# Calmind vs Cortex

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cortex at daily against Calmind's every 6 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calmind sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Cortex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Calmind ships an update every 6 weeks, Cortex daily. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calmind | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmind-light-meditation/id895886281/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **60** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 82 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brainmedia](https://appshunter.io/developer/895886284) | [Hendrik Alastair Kung](https://appshunter.io/developer/6793638181) |

## What reviewers say

### Calmind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmind-light-meditation/id895886281)

This app uses science-backed flashlight stimulation and binaural beats to guide users into deep relaxation and sleep. It offers a structured daily wellness plan including guided breathing, journaling, and nature sounds. Designed for those who struggle with stress, sleep, or quieting their minds, it provides a unique approach to mental wellness.

**Highlights:** Flickering Light Stimulation (FLS), Binaural beats and ASMR, Structured daily wellness plan, Guided breathing exercises, Gratitude journal, Nature soundscapes, 500+ customizable sessions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calmind Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Calmind Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Calmind premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Calmind Premium | $44.99 | per 3 months |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $89.99 | per year |
| Calmind Premium | $299.00 | one-time |


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-attention-lab/id6806795452)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Cortex Pro Annual | $34.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calmind free?

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

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Do Calmind or Cortex have ads?

Neither Calmind nor Cortex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calmind or Cortex?

Calmind ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cortex daily. Most recently, Calmind was updated on November 1, 2026 and Cortex 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.*