Comparison

BrainWave vs Focus Keeper

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

Focus Keeper

This app helps boost productivity and combat procrastination using the Pomodoro technique. It breaks tasks into focused work intervals followed by breaks, ideal for students, professionals, and individuals managing ADHD. Track your progress and stay on task with customizable settings and an intuitive interface.

Highlights
  • Pomodoro timer with customizable sessions
  • Study and exam timer functionality
  • ADHD-friendly structured technique
  • Productivity time tracker with charts
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Customizable break lengths
Features
Read full description

Focus Keeper is the ultimate focus timer and Pomodoro timer designed to help you boost productivity and fight against procrastination. Whether you're a student preparing for an exam, managing ADHD, or simply trying to stay focused, this app is here to make your time management easier. By leveraging the original Pomodoro method, Focus Keeper helps you break down your tasks into manageable intervals and balance work with breaks, so you can stay on track without burning out. With a built-in study tracker, customizable settings, and an intuitive design, Focus Keeper is ideal for those who need a reliable exam timer or just want to track their progress efficiently. Focus Keeper: Pomodoro Timer, Exam Timer, ADHD Pomodoro – Stay true to the original technique with 25-minute sessions followed by short breaks to keep your mind sharp. Customizable Focus Timer – Adjust the length of your sessions, short breaks, and long breaks to suit your workflow. Exam Timer & Study Timer – Ideal for students and professionals, the product acts as a perfect exam timer to help you easily manage study sessions. ADHD Friendly – Tailored for those with ADHD, the app’s structured technique helps improve concentration and task completion. Time Tracker – Track your productivity over time with insightful charts and fight against ADHD and procrastination. Simple Interface – With a clean and intuitive design, it's easy to set up your focus timer and start working on your tasks immediately. How Its Works? Set Your Focus Timer & Study Timer– Choose a task and set the clock for 25 minutes. Work Until the Rings – Stay focused on your task until the Pomodoro rings. Take a Short Break – Enjoy a 5-minute break after each session to refresh your mind. Long Breaks – After completing 4 focus sessions, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes to recharge. The app automatically starts the next session, so you can stay productive without interruptions. Who Can Benefit? Whether you're a student needing a reliable study timer for exams, a professional managing multiple tasks, or someone who struggles with ADHD, the concentration app is the perfect tool. The app provides a structured routine, making it easier to avoid distractions and procrastination. Its built-in time tracker and customizable settings ensure that you can stay productive in any environment, from the office to the study room. Why ? Unlike other apps, Focus Keeper offers an original Pomodoro experience while giving you full control over how you manage your focus sessions. Whether you're using it as an exam timer, a study timer, or to manage ADHD, its versatile features and easy-to-use interface make it stand out. Track your productivity over time, customize your features, and use it as a stopwatch for specific tasks – all while avoiding procrastination and staying on task. Read our terms and conditions at https://www.iubenda.com/terms-and-conditions/36391786 Read our privacy policy at https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/36391786 [ Support: support@pixo.co ]

Screenshots

BrainWave4 screens
Focus Keeper4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Focus Keeper at Free against BrainWave's $4.99. Focus Keeper also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (32K vs 1.2K). BrainWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and review sentiment (88% vs 68%). On rating, ads 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

Focus Keeper is free to download; BrainWave costs $4.99 up front. Focus Keeper sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. 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 Focus Keeper. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focus Keeper has 32K ratings behind it against 1.2K, 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 68% of Focus Keeper's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Focus Keeper every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
BrainWave versus Focus Keeper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainWaveFocus Keeper
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (1.2K ratings) — better4.8 (32K ratings)
Positive reviews87.9% of reviews — better68.5% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2K32K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size158 MB872 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBanzai LabsPIXO Incorporation

Customer experience

BrainWave

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

Focus Keeper

All ratings31,537 ratings
Positive95.8%
Neutral1.6%
Negative2.6%
Written reviews1,047 reviews
Positive68.5%
Neutral8.2%
Negative23.3%

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

Focus Keeper

From 32K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Effective for staying focused
  • 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
  • 👍 Customizable settings
  • 🕰️ Helpful for managing time and productivity
  • 🔔 Useful break reminders

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 🔇 Lack of ability to mute/adjust sound
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns with data collection
  • 💰 Subscription model for full features
  • 🔍 Limited task management functionality

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

Focus Keeper

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer randomly stops counting down
  • White noise that can't be turned off
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching apps

Requested features

5 requests
  • Apple Watch support
  • Ability to label/categorize tasks
  • Sync with calendar/to-do apps
  • More sound/music options
  • Customizable break durations

In-app purchases

None

BrainWave

No in-app purchases

12 purchases

Focus Keeper

Subscriptions10
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month$3.991 Month
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month$12.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year7 Days trial$34.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year$34.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year1 Month trial$34.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year Standard7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year Standard$49.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year1 Month trial$69.991 Year
  • Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year7 Days trial$69.991 Year
One-time2
  • Focus Keeper Pro$99.99
  • Focus Keeper Pro$199.99

Questions

Is BrainWave free?
BrainWave costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Focus Keeper free?
Focus Keeper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BrainWave or Focus Keeper?
BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Focus Keeper averages 4.8 from 32K ratings.
Do BrainWave or Focus Keeper have ads?
Neither BrainWave nor Focus Keeper shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainWave or Focus Keeper?
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and Focus Keeper every 4 days. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on September 23, 2026 and Focus Keeper on September 24, 2026.

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