# BrainWave vs Isochronic

The clearest difference is ratings volume: BrainWave at 368 against Isochronic's 66. BrainWave also leads on price ($3.99 vs $5.99). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

BrainWave costs $3.99 and Isochronic $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for BrainWave against 4.8 for Isochronic. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrainWave has 368 ratings behind it against 66, 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 92% of Isochronic's.

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Isochronic every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | Isochronic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$3.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (368 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668/reviews)** | [4.8 (66 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isochronic/id604028966/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **368** | 66 |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | **92.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 158 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [CML Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/491766302) |

## 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


### Isochronic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isochronic/id604028966)

Generate custom isochronic tones for brainwave entrainment. Mix tones with your own music, set timers, and use presets for various states like sleep or meditation. Save your favorite tones for quick access.

**Highlights:** Custom isochronic tone generation, Carrier tone adjustment, Mix with own music, Adjustable wave volume, Timer up to 59 minutes, Preset sessions, Memory slots for favorite tones

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- ✨ Customizable tones
- 🚀 Works in the background
- 💡 Effective for focus and sleep
- ✅ Delivers isochronic tones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Random pausing with notifications
- 🔊 Clicking effect with speakers
- 🤔 Lack of guidance on tone usage
- 🖱️ Sliders not 100% accurate
- 🗂️ Information spread out

**Reported bugs**

- Tone pauses randomly when receiving a notification
- Clicking effect in speakers
- Info buttons do not provide information

**Requested features**

- Extend timer duration
- Gradually ramp down volume at stop
- Type desired frequencies instead of scrolling
- Timer for frequency ramp duration
- Multiple sections for frequency and duration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainWave free?

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

### Is Isochronic free?

Isochronic costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 368 ratings, while Isochronic averages 4.8 from 66 ratings.

### Do BrainWave or Isochronic have ads?

Neither BrainWave nor Isochronic shows ads.

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

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and Isochronic every 6 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 23, 2026 and Isochronic on October 23, 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.*