# BrainWave vs Flow

The clearest difference is price: Flow at Free against BrainWave's $4.99. Flow also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (5 vs 3). BrainWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Flow is free to download; BrainWave costs $4.99 up front. Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. BrainWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for BrainWave against 4.8 for Flow. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 1.7K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of BrainWave's written reviews are positive against 86% of Flow's.

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Flow every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | Flow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234/reviews)** | [4.8 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.9% of reviews** | 85.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 158 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [Yugen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1362171211) |

## What reviewers say

### BrainWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234)

Enhance focus, memory, and problem-solving skills with advanced brainwave programs. This app combines binaural tones with ambient sounds and music to guide your mind into optimized mental states for learning and creativity. Customize your experience with adjustable settings and enjoy a unique approach to brainwave entrainment.

**Highlights:** 18 Advanced Brainwave Programs, Binaural Tones with Music/Audiobooks, Ambient Backgrounds & Alarm Sounds, Adjustable Brainwave Intensity, Customizable Timer, Progressive Brainwave Entrainment

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps with focus and concentration
- 👍 Effective for ADHD and TBI
- 🧠 Improves cognitive abilities
- 💤 Aids in sleep and relaxation
- 🎨 Enhances creativity and problem-solving

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or audio issues
- 🔇 Stops playing when notifications occur
- 🔍 Cluttered interface could be simplified

**Reported bugs**

- Alarm clock not working properly
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add more background sound options
- Allow customization of sound mixes
- Enable background playback while device is locked


### Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932)

Enhance your concentration and productivity with a scientifically proven method. This app divides your workflow into focused work intervals and scheduled breaks, helping you reduce stress and stay motivated. Ideal for work, study, or any task requiring deep focus.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro timer with work intervals and breaks, App and web blocking, Statistics tracking, Commitment mode, Inspirational quotes, Home & Lock Screen Widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Minimalist and uncluttered design
- 💡 Customizable work and break durations
- 🔒 No ads or unnecessary features
- 🤖 Responsive and helpful developers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔇 Notification sound could be louder
- 📊 Lack of detailed statistics and analytics
- 🔀 Inability to pause or resume a flow session
- 🖥️ Inability to minimize the timer window

**Reported bugs**

- Live activity feature not working consistently
- Timer not recording sessions accurately
- App blocking functionality not working as expected
- Crashes and freezes on certain macOS versions

**Requested features**

- Allow custom work and break durations
- Add option to pause and resume flow sessions
- Implement real-time sync across devices
- Provide more detailed productivity tracking and reporting
- Include an Apple Watch app with complication support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainWave free?

BrainWave costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Flow free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BrainWave or Flow?

BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Flow averages 4.8 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do BrainWave or Flow have ads?

Neither BrainWave nor Flow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BrainWave or Flow?

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and Flow every 4 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on September 23, 2026 and Flow on September 23, 2026.

---

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