# mindLightz vs Expand

The clearest difference is rating: mindLightz at 4.6 against Expand's 4.0. mindLightz also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). Expand's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (300 vs 85). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Expand sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month. mindLightz asks for nothing beyond the download.

mindLightz holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 300 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of mindLightz's written reviews are positive against 50% of Expand's.

mindLightz ships an update every 4 months, Expand monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | mindLightz | Expand |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlightz/id528589906/reviews)** | [4.0 (300 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **300** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 49.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 49 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mind Gear](https://appshunter.io/developer/528589969) | [THE MONROE INSTITUTE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1552705315) |

## What reviewers say

### mindLightz

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlightz/id528589906)

Transform your device into a light and sound machine. Mix binaural sounds, isochronic tones, and ambient effects with your own audio library. Create custom settings or use 84 preset programs for different brain states.

**Highlights:** Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS), Binaural sounds and isochronic tones, Customizable audio mixer, 25 built-in ambient sound effects, 84 preset programs, Manual mode for custom settings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Expand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313)

Access profound states of expanded awareness with guided meditations and proprietary sound science. Explore topics like relaxation, joy, insight, and sleep to foster meaning, relieve stress, and release unwanted patterns. Discover inner wisdom and joy through active imagination and perception.

**Highlights:** 100+ guided meditations, Monroe Sound Science audio technology, Multi-day mini-courses, Guided reflection and journaling, Custom-generated soundscapes, Focus on active imagination and perception

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expand Plus Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Expand Plus Yearly | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful meditation tool
- 👍 Lovely and helpful
- 👍 Great way to practice
- 👍 Transformative
- 👍 First class app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Money maker
- 🔒 How do you get a premium subscription?
- 🐛 Cuts off sometimes?
- 🔍 Where's the guidance?
- 🐛 Annoyed

**Reported bugs**

- Paid but no play
- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Sound shuts off when the iphone goes to sleep

**Requested features**

- Longer guided meditations
- What's new section for meditations
- Ability to turn off background music
- Monthly charge option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is mindLightz free?

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

### Is Expand free?

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

### Which has better reviews, mindLightz or Expand?

mindLightz is rated higher. mindLightz averages 4.6 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while Expand averages 4.0 from 300 ratings.

### Do mindLightz or Expand have ads?

Expand shows ads; mindLightz does not.

### Which is updated more often, mindLightz or Expand?

mindLightz ships an update every 4 months, and Expand monthly. Most recently, mindLightz was updated on October 23, 2026 and Expand on October 29, 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.*