BreathHold vs STAmina Apnea Trainer: Honest Comparison (2026)
A fair, detailed comparison between BreathHold and STAmina Apnea Trainer. We look at features, usability, and who each app is best for.
This comparison is written by the BreathHold team. We strive for accuracy and fairness, but acknowledge our inherent bias. All data verified from public app store listings as of the publication date.
Overview
STAmina Apnea Trainer and BreathHold are two of the most popular breath hold training apps available on iOS and Android. STAmina has built a large community with 50K+ users and offers advanced hardware integrations, while BreathHold focuses on a broader range of breathing exercises and a clean, modern interface.
This comparison breaks down what each app does best so you can choose the right tool for your training.
At a Glance
| Feature | BreathHold | STAmina Apnea Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| CO2 Tables | ||
| O2 Tables | ||
| Box Breathing | ||
| Rectangular Breathing | ||
| 4-7-8 Breathing | ||
| Heart Rate / SpO2 Tracking | ||
| Voice Guidance | ||
| Video Tutorials | ||
| Custom Tables | ||
| Training Reminders | ||
| Multi-Language Voice | English | English, French, Russian |
| User Base | 1K+ | 50K+ |
| App Store Rating | 5.0★ (1 review) | 4.9★ (5,437 reviews) |
What STAmina Does Well
STAmina Apnea Trainer
Pros
- Large established community with 50K+ users
- Heart rate and SpO2 tracking via external HR monitors
- 5 different apnea table types including custom configurations
- Multi-language voice guidance (English, French, Russian)
- Mature platform with years of iterative improvements
- Training reminders to keep you consistent
Cons
- Focused exclusively on apnea tables — no general breathing exercises
- Requires external hardware for HR/SpO2 features
- Interface can feel dense for beginners
What BreathHold Does Well
BreathHold
Pros
- Broader range of exercises: CO2, O2, box breathing, rectangular breathing, 4-7-8
- Video tutorials for technique guidance
- Clean, modern UI designed for ease of use
- Progress tracking across all exercise types
- Audio guidance during sessions
- Beginner-friendly onboarding
Cons
- Smaller user base (1K+ vs 50K+)
- No heart rate or SpO2 hardware integration yet
- Fewer language options for voice guidance
Detailed Breakdown
Apnea Training
Both apps cover the core apnea tables well. STAmina offers 5 table types and has refined its apnea training over years of development. BreathHold provides CO2 and O2 tables with a focus on progressive difficulty and clear guidance for beginners.
Breathing Exercises
This is where BreathHold differentiates itself. Beyond apnea tables, it includes box breathing, rectangular breathing, and 4-7-8 breathing — techniques used for stress management, sleep improvement, and general wellness. STAmina stays focused on apnea-specific training.
Hardware Integration
STAmina has a clear advantage here with heart rate and SpO2 monitoring via external sensors. This is valuable for serious freedivers who want physiological data during training. BreathHold does not currently offer hardware integration.
User Experience
BreathHold features a modern, minimal interface with video tutorials that guide you through proper technique. STAmina's interface is functional but more information-dense, which experienced users may prefer but beginners can find overwhelming.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose STAmina if you're a dedicated freediver who wants heart rate monitoring and a large community of fellow apnea athletes. The hardware integration is genuinely useful for tracking physiological adaptation.
Choose BreathHold if you want a versatile breathing app that covers both apnea training and general breathwork. The modern UI and video tutorials make it particularly good for beginners or those who want breathing exercises beyond apnea.
Depends on your needs
STAmina wins on community size and hardware; BreathHold wins on exercise variety and UXSTAmina excels for dedicated freedivers who want hardware tracking and a large community. BreathHold is the better choice for users who want both apnea training and general breathwork in a modern, accessible package.
Ratings as of April 2026, verified on App Store and Google Play. Features compared based on publicly available information from app store listings and official websites.
Ready to start training?
Join thousands of breath-hold athletes improving their times with guided training programs.
Related Resources
BreathHold vs Apnea Diver: Feature Comparison (2026)
An honest look at BreathHold and Apnea Diver — comparing features, UI, and approach to breath hold training.
ComparisonBreathHold vs Freediving Apnea Trainer: Which App Fits Your Level?
Comparing BreathHold and Freediving Apnea Trainer — one built for advanced freedivers, the other for all skill levels. Find out which suits you.
Roundup5 Best Breath Holding Apps in 2026: Complete Roundup
We tested the top 5 breath holding and apnea training apps for 2026. Here's an honest breakdown of what each does best — including our own app.
Train Your Breath Hold
Download BreathHold for free and start building your CO2 tolerance with structured training programs.