# BrainWave vs Focus Keeper

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | Focus Keeper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-sharp-mind/id308715234/reviews)** | [4.8 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-keeper-pomodoro-timer/id867374917/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | **32K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.9% of reviews** | 68.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 158 MB | 872 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [PIXO Incorporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/541568418) |

## 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


### Focus Keeper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-keeper-pomodoro-timer/id867374917)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month | $3.99 | per month |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month | $3.99 | per month |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Month | $12.99 | per month |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year | $34.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year | $34.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year | $34.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year Standard | $49.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year Standard | $49.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year | $69.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro 1 Year | $69.99 | per year |
| Focus Keeper Pro | $99.99 | one-time |
| Focus Keeper Pro | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


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