Comparison

BrainWave vs FocusBrain

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

Head to head
About

BrainWave

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
Read full description

18 Advanced Brainwave Programs in One App! Sharp Mind induces optimized mental states ideal for school, exam preparation, confidence, problem solving, memory, creativity, confidence and learning. Combine Binaural Tones with iTunes Music, Audiobooks, Spotify * Built-in iTunes Playlist Creator * 24 Soothing Ambient Backgrounds and 10 Gentle Alarm Sounds. * Universal App * iPhone and iPad UIs HD&SD * Headphones/Earbuds must be worn for Binaural Tones to be Effective. To combine Brainwaves and Ambience with Audio from Another App use Background Mode 'Ambience + Other App' in the Background Settings. To use just Brainwaves and Audio from Another App use the "No Background" option for the Background Source. Warning: These are powerful brainwave entrainment programs and should never be used while driving or operating machinery. BrainWave Sharp Mind is unlike any other brainwave entrainment application. Other brainwave and binaural beat applications use only a single brainwave frequency and carrier signal. The Sharp Mind Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithms use a series of brainwave programs, multiple frequencies and carrier waves to gently bring your brainwave frequencies to your desired state using a more natural and effective frequency progression. *** Advanced Features *** - Multiple Brainwave programs each specially designed to elevate you to a unique mental state. - Multiple ambient background sounds to choose from. - Adjustable Brainwave Intensity - The intensity of the brainwaves can be adjusted independently of the ambient background sound. This allows you to set the brainwave volume to your comfort level. The application will also save your preference for future use. - Adjustable ambient background volume. - Visual timer countdown indicator. - Automatic saving of preferred brainwave entrainment program and ambient background sounds. - Ability to create your own custom time option. *** Programs Included *** - Brain Energizer: Takes you through a series of brainwave programs and progressively elevates your level of alertness. - High Beta Concentration: Designed to put your mind into the ultimate state of focus and concentration. Ideal when you need to block out surrounding distractions and study. - Creative Brainstorming: A series of brainwave programs that elevates your mind to a state of open-mindedness and creativity. Perfect for when you're stuck on a problem or are having difficulty coming up with an idea. Sit back and plug into this program to completely open your mind. - Creative Problem Solving: The ultimate combination of focus and creativity achieved through a series of brainwave programs and frequency mixes. - Gamma Memory Boost: This program was designed to be used whenever you feel like taking a break and letting what you've just learned sink in. This will help you maximize memory recall. - Beta Confidence Boost: Designed to be taken before a test or presentation. The other programs help you prepare, solve problems, come up with ideas and remember what you've learned. Sharp Mind also includes: - Creative Thinking - Lateral Thinking - Convergent Thinking - Deductive Thinking - Centered Mind - Focus/Concentration - Gamma Creativity Boost - Evening Memory Boost - Full Beta Spectrum - Full Gamma Spectrum * How Binaural Brainwave Entrainment Works * This app uses advanced Binaural Brainwave Entrainment to stimulate brainwave frequencies associated with different states of mind. These brainwave frequencies are in most cases inaudible and therefore must be induced through the use of binaural tones. In this process two different tones are played, one for one ear, and one for the other (headphones or earbuds must be used). When processing these two different tones the human brain perceives the difference as a beat matching the target brainwave frequency. The listener’s brainwaves synchronize with this beat due to the brain’s frequency following response.

About

FocusBrain

This science-based app uses brainwave therapy and 8D sound to enhance focus, boost productivity, improve memory, and reduce stress. It offers sessions for ADHD support and helps users achieve a flow state for peak cognitive performance without medication.

Highlights
  • Improve focus and cognition
  • Boost productivity and flow state
  • Enhance memory and problem-solving
  • Reduce stress and mental fatigue
  • Support ADHD management
  • Science-backed brainwave therapy
  • 8D immersive sound sessions
Features
Read full description

FocusBrain combines 8D spatial audio with brainwave frequencies - 40Hz Gamma, Alpha, and Theta Neural Soundscapes for ADHD, deep focus, calm, and restorative sleep. Some minds are wired differently. They think faster, feel deeper, and carry more - but finding stillness doesn't come naturally. FocusBrain is a thoughtfully designed neural sound system for anyone who needs more than silence and less than meditation. Every Neural Soundscape is built around specific brainwave frequencies - delivered in immersive 8D spatial audio you feel the moment you put your headphones on. DEEP FOCUS - LOCK IN ON DEMAND Whether it's a long work session, reading, or creative projects that deserve your full attention - Gamma (40Hz) and Beta-frequency Neural Soundscapes create a calm, consistent neural environment that supports sustained presence and productivity. No willpower required. Press play, and your mind knows it's time. NEURAL TUNING - FOR MINDS THAT RUN DIFFERENT If your thoughts naturally move in multiple directions at once, you don't need to fix it - you need the right support. Our Alpha and low-Gamma Neural Soundscapes help create a stable, clear cognitive baseline - supporting attention, memory, and mental clarity without medication, without routines, without someone telling you to just breathe. Pure sound. Specific frequencies. Built for how your mind actually works. ADHD SUPPORT - DESIGNED FOR HOW YOUR BRAIN WORKS Living with ADHD means your brain doesn't follow the usual rhythm. FocusBrain's Neural Soundscapes are specifically designed to support ADHD minds - helping reduce mental noise, sustain attention, and build a calmer, clearer cognitive baseline. No medication, no complicated routines. Just put on your headphones and let the frequencies do the work. ADHD IN DAILY LIFE - Morning focus sessions to start your day with clarity - Work and study support to sustain attention without burnout - Wind-down sessions to quiet a restless mind before sleep - Short 10-minute resets when everything feels too loud SLEEP ARCHITECTURE - FROM RESTLESS TO DEEP REST The hardest part of sleep isn't staying asleep - it's getting there. When your mind won't quiet down, Delta and Theta-frequency Neural Soundscapes guide a gentle neural downshift. Not a sleep story. Not a breathing exercise. Soothing acoustic patterns that support your brain's natural transition into deep, restorative sleep. WHY FOCUSBRAIN - Real frequency-engineered Neural Soundscapes - not generic ambient playlists - 8D spatial immersion designed for headphone use - 40Hz sessions for attention, cognition, clarity, and flow - Session-based, timer-ready - simple and easy to use - No guided voice, no accounts, no social features - Supports focus, productivity, memory, cognition, ADHD, stress relief, and sleep BUILT FOR Anyone who values mental clarity and restorative sleep. Whether you're managing ADHD, navigating a busy life, or simply looking for a reliable way to find calm - FocusBrain meets you where you are. If you've explored binaural beats, brainwave entrainment, or frequency-based audio and found most options too complicated or too vague - FocusBrain makes the science simple. START WITH ONE SESSION Open FocusBrain. Pick your state. Put on your headphones. --- Subscription automatically renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. You can manage and cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings. Privacy policy https://brainwavehz.com/brain-boost/Privacy_Policy.html Terms of use https://brainwavehz.com/brain-boost/Terms_&_Conditions.html For any ideas or support, please get in touch with us: developer.imoblife@gmail.com

Screenshots

BrainWave4 screens
FocusBrain4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: FocusBrain at Free against BrainWave's $4.99. FocusBrain also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). BrainWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 25) and ads (none vs shown). On rating and review sentiment 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

FocusBrain is free to download; BrainWave costs $4.99 up front. FocusBrain sells 24 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. BrainWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for BrainWave against 4.8 for FocusBrain. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrainWave has 1.2K ratings behind it against 120, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of BrainWave's written reviews are positive against 82% of FocusBrain's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, FocusBrain every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
BrainWave versus FocusBrain: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainWaveFocusBrain
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (1.2K ratings) — better4.8 (120 ratings)
Positive reviews87.9% of reviews — better81.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2K — better120
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
Best chart rank#116 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size158 MB106 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBanzai LabsBrainPower Inc

Customer experience

BrainWave

All ratings1,151 ratings
Positive98.4%
Neutral0.9%
Negative0.7%
Written reviews116 reviews
Positive87.9%
Neutral6.9%
Negative5.2%

FocusBrain

All ratings120 ratings
Positive95.8%
Neutral0.8%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews72 reviews
Positive81.9%
Neutral2.8%
Negative15.3%

User reviews

BrainWave

From 1.2K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

FocusBrain

From 120 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Great for focus
  • 😴 Improves sleep quality
  • 😌 Calms anxiety
  • 🚀 Boosts productivity
  • 🧠 Enhances brain function

Room to improve

  • 💸 Expensive subscriptions
  • 🔄 Frequent app format changes
  • ❓ Unclear pricing/trial terms
  • 📱 App not downloading
  • ⚠️ Automatic premium charges

Bugs and requests

BrainWave

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Alarm clock not working properly
  • Compatibility issues with older devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add more background sound options
  • Allow customization of sound mixes
  • Enable background playback while device is locked

FocusBrain

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • App not working after subscription
  • Blank gray screen on access
  • App won't download to new phone
  • Shuts off unless screen is visible
  • Feedback button not working
Show 2 more
  • App glitching, sounds not unlocked
  • Tracks may be reused from other artists

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add solfeggio frequencies for meditation
  • Expand music/tone catalog
  • Improve MacOS compatibility

In-app purchases

None

BrainWave

No in-app purchases

24 purchases

FocusBrain

Subscriptions22
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription$3.997 Days
  • New User Weekly Special Offer$4.997 Days
Show 19 more
  • Brain Booster Monthly Premium$7.991 Month
  • Try 7 days7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • New User Monthly Offer$7.991 Month
  • 6-Month Subscription$14.996 Months
  • New User 6-Month Subscription$15.996 Months
  • Quarterly Premium Membership$17.993 Months
  • Half Yearly Premium$17.996 Months
  • Quarterly Special Premium$17.993 Months
  • New User Quarterly Offer$19.993 Months
  • Brain Booster Yearly Premium$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Special Offer$21.991 Year
  • New User Yearly Special$25.991 Year
  • New User Half Yearly Premium7 Days trial$25.996 Months
  • Annual Premium7 Days trial$25.991 Year
  • Quarterly Premium Subscription7 Days trial$27.993 Months
  • 12-week Subscription3 Days trial$29.993 Months
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$35.991 Year
  • Unlock Premium Access$37.991 Year
  • Annual Premium7 Days trial$47.991 Year
One-time2
  • 2-Year Premium$25.99
  • One Year Plus 6 Months Premium2 variants$29.99

Questions

Is BrainWave free?
BrainWave costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is FocusBrain free?
FocusBrain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BrainWave or FocusBrain?
BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while FocusBrain averages 4.8 from 120 ratings.
Do BrainWave or FocusBrain have ads?
FocusBrain shows ads; BrainWave does not.
Which is updated more often, BrainWave or FocusBrain?
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and FocusBrain every 3 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on September 27, 2026 and FocusBrain on September 30, 2026.

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