.
Final thoughts
Even though the market is growing fast, most platforms struggle to keep users engaged beyond two weeks. The most successful ones use daily reminders, habit tracking, and personalised content to keep people coming back.
This list of the 10 top apps shows what’s working, what users expect, and where gaps in the market still exist. So…
What’s working?
- Strong retention features: Daily check-ins, streak tracking, and fresh content (Headspace, Calm, Finch) improve performance.
- Subscriptions dominate: Most apps lock key features behind monthly or yearly plans. A few offer one-time in-app purchases (iBreathe), but this is rare.
- Meditation, therapy, and journaling lead the market: The most popular solutions focus on stress, anxiety, and sleep.
- Trusted methods gain users: Being backed by NHS recognition (Headspace) or cognitive behavioural therapy techniques (Clarity, Wysa, MindDoc) builds more trust.
Where are the gaps?
- High costs push users away: Most people prefer a free app, so a more flexible pricing model could attract a wider audience.
- Limited support for young adults: Few apps specifically help young people cope with recovery journeys, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxious feelings, or self-confidence issues.
- Lack of personalisation: Most software offers generic content instead of adapting to user mood, habits, or progress.
- Very few long-term mental health plans: Users can complete daily exercises but there are no structured programs for sustained improvement.
- Limited support for niche needs: Most apps focus on general stress relief. There’s a gap for apps designed for workplace stress, depression, low self-esteem, neurodivergent users, or long-term condition management.
- Lack of coping strategies and self-harm intervention: Many platforms cover meditation exercises, emotional well-being, and positive thinking, but fewer offer structured support for issues like self-harm prevention
At Droids On Roids, we’ve been developing health and wellness apps for years – ranging from those that track critical vital signs to solutions that support doctors in their daily work, and even AI-driven apps like Respire AI, designed to improve users’ sleep quality.
From experience, we know that building health apps isn’t just about great code – it’s about trust, security, and real impact. Compliance, data privacy, and seamless user experience are just as critical as innovation. If an app doesn’t feel trustworthy or genuinely helpful, users simply won’t come back.
