# BrainWave vs Apollo Neuro

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | Apollo Neuro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (368 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apollo-neuro/id1457385148/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 368 | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 62.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 158 MB | 650 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [Apollo Neuro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1378318920) |

## What reviewers say

### BrainWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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- 🖼️ Outdated graphics

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


### Apollo Neuro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apollo-neuro/id1457385148)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sessions Premium (Yearly) | $89.99 | per year |
| SmartVibes One Year | $99.99 | per year |
| Apollo Pro - Yearly | $159.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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