# Expand vs HeartMath

The clearest difference is rating: HeartMath at 4.9 against Expand's 4.0. HeartMath also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). Expand's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Expand sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and HeartMath sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $39.00 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HeartMath holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HeartMath has 4.7K ratings behind it against 300, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Expand's written reviews are positive against 74% of HeartMath's.

Expand ships an update monthly, HeartMath every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Expand | HeartMath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (300 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 300 | **4.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 49.7% of reviews | **73.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 67 MB | 185 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [THE MONROE INSTITUTE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1552705315) | [HeartMath Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/482739914) |

## What reviewers say

### Expand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313)

Access profound states of expanded awareness with guided meditations and proprietary sound science. Explore topics like relaxation, joy, insight, and sleep to foster meaning, relieve stress, and release unwanted patterns. Discover inner wisdom and joy through active imagination and perception.

**Highlights:** 100+ guided meditations, Monroe Sound Science audio technology, Multi-day mini-courses, Guided reflection and journaling, Custom-generated soundscapes, Focus on active imagination and perception

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expand Plus Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Expand Plus Yearly | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful meditation tool
- 👍 Lovely and helpful
- 👍 Great way to practice
- 👍 Transformative
- 👍 First class app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Money maker
- 🔒 How do you get a premium subscription?
- 🐛 Cuts off sometimes?
- 🔍 Where's the guidance?
- 🐛 Annoyed

**Reported bugs**

- Paid but no play
- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Sound shuts off when the iphone goes to sleep

**Requested features**

- Longer guided meditations
- What's new section for meditations
- Ability to turn off background music
- Monthly charge option


### HeartMath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998)

This app helps you manage stress, improve focus, and achieve optimal performance by aligning your heart, mind, and emotions. It offers guided sessions, immersive journeys, and coherence practices based on over 30 years of research.

**Highlights:** Real-time HRV Coherence Measurement, Coherence Training, Scientifically Validated Techniques, Guided Learning Sessions, Progress Tracking, Heart-Brain Coherence Benefits

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HeartMath Premium | $39.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $59.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $79.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Huge improvement over previous app
- 👍 Easy to use and highly recommended
- 💡 Loaded with HeartMath techniques and courses
- 👍 Powerful tool for nervous system balance and anxiety reduction
- 👍 Helps achieve a better mental state

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues with sensor
- 🐛 Sensor not compatible with older devices
- 🐛 App crashes and freezes on newer devices
- 🐛 Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- 🐛 Disruptive screen sleep behavior during sessions

**Reported bugs**

- Sensor connection issues on newer devices
- App crashes and freezes on iPhone 16 Pro
- Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- Screen sleep behavior disrupting sessions

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Allow playing music/sounds during sessions
- Provide audio feedback on coherence levels
- Add session history customization and details
- Improve sensor compatibility with older devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Expand free?

Expand is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HeartMath free?

HeartMath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Expand or HeartMath?

HeartMath is rated higher. Expand averages 4.0 out of 5 from 300 ratings, while HeartMath averages 4.9 from 4.7K ratings.

### Do Expand or HeartMath have ads?

Expand shows ads; HeartMath does not.

### Which is updated more often, Expand or HeartMath?

Expand ships an update monthly, and HeartMath every 3 weeks. Most recently, Expand was updated on October 29, 2026 and HeartMath on October 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*