# AYOA vs TheBrain

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AYOA at 62% against TheBrain's 45%. AYOA also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and ratings volume (1K vs 150). TheBrain's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AYOA sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $17.00 per month and TheBrain sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TheBrain holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AYOA has 1K ratings behind it against 150, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 62% of AYOA's written reviews are positive against 45% of TheBrain's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

AYOA ships an update every 2 weeks, TheBrain monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AYOA | TheBrain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ayoa-mind-mapping/id770930267/reviews) | **[4.8 (150 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thebrain-smart-notes-and-links/id835873357/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1K** | 150 |
| Positive reviews | **62.4% of reviews** | 44.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 73 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OpenGenius Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/347883846) | [TheBrain Technologies LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/579909034) |

## What reviewers say

### AYOA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ayoa-mind-mapping/id770930267)

This app offers a unified workspace for thinking, planning, and achieving goals. It integrates mind mapping, task management, AI assistance, and collaborative whiteboards to support diverse thinking styles. Ideal for brainstorming, project planning, and team collaboration.

**Highlights:** Mind mapping for visual thinking, Task planning and scheduling, AI-powered idea generation, Collaborative whiteboards, Neuro-inclusive design

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AYOA Monthly | $17.00 | per month |
| AYOA Annual | $155.99 | per year |
| Ayoa Task 1 Year | $119.99 | one-time |
| Ayoa Mind Map 1 Year | $119.99 | one-time |
| Ayoa 12 Months Ultimate | $155.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Central part of productivity system
- 👍 Unique product with visual approach
- 🤩 Fantastic app that transforms work
- 🧠 Helps organize thoughts and ideas
- 🎨 Visually appealing and intuitive

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior across platforms
- 🤔 Limited functionality compared to web version
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🤯 Confusing setup and learning curve
- 🤖 Lack of integration with common tools

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Crashes and freezes
- Disappearing data and lost work
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Apple Pencil support on iOS
- Improved printing capabilities
- Automatic task archiving
- Dual verification for task completion
- Better integration with calendars and task managers


### TheBrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thebrain-smart-notes-and-links/id835873357)

This app helps you capture, connect, and visualize all your ideas, notes, and files across devices. It acts as a digital memory, showing related items and allowing for dynamic mind mapping and powerful search to help you recall information instantly.

**Highlights:** Award-winning visualization, Networked notes with backlinks, Dynamic mind mapping, Easy idea capture, Cross-device sync, Powerful search, Visual file management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TheBrain Pro Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| TheBrain Pro Annual | $189.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless navigation
- 🔒 Secure cloud sync
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🚀 Powerful features
- 👍 Excellent for knowledge management

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Buggy on iOS 9
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Limited functionality on mobile
- 🐛 Confusing UI and navigation

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iOS 9
- Inability to open brains
- Freezing after each action
- Login and account issues
- Sync problems

**Requested features**

- Offline mode
- Improved mobile UI and UX
- Better integration with other apps
- More affordable pricing options
- Enhanced search and filtering


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AYOA free?

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

### Is TheBrain free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AYOA or TheBrain?

TheBrain is rated higher. AYOA averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while TheBrain averages 4.8 from 150 ratings.

### Do AYOA or TheBrain have ads?

Neither AYOA nor TheBrain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AYOA or TheBrain?

AYOA ships an update every 2 weeks, and TheBrain monthly. Most recently, AYOA was updated on September 24, 2026 and TheBrain on September 21, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*