Comparison

BrainHQ vs Phoenix APOE4

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

Head to head
About

BrainHQ

This app offers a scientifically-backed brain training program designed to improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and processing speed. It features adaptive exercises that adjust to your performance, fitting into your daily routine with sessions as short as five minutes.

Highlights
  • Scientifically validated brain exercises
  • Improves memory and processing speed
  • Adaptive training adjusts to performance
  • Daily free exercise
  • Personalized brain fitness goals
  • Flexible training sessions
Features
Read full description

Train your brain with BrainHQ from Posit Science—the most rigorous program available for better brain health, and the only one backed by more than 100 scientific papers showing benefits - including the breakthrough NIH-funded ACTIVE study. Now with new features that contribute to your brain fitness success!

 BrainHQ represents the culmination of 30 years of research in neuroscience and brain health. Top scientists from around the world helped to develop and test the BrainHQ exercises. The result: a training system that comprehensively improves brain performance, from the most basic elements of perception through the most complex elements of memory, attention, and cognitive function.

 No other brain fitness program can match BrainHQ in scientific proof. More than 100 publications from independent, randomized controlled trials have shown that the exercises and assessments in BrainHQ drive real change. These changes include: • cognitive improvements, such as better memory and faster processing speed • real-world improvements, including safer driving and improved quality of life • physical brain changes, like healthier white matter and more coordinated neurons. 
 All of this means that BrainHQ works—in laboratory studies, and in the lives of everyday people:

 •"BrainHQ is a no-brainer must-have in my book…This training has expanded my visual, fine-tuned my audio and even my reflexes seem to be getting faster. BrainHQ is fun and gives me the challenges I need to keep my brain working out on a daily basis." - C. MacDonald

 •"Only a few months into the BrainHQ exercises the difference is clear, this isn’t left to speculation, I saw drastic improvements…and my family has noticed a strong improvement." - A. Amitrano

 And leading publications agree: “Our testers concluded that Posit's product—one of the few so far to undergo clinical trials and peer-reviewed research—had the firmest scientific grounding.” - Wall Street Journal
 The BrainHQ app helps you set and achieve your brain training goals—so it not only works, it works for you.
 Each exercise adapts to your performance and gets more challenging as your performance improves, just like a personal trainer for your brain.
 The training is designed to fit into your life: train for just 5 minutes in your spare time, or do a complete workout in an hour. 
BrainHQ is a free download, and includes a free exercise every day. 
For full access, we offer the following recurring subscription options:

 1 month: $13.99
 1 year: $94.99

 These prices are for United States customers. Pricing in other countries may vary and actual charges may be converted to your local currency depending on your country or residence. 

Monthly subscription are billed once per month, and an annual subscriptions are billed once per year. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. Privacy Policy: https://www.brainhq.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.brainhq.com/terms

About

Phoenix APOE4

Features
Read full description

Phoenix APOE4 is the companion app for members of The Phoenix Community, the world's first science-driven platform helping APOE4 carriers beat the odds against Alzheimer's disease.WHAT IS APOE4?Carrying the APOE4 gene increases your risk of Alzheimer's by 3-15x. But genetics isn't destiny. Research shows that targeted lifestyle interventions can dramatically reduce your risk. Phoenix APOE4 helps you track and optimize the factors that matter most. KEY FEATURES Daily Check-ins Log your sleep, exercise, stress, and other key health metrics in seconds. Our simple check-in system helps you build consistent habits and track your progress over time.Apple Health IntegrationAutomatically sync data from Apple Health including steps, sleep, heart rate, and workouts. See your health data in one place with APOE4-specific context.Progress TrackingVisualize your trends and improvements. Our dashboard shows how your daily habits translate into long-term brain health outcomes.Community ConnectionPart of a global community of APOE4 carriers who refuse to accept "inevitable" decline. Share experiences, learn from others, and stay accountable. WHO IS THIS FOR? Phoenix APOE4 is exclusively for members of The Phoenix Community. Membership includes access to this app plus our full web platform, expert Q&As, accountability pods, and science-based experiment protocols.To join, visit thephoenix.community ABOUT THE PHOENIX Founded by Dr. Kevin Tran (PharmD), an APOE4/4 carrier himself, The Phoenix Community combines cutting-edge science with real-world experimentation and peer support. We believe everyone deserves the tools to build their personalized protocol for brain health and longevity. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS This app is designed for general wellness tracking and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.The Phoenix Community is independent and not sponsored by any pharmaceutical or supplement companies. SUBSCRIPTION & PRICING This app is free to download but requires an active Phoenix Community membership to use. Subscriptions are managed through our website at thephoenix.community. We do not offer in-app purchases.PRIVACYYour health data is private and secure. We never sell your data or use it for advertising. See our full privacy policy at thephoenix.community/privacySUPPORTQuestions? Contact us at support@thephoenix.community

Screenshots

BrainHQ4 screens
Phoenix APOE44 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Phoenix APOE4 at none against BrainHQ's 2. BrainHQ's advantage is chart position (#133 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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

Both are free to download. BrainHQ sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Phoenix APOE4 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainHQ ships an update every 2 months, Phoenix APOE4 monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 9 level
BrainHQ versus Phoenix APOE4: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainHQPhoenix APOE4
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (22K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews47.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings22K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#133 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size172 MB45 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperPosit ScienceThe Phoenix Protocol Pte. Ltd.

Bugs and requests

BrainHQ

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Frequent app crashes
  • Audio issues on iOS
  • Inconsistent performance across devices
  • Progress reset issues

Requested features

5 requests
  • Apple Watch app
  • Apple TV app
  • Better progress tracking in-app
  • Customizable difficulty levels
  • More diverse representation in exercises

Phoenix APOE4

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

BrainHQ

Subscriptions2
  • BrainHQ$13.991 Month
  • BrainHQ$94.991 Year
None

Phoenix APOE4

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BrainHQ free?
BrainHQ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Phoenix APOE4 free?
Phoenix APOE4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BrainHQ or Phoenix APOE4 have ads?
Neither BrainHQ nor Phoenix APOE4 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainHQ or Phoenix APOE4?
BrainHQ ships an update every 2 months, and Phoenix APOE4 monthly. Most recently, BrainHQ was updated on October 25, 2026 and Phoenix APOE4 on October 6, 2026.

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