# BrainWave vs CIH

The clearest difference is price: CIH at Free against BrainWave's $3.99. CIH also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). BrainWave's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, CIH every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainWave | CIH |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (367 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainwave-neuro-trainer/id405583668/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **367** | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 158 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Banzai Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/305909501) | [Emily Sudduth](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721274803) |

## 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- 🖼️ Outdated graphics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


### CIH

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cih/id6478407527)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainWave free?

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

### Is CIH free?

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

### Do BrainWave or CIH have ads?

Neither BrainWave nor CIH shows ads.

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

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and CIH every 3 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 17, 2026 and CIH on October 19, 2026.

---

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