# HeartMath vs BrainCalm

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BrainCalm at none against HeartMath's 5. BrainCalm also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HeartMath sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $39.00 per year. BrainCalm asks for nothing beyond the download.

HeartMath ships an update every 3 weeks, BrainCalm monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeartMath | BrainCalm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 73.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 185 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HeartMath Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/482739914) | [Davide Del Vento](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716445402) |

## What reviewers say

### HeartMath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998)

This app helps you manage stress, improve focus, and achieve optimal performance by aligning your heart, mind, and emotions. It offers guided sessions, immersive journeys, and coherence practices based on over 30 years of research.

**Highlights:** Real-time HRV Coherence Measurement, Coherence Training, Scientifically Validated Techniques, Guided Learning Sessions, Progress Tracking, Heart-Brain Coherence Benefits

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HeartMath Premium | $39.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $59.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $79.00 | per year |
| HeartMath Premium | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Huge improvement over previous app
- 👍 Easy to use and highly recommended
- 💡 Loaded with HeartMath techniques and courses
- 👍 Powerful tool for nervous system balance and anxiety reduction
- 👍 Helps achieve a better mental state

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues with sensor
- 🐛 Sensor not compatible with older devices
- 🐛 App crashes and freezes on newer devices
- 🐛 Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- 🐛 Disruptive screen sleep behavior during sessions

**Reported bugs**

- Sensor connection issues on newer devices
- App crashes and freezes on iPhone 16 Pro
- Inaccurate heart rate and coherence readings
- Screen sleep behavior disrupting sessions

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Allow playing music/sounds during sessions
- Provide audio feedback on coherence levels
- Add session history customization and details
- Improve sensor compatibility with older devices


### BrainCalm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/braincalm/id6480380910)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeartMath free?

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

### Is BrainCalm free?

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

### Do HeartMath or BrainCalm have ads?

Neither HeartMath nor BrainCalm shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HeartMath or BrainCalm?

HeartMath ships an update every 3 weeks, and BrainCalm monthly. Most recently, HeartMath was updated on October 1, 2026 and BrainCalm on September 20, 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.*