Comparison

BrainWave vs XTi PULSE+

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Multi-stage binaural programs
  • Progressive brainwave entrainment algorithms
  • Adjustable brainwave intensity
  • Multiple ambient background sounds
  • Customizable timer options
  • Automatic saving of preferences
Features
Read full description

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.

About

XTi PULSE+

Easily connect and control your Biolight device from your phone. Customize light therapies for sleep, relaxation, energy, or focus, and precisely adjust intensity and timers for optimal sessions.

Highlights
  • Wireless device connection
  • Timer settings
  • Adjustable light intensity
  • Customizable light therapies
  • Personalized user experience
Features
Read full description

The XTi App gives you full control over your XTi Biolight, allowing you to easily connect, power, set timers, and adjust intensity from your phone. Customize your experience with different light therapies tailored to your needs. Take Command of Your XTi Biolight ● Easily connect and control your XTi PULSE+ Biolight(s) with just a few taps. Set timers, adjust light intensity, and choose custom light therapies tailored to your needs—all from your phone. Personalize Your Light Therapy ● Customize your XTi PULSE+ Biolight experience with custom light therapies. Whether you need sleep, relaxation, energy or focus, choose the perfect experience to match your lifestyle. Optimize Every Session for Maximum Benefits ● Set the perfect timer to maximize your light therapy sessions. Stay on track and ensure you get the most out of every use with precision timing. Control Intensity with Precision ● Find your ideal light intensity with our intuitive slider based on your distance to the light. Whether you need a gentle glow or a powerful burst, the XTi app lets you fine-tune every detail for the PULSE+ Biolight. Stay Connected, Stay in Control ● Effortlessly connect to your XTi PULSE+ Biolight wirelessly, ensuring it's always ready when you are. The companion app keeps you in control, whether at home or on the go. Contact Us We want to build XTi PULSE+ app into the experience you need and desire. Your suggestions make XTi better. If you have questions or feedback, contact us anytime using the email info@xti.us

Screenshots

BrainWave4 screens
XTi PULSE+4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: XTi PULSE+ at Free against BrainWave's $3.99. BrainWave's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (367 vs 7). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BrainWave holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrainWave has 367 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, XTi PULSE+ every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
BrainWave versus XTi PULSE+: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainWaveXTi PULSE+
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (367 ratings) — better3.9 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings367 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#194 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size158 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBanzai LabsXiant Technologies, Inc.

Customer experience

BrainWave

All ratings367 ratings
Positive97.0%
Neutral1.4%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral5.0%
Negative7.5%

XTi PULSE+

All ratings7 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

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
Show 11 more
  • 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

XTi PULSE+

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

BrainWave

No in-app purchases

None

XTi PULSE+

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BrainWave free?
BrainWave costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is XTi PULSE+ free?
XTi PULSE+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, BrainWave or XTi PULSE+?
BrainWave is rated higher. BrainWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 367 ratings, while XTi PULSE+ averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.
Do BrainWave or XTi PULSE+ have ads?
Neither BrainWave nor XTi PULSE+ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainWave or XTi PULSE+?
BrainWave ships an update every 2 months, and XTi PULSE+ every 4 weeks. Most recently, BrainWave was updated on October 1, 2026 and XTi PULSE+ on September 24, 2026.

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