# Brain Waves vs Maxim magic

The clearest difference is price: Maxim magic at Free against Brain Waves's $17.99. Maxim magic also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 27 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). Brain Waves's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Maxim magic is free to download; Brain Waves costs $17.99 up front. Maxim magic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Brain Waves asks for nothing beyond the download.

Brain Waves ships an update every 27 months, Maxim magic every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Brain Waves | Maxim magic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $17.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[3.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxim-magic/id1616537026/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **15** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Breitling](https://appshunter.io/developer/896353589) | [Murphy's Magic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1556050817) |

## What reviewers say

### Brain Waves

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brain-waves-magic-trick/id1583546052)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Maxim magic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxim-magic/id1616537026)

Instantly calculate and discreetly reveal any freely named card from a spectator-shuffled deck. Offers multiple reveal methods, including counting to specific dates or spelling card names, with zero memory work or math required. Perfect for magicians of all skill levels.

**Highlights:** Instant card reveal calculation, Spectator-shuffled deck support, Multiple customizable reveal methods, Zero memory work or math, Works with any card stack, Covert phone usage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maxim App | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brain Waves free?

Brain Waves costs $17.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Maxim magic free?

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

### Do Brain Waves or Maxim magic have ads?

Neither Brain Waves nor Maxim magic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Brain Waves or Maxim magic?

Brain Waves ships an update every 27 months, and Maxim magic every 6 days. Most recently, Brain Waves was updated on October 2, 2026 and Maxim magic on October 4, 2026.

---

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