# BrainWave vs HeartMath

The clearest difference is price: HeartMath at Free against BrainWave's $3.99. HeartMath also leads on ratings volume (4.6K vs 367) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). BrainWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and review sentiment (88% vs 74%). On rating and ads there is nothing between them.

HeartMath is free to download; BrainWave costs $3.99 up front. HeartMath sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $39.00 per year. BrainWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for BrainWave against 4.9 for HeartMath. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HeartMath has 4.6K ratings behind it against 367, 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 74% of HeartMath's.

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, HeartMath every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | HeartMath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.8 (367 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 367 | **4.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 73.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Size | 158 MB | 185 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [HeartMath Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/482739914) |

## 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


### HeartMath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998)

This app helps you manage stress, improve focus, and achieve optimal performance by aligning your heart, mind, and emotions. It offers guided sessions, immersive journeys, and coherence practices based on over 30 years of research.

**Highlights:** Real-time HRV Coherence Measurement, Coherence Training, Scientifically Validated Techniques, Guided Learning Sessions, Progress Tracking, Heart-Brain Coherence Benefits

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HeartMath Premium | $39.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $59.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $79.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Huge improvement over previous app
- 👍 Easy to use and highly recommended
- 💡 Loaded with HeartMath techniques and courses
- 👍 Powerful tool for nervous system balance and anxiety reduction
- 👍 Helps achieve a better mental state

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues with sensor
- 🐛 Sensor not compatible with older devices
- 🐛 App crashes and freezes on newer devices
- 🐛 Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- 🐛 Disruptive screen sleep behavior during sessions

**Reported bugs**

- Sensor connection issues on newer devices
- App crashes and freezes on iPhone 16 Pro
- Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- Screen sleep behavior disrupting sessions

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Allow playing music/sounds during sessions
- Provide audio feedback on coherence levels
- Add session history customization and details
- Improve sensor compatibility with older devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainWave free?

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

### Is HeartMath free?

HeartMath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

HeartMath is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 367 ratings, while HeartMath averages 4.9 from 4.6K ratings.

### Do BrainWave or HeartMath have ads?

Neither BrainWave nor HeartMath shows ads.

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

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and HeartMath every 3 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 13, 2026 and HeartMath on October 16, 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.*