Vayu vs Oak
Complete Comparison
Free minimalist vs feature-rich breathing app. Which approach is right for you?
You want HRV biofeedback, Android/Wear OS support, or more breathing techniques
You only use iOS, want something free, and need just basic breathing exercises
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Vayu | Oak |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99/yr | Free |
| iOS App | ||
| Android App | ||
| Apple Watch App | ||
| Wear OS App | ||
| Breathing Techniques | 10+ | 3 |
| Custom Patterns | ||
| HRV Biofeedback | ||
| Haptic Guidance | ||
| Meditation Timer | ||
| Streak Tracking | ||
| Minimalist Design |
In-Depth Analysis
💰 Pricing: Oak Wins
Oak is completely free—no subscriptions, no in-app purchases. It's one of the few genuinely free meditation apps.
Vayu costs $59.99/year ($8.99/month) with a 7-day free trial. You pay more, but get significantly more features.
📱 Platform Support: Vayu Wins
Oak is iOS-only. No Android app, no Wear OS support. If you're an Android user, Oak isn't an option.
Vayu works everywhere: iOS, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS with full feature parity across all platforms.
📊 Biofeedback: Vayu Wins
Vayu includes HRV biofeedback that shows you exactly how breathing affects your heart rate variability in real-time.
Oak has no biofeedback. You can't measure the physiological impact of your practice.
🌬️ Breathing Techniques: Vayu Wins
Vayu offers 10+ techniques with customizable patterns— box breathing, 4-7-8, Wim Hof, and more.
Oak has 3 basic techniques with no customization. Fine for beginners, limiting for serious practitioners.
Our Verdict
Oak is perfect for iOS users who want free, simple breathing. It's genuinely free and does the basics well.
Vayu is better for serious practitioners. HRV biofeedback, more techniques, Android/Wear OS support—worth $59.99/year if you want to go deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vayu better than Oak?
Vayu offers more advanced features including HRV biofeedback, Wear OS support, and 10+ breathing techniques. Oak is free and minimalist but lacks biofeedback and Android/Wear OS support.
Is Oak meditation app free?
Yes, Oak is completely free with no subscriptions. However, it only works on iOS (no Android), has no HRV tracking, and limited breathing techniques. Vayu costs $59.99/year but offers much more functionality.
Does Oak work on Android?
No, Oak is iOS-only. Vayu works on iOS, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS, making it the better choice for Android users or those with Wear OS smartwatches.
What is the best Oak alternative for Android?
Vayu is the best Oak alternative for Android users. It offers similar breathing and meditation features plus HRV biofeedback, Wear OS support, and more techniques at $59.99/year.
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