Comparison

BrainWave vs Apollo Neuro

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

Head to head
About

BrainWave

This app uses advanced binaural brainwave entrainment for neuro-athletic training. It features multi-stage programs with progressive frequency algorithms to enhance physical and mental performance. Customize brainwave intensity, background sounds, and timers for a personalized experience.

Highlights
  • Multi-stage binaural programs
  • Progressive brainwave entrainment algorithms
  • Adjustable brainwave intensity
  • Multiple ambient background sounds
  • Customizable timer options
  • Automatic saving of preferences
Features
Read full description

Advanced Binaural Brainwave Entrainment developed specifically for neuro athletic training. Features 8 Multi-Stage Binaural Programs developed from the ground up for athletes. This app is unlike any other brainwave entrainment application. Other brainwave and binaural beat applications use only a single brainwave frequency and carrier signal. The Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithms developed for this app use a series of brainwave stages, with 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 boost physical and mental performance. - 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. *** Included Programs *** - Quick Energy: Single-stage program targeting 30 Hz High-Beta/Low-Gamma for a quick energy boost. - Power and Focus: Multi-stage program targeting 6 Hz Theta, 20 Hz Beta, and 40 Hz Gamma to increase focus and intensity. - Fast Reflexes: Multi-stage program targeting high gamma frequencies to enhance reflexes and reaction time. - Eye/Hand Coordination: Multi-stage program focused on mid beta and high alpha frequencies to promote relaxed focused attention. - Endurance: Multi-stage Alpha, Beta, and Gamma program designed to increase your endurance and stamina. - Speed: Multi-stage program targeting very high gamma frequencies. - Rest and Recover: Multi-stage deep sleep program designed to enhance recovery after a workout. - Recovery Meditation: Multi-stage Alpha and Theta program designed to boost recovery and relaxation after a workout. ** How Binaural Brainwave Entrainment Works ** Through the process of brainwave entrainment human brainwave frequencies can be synchronized with a frequency associated with a target mental state. These Brainwave frequencies are too low for the human ear to hear, however, these low-frequencies can be perceived by the human brain if two different audible frequencies are played separately into each ear with headphones or earbuds. For example, the human ear can't directly perceive the 10 Hz Alpha frequency associated with relaxed alertness, but if you wear headphones with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 145 Hz tone, your brain will perceive the 10 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat. As you listen, your brainwaves will begin to match that frequency, inducing the associated mental state. Warning: Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery.

About

Apollo Neuro

This app uses silent sound wave vibrations to improve calm, focus, energy, and sleep. It offers instant stress relief and can be enhanced with a wearable device for deeper, long-term wellness benefits. Track your progress and integrate with other health apps.

Highlights
  • Silent sound wave vibrations
  • Instant stress relief
  • Improved calm and focus
  • Enhanced energy and sleep
  • Progress tracking
  • Smart health integrations
Features
Read full description

Feel Better, Backed by Science Apollo Neuro is the first science-backed technology that improves calm, focus, energy, and sleep. Apollo’s patented silent sound wave vibrations remind your body how to feel good, anytime, anywhere, by strengthening your resilience to stress and boosting vagus nerve activity through our sense of touch. Discover two powerful ways to experience Apollo: Meet Apollo Sessions – Instant Stress Relief Right from Your iPhone New to Apollo? Your journey to calm starts here. Apollo Sessions instantly transforms your iPhone into your personal wellness champion for FREE, using gentle, silent sound wave vibrations to quickly shift how you feel, without any additional hardware. • Instantly calm your mind or boost your energy • Easy to use—just download the app and open it on your iPhone • Start feeling better right away with a free trial Popular Sessions: • Espresso Shot – A caffeine-free boost for your day • Relax – Quickly unwind after stress • Let's Go – Enhance focus and clarity • Good Vibes – Ease into social settings Take Wellness Further with the Apollo Wearable – The Premium Experience Ready to go deeper? The Apollo wearable is the ultimate tool for continuous, scientifically validated stress relief and wellness improvement. It gently retrains your nervous system over time, enhancing resilience and overall well-being: • Reduce stress and anxiety • Improve sleep quality, fall asleep faster • Enhance focus and clarity • Accelerate physical recovery • Increase HRV for long-term wellness Why Choose the Wearable? Crafted by neuroscientists and physicians, Apollo’s wearable offers proven results. The more consistently you use it, the better you'll feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally. How Apollo Vibes™ Work: Apollo's gentle vibrations act like soothing music for your nervous system. Higher frequencies elevate your energy and sharpen your focus, while lower frequencies promote relaxation and deep sleep. Simply choose your vibe and let Apollo do the rest: • Energy – Stay energized and alert • Unwind – Effortlessly relax • Focus – Maintain clear, steady concentration • Sleep – Drift naturally into restful sleep • Recover – Recharge faster after workouts Key Features: • Custom Scheduling – Tailored vibes for your day • Progress Tracking – Visualize your improvement in sleep, stress, and focus • Smart Integrations – Seamlessly connects with Oura Ring, Apple Health, and more Science-Backed. Expert-Approved. Life-Changing. “With consistent use, Apollo helps your nervous system adapt, improving stress resilience and more. It sounds futuristic, but we're thrilled (and amazed) it truly works.” – Robb Report "Apollo’s effectiveness for extreme stress was clear from my very first session." – Men's Health "Designed to reduce stress and recalibrate the nervous system." – Wall Street Journal Awards: • Best of the Best, 2024 – Robb Report • Editors' Choice, 2023 – Well and Good • Best of CNET, 2023 – CNET • The Quality Edit Editors Pick, 2024 – Quality Edit Begin Your Apollo Journey: Download Apollo Sessions today, instantly find calm, and explore how the Apollo wearable can elevate your wellness journey.

Screenshots

BrainWave4 screens
Apollo Neuro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Apollo Neuro at Free against BrainWave's $3.99. Apollo Neuro also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (1.9K vs 368). BrainWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On 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

Apollo Neuro is free to download; BrainWave costs $3.99 up front. Apollo Neuro sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $89.99 per year. BrainWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BrainWave holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Apollo Neuro has 1.9K ratings behind it against 368, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of BrainWave's written reviews are positive against 62% of Apollo Neuro's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Apollo Neuro every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
BrainWave versus Apollo Neuro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainWaveApollo Neuro
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (368 ratings) — better4.5 (1.9K ratings)
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews — better62.2% of reviews
Number of ratings3681.9K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size158 MB650 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBanzai LabsApollo Neuro

Customer experience

BrainWave

All ratings367 ratings
Positive97.0%
Neutral1.4%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral5.0%
Negative7.5%

Apollo Neuro

All ratings1,897 ratings
Positive86.0%
Neutral4.2%
Negative9.9%
Written reviews376 reviews
Positive62.2%
Neutral8.5%
Negative29.3%

User reviews

BrainWave

From 368 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works well for fitness
  • 🧘‍♀️ Promotes tranquility and relief
  • 🎧 Calming and listenable soundscapes
  • 🎯 Improves hand-eye coordination
  • 💡 Game changer for sports

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Stops playing in background
  • 📉 Makes app useless for workouts
  • ⚠️ Apps freeze on iOS26
  • ⏳ Not being developed further
  • 🖼️ Outdated graphics

Apollo Neuro

From 1.9K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Effective for anxiety, sleep, and focus
  • 👍 Discreet and comfortable to wear
  • 🤩 Noticeable benefits like improved sleep and HRV
  • 🧘‍♀️ Helps with relaxation, grounding, and managing stress
  • ⚡️ Provides an energy boost when needed

Room to improve

  • 🔋 Battery life issues, device needs frequent charging
  • 🐛 Connectivity and app stability problems
  • 💰 Expensive device and subscription model
  • 🤖 App is buggy, unintuitive, and lacks key features
  • 🔒 Concerns about lack of user control and data privacy

Bugs and requests

BrainWave

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App stops playing in the background when not selected
  • Apps freeze repeatedly under iOS26
  • The speed program crashes
  • App crashes when trying to start a cycle with the speed setting

Requested features

16 requests
  • Fix background playback issue
  • Update app for iOS26
  • Add a 'rise and shine' program
  • Add ability to save specific playlists to specific programs
  • Consolidate apps into one
Show 11 more
  • Allow in-app purchases of sound collections
  • More background sounds
  • Greater ability to customize/blend sounds and save them
  • Update to include similar offerings to AmbiScience for customization
  • List frequencies or evidence of effectiveness
  • List frequencies used
  • Explain all possible effects of using a specific frequency
  • Offer Isochronic Tones
  • Allow use with own testing music (like Brain Waves 30)
  • Choice for specific sports and explanation of benefits
  • Make Dream Inducers free

Apollo Neuro

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Scheduled sessions not always starting as planned
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues and device not pairing properly
  • App crashes, freezes, and general instability
  • Usage data not tracking accurately in the app

Requested features

5 requests
  • Apple Watch integration for easier control
  • More customization options for schedules and modes
  • Longer duration for programs and vibration patterns
  • Improved sleep tracking and integration with other health apps
  • Ability to use device without the app

In-app purchases

None

BrainWave

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Apollo Neuro

Subscriptions3
  • Sessions Premium (Yearly)7 Days trial$89.991 Year
  • SmartVibes One Year1 Month trial$99.991 Year
  • Apollo Pro - Yearly$159.991 Year

Questions

Is BrainWave free?
BrainWave costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Apollo Neuro free?
Apollo Neuro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BrainWave or Apollo Neuro?
BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 368 ratings, while Apollo Neuro averages 4.5 from 1.9K ratings.
Do BrainWave or Apollo Neuro have ads?
Neither BrainWave nor Apollo Neuro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainWave or Apollo Neuro?
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and Apollo Neuro every 3 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 28, 2026 and Apollo Neuro on October 26, 2026.

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