BrainWave vs Brainwave Studio
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Multi-stage binaural programs
- Progressive brainwave entrainment algorithms
- Adjustable brainwave intensity
- Multiple ambient background sounds
- Customizable timer options
- Automatic saving of preferences
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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.
Brainwave Studio
This app offers a system for relaxation, stress relief, sleep support, meditation, and mind training. It utilizes isochronic tones integrated into ambient music and nature sounds to help users achieve desired mental states. Choose from 40 sessions across 5 categories to find calm and focus.
- 40 brainwave entrainment sessions
- Isochronic tone technology
- 60 ambient nature sounds
- 48 atmospheric music tracks
- Customizable sound mixes
- Universal app for iOS devices
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Stressed out? Trouble sleeping? Distracting sounds at work or school? Need a relaxing break from a busy day? If your answered yes to any of those questions then Brainwave Studio is for you! Brainwave Studio is a professionally designed relaxation, stress relief, sleep support, meditation and mind training system, with 40 brainwave entrainment sessions of carefully selected nature sounds and superb quality ambient music. ________________________ How does it work? Brainwave Studio uses isochronic tones, widely regarded as the superior brainwave tone. Isochronic tones pulse at specific frequencies, and stimulate the brain to help you achieve your desired mental state. Unlike binaural beats, isochronic tones work through headphones or speakers. The isochronic tones are integrated into the backgrounds of beautiful, soothing melodies. Listen to the peaceful music while the tones automatically do their magic in the background. ________________________ Features - 5 categories: Relaxation, Sleep, Meditation, Stress and Anxiety, Mind Training - 40 brainwave entrainment sessions with dynamic isochronic tones - 60 soothing ambient sounds - 48 atmospheric music tracks (endless loops) - Universal app runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - Saved soundscapes are synchronized using iCloud - Separate volume controls for every sound - Create customized sound mixes by combining ambient sounds together - High quality Retina graphics - AirPlay support - Multitasking support: play your favorite melodies while using other applications ________________________ 5 Categories With 40 Sessions - Relaxation: Quick relax ∙ Tension relief ∙ Lunch break relax ∙ After a busy day ∙ Relax before important event ∙ After high stress ∙ Before going to bed ∙ Deep evening relax - Stress and Anxiety: Quick stress relief ∙ Workplace stress relief ∙ Anxiety reduction ∙ Anxiety reduction before sleep ∙ Reduce anxiety before taking a test ∙ After work stress reduction ∙ Deep stress relief - Meditation: 7Hz Zen meditation ∙ Coffee break meditation ∙ Low-Alpha meditation ∙ Mid-Alpha meditation ∙ Theta meditation ∙ Delta meditation ∙ 7,83Hz Schumann rhythm meditation ∙ Deep Schumann rhythm meditation. - Sleep: Short anti-insomnia session ∙ Sleep induction ∙ Mental workers sleep support ∙ Hyperactive people sleep induction ∙ Sleep induction for insomniacs ∙ Clear your mind and fall asleep ∙ Deep sleep induction - Mind Training: Workout performance enhancer ∙ After-Workout recovery session ∙ Attention enhancer ∙ Mental workers support session ∙ Idea generation session ∙ Motivation enhancer ∙ Energy enhancer ∙ Creative tasks helper ∙ Concentration enhancer for studying ∙ Sensory-motor rhythm session. ________________________ 60 Ambient Sounds Birds ∙ Piano ∙ Cat ∙ City ∙ Clock ∙ Crickets ∙ Dolphins ∙ Fire ∙ Forest ∙ Frogs ∙ Heart ∙ Monk ∙ Music box ∙ Night ∙ Rain ∙ River ∙ Space ∙ Submarine ∙ Thunder ∙ Train ∙ Cave ∙ Water ∙ Whale ∙ White noise ∙ Wind ∙ Wind Chimes ∙ Jungle ∙ Flute ∙ African night ∙ Howling wolf ∙ Sea lion ∙ City park ∙ Lakeside ∙ Shopping mall ∙ Industrial ∙ Nightingale ∙ Spring birds ∙ Crowd ∙ Oscillating fan ∙ Swamp ∙ Dripping water ∙ Owls ∙ Tropical forest ∙ Factory ∙ PC fan ∙ Vacuum cleaner ∙ Fan ∙ Pirate ship ∙ Waterfall ∙ Fridge ∙ Pneumatic drill ∙ Waves ∙ Hair dryer ∙ Rain on window ∙ High Voltage ∙ Harbor ∙ Running water ∙ Winter blizzard ∙ Highway ∙ School If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact us at any time: info@rcs-software.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Brainwave Studio at free against BrainWave's paid. Brainwave Studio also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 13.0). BrainWave's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and chart position (#157 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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
BrainWave costs $3.99 and Brainwave Studio $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. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 367 and 106 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of BrainWave's written reviews are positive against 84% of Brainwave Studio's.
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, Brainwave Studio every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BrainWave | Brainwave Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (367 ratings) — better | 4.5 (106 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews — better | 84.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 367 — better | 106 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #157 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 7.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 158 MB | 376 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Banzai Labs | RCS LT |
Customer experience
BrainWave
Brainwave Studio
User reviews
BrainWave
From 367 App Store ratingsWhat 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
Brainwave Studio
From 106 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎵 High-quality sounds and music variety
- 🧠 Effective brainwave entrainment technology
- 😴 Excellent for sleep and insomnia relief
- 🎚️ Customizable sound mixing and layering
- 🧘 Great for meditation and relaxation
Room to improve
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes on newer iOS versions
- ❌ No longer actively maintained by developer
- 📱 Incompatible with iPhone 15 and iOS 16+
- 🔇 App shuts down frequently, requires reinstalls
- 📂 Missing content on newer devices
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
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- 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
Brainwave Studio
Reported bugs
9 issues- App crashes on startup with iOS 16 and newer
- Content missing on iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Freezes after 30 seconds on newer devices
- App closes when other audio apps are opened
- Crashes when attempting to restore purchases
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- Constant crashes requiring frequent reinstalls
- Frequency range descriptions are inaccurate
- Music stops playing if swiped left or stopped
- High memory consumption on iPad
Requested features
12 requests- Background playback with phone screen off
- Ability to layer with personal music library
- Multitasking support with other audio apps
- Timer and alarm functionality
- Mac app version
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- More isochronic tone programs
- Lucid dreaming and motivation sessions
- Custom mix saving functionality
- Screen rotation support on iPad
- Voice recording for personalized suggestions
- More tasteful/elegant music selections
- Wake-up mode for mornings
In-app purchases
BrainWave
No in-app purchases
Brainwave Studio
No in-app purchases









