# HeartMath vs Pure Presence

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pure Presence at none against HeartMath's 5. Pure Presence also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). HeartMath's advantage is ratings volume (4.7K vs 2). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for HeartMath against 5.0 for Pure Presence. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HeartMath has 4.7K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HeartMath ships an update every 3 weeks, Pure Presence weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeartMath | Pure Presence |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartmath/id6446414998/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-presence/id6757431785/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.7K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 73.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 185 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [HeartMath Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/482739914) | [Alessandro Carpentiero](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866896507) |

## 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


### Pure Presence

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-presence/id6757431785)

Find calm in 60 seconds with this minimalist breathwork and sound meditation tool. Follow a visual guide through ancient techniques, incorporate pure tones and natural soundscapes, and practice offline.

**Highlights:** Breathing Orb visual guide, Seven traditional breathing patterns, Pure Tones and binaural beats, Natural soundscapes, Breathe Together feature, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeartMath free?

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

### Is Pure Presence free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HeartMath or Pure Presence?

Pure Presence is rated higher. HeartMath averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.7K ratings, while Pure Presence averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do HeartMath or Pure Presence have ads?

Neither HeartMath nor Pure Presence shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HeartMath or Pure Presence?

HeartMath ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pure Presence weekly. Most recently, HeartMath was updated on October 30, 2026 and Pure Presence on October 24, 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.*