I can only speak for Headspace, but there's nothing "instant gratification" about it at all. In fact, stuff like "this is a lifelong practice", "it's a struggle sometimes/at the beginning", "there's a lot to learn abput your mind" are constant refrains.

Of course, you can still be cynical about that and say it's a great way for them to keep you subscribed.

But for me, it's been a good introduction. I've been practicing regularly, I introduced a friend to it, and we have decided to sign up together for a retreat in the spring. So it's not necessarily just mind candy to pad out your credit card bill.