# BrainWave: 40 Binaural Series™ — user reviews > 524 indexed App Store user reviews of BrainWave by Banzai Labs, rated 4.90/5 from 11,189 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-40-binaural-series/id307219387/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-40-binaural-series/id307219387.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 10,140 · 4★ 821 · 3★ 134 · 2★ 32 · 1★ 62 ## What do users think of BrainWave? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Helps with sleep, focus, and relaxation - 🚀 Effective for managing migraines and headaches - 🧠 Useful for meditation, creativity, and productivity - 💤 Facilitates deep sleep and power naps - 🎨 Customizable settings and background sounds **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes or bugs after updates - 🔊 Audio quality of background sounds could be improved - 🔍 Difficulty navigating through all the program options - 🔁 Inability to seamlessly switch between programs without stopping **Commonly reported bugs** - App launching automatically when connected to Bluetooth - Inconsistent behavior when pausing or interrupting a session **Most requested features** - Ability to create custom binaural beat programs - Integration with smart home devices and voice assistants - Expanded selection of background sounds and music - Improved sleep tracking and sleep cycle monitoring ## Newest reviews (19 of 524) ### 3/5 — Works amazingly *2026-05-06, version 10.0.3* Deep focus, relaxation and mental shift are real. But there’s a noticeable crash afterward (strong rebound). So I would like to discuss with producers the possible after effects if used too often. Best results come with moderation. ### 2/5 — Update! *2026-05-03, version 10.0.3* I’ve been a loyal Brainwave user for years, but it’s definitely time for a major update. Compared to other apps in this category, the interface feels old and outdated. Even basic things like saving favorite preferences are confusing and far from user-friendly—I’ve never been able to figure it out. This app has great content, but it desperately needs a modern UI and better usability. Please update it. ### 4/5 — Purchase Bundle *2026-02-24, version 10.0.3* I do not recommend buying this app when you can get the bundle that includes the app for $5. I purchased both thinking it was not included in the bundle because it was cheaper. It was and they refused to refund my $6.99. Save yourselves the $7. Update 2/23/26 I appreciate the developer taking the time to reach out and clarify things regarding pricing of apps and bundles. Hopefully, Apple can make this more clear going forward. The app is useful especially when used in addition to neurofeedback sessions. It helps to further regulate the nervous system. Highly recommend. ### 2/5 — Purchase Bundle *2026-02-20, version 10.0.3* I do not recommend buying this app when you can get the bundle that includes the app for $5. I purchased both thinking it was not included in the bundle because it was cheaper. It was and they refused to refund my $6.99. Save yourselves the $7. ### 2/5 — Massive Bug Ruins App *2025-12-18, version 10.0.3* Often when I use the Brainwave app, one of the other companion apps will start itself up and play as well. So I got two of these apps, like the dream state one that starts itself and begins playing. Not even loaded in memory and the app is not visible in running apps but if I load it up, sure enough, it’s going. This is bizarre and basically makes the app nonfunctional when I have two competing apps both playing. Works great when it works right. Unfortunately this happens far too often. ### 5/5 — SCAM ALERT - FALSE ADVERTISING *2025-11-30* This app ( group of apps actually ) claims to allow for custom binaural beat creation for various purposes. THIS IS FALSE!! There is no manual customization at all! There are just preselected programs with bunches of binaural beats all jumbled together! The app doesn’t allow you to manually choose a pure tone - even though it prominently advertises this option in the preview. SCAM. **Developer response:** I'm sorry you're not happy with the app, however, nowhere in the screenshots or description is it stated that it allows "custom binaural beat creation". The word “custom” doesn’t even appear anywhere in the description or screenshots. All of the App Previews in the App Store are screenshots of the app, and above the screenshots it states exactly how many programs it contains: 37 Programs, 20 Pure Tones, 21 Ambient Backgrounds, and 10 Alarms. Even the app’s name includes the number of programs it contains. I don’t know how I can be anymore clear and accurate than that. Furthermore, all App Preview images are scanned automatically and then reviewed manually by Apple. The app is rejected if an App Preview contains an image of a screen that is not present in the app. The Pure Tones option that you see in the BrainWave screenshots can be accessed by tapping the menu button on the left side of the Program Dial and selecting "Pure Tones" from the menu. The Pure Tones are not included in the other 4 apps, nor are they represented in the screenshots of the other apps. As for the program composition, they are not “all jumbled together”. Each follows a specific sequence according to its purpose. For example, the Power Nap program begins with a low delta stage, followed by a mid-delta light sleep stage, and then ends with beta and gamma wave progression. If you can’t find a feature in the app that you saw in the screenshots, you can tap “Email Support” and I’d likely get back to within a couple of hours and help you find it. If a customer has difficulty finding or using a feature, I’ve responded back sometimes in minutes with a video or annotated screenshot to help them. I’ve dedicated almost 20 years to enhancing and supporting these apps, and nothing is more important to me than helping my customers. I’m always here to help. All you need to do is tap “Email Support”. Best regards, Phil ### 5/5 — A MUST HAVE *2025-09-22, version 10.0.3* insights from reputable scientists on Gamma waves make this app a must have in today’s minds challenges ### 5/5 — This app is a life saver! *2025-09-09, version 10.0.3* If you’re an anxious overthinker like me you’ll love this app! Help your brain relax and take control of your life 🙂 ### 5/5 — Easy to use, good descriptions of waveforms *2025-08-22, version 10.0.3* I can’t say if binaural sounds clearly work, but I’m inclined to say they help me. And this app makes them easy to use. ### 5/5 — Have used for YEARS! *2025-08-16, version 10.0.3* I started using the app years ago for work stress and anxiety. But now use it for everything. Amazing to use for creativity and mood shifting ### 5/5 — Exactly what I wanted. *2025-06-13* This is exactly what I was looking for. An app where I can listen to specific frequencies of binaural waves. There was a YouTube channel, I really liked, but I didn’t like the interruption of ads. The added bonus is that I can layer soothing sounds or music over top of the frequencies. ### 5/5 — It Works in background😍🥰 *2025-06-09, version 10.0.3* The Best! You can make works with others and it teaches you the meaning of waves! Top! ### 5/5 — Brainwave *2025-06-08, version 10.0.3* Awesome app. It really helps. ### 5/5 — Spectacular *2025-06-07, version 10.0.3* I use this app everyday. I love using the app in the background. The altered state inspired creative track is awesome for unlocking creativity. WOW. ### 5/5 — Isochronic Tones *2025-04-28, version 10.0.3* I love this app it is good but i hope the next update contain some isochronic tones. Thanks for your efforts. ### 5/5 — Outstanding App ⭐️ *2025-04-26* I’ve been using this app for many years now. I’ve used it for meditation, relaxation, pain relief and many other reasons. I like that I can set the binaural beat slightly louder than the background sounds. I suffer terrible insomnia and this works wonderfully for that. I highly recommend this app. ### 5/5 — It really works *2025-03-29, version 10.0.3* I have had this app for years. I use it when I’m reading, when I need to focus on a project at work, if I can’t sleep. The best is for my migraines. I go through phases but I always come back to this app because it really works! ### 5/5 — Love-only two complaints *2025-03-25, version 10.0.3* I love this, for so many reasons that my only two complaints are features 1. I wish I could cast this to Apple TV. That’s it lol. 2. I wish there was a setting to restart after interruptions like a Phone call or recording a video (I use this at the Gym and record lifts, so each time I do I gotta restart) ### 5/5 — Life saving *2025-03-21, version 10.0.3* Used the app for years. It’s changed my life and cured my tinnitus. So grateful. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Feature locked Waste of Money *2025-05-19, version 10.0.3* Locked in setting without customization. I wasted $5, don’t make my mistake. ### 1/5 — 請求額の問題 *2025-01-11* 表記上では1000円となっていますが、請求されるのは47GBP、つまり10000円です。 完全に詐欺商品です **Developer response:** The app is 1000 yen ($5.99 USD). Apple groups multiple transactions made within a 3-4 day period across the App Store and iTunes into a single transaction to reduce their bank transaction fees. For example, if an app purchase was made within a few days of a movie rental, streaming subscription renewal, or Apple Music renewal, those charges would all be combined with the app purchase into a single transaction, so you're seeing several of your purchases grouped together with this 1000 yen app purchase. Your email receipt will show the itemized amounts so you can how much you paid for each item in the transaction. Please check the email account associated with your Apple ID and search for emails with the subject, "Your receipt from Apple". You will find that your purchase of BrainWave was combined with other charges into a single transaction. I have dedicated the last 17 years to developing these apps and supporting its customers, I assure they are not a scam. It is also impossible for any app developer to directly charge a user's account because they have no access to your account or identity, and no access to your credit card. For privacy and security Apple does not allow app developers or publishers any access or visibility into App Store transactions or user accounts. Apple handles 100% of the transaction and the developer never has access to payment methods or even the name of the customer, so there is no way a developer could ever charge your credit card. If you have any questions please use the "Email Support" button in the app and I'll be happy to help further. Best regards, Phil Scales ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work for me *2024-11-08, version 10.0.3* I got this to try to help with getting better deep sleep, so far any time I’ve used the app, it actually has done the opposite and I get little to no deep sleep. ### 1/5 — Long over due redesign is required *2023-10-14* It’s like using the control panels in Star Trek. Hasn’t been updated since it launched :( The actual sounds are great! ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work with AirPlay *2022-02-28, version 9.3* How did you managed to get this into the apple store without supporting Airplay is beyond me. ### 1/5 — Functionality doesn’t work, need updating *2021-08-16* This app doesn’t work on ios14. There are limited sounds. The option to play Apple Music or other app doesn’t work at all. It doesn’t use binaural but uses isochronic tones instead. Misleading app description . I have asked for my money back. Waiting for Apple to respond. **Developer response:** Please email support by tapping the "Email Support" button in the Help section of the app and I'll be happy to help with any issues. I typically respond to emails within hours but there are long delays between when reviews are screened by Apple and are posted to the App Store and then again for my replies to be screened and posted. The app has been fully tested across all devices and supports iOS 9-15, so if the Apple Music integration is not working for you the issue is likely that you need to go into the privacy section of the iOS Settings app and give the app permission to access your library. You can also run BrainWave alongside any audio or video app if you're using the "Ambience + Other" or "Other App" background modes. As for the tones themselves, the app has been purely a binaural audio app for more than a decade and has never used isochronic tones. When the brain's directional hearing system processes the left and right sinusoidal waves of the binaural audio it produces a phantom beat in the brain, which is the binaural beat. It is a perceived sound, heard only in the brain, as opposed to a real or directly produced beat like a isochronic or monaural beat. This is the same way a piano tuner uses a tuning fork--in fact a tuning fork experiment was used in the 1800s to prove that binaural beats were a phantom sound produced by the brain and not a real sound. When the piano tuner strikes the tuning fork and then play a note the two sounds produce a phantom beat, which the piano tuner counts and uses to tune the key. Perhaps you're hearing that binaural beat and interpreting that as an isochronic beat, but if you were to listen to one earbud at a time you'll hear that the left and right sides are simply smooth sine waves of between 40 and 140 Hz, and not isochronic pulses, which are much sharper pulses, and not sinusoidal in shape. An isochronic tone has gaps of silence between very sharp, discrete sounds, where as binaural tones uses smooth, oscillating sine waves. Again, if you contact me at the support email I'd be happy to help with any issues as well as answer any questions you might have. Best regards, Phil ### 1/5 — Tones are all the same *2019-12-05, version 8.1.3* All the tones are the same and don’t work, waste of money!! ### 1/5 — Used to be great *2019-10-14, version 8.1.3* Used to use this app all the time. Combining the sounds of the app with say a podcast or audio book all from one phone. Now stops all other apps once play is hit inside brainwave. Shame as they even suggest to use the app alongside iTunes or in the background with music. Bring back older version !!!! ### 1/5 — Needs an update. Not useful for now.. *2018-08-01, version 7.7* I am using the app for years. At first it was useful, but now it has so many bugs. If you play it with music from library, music stops after first song. Also the brainwaves stucks on one wave length and sometimes it starts from the beginning. Totally needs a big update. In this way it is not useful anymore!! ### 1/5 — SORT OUT THE SOUND!! *2018-01-14* I’ve been using this for three years now and it definitely works but the ambient recordings need serious cleaning up. The thunderstorm setting has an annoying wailing sound in the background and similar affects all the rain settings, most likely from a rubbish recording loop. I’ve put up with it and usually just use the surf settings but it’s really irritating me now. Clean up the sound!!!! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — These beats really work! *2026-06-11* I’m a university prof - I’ve been using these beats for over 5 yrs from pulling all-nighters and keeping my head clear with great ideas, to deep refreshing sleep, to deep moments of relaxation in a brief time span. I use the power nap several times a week...and I share all the beats with my family and everyone benefits. The interface is not the most up2date or aesthetically pleasing but the beats really work. Thank you Banzailabs. You folks rock! Dr Geoff. ### 5/5 — Great *2026-06-06* 5 stars ### 5/5 — GREAT for meditation and for using the Silva Mind Control Method *2026-04-12, version 10.0.3* Get this if you meditate or are a practitioner of the Silva Method of Mind Control. I use this app to go to the Alpha level (10Hz), or the Theta level (6Hz) and meditate with ease! The nature sounds it comes with are awesome. It offers many other frequencies for increasing alertness and much more. Anyone who meditates will find it very useful and I highly recommend it! ### 5/5 — Great App - I've used for around a decade! *2026-03-25, version 10.0.3* I really like this app, I've had some many apps over the years but I keep using this one. I find it beneficial, I especially like the "morning coffee", "espresso" "focused and alert" and "deep sleep" settings. It can be used even if you are watching videos or doing other things on your phone. One of the most valuable apps I've ever used on my iPhone! ### 5/5 — Only reputable binaural app *2026-03-16, version 10.0.3* I have quite literally tried all the binaural apps in the App Store, and this is the only one that isn’t a cash-grab subscription paywalled scam. Great variety of programs, options for ambiance and listening to your own background, pure tones and pre-created programs, no paywalls or subscriptions (beyond the initial app purchase). I highly recommend this app to anyone looking for a real binaural app. My only criticism is the lack of updates to the repertoire. Would love some new focus/motivation options! But my review is still solidly 5-star. ### 5/5 — So Very Happy I found this *2026-01-26, version 10.0.3* I use this app for everything from Calming Anxiety to Centering Myself with Meditation to Maintaining Concentration & Alertness. Absolutely Fantastic. ### 5/5 — Works for me! *2026-01-22, version 10.0.3* I’ve used Brainwave for over 10 years, first as I was a business traveler, and now as a retiree. I love the variety of settings and find it helps with white noise for sleeping, for concentrating, and for blocking out thoughts while practicing yoga. Highly recommend. ### 5/5 — UI is still a little dated, but this bundle is great *2026-01-06, version 10.0.3* Title basically says it all. Been using these for years & are very helpful in a myriad of ways ### 5/5 — Zihni toparlamak için birebir *2025-12-20, version 10.0.3* Yıl neredeyse 2026 oldu, hala çok faydalanıyorum. ### 5/5 — Great for anxiety *2025-11-30, version 10.0.3* Started to get random weirdo anxiety during the covid thing. The Confidence setting knocks it out for some reason. Not gonna complain. I also had luck with the lucid dreaming but finding earbuds that you can sleep in can be tough. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-12.*