5 Health Apps for Your Wellbeing

Health apps empower individuals to actively participate in their own well-being. From physical and mental health to telehealth services, these apps are changing the way we approach and manage our health. They are useful tools that can help individuals manage their health through personalized, accessible, and user-friendly solutions.

We reviewed leading apps in the health category and considered factors such as their rankings, number of reviews, app features, quality of information and services, and inclusion of expert-backed content. Here, we explore health apps that offer a range of tools and resources for managing different aspects of health and well-being.

Health Tracking App: Withings Health Mate app

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.6/5 (276.8K Ratings) on Apple Store

Users can track their health goals with the Withings Health Mate app. The app allows users to monitor metrics such as weight, activity, and sleep and provides personalized health data to help them better understand their health.

Health Mate can be used with Withings health devices or as a standalone health and fitness app. It also integrates with other health and fitness apps, including Apple Health. Users can share health data with healthcare professionals, including information such as blood pressure, weight trends, temperature, and other health metrics.

Dr. Spyros Kitsiou, Associate Professor of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Master of Science in Health Informatics program has conducted clinical trials on the efficacy of the app and how it interfaces with the Withings devices, such as the weight scales and blood pressure monitors.

“We have preliminary evidence that this app is easy to use and improves self-monitoring adherence,” said Dr. Kitsiou.

Therapy App: BetterHelp

Price: $60-$90 per week, billed every 4 weeks

Ratings: 4.8/5 (131.6K Ratings) on Apple Store

BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that connects users with licensed therapists. After completing an initial questionnaire, users are matched with a therapist based on their needs and preferences. Counseling can take place through messaging, phone calls, or video sessions.

BetterHelp offers a flexible alternative to traditional in-person therapy, allowing users to communicate with their therapist online. Pricing, insurance coverage, and available services may vary, so users should review the platform’s current options and costs before signing up.

Sleep Tracking App: Sleep Cycle

Pricing: $30 annually, or $50 annually for premium

Rating: 4.7/5 (104.7K Ratings) on Apple Store

The Sleep Cycle app uses your phone’s sensors to track sleep patterns and provide information about your sleep. Users can place their phone beside their bed while they sleep, allowing the app to use the device’s accelerometer and microphone to monitor movement and sounds. The app also includes a smart alarm feature designed to wake users during a lighter stage of sleep, along with customizable alarm settings and a snooze option.

Depending on the current subscription plan, Sleep Cycle may also offer features such as sleep stories, sleep sounds, guided meditations, and mindfulness exercises. The app provides sleep analysis and insights that can help users identify patterns and factors that may affect their sleep.

Telehealth App: Teladoc Health

Pricing: $75 average per visit (users can use health insurance or pay flat-rate fee).

Ratings: 4.8/5 (517.7K Ratings) on Apple Store

Teladoc Health offers convenient, affordable, and comprehensive care, connecting users to 24/7 care, primary care, therapy, and wellness programs. As a leader in telemedicine with over 50 million visits, the app provides access to top-quality doctors and data-driven programs. Video and phone visits have no time limits, which allows for in-depth discussions about health and planning. The app integrates with devices and Apple Health, enabling users to analyze and apply health insights to achieve their goals. Notifications and nudges are sent to keep users on track.

Mental Health App: Headspace

Pricing: Free to download (offers in-app purchases)

Ratings: 4.8/5 (948.9K Ratings) on Apple Store

The Headspace app provides accessible mental health support. Offering mindfulness tools like meditation, sleep casts, mindful movement, and focus exercises, the app caters to a range of everyday needs.

The app also offers coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services on a unified platform. The Headspace team includes mental health clinicians, Emmy Award-winning producers, and data scientists who collaborate to support the well-being and productivity of people around the world.

Is a Health App Right for You?

Using a health app can be a helpful way to find structure, guidance, and motivation when setting goals and managing different aspects of your physical and mental health. Depending on the app, these tools can help users track health information, build healthy habits, access health resources, and stay engaged with their well-being.

As health apps become more common, understanding how health information is collected, managed, and used is also becoming increasingly important. UIC’s Online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program prepares students to work at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data, providing a natural next step for those interested in the technology behind digital health.