# BrainWave: Sharp Mind β„’ β€” Focus, Memory, Problem Solving > Advanced brainwave programs for focus, memory, creativity, and problem-solving. (iPhone/iPad app by Banzai Labs.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) - Category: Productivity, Education - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 4.90/5 from 1,150 App Store ratings Β· 115 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 10.0 Β· 158 MB - Languages: American English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified, China) - Released: 2009-03-27 - Data updated: 2026-08-27 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234/reviews.md ## What is BrainWave? 18 Advanced Brainwave Programs in One App! Sharp Mind induces optimized mental states ideal for school, exam preparation, confidence, problem solving, memory, creativity, confidence and learning. Combine Binaural Tones with iTunes Music, Audiobooks, Spotify * Built-in iTunes Playlist Creator * 21 Soothing Ambient Backgrounds and 10 Gentle Alarm Sounds. * Universal App * iPhone and iPad UIs HD&SD * Headphones/Earbuds must be worn for Binaural Tones to be Effective. To combine Brainwaves and Ambience with Audio from Another App use Background Mode 'Ambience + Other App' in the Background Settings. To use just Brainwaves and Audio from Another App use the "No Background" option for the Background Source. Warning: These are powerful brainwave entrainment programs and should never be used while driving or operating machinery. BrainWave Sharp Mind is unlike any other brainwave entrainment application. Other brainwave and binaural beat applications use only a single brainwave frequency and carrier signal. The Sharp Mind Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithms use a series of brainwave programs, multiple frequencies and carrier waves to gently bring your brainwave frequencies to your desired state using a more natural and effective frequency progression. *** Advanced Features *** - Multiple Brainwave programs each specially designed to elevate you to a unique mental state. - Multiple ambient background sounds to choose from. - Adjustable Brainwave Intensity - The intensity of the brainwaves can be adjusted independently of the ambient background sound. This allows you to set the brainwave volume to your comfort level. The application will also save your preference for future use. - Adjustable ambient background volume. - Visual timer countdown indicator. - Automatic saving of preferred brainwave entrainment program and ambient background sounds. - Ability to create your own custom time option. *** Programs Included *** - Brain Energizer: Takes you through a series of brainwave programs and progressively elevates your level of alertness. - High Beta Concentration: Designed to put your mind into the ultimate state of focus and concentration. Ideal when you need to block out surrounding distractions and study. - Creative Brainstorming: A series of brainwave programs that elevates your mind to a state of open-mindedness and creativity. Perfect for when you're stuck on a problem or are having difficulty coming up with an idea. Sit back and plug into this program to completely open your mind. - Creative Problem Solving: The ultimate combination of focus and creativity achieved through a series of brainwave programs and frequency mixes. - Gamma Memory Boost: This program was designed to be used whenever you feel like taking a break and letting what you've just learned sink in. This will help you maximize memory recall. - Beta Confidence Boost: Designed to be taken before a test or presentation. The other programs help you prepare, solve problems, come up with ideas and remember what you've learned. Sharp Mind also includes: - Creative Thinking - Lateral Thinking - Convergent Thinking - Deductive Thinking - Centered Mind - Focus/Concentration - Gamma Creativity Boost - Evening Memory Boost - Full Beta Spectrum - Full Gamma Spectrum * How Binaural Brainwave Entrainment Works * This app uses advanced Binaural Brainwave Entrainment to stimulate brainwave frequencies associated with different states of mind. These brainwave frequencies are in most cases inaudible and therefore must be induced through the use of binaural tones. In this process two different tones are played, one for one ear, and one for the other (headphones or earbuds must be used). When processing these two different tones the human brain perceives the difference as a beat matching the target brainwave frequency. ## Key features - 18 Advanced Brainwave Programs - Binaural Tones with Music/Audiobooks - Ambient Backgrounds & Alarm Sounds - Adjustable Brainwave Intensity - Customizable Timer - Progressive Brainwave Entrainment ## What do users think of BrainWave? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - πŸš€ Helps with focus and concentration - πŸ‘ Effective for ADHD and TBI - 🧠 Improves cognitive abilities - πŸ’€ Aids in sleep and relaxation - 🎨 Enhances creativity and problem-solving **Cons** - πŸ› Occasional crashes or audio issues - πŸ”‡ Stops playing when notifications occur - πŸ” Cluttered interface could be simplified **Commonly reported bugs** - Alarm clock not working properly - Compatibility issues with older devices **Most requested features** - Add more background sound options - Allow customization of sound mixes - Enable background playback while device is locked ## Recent user reviews (10 of 115) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234/reviews.md ### 5/5 β€” Great app *2026-03-09* I use this app when I study. Helps me stay focused ### 5/5 β€” Alpha App *2025-12-03, version 10.0.3* Get in the right frequency ### 5/5 β€” Only app I use EVERYDay all day *2025-05-18, version 10.0.3* Invaluable. I use it in the background whether it is a podcast an audible book, YouTube video working, or meditating. I do believe in the cognitive science. And even if it's placebo it's still soothing and great background noise! Thanks ### 5/5 β€” Does individual pure tones in HZ also, not just binaural *2025-04-20, version 10.0.3* Keep your eyes peeled, it does binaural and pure tones. Took me way to long to realize lol ### 5/5 β€” Long time user *2024-11-13, version 10.0.3* Very happy long time user very helpful in noisy places ### 5/5 β€” Focus! *2024-09-17* I have the gift of ADHD. Your app helps me focus and be very productive. Your app also helps me sleep at night too! Thank you! ### 5/5 β€” Helps my ADHD *2024-06-13* I listen to this all day at work, it works wonders with helping me focus. This is a phenomenal quality app! ### 3/5 β€” Great but one problem *2024-01-23* It stops playing the sound whenever a notification sound happens from any app (or if Siri reads it). I have to restart it many times a day kinda defeating the purpose of helping me focus. ### 5/5 β€” Recommended for all thinking humans *2023-12-12* The most important thing I can say is β€œ every time I listen to the β€˜sharp mind’ while doing tasks that require me to focus and think deeply, I excel in my work”. This app is amazing and I wish I knew how to optimize/customize it for my unique brain to enhance it more. It is so effective I want to explore how to further enhance my brain function. ### 5/5 β€” Amazing since IPhone 3G *2023-10-31* They have been consistently good since then ## Frequently asked questions about BrainWave ### What does the BrainWave: Sharp Mind app do? This app offers 18 advanced brainwave programs designed to optimize mental states for focus, memory, creativity, and problem-solving. It combines binaural tones with ambient backgrounds and music to guide your brainwaves to desired frequencies, aiding in learning and cognitive enhancement. ### How do I use the brainwave programs effectively? For binaural tones to be effective, headphones or earbuds must be worn. The app allows you to combine brainwaves with ambient sounds or audio from other apps like iTunes, Audiobooks, or Spotify. You can adjust brainwave intensity and background volume to your comfort level. ### Is this app free to use? Based on the provided information, the application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### What are some of the specific programs included? The app includes programs like 'Brain Energizer' for alertness, 'High Beta Concentration' for intense focus, 'Creative Brainstorming' for open-mindedness, 'Gamma Memory Boost' for recall, and 'Beta Confidence Boost' for pre-performance preparation. ### Can I use this app while driving? No, you should never use this app while driving or operating machinery. The brainwave entrainment programs are powerful and can significantly alter your mental state, which could be dangerous in such situations. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 10.0.3 β€” 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 can be found in the General Settings, which are 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 β€” 2023-09-30 This update includes several new settings as well as new binaural programs and background audio. The new options can be found in the General Settings, which are 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 β€” 2023-09-28 * This update includes several new settings as well as new binaural programs and background audio * - 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 - 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 β€” 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 * 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 β€” 2022-09-07 Thanks for making the BrainWave Series the Top-Ranked Brainwave Entrainment apps on the App Store for 12 years! * This update improves UI responsiveness to different screen sizes * Headphones/Earbuds must be worn for Binaural Tones to be Effective. * Many people have asked which binaural program in the app best stimulates 40 Hz Gamma brainwaves. The "Gamma Memory Boost" program in 'BrainWave: Sharp Mind' stimulates 40 Hz gamma waves. * 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 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Brainwaves -- Binaural Beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwaves-binaural-beats/id450655712) | 4.4 (3,279) | Free | Productivity | | [Be Present: Daily Routine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/be-present-daily-routine/id6474690644) | 4.8 (101) | Free | Productivity | | [Focus Keeper - Pomodoro Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-keeper-pomodoro-timer/id867374917) | 4.8 (31,537) | Free | Productivity | | [Flow: Focus & Pomodoro Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932) | 4.8 (1,740) | Free | Productivity | | [Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-to-do-focus-timer-and-tasks/id966057213) | 4.8 (14,570) | Free | Productivity | | [FocusBrain: 8D ADHD & Focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbrain-8d-adhd-and-focus/id1569534844) | 4.8 (116) | Free | Productivity | ## More apps by Banzai Labs - [BrainWave: 37 Binaural Seriesβ„’](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-37-binaural-series/id307219387) - [BrainWave: Altered States β„’](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-altered-states/id308034723) - [BrainWave: Dream Inducer β„’](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-dream-inducer/id383185215) - [BrainWave: Neuro Trainer β„’](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668) - [NeuralStack.ioβ„’: Focus & Sleep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/neuralstackio-focus-and-sleep/id6502728529) All apps by Banzai Labs: https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501 ## Related topics [brain wave](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/brain-wave) Β· [brain waves wellness](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/brain-waves-wellness) --- *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 2026-08-27.*