# EMDR vs HeartMath

The clearest difference is rating: HeartMath at 4.9 against EMDR's 4.4. HeartMath also leads on review sentiment (73% vs 46%) and ratings volume (4.6K vs 172). EMDR's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and device support (7 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. EMDR sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HeartMath has 4.6K ratings behind it against 172, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of EMDR's written reviews are positive against 73% of HeartMath's.

EMDR ships an update weekly, HeartMath every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | EMDR | HeartMath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (172 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emdr/id1572102565/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 172 | **4.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 45.8% of reviews | **73.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 112 MB | 185 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bas Oppenheim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1009442115) | [HeartMath Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/482739914) |

## What reviewers say

### EMDR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emdr/id1572102565)

This app provides customizable bilateral stimulation across Apple devices, offering control over visual, auditory, and haptic feedback. It supports various use cases like research, education, focus enhancement, and relaxation, with accessibility features and online broadcasting capabilities.

**Highlights:** Customizable pace and auto-stop, Stereo sounds, animations, and vibrations, Cross-device connectivity (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.), Game controller support, Online broadcasting via EMDR Connect, Full VoiceOver and Assistive Access support

**Features:** Game Controller support, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EMDR+ | $4.99 | per month |
| EMDR+ with Connect | $19.99 | per month |
| EMDR+ with Connect (Monthly) | $39.99 | per month |
| EMDR+ (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |
| EMDR+ with Connect (Yearly) | $199.99 | per year |
| EMDR+ for Research | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Effective EMDR tool
- 💡 Highly customizable
- 🚀 Works well on iPhone/iPad
- ✨ Clean interface
- 🎧 Supports audio cues

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Subscription model criticized
- 🐌 Slow on Macbook
- 📱 Apple TV app broken
- 🚫 No free trial clarity
- ⚠️ Upsell windows disrupt sessions

**Reported bugs**

- Apple Watch app won't launch after update
- Sound issues (thudding noise, stereo problems)
- Apple TV app doesn't work
- Session disrupted by upsell window
- App crashes when selecting features

**Requested features**

- Gradient effect for circle
- More customization for circle
- Alternating controller vibration
- Timer feature
- Slower BPM options (down to 30)


### 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 EMDR free?

EMDR 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, EMDR or HeartMath?

HeartMath is rated higher. EMDR averages 4.4 out of 5 from 172 ratings, while HeartMath averages 4.9 from 4.6K ratings.

### Do EMDR or HeartMath have ads?

Neither EMDR nor HeartMath shows ads.

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

EMDR ships an update weekly, and HeartMath every 3 weeks. Most recently, EMDR was updated on September 23, 2026 and HeartMath on September 22, 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.*