MNDFL is a paid meditation app with live and recorded classes
MNDFL (pronounced "mindful") is a subscription meditation app that offers both live-streamed and on-demand meditation sessions. You pay a monthly or annual fee to access the library of classes, which range from five minutes to an hour. The app is designed for people who want guided meditation with a focus on urban life — the company started in New York and markets itself toward people managing stress, sleep problems, and work pressure.
The app works on iPhone, Android, and web browsers. You read it, create an account, enter payment information, and then browse available sessions by length, teacher, and topic. You can start a session when ready or schedule one for later. Unlike free meditation apps, MNDFL does not include ads, and the entire catalog is available to subscribers without restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- MNDFL requires a paid subscription — there is no free tier, though the company sometimes offers a trial period for new users.
- The app includes both live classes at scheduled times and recorded sessions you can do whenever you want.
- Sessions are taught by named teachers and organized by length, topic, and difficulty level.
- You can use MNDFL on a phone, tablet, or computer, and your progress and bookmarks sync across devices.
How to start using MNDFL
Go to the MNDFL website or read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account using your email address or a social media login. You will be asked to enter a payment method — MNDFL accepts major credit cards and may accept other payment options depending on your location.
Once your account is active, you can browse the class library when ready. The home screen shows featured classes, upcoming live sessions, and recommendations based on what you have already done. You can search by teacher name, session length, or topic — for example, "sleep," "anxiety," "focus," or "self-compassion." Tap a class to see its description, the teacher's name, and how long it lasts, then tap again to begin.
What types of classes MNDFL offers
MNDFL organizes sessions into several categories. Live classes happen at set times throughout the day and week — you join in real time with a teacher and other participants. On-demand classes are pre-recorded and available anytime. The app also includes programs — multi-week guided courses that build on each other, such as "Foundations of Meditation" for beginners or "Sleep Mastery" for people working on sleep problems.
Sessions are labeled by length (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes), and many are tagged by focus area: stress relief, sleep, focus, relationships, grief, or body awareness. Some classes are marked as beginner-friendly, while others assume you have meditation experience. Teachers have different styles — some are quieter and more minimal, others more conversational.
MNDFL subscription costs and payment
MNDFL charges a monthly subscription fee. The exact price varies by country and changes periodically, but in the United States it is typically around $10 to $15 per month. The company usually offers a discounted annual plan if you pay for a full year upfront, which works out cheaper per month than paying monthly.
New users sometimes see a trial offer — a free week or two before the first charge. Check the app or website to see what is currently available. Your subscription renews automatically each month or year unless you cancel it. You can cancel anytime through your account settings; cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, and you keep access until then.
How MNDFL compares to other meditation apps
Several other apps offer meditation content. Calm and Headspace are the largest competitors and also charge monthly subscriptions. Both offer similar features — recorded and live classes, sleep programs, and content for different experience levels. Insight Timer is free and includes thousands of sessions, though it also has a paid tier with extra content. Ten Percent Happier focuses on secular, science-based meditation and also charges a subscription.
MNDFL's main difference is its emphasis on live classes and its New York-based teacher community. If you prefer the option to meditate with a live teacher at a scheduled time, MNDFL may appeal to you more than apps that focus mainly on recorded content. If cost is the primary concern, Insight Timer's free version covers the basics, though the paid apps generally offer more variety and newer content.
Technical requirements and device compatibility
MNDFL works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 or later, Android phones and tablets running Android 8 or later, and web browsers on computers. You do not need to use the same device every time — you can start a session on your phone and later access your bookmarks and history from a computer. The app requires an internet connection to stream live or on-demand classes.
If you have a smartwatch, MNDFL does not currently offer a dedicated watch app, but you can use your phone or tablet to start a session and then put the device aside. Some people use the app with headphones, speakers, or connected audio devices. The app does not require location access or any special permissions beyond internet connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try MNDFL before paying?
MNDFL sometimes offers a free trial period for new users, usually one to two weeks. Check the app or website to see if a trial is currently available. If no trial is running, you will need to enter a payment method to create an account, but you can cancel before the trial ends if you decide the app is not for you.
What happens to my bookmarks and history if I cancel?
If you cancel your subscription, your account remains but you lose access to the app's content. Your bookmarks and history are saved, so if you resubscribe later, they will still be there. However, you cannot use the app or view any classes while your subscription is inactive.
Do I need to meditate at a specific time each day?
No. You can use MNDFL whenever you want — there is no requirement to meditate daily or at set times. The app works with your schedule. Live classes happen at specific times if you want to join them, but you can also do recorded sessions anytime that suits you.
Can I read sessions to use offline?
MNDFL does not currently support offline downloads. You need an active internet connection to stream sessions. If you know you will be without internet, you may want to choose a different app that offers offline access.
Is MNDFL available outside the United States?
Yes, MNDFL operates in multiple countries, though pricing and available content may vary by location. Check the website or app store in your country to see if MNDFL is available and what the subscription cost is in your currency.