Calm

User Experience Report

Week of June 23rd, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

Highlights trends and insights

Helps you understand what matters most

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Calm

Top Insights This Week

Week of June 23rd, 2025
This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.
It highlights trends and insights to help you understand what matters most.
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All Insights

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TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Calm's key feedback

1

Subscription Frustration

Many users express dissatisfaction with the app's subscription model, feeling misled by the promise of free content that is largely locked behind a paywall. Approximately 30% of users mention issues with the lack of free features and aggressive subscription prompts.

I downloaded the app expecting free content, but everything is locked unless you pay for a subscription.

2

Content Access Issues

Users frequently report problems with accessing content they have paid for, including issues with downloads and app crashes. This affects around 15% of users, who find the app's technical issues frustrating and contrary to its calming purpose.

The app crashes often, and I can't access the content I paid for, which is very frustrating.

3

Customer Service Complaints

A significant number of users are unhappy with the customer service, citing unresponsive support and difficulties in resolving billing issues. Approximately 10% of users have expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service experience.

I canceled my subscription but was still charged, and customer service has not responded to my requests for a refund.

4

Intrusive Pop-ups

Users are annoyed by frequent pop-ups and prompts to share the app or upgrade, which disrupt the user experience. About 20% of users mention that these interruptions detract from the app's calming intent.

The constant pop-ups asking me to share the app or upgrade are very disruptive and not calming at all.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

#1 USERS CHOICE

Insight Timer
Insight Timer is highly praised for its extensive range of meditation options, including guided meditations, courses, and a versatile timer feature. Users appreciate its affordability and the sense of community it fosters, making it a favorite among meditation enthusiasts.

#2 RUNNER UP

Breethe
Breethe receives positive feedback for its calming sleep stories and meditations, which users find effective for relaxation and stress relief. The app's simplicity and supportive customer service are also highlighted, although some users express a desire for more diverse content.

#3 Straggler

Calm
Calm is appreciated for its high-quality meditation and sleep content, with many users finding it beneficial for anxiety and sleep issues. However, there is significant criticism regarding its pricing model, with many users frustrated by the paywall and subscription costs.
Competitors Analysis
Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse.
Insight Timer
#1 Users Choice
Insight Timer is highly praised for its extensive range of meditation options, including guided meditations, courses, and a versatile timer feature. Users appreciate its affordability and the sense of community it fosters, making it a favorite among meditation enthusiasts.
Breethe
#2 Runner-up
Breethe receives positive feedback for its calming sleep stories and meditations, which users find effective for relaxation and stress relief. The app's simplicity and supportive customer service are also highlighted, although some users express a desire for more diverse content.
Calm
#3 Straggler
Calm is appreciated for its high-quality meditation and sleep content, with many users finding it beneficial for anxiety and sleep issues. However, there is significant criticism regarding its pricing model, with many users frustrated by the paywall and subscription costs.

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Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Subscription Confusion
Many users are frustrated by unexpected charges after signing up for a free trial, leading to feelings of being misled by the app's subscription model. This confusion is exacerbated by difficulties in canceling subscriptions and obtaining refunds.
I signed up for a free trial and was charged $99.99 for a full year without warning.
Limited Free Content
Users are disappointed by the lack of free content, as most features are locked behind a paywall, contradicting the app's advertised free offerings. This has led to dissatisfaction and perceptions of the app as a 'money grab.'
Everything is locked unless you pay for a subscription, which is frustrating.
App Performance Issues
Frequent app crashes and glitches disrupt the user experience, particularly during meditation sessions, which is counterproductive to the app's calming purpose. Users report that these technical issues have worsened over time.
The app crashes often, especially during meditation, which is the opposite of calming.
Aggressive Upselling
Constant pop-ups and prompts to upgrade to premium disrupt the user experience, making the app feel more like a sales platform than a relaxation tool. This aggressive marketing approach is seen as intrusive and counterproductive.
Every time I finish a meditation, I'm bombarded with offers to upgrade, which is very disruptive.
Content Navigation Challenges
The app's interface is cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it hard for users to find desired content quickly. This poor user experience detracts from the app's calming intent and frustrates users.
It's hard to find anything due to the app's busy and haphazard layout.
Cultural Sensitivity Concerns
Some users are uncomfortable with the app's content choices, feeling that certain narratives or voices do not align with their personal values or expectations for inclusivity. This has led to negative perceptions of the app's cultural sensitivity.
I was jolted awake by a story that didn't align with my expectations for calming content.
Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience
Subscription Confusion
Many users are frustrated by unexpected charges after signing up for a free trial, leading to feelings of being misled by the app's subscription model. This confusion is exacerbated by difficulties in canceling subscriptions and obtaining refunds.
Limited Free Content
Users are disappointed by the lack of free content, as most features are locked behind a paywall, contradicting the app's advertised free offerings. This has led to dissatisfaction and perceptions of the app as a 'money grab.'
App Performance Issues
Frequent app crashes and glitches disrupt the user experience, particularly during meditation sessions, which is counterproductive to the app's calming purpose. Users report that these technical issues have worsened over time.
Aggressive Upselling
Constant pop-ups and prompts to upgrade to premium disrupt the user experience, making the app feel more like a sales platform than a relaxation tool. This aggressive marketing approach is seen as intrusive and counterproductive.
Content Navigation Challenges
The app's interface is cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it hard for users to find desired content quickly. This poor user experience detracts from the app's calming intent and frustrates users.
Cultural Sensitivity Concerns
Some users are uncomfortable with the app's content choices, feeling that certain narratives or voices do not align with their personal values or expectations for inclusivity. This has led to negative perceptions of the app's cultural sensitivity.

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

I love Calm so much. It has helped me sleep, work through anxiety, and avoid panic attacks. It has a streak system that encourages you to do meditation every day, but if you don’t, it still congratulates you for doing anything at all. This app is the best mental health app in existence.
RebelH3art
Week of June 23rd, 2025
I used to use Calm back when it had a good amount of free listenings. But now, almost everything is locked in its Premium $17/month subscription. Even worse, they hound you to subscribe to premium every 5 minutes. It barely has any free listenings now.
Evve1001
Week of June 23rd, 2025
I rarely pay for apps, but Calm is one of the few I find worth it. From the white noise to help me focus to the Daily offerings that allow me time to reset, and now a new Masterclass that I’m finding very helpful, Calm has been worth every penny.
Bdflip
Week of June 23rd, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes
I love Calm so much. It has helped me sleep, work through anxiety, and avoid panic attacks. It has a streak system that encourages you to do meditation every day, but if you don’t, it still congratulates you for doing anything at all. This app is the best mental health app in existence.
Candice Wu
App Store
I used to use Calm back when it had a good amount of free listenings. But now, almost everything is locked in its Premium $17/month subscription. Even worse, they hound you to subscribe to premium every 5 minutes. It barely has any free listenings now.
Kelly Williams
Google Play
I rarely pay for apps, but Calm is one of the few I find worth it. From the white noise to help me focus to the Daily offerings that allow me time to reset, and now a new Masterclass that I’m finding very helpful, Calm has been worth every penny.
Koray Okumus
Google Play

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