# BrainWave vs FocusBrain

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | FocusBrain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234/reviews)** | [4.8 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbrain-8d-adhd-and-focus/id1569534844/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 120 |
| Positive reviews | **87.9% of reviews** | 81.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#125** | — |
| Size | 158 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [BrainPower Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560966870) |

## What reviewers say

### BrainWave

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

**Currently charting:** #125 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

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


### FocusBrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbrain-8d-adhd-and-focus/id1569534844)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (24)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| New User Weekly Special Offer | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Brain Booster Monthly Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Try 7 days | $7.99 | per month |
| New User Monthly Offer | $7.99 | per month |
| 6-Month Subscription | $14.99 | per 6 months |
| New User 6-Month Subscription | $15.99 | per 6 months |
| Quarterly Premium Membership | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| Half Yearly Premium | $17.99 | per 6 months |
| Quarterly Special Premium | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| New User Quarterly Offer | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Brain Booster Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Special Offer | $21.99 | per year |
| New User Yearly Special | $25.99 | per year |
| New User Half Yearly Premium | $25.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Premium | $25.99 | per year |
| Quarterly Premium Subscription | $27.99 | per 3 months |
| 12-week Subscription | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium | $35.99 | per year |
| Unlock Premium Access | $37.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium | $47.99 | per year |
| 2-Year Premium | $25.99 | one-time |
| One Year Plus 6 Months Premium | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Add solfeggio frequencies for meditation
- Expand music/tone catalog
- Improve MacOS compatibility


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