Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation The Best Hypnosis Apps of 2023 Hypnobox is the best hypnosis app, with a wealth of free resources By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry Facebook Twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is the author of the "Everything Psychology Book (2nd Edition)" and has written thousands of articles on diverse psychology topics. Kendra holds a Master of Science degree in education from Boise State University with a primary research interest in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Idaho State University with additional coursework in substance use and case management. Learn about our editorial process and Amy Marschall, PsyD Amy Marschall, PsyD Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, working with children and adolescents who also identify with these neurotypes among others. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 14, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn LinkedIn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. When you hear the term hypnosis, you might think of dramatized stage acts or movie scenes. However, hypnosis is not meant to be a form of entertainment: The technique can help reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and phobias. Hypnosis might also help with quitting smoking or drinking alcohol, as well as weight loss, but more research is needed and long-term results are unknown. Practicing self-hypnosis is very similar to meditation, but self-hypnosis is more goal-oriented and puts you in a trance-like state instead of being present. Hypnosis apps typically use audio tracks that may include vocals and music. Some of them also incorporate visual elements and other sound effects. While these apps are generally safe, they have not been scientifically tested for efficacy. You should be aware that they have their limitations: The claims made by app makers have not been empirically tested, and your results may vary. If you’re interested in giving self-hypnosis a try (no hypnotist required), read on for our list of the six best hypnosis apps. Best Hypnosis Apps of 2023 Best Overall: Hypnobox Best for Relaxation: Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis Best for Mood: Harmony Hypnosis Meditation Best for Weight Loss: Lose Weight Hypnosis Best for Stress Relief: Digipill Best for Anxiety: Anxiety Free Hypnosis apps have become popular for tackling a range of issues, but you should be aware of what these apps can and cannot do. Because they lack scientific backing for many of their health claims, you should always use caution and good judgment when trying a new app. Such apps may help achieve better relaxation, but they are never a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. The Best Hypnosis Apps of 2023 View All The Best Hypnosis Apps of 2023 Our Top Picks Hypnobox Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis Harmony Hypnosis Meditation Lose Weight Hypnosis Digipill Anxiety Free See More (3) Final Verdict Compare Apps FAQs Methodology Best Overall : Hypnobox Hypnobox Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: $13 for one month; $40 for six months; $60 for one yearPlatform: Apple, Google PlayLibrary size: 600 audio elements Why We Chose It Hypnobox has a wealth of free resources and offers a lot of customization, making it a fantastic choice for anyone interested in self-hypnosis. Pros & Cons Pros Free version available Can be used for different issues/concerns Sessions have several customizable options Site’s FAQ page explains how self-hypnosis works Multiple purchase/subscription options available Cons Can be challenging if not familiar with hypnosis Customized sessions do not always flow smoothly Some customers noted voice options sounding “robotic” Overview Hypnobox is a self-hypnosis app designed to help you achieve a deep state of relaxation on your own time and in your own space. The app's developers suggest that by entering a highly relaxed state, you will then be better able to absorb suggestions for new thoughts and behaviors. The app offers a wide range of customizations, including choosing what voice the app uses and the option to use it offline. You can choose from more than 600 different audio suggestions, plus personalize the experience by creating your own tailored sessions, recording your own suggestions, and importing your own background music. Each session works by inducing a deeply relaxed, trance-like state. During that time, the app provides suggestions that are intended to help you subconsciously retrain your brain. Hypnobox even includes a brief deep-breathing activity you can do while you wait for the content to load. There are several free options included in the app, or you can pay for individual add-on features or a yearly subscription. Best for Relaxation : Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: Paid sessions are $3 eachPlatform: Apple, Google PlayLibrary size: 6 free recordings + 140 options for purchase Why We Chose It Since the Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis app can help with relaxation as well as sleep issues, you can use it to help you relax for the day ahead or to wind down at night. Pros & Cons Pros Developed by a qualified hypnotherapist Designed to help with relaxation and sleep Soothing, gentle voice Some sessions help you fall and stay asleep Cons Limited free sessions Limited customizations No subscription options Overview This app, developed by a hypnotherapist, includes six free hypnotherapy and meditation sessions plus over 140 additional features that are available for purchase. The free sessions offered by Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis focus on incorporating techniques from self-hypnosis and meditation to help you achieve a deeply relaxed state. Add-on features allow you to tackle other topics, including self-esteem, anxiety, stress, and mindfulness. Hypnosis's goal is to induce a deeply relaxed state in which people are more open to suggestion. While hypnosis itself is not therapy, the process is sometimes used as an aid during psychotherapy. Self-hypnosis apps like this one may also incorporate other elements designed to increase relaxation, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. These are all techniques that you can learn and practice regularly to improve your ability to relax. Best for Mood : Harmony Hypnosis Meditation Harmony Hypnosis Meditation Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: $10/month, $50/year, $150/lifetimePlatform: Apple, Google Play, web app, KindleLibrary size: 3 free recordings + content added regularly with subscription Why We Chose It The Harmony Hypnosis Meditation app offers session topics that can improve your mood and motivate you to achieve your goals by helping you unlock feelings of confidence, self-love, harmony, peace, and more. Pros & Cons Pros Comprehensive introduction video Available on many platforms Lifetime sessions available for a fee One-time purchase option for lifetime access Developed by an award-winning hypnotherapist Cons Only two free sessions available Website version can be difficult to navigate App promotes other products Overview The Harmony Hypnosis app is designed to offer both self-hypnosis and meditation. Its creators suggest that the app can help decrease stress and improve relaxation, inner strength, and confidence. To enter a hypnotic state, you will focus on auditory music, a verbal mantra, a visual image on a screen, or even a physical movement. The app offers three free hypnotic meditations and a subscription service that has new topics added regularly. Like other self-hypnosis products, this one uses the meditative process to help you enter a deeply relaxed state free of distractions. The Harmony Hypnosis app accomplishes this by using dual vocal delivery, which involves metaphors and suggestions being given simultaneously, but separately, through the left and right earphones. In addition to vocals, the app also relies on music and other sounds meant to help you relax. Best for Weight Loss : Lose Weight Hypnosis Lose Weight Hypnosis Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: $6 per packagePlatform: AppleLibrary size: One free recording; upgrade for additional features Why We Chose It Lose Weight Hypnosis helps you change your mindset by focusing on controlling cravings and making mindful eating choices, instead of on losing weight. Pros & Cons Pros Encourages specific routine for benefits Comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions Volume control for voices and background sounds Tracks listening time in Apple's Health app Sleep and wake settings Cons Only compatible with Apple products Indicated for ages 12+ No free options available Overview Research has found that hypnosis may be a helpful tool for those who are trying to lose weight. One clinical trial found that self-hypnosis was linked to improved satiation, increased quality of life, and reduced inflammation. The results also found that those who used self-hypnosis habitually experienced greater weight loss. The Lose Weight Hypnosis app is one of the most popular options designed for weight loss. The founders suggest that it can help you learn how to better enjoy healthy food and exercise after one to three weeks of use. The 20-minute daily hypnotic audio sessions incorporate suggestions that are intended to influence your mindset and behavior subconsciously. User reviews suggest that the app may be useful for both inspiring weight loss and improving relaxation. As with other hypnosis platforms, it is important to remember that these claims have not been scientifically tested. You should be aware of such apps' limitations and recognize that your own experiences with the app may differ. Best for Stress Relief : Digipill Digipill Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: $5/month; in-app products range from $2 to $7 eachPlatform: Apple, Google Play, KindleLibrary size: One free + 21 recordings to purchase individually or get all recordings with a subscription Why We Chose It Digipill offers a wide variety of self-hypnosis exercises, allowing you to focus on the source of your stress and choose sessions that address your specific concerns. Pros & Cons Pros Offers various session lengths to fit your schedule Wide variety of session topics available Has “pills” that represent different concerns Choose between subscription and a la carte plans Cons Limited free options Cost of sessions can add up Some users do not like the voice Overview The Digipill app uses psychoacoustics techniques and a hypnosis style called neurolinguistic programming. Psychoacoustics is a field that studies our psychological responses to sounds. Digipill contains hypnotic sessions focused on a wide range of topics, including stress relief, weight loss, smoking cessation, and motivation. These includes what the app calls a "T-Break," which provides a quick, 15-minute session that will help you quickly relieve stress and achieve a sense of calm and confidence. You start the app by choosing a session that best suits your current needs, whether that's a quick stress-relief break or help falling asleep. There are sessions for those seeking relaxation, a clear mind, well-being, and more. Pop on a set of high-quality headphones, close your eyes, and then listen to your chosen hypnosis session. If you own an Apple Watch, you can also pair the app with your device to track your “mindful minutes,” or the time you spend each day engaged in mindful activities. You can also set up reminders designed to help you reduce stress and anxiety over the long term. This app offers sessions to help with all kinds of things, including “irresistibility” and “closure.” Again, always remember that these claims have not been scientifically tested, and your experience may vary. Best for Anxiety : Anxiety Free Anxiety Free Sign Up Now Key Specs Cost: $1 for lifetime purchasePlatform: AppleLibrary size: One recording Why We Chose It The Anxiety Free app was designed to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension by reaching your subconscious mind and acknowledging your stressors. Pros & Cons Pros Affordable lifetime subscription option Helpful and informative introduction Free options available Emphasis on treating anxiety Cons Only available on Apple devices Sound quality not as good as other apps Unable to skip the introduction Overview Anxiety Free is an app that claims to help decrease symptoms of anxiety through self-hypnosis. You'll be guided through activities intended to help reduce anxious thoughts, which may help change how people respond to stress. One study suggested that self-hypnosis could be an effective tool for lowering state anxiety, or situational anxiety that occurs due to a specific event such as taking an exam or having a medical procedure. It may also be beneficial for anxiety-related conditions, such as tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. As you begin using the app, it is recommended that you practice in a safe, quiet environment, free of background music and other distractions. The audio recordings included in it also contain messages that are purported to have a subconscious influence. You'll begin by listening to 30-minute sessions and eventually learn to use the technique in 15-minute sessions. The app makers recommend using it three times per week as you start learning the process of self-hypnosis. Final Verdict Our best overall pick, Hypnobox, is a great resource for self-hypnosis beginners and experts alike. Compared to other apps, Hypnobox has an abundance of resources and customizable features. Whether you're seeking a hypnosis app for relaxation or to break an unwanted habit, Hynpobox has the tools for you. Compare the Best Hypnosis Apps App Cost Platform Library Size Hypnobox: Best Overall $13 for one month, $40 for six months, $59.99 for one year Apple, Google Play 600 audio elements Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis: Best for Relaxation $3 per session Apple, Google Play 6 free + 140 recordings to purchase Harmony Hypnosis Meditation: Best for Mood $8/month, $50/year, $150/lifetime Apple, Google Play, Web App, Kindle 3 free recordings + additional content with a subscription Lose Weight Hypnosis: Best for Weight Loss $6 per package Apple One free recording Digipill: Best for Stress Relief $5/month or $10/year; in-app products range from $1 to $6 each Apple, Google Play, Kindle One free + 21 recordings to purchase Anxiety Free: Best for Anxiety $1 for lifetime access Apple One recording Frequently Asked Questions What Is Hypnosis? Hypnosis can induce a state of focused attention and increase your capacity to respond to suggestions. While in a hypnotic state, people often describe feeling deeply focused, very relaxed, open-minded, and even somewhat detached. What Is the Difference Between Hypnosis and Meditation? Although there can be overlap between the two, hypnosis is a state of focused attention in which people can be more responsive to suggestions. Meditation, on the other hand, is using one of several techniques to train attention and awareness with the purpose of achieving mental clarity, calmness, and stability. How Do I Hypnotize Myself? Basically, self-hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state where you are in a very focused and suggestible state of mind. Using one of the recommended apps can be a great tool to facilitate hypnotizing yourself. Or, you can try these steps:Get into comfortable clothes and a comfortable position.Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply.Choose a goal, such as reducing anxiety, sleeping better, or breaking a specific habit.Continue to relax, focusing on your breath and breathing slowly.Visualize yourself in a peaceful, happy place.Visualize yourself accomplishing your goal.When ready, return to an awake state and your physical surroundings. What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Self-Hypnosis Apps? The goals of self-hypnosis apps like those presented here are to help you tackle mental health and behavioral goals, whether you want to sleep better, lose weight, improve your mood, or make some other type of behavioral change. While you won't achieve instant results, learning self-hypnosis may be a useful skill to help calm your mind and body. What Does the Research Say About Hypnosis? There is limited research on the effectiveness of hypnosis as a treatment for insomnia, stress, anxiety, weight loss, and quitting smoking or drinking alcohol. Results from existing studies are inconsistent and the number of participants is often too small. In addition, the hypnosis technique used in the studies varies, making it difficult to compare results to other studies. Methodology We tested several apps in each category to determine which are the easiest to use and have the most features available. The best hypnosis apps enabled us to choose sessions for a targeted goal, whether it was to relax, fall asleep, or get motivated. In addition, we sought out apps that are easy to use, so you can pop on a pair of headphones and quickly begin a session without having to spend time figuring it out. SDI Productions / Getty Images Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Williamson A. What is hypnosis and how might it work?. Palliat Care. 2019;12:117822421982658. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581 Bo S, Rahimi F, Goitre I, et al. Effects of self‐conditioning techniques (self‐hypnosis) in promoting weight loss in patients with severe obesity: A randomized controlled trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018;26(9):1422-1429. doi:10.1002/oby.22262 Krouwel M, Farley A, Greenfield S, Ismail T, Jolly K. Systematic review, meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome, effect of intervention characteristics. Complement Ther Med. 2021;57:102672. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102672 Chamine I, Atchley R, Oken BS. Hypnosis intervention effects on sleep outcomes: A systematic review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(2):271-283. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6952 By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry, MS, is the author of the "Everything Psychology Book (2nd Edition)" and has written thousands of articles on diverse psychology topics. Kendra holds a Master of Science degree in education from Boise State University with a primary research interest in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Idaho State University with additional coursework in substance use and case management. Edited by Bridget Degnan Bridget Degnan Bridget is the associate editor for performance marketing at Verywell where she works on health, family, fitness, and mind content. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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