# BrainWave vs alphabeats

The clearest difference is price: alphabeats at Free against BrainWave's $3.99. alphabeats also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). BrainWave's advantage is review sentiment (87% vs 44%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

alphabeats is free to download; BrainWave costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BrainWave holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrainWave has 367 ratings behind it against 36, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of BrainWave's written reviews are positive against 44% of alphabeats's.

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, alphabeats every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and June 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | alphabeats |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (367 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668/reviews)** | [4.5 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alphabeats/id1541053568/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **367** | 36 |
| Positive reviews | **86.8% of reviews** | 44.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 158 MB | 134 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [AlphaBeats Works B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541053570) |

## 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


### alphabeats

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alphabeats/id1541053568)

Enhance athletic performance with immersive mental training. This app uses neurofeedback and music to monitor and improve focus, flow, and recovery. Track progress, gain insights, and unlock your full potential.

**Highlights:** Neurofeedback and music training, Enhance focus, flow, and recovery, Track progress and gain insights, Complete training programs, Discover long-term trends

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainWave free?

BrainWave costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is alphabeats free?

alphabeats is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BrainWave or alphabeats?

BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 367 ratings, while alphabeats averages 4.5 from 36 ratings.

### Do BrainWave or alphabeats have ads?

Neither BrainWave nor alphabeats shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BrainWave or alphabeats?

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and alphabeats every 2 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and alphabeats on June 2, 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.*