Comparison

Plena Biofeedback vs GENUS

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

Head to head
About

Plena Biofeedback

Features
Read full description

Plena: The Only Mindfulness App with Stress Zones, Intentions, and Readiness Scores Start mindfulness sessions from your Apple Watch with live sensor streaming to iPhone. Set an intention before each session, see real-time stress zone classification as you practice, then reflect afterward. Track daily readiness with a score showing exactly which metrics help or hinder recovery. What Makes Plena Different - WATCH-FIRST: Start from Apple Watch with live data streaming to iPhone - STRESS ZONES: See Calm/Optimal/Elevated zones update in real-time - INTENTIONS + REFLECTIONS: Set goals before, record insights after - READINESS BREAKDOWN: Daily score with metric contributions explained - MIND-BREATH-BODY: Built on the triangle of HR, HRV, and respiration - PRIVACY-FIRST: Health data stays on your device, never shared The Triangle: Mind, Breath, Body The triangle represents the three core rhythms of human calm: - Heart Rate reflects moment-to-moment activity - HRV shows adaptability and stress balance - Breath regulates the entire system When in harmony, they create balance. That's what Plena measures in real time. Real-Time Stress Zone Classification Color-coded zones during sessions: - Calm Zone - Relaxed, low-stress state - Optimal Zone - Balanced, functioning well - Elevated Zone - Higher stress response Key Features Biometric Tracking - Heart Rate, HRV/SDNN, Respiratory Rate - Body Temperature, VO2 Max Apple Watch Integration - Start sessions directly from Watch - Live sensor sync to iPhone - Zone indicators on wrist - Works independently from iPhone Dashboard and Analytics - Session statistics, streaks, trends - Interactive graphs (Day/Week/Month/Year) - HRV insights and pattern recognition Session Flow - Pre-session intention setting - Post-session reflections - Automatic saving and summaries Readiness Score Daily score (0-100) combining Resting HR, HRV Balance, Temperature, Recovery, and Sleep. View contributor breakdowns and compare to yesterday. Privacy All data stored locally using Apple's HealthKit. No third-party sharing. Requirements - iOS 17.0+, Apple Watch Series 4+ (optional) - HealthKit permissions required Medical Disclaimer Plena is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice. Readings are for wellness purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals for medical advice. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

GENUS

This app uses synchronized audio-visual stimulation at 40 Hz gamma frequency to potentially enhance brain health, memory, and focus. It offers various frequency modes, guided breathwork, and personalized ambient soundscapes for a customizable wellness experience.

Highlights
  • 40 Hz gamma frequency stimulation
  • Multiple frequency modes (Alpha, Theta, Delta)
  • Cinematic visual themes
  • Built-in guided breathwork
  • Personalized ambient sound library
  • Streak tracking and habit building
  • Apple Watch companion app
Features
Read full description

Make brain wellness a daily habit. GENUS brings light, sound, breathing and optional voice guidance into a simple daily practice. Choose GENUS 40Hz, Focus 10Hz, Calm 6Hz or Sleep 2Hz, then make room for a few quiet minutes. GUIDANCE AT YOUR PACE Listen to Mira or Rowan with gentle prompts and quiet gaps. Choose spoken guidance with text, spoken only, on-screen guidance, or no guidance. A CLEANER MEDITATION SPACE Adjust sound, haptics and visuals to suit your session. Dim the timer and controls until they disappear, then tap to bring the controls back. Pause, resume and mute voice guidance when you need to. BREATHE COMFORTABLY Follow your natural rhythm or use the free Without holds guide with equal inhale/exhale pacing from 3 to 6 seconds. Optional breathing sound cues support eyes-closed practice. Premium adds Coherent, Box, Triangle, 4-7-8 and Custom Box options. BUILD YOUR PRACTICE Review completed sessions and daily practice time. Start with the included session choices, Classic visuals, Pure Tone, Warm Drone and Rain. No app account is required. GENUS PREMIUM Unlock ad-free sessions, additional sounds and visual themes, custom 1–120-minute durations, advanced breathing patterns and an optional five-minute Sleep wind-down. SUBSCRIPTIONS Premium is available through optional auto-renewing subscriptions. Current prices, billing periods and any eligible trial are shown in the app and Apple's purchase sheet. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Subscriptions renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage or cancel in App Store account settings. Restore Purchases is available in Settings. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION GENUS uses flickering light. Do not use if you have epilepsy, a history of seizures, or sensitivity to flashing lights. Do not use while driving or operating machinery. Stop immediately if you experience dizziness, discomfort or visual disturbances. Consult your doctor before use if you have any neurological conditions. GENUS is a general wellness and relaxation tool, not a medical device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Privacy Policy and Terms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQEme5nSG2IlSDfWcbAIdLujHh_6j_m0xtwMcHiFMvpkvkQJVNQ9CD4F5rN79LM5YPwlOpAr8tKvk6s/pub Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Plena Biofeedback4 screens
GENUS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Plena Biofeedback at none against GENUS's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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. Plena Biofeedback sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and GENUS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Plena Biofeedback ships an update every 6 weeks, GENUS every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Plena Biofeedback versus GENUS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlena BiofeedbackGENUS
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB90 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKenneth NygrenRyan Ristau

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Plena Biofeedback

Subscriptions2
  • Plena Premium (Monthly)$9.991 Month
  • Premium Annual$59.991 Year
2 purchases

GENUS

Subscriptions2
  • GENUS Monthly$6.991 Month
  • GENUS Yearly$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Plena Biofeedback free?
Plena Biofeedback is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GENUS free?
GENUS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Plena Biofeedback or GENUS have ads?
GENUS shows ads; Plena Biofeedback does not.
Which is updated more often, Plena Biofeedback or GENUS?
Plena Biofeedback ships an update every 6 weeks, and GENUS every 3 months. Most recently, Plena Biofeedback was updated on November 5, 2026 and GENUS on November 5, 2026.

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