Comparison · checked 20 October 2026
A free alternative to Breathwrk
Breathwrk is a popular breathing app with exercises for energy, stress and sleep, plus guided classes. Its free tier gives limited access; unlimited exercises, classes and breath holds come with Breathwrk Pro. If you mainly want to breathe along to a timer, Breathcharge gives you every exercise and any pattern free, with no account. The timer above is set to the physiological sigh.
Start a physiological sighSide by side
| Feature | Breathcharge | Breathwrk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, everything | Free tier with limited exercises. Pro $9/month, or about $49/year |
| Where it runs | Any browser, plus optional home-screen app | iOS, Android and web |
| Breath holds | Yes, free | Part of Pro |
| Custom patterns | Yes, to 0.1 s | Not documented on the free tier |
| Guided classes | No | Yes |
Checked on 20 October 2026 against breathwrk.com and the App Store listing. Prices are US store prices and vary by country. Breathcharge isn't affiliated with any of these companies; all trademarks belong to their owners. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
When Breathwrk is the better choice
If you like coach-led classes, programmes and streaks, Breathwrk Pro offers far more guided content than Breathcharge. If you want a calm, private timer that does exactly the pattern you set, Breathcharge is simpler and free.
What Breathcharge does differently
- Nothing to install. It runs in any modern browser on Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone and Android, and can be added to your home screen to work offline.
- Everything is free. Every technique, any pattern and any session length. No account, no ads and no premium tier.
- The physiological sigh, with a real second sharp inhale and music that crossfades into it.
- Built for your desk. A floating always-on-top window, the phase in the browser tab and audio that stays in time in the background.
- Honest about the science. Every guide cites peer-reviewed studies and says how strong the evidence is.
Breathing safely
The slow patterns here are gentle, but holds and deep inhales can make you light-headed. Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy. Never practise breath holds in or near water, or while driving. If you are pregnant, or have a heart, lung or seizure condition or panic disorder, check with a clinician first. Breathing exercises can complement medical care but don't replace it.
Questions
Is Breathwrk free?
Breathwrk has a free tier with limited exercises and classes. Unlimited exercises, classes and breath holds need Breathwrk Pro. Breathcharge is free with no limits.
Can I do breath holds for free in Breathcharge?
Yes. Add a hold after the inhale, after the exhale, or both, to any length, and save the pattern as a preset.
Does Breathcharge have guided classes?
No. Breathcharge is a breathing timer with guides for each technique, not a class library. Each technique page explains how to do it and what the research says.