Comparison

Brainwave Studio vs Refocus

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

Head to head
About

Brainwave Studio

This app offers a system for relaxation, stress relief, sleep support, meditation, and mind training. It utilizes isochronic tones integrated into ambient music and nature sounds to help users achieve desired mental states. Choose from 40 sessions across 5 categories to find calm and focus.

Highlights
  • 40 brainwave entrainment sessions
  • Isochronic tone technology
  • 60 ambient nature sounds
  • 48 atmospheric music tracks
  • Customizable sound mixes
  • Universal app for iOS devices
Features
Read full description

Stressed out? Trouble sleeping? Distracting sounds at work or school? Need a relaxing break from a busy day? If your answered yes to any of those questions then Brainwave Studio is for you! Brainwave Studio is a professionally designed relaxation, stress relief, sleep support, meditation and mind training system, with 40 brainwave entrainment sessions of carefully selected nature sounds and superb quality ambient music. ________________________ How does it work? Brainwave Studio uses isochronic tones, widely regarded as the superior brainwave tone. Isochronic tones pulse at specific frequencies, and stimulate the brain to help you achieve your desired mental state. Unlike binaural beats, isochronic tones work through headphones or speakers. The isochronic tones are integrated into the backgrounds of beautiful, soothing melodies. Listen to the peaceful music while the tones automatically do their magic in the background. ________________________ Features - 5 categories: Relaxation, Sleep, Meditation, Stress and Anxiety, Mind Training - 40 brainwave entrainment sessions with dynamic isochronic tones - 60 soothing ambient sounds - 48 atmospheric music tracks (endless loops) - Universal app runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - Saved soundscapes are synchronized using iCloud - Separate volume controls for every sound - Create customized sound mixes by combining ambient sounds together - High quality Retina graphics - AirPlay support - Multitasking support: play your favorite melodies while using other applications ________________________ 5 Categories With 40 Sessions - Relaxation: Quick relax ∙ Tension relief ∙ Lunch break relax ∙ After a busy day ∙ Relax before important event ∙ After high stress ∙ Before going to bed ∙ Deep evening relax - Stress and Anxiety: Quick stress relief ∙ Workplace stress relief ∙ Anxiety reduction ∙ Anxiety reduction before sleep ∙ Reduce anxiety before taking a test ∙ After work stress reduction ∙ Deep stress relief - Meditation: 7Hz Zen meditation ∙ Coffee break meditation ∙ Low-Alpha meditation ∙ Mid-Alpha meditation ∙ Theta meditation ∙ Delta meditation ∙ 7,83Hz Schumann rhythm meditation ∙ Deep Schumann rhythm meditation. - Sleep: Short anti-insomnia session ∙ Sleep induction ∙ Mental workers sleep support ∙ Hyperactive people sleep induction ∙ Sleep induction for insomniacs ∙ Clear your mind and fall asleep ∙ Deep sleep induction - Mind Training: Workout performance enhancer ∙ After-Workout recovery session ∙ Attention enhancer ∙ Mental workers support session ∙ Idea generation session ∙ Motivation enhancer ∙ Energy enhancer ∙ Creative tasks helper ∙ Concentration enhancer for studying ∙ Sensory-motor rhythm session. ________________________ 60 Ambient Sounds Birds ∙ Piano ∙ Cat ∙ City ∙ Clock ∙ Crickets ∙ Dolphins ∙ Fire ∙ Forest ∙ Frogs ∙ Heart ∙ Monk ∙ Music box ∙ Night ∙ Rain ∙ River ∙ Space ∙ Submarine ∙ Thunder ∙ Train ∙ Cave ∙ Water ∙ Whale ∙ White noise ∙ Wind ∙ Wind Chimes ∙ Jungle ∙ Flute ∙ African night ∙ Howling wolf ∙ Sea lion ∙ City park ∙ Lakeside ∙ Shopping mall ∙ Industrial ∙ Nightingale ∙ Spring birds ∙ Crowd ∙ Oscillating fan ∙ Swamp ∙ Dripping water ∙ Owls ∙ Tropical forest ∙ Factory ∙ PC fan ∙ Vacuum cleaner ∙ Fan ∙ Pirate ship ∙ Waterfall ∙ Fridge ∙ Pneumatic drill ∙ Waves ∙ Hair dryer ∙ Rain on window ∙ High Voltage ∙ Harbor ∙ Running water ∙ Winter blizzard ∙ Highway ∙ School If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact us at any time: info@rcs-software.com

About

Refocus

Features
Read full description

Refocus — sounds, breathing & guided journeys to calm a busy mind. When your thoughts won't slow down, focus feels impossible, or you're mentally drained, Refocus gives you a simple way to reset — no pressure, no long sessions, no complicated techniques. Calm a noisy mind When thoughts are racing and focus won't come, Refocus helps you slow down: - Calming focus sounds and soundscapes - Gentle breathing exercises for quick resets - Short sessions that work even on low-energy days No forcing. No overthinking. Just a calmer starting point. Guided journeys for busy minds Instead of asking you to figure it out alone, Refocus guides you step by step: - 14-day focus journeys - Daily sessions that reduce overwhelm - Clear structure, no rigid rules Each journey helps you rebuild focus gently, one day at a time. Focus sounds & brain-friendly audio - Focus sounds and ambient soundscapes - Brown noise, calming tones, soft rhythms - Audio to help you stay present and grounded Good for work, study, or any moment your mind won't settle. Quick breathing resets, anytime - Simple guided breathing patterns - No counting, nothing to memorize - For stress, overload, or a restless mind Just breathe along and let focus come back. Track your progress, without pressure - See daily sessions and journey progress - Build awareness, not guilt - Notice how consistency steadies your focus Built for real, busy life - Short sessions (3–7 minutes) - No long meditations - No productivity pressure - Calm visuals, gentle guidance Refocus is for general wellness and relaxation only. Start with one small step. Calm your mind. Refocus. Privacy Policy: https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/live/2aa99471-ae3b-43ab-89af-2755977d6755 Terms of Use: https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/live/6cb4c190-2b9e-4ab8-aa49-7790f103b1cc

Screenshots

Brainwave Studio4 screens
Refocus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Refocus at Free against Brainwave Studio's $3.99. Brainwave Studio's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown).

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

Refocus is free to download; Brainwave Studio costs $3.99 up front. Refocus sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Brainwave Studio asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Brainwave Studio ships an update every 5 weeks, Refocus every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Brainwave Studio versus Refocus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainwave StudioRefocus
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (106 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews84.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings106 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS7.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size376 MB88 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperRCS LTHue Thai Thi

Bugs and requests

Brainwave Studio

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • App crashes on startup with iOS 16 and newer
  • Content missing on iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Freezes after 30 seconds on newer devices
  • App closes when other audio apps are opened
  • Crashes when attempting to restore purchases
Show 4 more
  • Constant crashes requiring frequent reinstalls
  • Frequency range descriptions are inaccurate
  • Music stops playing if swiped left or stopped
  • High memory consumption on iPad

Requested features

12 requests
  • Background playback with phone screen off
  • Ability to layer with personal music library
  • Multitasking support with other audio apps
  • Timer and alarm functionality
  • Mac app version
Show 7 more
  • More isochronic tone programs
  • Lucid dreaming and motivation sessions
  • Custom mix saving functionality
  • Screen rotation support on iPad
  • Voice recording for personalized suggestions
  • More tasteful/elegant music selections
  • Wake-up mode for mornings

Refocus

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Brainwave Studio

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Offer$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Access$4.997 Days
  • Yearly Access7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$39.99

Questions

Is Brainwave Studio free?
Brainwave Studio costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Brainwave Studio or Refocus have ads?
Refocus shows ads; Brainwave Studio does not.
Which is updated more often, Brainwave Studio or Refocus?
Brainwave Studio ships an update every 5 weeks, and Refocus every 5 months. Most recently, Brainwave Studio was updated on October 3, 2026 and Refocus on September 11, 2026.

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