# BrainWave: Altered States ™ — Binaural Meditation,Zen,Sleep > Binaural brainwave entrainment for meditation, sleep, and altered states. (iPhone/iPad app by Banzai Labs.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-altered-states/id308034723 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) - Category: Lifestyle, Entertainment - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 4.90/5 from 1,347 App Store ratings · 140 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 10.0 · 161 MB - Languages: American English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified, China) - Released: 2009-03-27 - Data updated: 2026-08-30 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-altered-states/id308034723/reviews.md ## What is BrainWave? Combine Mind Altering Binaural Sequences with Soothing Nature Sounds, Ambient Music, your own iTunes Music (with the built-in iTunes playlist creator), or Audio from apps like Spotify and Audio Book Readers. * Powerful Binaural Programs for Lucid Dreaming, Mindful Meditation, Dreamy Sleep, Astral Projection, Zen Meditation and much more! * Universal app with built-in UIs for iPad, iPhone/iPod Touch, iPhone 5/6/6+ * Different states of mind are associated with specific brainwave frequencies that would inaudible if played directly, but can be induced by playing two different audible binaural tones into each ear, which, after being processed by the brain, are perceived as an inaudible low frequency beat matching the target brainwave frequency. As you listen your brainwaves fall into step with this inaudible beat, and after several minutes synchronize with the target frequency. Brain Wave Altered State uses the most advanced multi-stage binaural sequences available, combined with the flexibility to choose from a range of relaxing ambient backgrounds, other audio apps, or your own iTunes Music, allowing your mind you to relax and synchronize with your desired state. It achieves this using our unique process called Progressive Brainwave Entrainment. *** Progressive Brainwave Entrainment *** Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithms use layers of frequencies and carrier signals assembled in precise sequences to create profoundly unique experiences. Each program gently brings your brainwave frequencies to your desired state using a more natural frequency progression. *** Advanced Features *** - 22 Brainwave programs each specially designed for a different situation and desired mental state. - 21 ambient background sounds to choose from. - Independently adjustable ambient sound volume. - Visual timer countdown indicator. - Automatic storage of preferred brainwave program and ambient background. - Ability to set your own custom program duration. * Programs Included * - Chakra Meditation: A series of balanced, meditative brainwave programs each taking you to a different, deeper meditative state, ending in the ultimate state of meditation and calm. - Euphoric Bliss: The ultimate brainwave program designed to gently bring your mind through a series of uplifting states, culminating in a state of euphoria and bliss. This program will truly make your mood soar. - Lucid Beta Dreams: This program combines elements of meditative and dreaming frequencies to create a state where you can experience waking dreams and truly escape. Lucid dreaming is a very unique state of consciousness where you will find yourself slipping in out of dreams while remaining aware of them. - Tranquil Thoughts: Designed simply to relax, this program progressively drops your mind into deeper states of relaxation to help you unwind and reduce stress. - Inspired Creativity: Creates an elevated state of creativity by combining a series of focus, concentration and meditative frequencies to help you open your mind to new ideas and boost creativity. - Floating: A unique meditative program that combines lower frequency meditative sequences with higher frequency lucid dreaming programs to create a relaxed, yet heightened state of awareness. - Quiet Mind: Designed to help you clear your mind and empty your thoughts for a deeply relaxed state of mind. - Mindful Meditation: Achieve a calm, centered state of mindfulness. - Other Programs: - Morning Zen - Natural High - Awakened Mind - Deep Reflection - Astral Projection - Zen Meditation - High Beta Dreams - Heightened Awareness - Beta Meditation - Gamma Meditation - High Theta Meditation - Full Theta Spectrum These programs are powerful and can take effect quickly and should never be used while driving or operating machinery. If you have any medical questions, conditions or concerns please contact a physician before using any binaural program. ## Key features - Binaural brainwave programs - Nature sounds and ambient music - Integrates with iTunes and other audio apps - Customizable program duration - 22 specialized brainwave programs - 21 ambient background sounds ## Chart rankings - #31 in Top Paid · Lifestyle (US App Store) ## What do users think of BrainWave? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Effective for focus and concentration - 👍 Helps with sleep and relaxation - 👍 Enhances creativity and productivity - 👍 Versatile with many customization options - 👍 Positive impact on mental well-being **Cons** - 🐛 Occasional technical issues like timer malfunctions and sound glitches - 🔋 Drains device battery quickly - 👎 Limited background sound options **Commonly reported bugs** - Timer not working as expected - Sudden sound cut-off at the end of sessions - Occasional loss of functionality when multitasking **Most requested features** - Custom program creation option - Fade-out at the end of sessions - Ability to directly control frequencies and combinations - Program for studying and improving focus - Integration with music library ## Recent user reviews (10 of 140) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-altered-states/id308034723/reviews.md ### 5/5 — These REALLY Work *2026-08-05, version 10.0.3* Neurodivergent here, have difficulty with transitions. I’ve been using this suite of apps for years. The get me to the frame of mind I need in order to proceed. They’re like magic, but better than that! They’re SCIENCE! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2026-07-28, version 10.0.3* The best and you have to listen with headphones people. ### 5/5 — Erfasst keine Daten, bietet unzählige Möglichkeiten *2026-06-20, version 10.0.3* Beste App in dem Bereich, keine Frage. ### 5/5 — Raul Kieselbach *2026-05-16, version 10.0.3* Great ### 5/5 — Use it, supporting it!! *2025-11-14, version 10.0.3* I’ve been using this app for over 10 years now when I have to focus and concentrate on a task. With today’s so many distractions it seems hard to get things done when you focus attention. Highly recommend it and it’s different variants when you need to focus and getting something done. And also hope you relax and put your mind at ease. ### 2/5 — I think this app is dead now 🙁 *2024-09-20, version 10.0.3* I loved this app, and used it often. Then it started going weird on me, and my bliss would be disturbed by a flat tone instead of the brainwaves. Now I only get the flat tone and no brainwaves. I think they have flown to coop. It’s broken. 😢 Four years ago I would have given five stars. ### 5/5 — Good App *2024-08-31, version 10.0.3* I have used this app for several years with no problems and enjoy the impact it fast has on my day to day activities ### 5/5 — Great App. It works! *2023-09-22, version 10.0* This app is awesome! It is very effective in the range of offerings for the various states that you may be looking for. For me, are usually use it for meditation purposes. If I am praying with purpose, then I usually get the results and answers that I am looking for. ### 5/5 — Use t every day *2023-04-19, version 9.4.1* I use this app daily before I start the madness of my day!!! ### 5/5 — Early Days *2022-09-29, version 9.4.1* I heard about this app on a podcast and gave it a try. Really enjoying it. ## Frequently asked questions about BrainWave ### What does BrainWave: Altered States do? This app uses binaural sequences, which are two different audible tones played into each ear, to induce specific brainwave frequencies. By listening, your brainwaves can synchronize with these frequencies, helping you achieve states like deep meditation, restful sleep, or enhanced creativity. ### What are the key features of this app? The app offers 22 specialized brainwave programs for various mental states, 21 ambient background sounds, and the ability to integrate your own music from iTunes or audio from apps like Spotify. You can also customize program durations and adjust ambient sound volumes. ### How much does BrainWave: Altered States cost? Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### What devices is this app compatible with? The app is designed as a universal app, featuring built-in user interfaces for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. It also includes support for newer iPhone models like the iPhone 5, 6, and 6+. ### What are common use cases for this app? Common use cases include achieving deeper meditative states, improving sleep quality, inducing lucid dreams, enhancing creativity and focus, and reducing stress. The app's programs are designed for specific situations and desired mental states. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 10.0.3 — 2023-10-14 This update includes UI improvements for iPad. The 10.0 update also includes several new settings as well as new binaural programs and background audio. The new options are located in the app's General Settings, which is accessed by tapping the wrench-button on the main screen: * Reduce Other App Volume - Option to enable audio ducking which instructs iOS to reduce the volume of other apps by 50% while this app is playing. iOS does not allow the volume reduction to be customized. * Wave Amplitude Boost - Option to boost the amplitude of the binaural carrier waves by a fixed amount to provide an additional increase in volume. This option is provided as an on/off toggle setting. * Carrier Signal (2 Options)- Option to switch between the default low-frequency binaural carrier wave and a medium carrier wave of ~250 Hz. This will not alter the frequency of the binaural tones. Example: A 1 Hz tone on a low-frequency carrier uses 121 Hz Left and 120 Hz Right, but with a Mid-carrier uses 221 Hz Left and 220 Hz Right. * Option to export time spent listening to Relaxation and Meditation programs to the Apple Health App as Mindful Minutes. * New Backgrounds * - White Noise - Brown Noise - Energy Flow - Solar Waves - Supports Family Share - Combine Brainwaves with Ambience and Another App by selecting background mode 'Ambience + Other App' - To use Another App for the Background Audio choose 'Other App'. - When using background modes that allow other audio apps or iTunes Music to be playing Lockscreen controls will only affect iTunes or the other app. - If the audio stops when the app is backgrounded or the screen locks please restart the device with a full shutdown as this is the result of low RAM memory which causes iOS to suspend background audio. * How it Works * During the entrainment process, two different carrier tones are played into the left and right ears. The frequency difference between these tones matches the brainwave frequency of the target state of mind. The listener will hear these carrier tones as an audible tone, however, when processing these two different tones the human brain will perceive the small frequency difference between the tones as an inaudible periodic beat. When exposed to this beat the listener's brainwaves will begin to synchronize with the beat frequency. What allows the human brain to perceive this beat is our directional hearing system, located in the brain stem. The brain's directional hearing system calculates frequency shifts between sound entering the left and right ear to quickly locate the direction of a sound, but when that difference is rhythmic, as with binaural tones, the brain synchronizes with the pattern. This process is more effective in the presence of background noise or ambience, which allows humans to hear and locate even subtle sounds, like an animal moving nearby in a forest that is filled with noise. As an example, the human ear can't directly perceive the .5 - 2 Hz Delta-wave frequencies associated with deep sleep because it is well below the human hearing range, but if you wear headphones or earbuds with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 136 Hz tone your brain will perceive the 1 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat, in this case matching a low delta wave frequency associated with sleep. As you listen, your own brainwaves will begin to match that frequency. Warning: Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery. Note: If your vehicle Auto-Plays connected devices use the Ambience+Other background mode. ### 10.0.2 — 2023-09-30 This update includes several new settings as well as new binaural programs and background audio. The new options are located in the app's General Settings, which is accessed by tapping the wrench-button on the main screen: * Reduce Other App Volume - Option to enable audio ducking which instructs iOS to reduce the volume of other apps by 50% while this app is playing. iOS does not allow the volume reduction to be customized. * Wave Amplitude Boost - Option to boost the amplitude of the binaural carrier waves by a fixed amount to provide an additional increase in volume. This option is provided as an on/off toggle setting. * Carrier Signal (2 Options)- Option to switch between the default low-frequency binaural carrier wave and a medium carrier wave of ~250 Hz. This will not alter the frequency of the binaural tones. Example: A 1 Hz tone on a low-frequency carrier uses 121 Hz Left and 120 Hz Right, but with a Mid-carrier uses 221 Hz Left and 220 Hz Right. * Option to export time spent listening to Relaxation and Meditation programs to the Apple Health App as Mindful Minutes. * New Backgrounds * - White Noise - Brown Noise - Energy Flow - Solar Waves - Supports Family Share - Combine Brainwaves with Ambience and Another App by selecting background mode 'Ambience + Other App' - To use Another App for the Background Audio choose 'Other App'. - When using background modes that allow other audio apps or iTunes Music to be playing Lockscreen controls will only affect iTunes or the other app. - If the audio stops when the app is backgrounded or the screen locks please restart the device with a full shutdown as this is the result of low RAM memory which causes iOS to suspend background audio. * How it Works * During the entrainment process, two different carrier tones are played into the left and right ears. The frequency difference between these tones matches the brainwave frequency of the target state of mind. The listener will hear these carrier tones as an audible tone, however, when processing these two different tones the human brain will perceive the small frequency difference between the tones as an inaudible periodic beat. When exposed to this beat the listener's brainwaves will begin to synchronize with the beat frequency. What allows the human brain to perceive this beat is our directional hearing system, located in the brain stem. The brain's directional hearing system calculates frequency shifts between sound entering the left and right ear to quickly locate the direction of a sound, but when that difference is rhythmic, as with binaural tones, the brain synchronizes with the pattern. This process is more effective in the presence of background noise or ambience, which allows humans to hear and locate even subtle sounds, like an animal moving nearby in a forest that is filled with noise. As an example, the human ear can't directly perceive the .5 - 2 Hz Delta-wave frequencies associated with deep sleep because it is well below the human hearing range, but if you wear headphones or earbuds with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 136 Hz tone your brain will perceive the 1 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat, in this case matching a low delta wave frequency associated with sleep. As you listen, your own brainwaves will begin to match that frequency. Warning: Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery. Note: If your vehicle Auto-Plays connected devices use the Ambience+Other background mode. ### 10.0.1 — 2023-09-28 * This update includes several new settings * - Wave Amplitude Boost - Option to boost the amplitude of the binaural carrier waves by a fixed amount to provide an additional increase in volume. This option is provided as an on/off toggle setting. - Reduce Other App Volume - Option to enable audio ducking which instructs iOS to reduce the volume of other apps by 50% while this app is playing. iOS does not allow the volume reduction to be customized. - Carrier Signal (2 Options)- Option to switch between the default low-frequency binaural carrier wave and a medium carrier wave of ~250 Hz. This will not alter the frequency of the binaural tones. Example: A 1 Hz tone on a low-frequency carrier uses 121 Hz Left and 120 Hz Right, but with a Mid-carrier uses 221 Hz Left and 220 Hz Right. - Option to export time spent listening to Relaxation and Meditation programs to the Apple Health App as Mindful Minutes. * New Backgrounds * - White Noise - Brown Noise - Energy Flow - Solar Waves * Other Features * - Supports Family Share - Combine Brainwaves with Ambience and Another App by selecting background mode 'Ambience + Other App' - To use Another App for the Background Audio choose 'Other App'. - When using background modes that allow other audio apps or iTunes Music to be playing Lockscreen controls will only affect iTunes or the other app. - If the audio stops when the app is backgrounded or the screen locks please restart the device with a full shutdown as this is the result of low RAM memory which causes iOS to suspend background audio. * How it Works * During the entrainment process, two different carrier tones are played into the left and right ears. The frequency difference between these tones matches the brainwave frequency of the target state of mind. The listener will hear these carrier tones as an audible tone, however, when processing these two different tones the human brain will perceive the small frequency difference between the tones as an inaudible periodic beat. When exposed to this beat the listener's brainwaves will begin to synchronize with the beat frequency. What allows the human brain to perceive this beat is our directional hearing system, located in the brain stem. The brain's directional hearing system calculates frequency shifts between sound entering the left and right ear to quickly locate the direction of a sound, but when that difference is rhythmic, as with binaural tones, the brain synchronizes with the pattern. This process is more effective in the presence of background noise or ambience, which allows humans to hear and locate even subtle sounds, like an animal moving nearby in a forest that is filled with noise. As an example, the human ear can't directly perceive the .5 - 2 Hz Delta-wave frequencies associated with deep sleep because it is well below the human hearing range, but if you wear headphones or earbuds with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 136 Hz tone your brain will perceive the 1 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat, in this case matching a low delta wave frequency associated with sleep. As you listen, your own brainwaves will begin to match that frequency. Warning: Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery. Note: If your vehicle Auto-Plays connected devices use the Ambience+Other background mode. ### 10.0 — 2023-09-19 * This update includes several new settings * - Wave Amplitude Boost - Option to boost the amplitude of the binaural carrier waves by a fixed amount to provide an additional increase in volume. This option is provided as an on/off toggle setting. - Reduce Other App Volume - Option to enable audio ducking which instructs iOS to reduce the volume of other apps by 50% while this app is playing. iOS does not allow the volume reduction to be customized. - Carrier Signal (2 Options)- Option to switch between the default low-frequency binaural carrier wave and a medium carrier wave of ~250 Hz. This will not alter the frequency of the binaural tones. Example: A 1 Hz tone on a low-frequency carrier uses 121 Hz Left and 120 Hz Right, but with a Mid-carrier uses 221 Hz Left and 220 Hz Right. - Option to export time spent listening to Relaxation and Meditation programs to the Apple Health App as Mindful Minutes. * New Backgrounds * - White Noise - Brown Noise - Energy Flow - Solar Waves * Other Features * - Supports Family Share - Combine Brainwaves with Ambience and Another App by selecting background mode 'Ambience + Other App' - To use Another App for the Background Audio choose 'Other App'. - When using background modes that allow other audio apps or iTunes Music to be playing Lockscreen controls will only affect iTunes or the other app. - If the audio stops when the app is backgrounded or the screen locks please restart the device with a full shutdown as this is the result of low RAM memory which causes iOS to suspend background audio. * How it Works * During the entrainment process, two different carrier tones are played into the left and right ears. The frequency difference between these tones matches the brainwave frequency of the target state of mind. The listener will hear these carrier tones as an audible tone, however, when processing these two different tones the human brain will perceive the small frequency difference between the tones as an inaudible periodic beat. When exposed to this beat the listener's brainwaves will begin to synchronize with the beat frequency. What allows the human brain to perceive this beat is our directional hearing system, located in the brain stem. The brain's directional hearing system calculates frequency shifts between sound entering the left and right ear to quickly locate the direction of a sound, but when that difference is rhythmic, as with binaural tones, the brain synchronizes with the pattern. This process is more effective in the presence of background noise or ambience, which allows humans to hear and locate even subtle sounds, like an animal moving nearby in a forest that is filled with noise. As an example, the human ear can't directly perceive the .5 - 2 Hz Delta-wave frequencies associated with deep sleep because it is well below the human hearing range, but if you wear headphones or earbuds with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 136 Hz tone your brain will perceive the 1 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat, in this case matching a low delta wave frequency associated with sleep. As you listen, your own brainwaves will begin to match that frequency. Warning: Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery. Note: If your vehicle Auto-Plays connected devices use the Ambience+Other background mode. ### 9.4.1 — 2022-09-07 Thanks for making the BrainWave Series the Top-Ranked Binaural Apps in the App Store for 14 Years! * Headphones/Earbuds must be worn for Binaural Tones to be Effective. * To combine Brainwaves and Audio from Another App use the "Other App" or "Ambience + Other" option for the Background Mode in Background Settings. * Added the ability to play and pause audio using Remote Controls *only* when using Brainwaves with the "Ambience Only" background mode. In modes that allow other audio apps or iTunes Music to be playing these controls will only affect iTunes or the other app. This is because in modes where our app allows other audio to play that other app becomes the "Now Playing" app--and there can be only one "Now Playing" app on iOS. * If the audio stops when the app is backgrounded or the screen locks please restart the device with a full shutdown as this is the result of low RAM memory which causes iOS to suspend background audio. ## Apps similar to BrainWave | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [BrainWave: Dream Inducer ™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-dream-inducer/id383185215) | 4.9 (1,045) | $3.99 | Lifestyle | | [Ocean Wave Sounds for Sleep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ocean-wave-sounds-for-sleep/id590198818) | 4.7 (6,531) | Free | Lifestyle | | [Frequency Healing Sounds Hertz](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frequency-healing-sounds-hertz/id6473569608) | 4.9 (1,407) | Free | Lifestyle | | [Brainwaves: Neuro Flow Beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwaves-neuro-flow-beats/id6451126916) | 4.8 (147) | Free | Lifestyle | | [Slowdive \| Meditation & Mantra](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowdive-meditation-and-mantra/id1172138662) | 4.7 (9,688) | Free | Lifestyle | | [Mantra Meditation Chakra Music](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mantra-meditation-chakra-music/id6467631317) | 4.8 (286) | Free | Lifestyle | ## More apps by Banzai Labs - [BrainWave: 37 Binaural Series™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-37-binaural-series/id307219387) - [BrainWave: Sharp Mind ™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234) - [BrainWave: Dream Inducer ™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-dream-inducer/id383185215) - [BrainWave: Neuro Trainer ™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668) - [NeuralStack.io™: Focus & Sleep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/neuralstackio-focus-and-sleep/id6502728529) All apps by Banzai Labs: https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501 ## Related topics [chakra meditation frequencies](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/chakra-meditation-frequencies) · [brain wave](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/brain-wave) · [meditation sounds dreamy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/meditation-sounds-dreamy) · [pdstat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pdstat) --- *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 2026-08-30.*