Comparison

BrainWave vs Meditation

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BrainWave

This app uses binaural sequences and ambient sounds to guide your brainwaves into specific states like meditation, sleep, or creativity. Customize your experience with nature sounds, music, or audio from other apps.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

Combine Mind Altering Binaural Sequences with Soothing Nature Sounds, Ambient Music, your own iTunes Music (with the built-in iTunes playlist creator), or play alongside 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 iPhone/iPad * 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. 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. - 24 ambient background sounds to choose from. - Independently adjustable ambient sound volume. - Visual timer countdown indicator. - 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.

About

Meditation

Features
Read full description

Meditation: Segment Timer is a simple, distraction-free timer for structured meditation sessions. Set an overall duration, choose a short warm-up, and divide your practice into clear segments. Gentle bell sounds mark the start, transitions, and end of your session so you can stay focused without watching the clock. Features • Set a total meditation duration • Optional warm-up period • Divide sessions into equal segments • Clear visual progress ring • Simple controls to start, pause, and reset • Designed to be calm, minimal, and easy to use Whether you prefer a lightly structured practice or simply want subtle time awareness, Meditation: Segment Timer helps you meditate with clarity and consistency.

Screenshots

BrainWave4 screens
Meditation2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Meditation at Free against BrainWave's $4.99. Meditation also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months). BrainWave's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.5). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Meditation is free to download; BrainWave costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Meditation every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
BrainWave versus Meditation: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainWaveMeditation
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (1.3K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.3K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size161 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBanzai LabsHarry Mackinnon-Coleman

Bugs and requests

BrainWave

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer not working as expected
  • Sudden sound cut-off at the end of sessions
  • Occasional loss of functionality when multitasking

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

Meditation

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

BrainWave

No in-app purchases

None

Meditation

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BrainWave free?
BrainWave costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Meditation free?
Meditation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BrainWave or Meditation have ads?
Neither BrainWave nor Meditation shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainWave or Meditation?
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and Meditation every 8 days. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 15, 2026 and Meditation on September 26, 2026.

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