12 Best Free Apps for Depression: Feel Better on a Budget

12 top free apps for depression and mental health support

Whether you’re looking to manage your symptoms, learn more about the condition, or try out some self-care, there’s an app for you. Here are some of the top free apps for depression.

1. MoodTools

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Management

Best Feature: Mood tracker designed to help understand your depression.

MoodTools is a free depression app that gives users access to tools and resources that will help them feel better. The app is full of features to help you track your feelings and progress, including a thought diary and a test that tracks symptom severity. It also includes resources to help you look after yourself through videos, information, and activities.

2. Depression CBT Self-Help Guide

Download It Now: Android

Focus: Resources

Best Feature: Educational tools to help incorporate self-care into your life.

Depression CBT Self-Help Guide is an app designed to help those with depression understand their mood and work towards helping themselves feel better. The app contains a screening test, audio, and articles to help you learn more about your depression. It also has audio for relaxation and a diary feature to help track your progress.

3. MindShift CBT

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Calming

MindShift CBT is an app that helps users relax when their depression weighs on them. The app is full of CBT-based tools that help you to challenge any negative thought patterns you might have. It also has a quick relief tool to help you ease your mind when you begin to feel overwhelmed.

4. Clear Fear

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Management

Clear Fear is an app for pre-teens, teens, and young adults that helps users challenge their negative thoughts. It’s one of the best free depression apps because it uses various resources and exercises to help you understand your thoughts and emotions and the best ways to care for yourself. It’s recommended to be used as a companion to traditional therapy. If you’re looking to virtually connect with a mental health professional, check out our best therapy apps.

5. Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help

Download It Now: Android

Focus: Management

Best Feature: Experience tracker to help you better understand your worries.

Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help is a great free app for those with depression who also find that they struggle with panic attacks. The app contains lots of information to help users better understand the causes of their panic attacks and how their thinking plays a role. It is also full of audio that will help you relax when panic arises.

6. Breathe2Relax

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Calming

Best Feature: Easy-to-follow breathing tool that guides you through various exercises.

Breathe2Relax is an app designed to help users calm down during periods of stress. The app works by visually and audibly guiding users through breathing exercises based on their current stress levels. Those who find themselves overwhelmed and need relief will enjoy this app.

7. Samsung Health

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Management

Best Feature: Trackers for wellness, mindfulness, and stress.

Samsung Health is an app for those who want to improve their health. The app allows users to track their diet, exercise, sleep, and even includes a stress tracker amidst other great features. It’s a great option for those who want to incorporate a healthy lifestyle as part of their treatment for depression.

8. Stress Relief Adult Color Book

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Stress reduction

Best Feature: Digital coloring pages that are easy to use.

Stress Relief Adult Color Book lets users color beautiful pictures right on their phone. The app has a wide selection of available pictures that users can color however they please using multiple color grids. It can also be done anywhere and anytime, making it a great option for those who want to try coloring to improve their mental health.

9. StressScan

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Management

Best Feature: Stress monitor using your phone’s cameras.

StressScan is an app that helps users track their stress levels. The app works by having you place your fingers on both of your phone’s cameras, which allows the app to monitor your heart rate. It’s a great option when looking for free depression apps because users can use the data to determine what is causing them to become stressed and work towards a healthier, happier life.

10. Woebot

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Calming

Best Feature: AI chatbot designed to help you discover coping techniques.

Woebot is an app designed to help you learn how to feel better through an AI messenger. The app presents itself as a friendly robot who will ask you about your day and will recommend different tools based on your mood. You’ll also be able to access your progress and your favorite tools at any time.

11. SuperBetter

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Calming

Best Feature: Fun challenges designed to increase your resilience.

SuperBetter is an app designed to help users feel great about themselves. The app puts users in the role of a superhero who has to complete various feel-good challenges in order to complete quests and beat the bad guys. The challenges are all activities proven to help people care for themselves and are a really fun way to combat the negative feelings associated with depression.

12. What’s Up?

Download It Now: Android | iOS

Focus: Management

Best Feature: Recommended coping techniques designed to help you feel better.

What’s Up? is an app designed to help users learn the best techniques to cope with their depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges. The app is full of resources and activities that help users learn about their conditions and the different ways to tackle them. It also includes a habit tracker and a diary tool to help you track your progress.

Those are some of the best free apps for depression. We hope one or more of the above options is a good fit for you. If you want to expand your search to include paid options, make sure to check out the best apps for depression.

And remember: if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.