9 Best Brainwave Apps For Your Phone
| App Name | Best For | Key Features | AC Rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life7 | Complete mental wellness | Binaural beats, guided meditations, sleep stories, CBT therapy | 4.8/5 | Free trial, then subscription |
| Brain.fm | Science backed focus music | AI generated music, personalized neurotype settings, NSF backed research | 4.6/5 | Free trial, then subscription |
| BrainWave: 37 Binaural Series | One time purchase users | 37 programs, no subscription, iTunes integration | 4.5/5 | One time purchase |
| Brainwaves: Binaural Beats | Sleep and spiritual growth | 600+ tracks, solfeggio frequencies, isochronic tones | 4.4/5 | Free with premium upgrade |
| Binaural Beats Meditation | Human made audio tracks | Studio quality production, no AI content, 15 years experience | 4.3/5 | Subscription based |
| Insight Timer | Free meditation content | Huge free library, binaural beats section, community features | 4.5/5 | Free with optional premium |
| Calm | Beginners to meditation | Sleep stories, breathing exercises, masterclasses | 4.4/5 | Free trial, then subscription |
| Headspace | Focus and productivity | Focus mode, curated playlists, artist collaborations | 4.3/5 | Free basic, premium subscription |
| Binaural app | Simple and free listening | Basic binaural generator, Health app integration, rain sounds | 4.2/5 | Free |
#1. Life7 – Best for Complete Mental Wellness
Life7 stands out as my top pick for brainwave apps. It combines everything you need for mental wellness in one place. You get delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma wave music along with pure binaural beats and isochronic tones.
The app also includes 432 Hz, 528 Hz, and solfeggio frequencies. What makes it special is how it blends science with relaxation. You can mix soundscapes with meditations using their Backdrop Mode.
Life7 goes beyond just brainwaves. It offers sleep stories, breathing exercises, CBT therapy, and hypnotherapy. The daily sessions keep you coming back for more.
Key Features:
- Full spectrum of brainwave frequencies including delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma waves
- Backdrop Mode lets you mix binaural beats with meditations, sleep stories, or other audio
- Comprehensive wellness tools including CBT, vagus nerve stimulation, and guided lucid dreaming
What I like: I love how Life7 packs so much into one app. The SOS sessions for anxiety are a lifesaver when panic hits. The gamified approach with XP rewards keeps me motivated to meditate daily. New content drops every day, so it never gets stale. The 8D sleep audio and dream wave hypnosis are features I haven’t seen anywhere else.
What I don’t like: The free content is pretty limited. You really need a subscription to get the most out of this app. Some users might feel pushed toward paying before they can fully explore.
Pricing: 7 day free trial available. Weekly, monthly, and yearly subscription plans offered. Watch for special promotions.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#2. Brain.fm – Best for Science Backed Focus Music
Brain.fm takes a unique approach to brainwave enhancement. It uses AI to create music that boosts specific mental states. The company has published research papers and received funding from the National Science Foundation.
Their focus music has been shown to boost beta brainwaves significantly. You take a quiz when signing up to match music to your brain type.
The app works for focus, relaxation, and sleep. It keeps your brain engaged without you having to skip songs constantly.
Key Features:
- AI generated music designed to enhance specific brainwave patterns
- Personalized neurotype settings based on your quiz results
- Research backed with published studies and NSF grant support
What I like: The science behind Brain.fm really impressed me. Unlike most apps playing generic tracks, this one creates music optimized for your brain. The focus mode genuinely helps me power through work sessions. Having it on web, mobile, and desktop means I can use it anywhere.
What I don’t like: Some people find the AI music sounds a bit repetitive over time. The subscription cost might be high for casual users who just want basic binaural beats.
Pricing: Subscription based with free trial. Student discounts available. Team plans for companies and classrooms.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, and Desktop
#3. BrainWave: 37 Binaural Series – Best for One Time Purchase Users
BrainWave by Banzai Labs has been the top ranked binaural app for over 14 years. The best part? You pay once and own it forever. No subscriptions needed.
Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman has recommended this app. He specifically mentions the Focused and Alert program for targeting 40 Hz gamma waves.
The app includes 37 different programs covering everything from morning coffee to deep sleep. You can combine it with your own music or other apps.
Key Features:
- 37 multi stage binaural programs for sleep, focus, memory, and more
- Works alongside other audio apps like Spotify or audiobook readers
- One time purchase with no subscriptions or in app purchases
What I like: The value here is incredible. One payment gives you access to everything forever. The programs are well designed with multiple stages that gradually shift your brainwaves. Being able to layer it with my own music or podcasts is super useful.
What I don’t like: The interface feels a bit dated compared to newer apps. iOS only means Android users miss out completely. No regular updates with new content.
Pricing: One time purchase fee. No ongoing costs.
Platforms: iOS only (iPhone and iPad)
#4. Brainwaves: Binaural Beats – Best for Sleep and Spiritual Growth
This app by iMobLife combines binaural beats with isochronic tones and frequency therapy. It offers over 600 tracks created by neuroscience experts.
Popular sessions include 963Hz God Frequency, Third Eye Opening, and 528Hz DNA Upgrade. The app claims clinical studies show significant benefits.
Sessions run 10 to 20 minutes. You can use it for sleep, focus, spiritual exploration, or stress relief.
Key Features:
- Over 600 original brainwave sounds created by expert teachers
- Solfeggio frequencies and spiritual development tracks
- Works with both headphones and speakers using isochronic tones
What I like: The spiritual and healing focus sets this app apart. Sessions like Third Eye Opening and abundance frequencies appeal to users wanting more than just focus or sleep help. The variety is massive. Customer service responds quickly to any issues.
What I don’t like: The subscription model can get pricey over time. Some of the spiritual claims may feel too “out there” for skeptical users. The interface can be confusing at first.
Pricing: Free sessions available. Premium subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#5. Binaural Beats Meditation – Best for Human Made Audio Tracks
This app comes from a brand with 15 years of experience in sound healing. Every track is created by humans and pro audio engineers. No AI generated content here.
The focus is on authenticity and quality. You get a clean interface with no ads or complex logins. Just press play and relax.
Categories include relaxation, sleep, mind power, and health. The company has helped millions of users over the years.
Key Features:
- 100% original music created by professional audio engineers
- Ad free and distraction free listening experience
- Curated categories for different wellness goals
What I like: The audio quality is noticeably better than most competitors. Knowing real humans crafted each track gives it an authentic feel. The simple interface means I spend time listening instead of navigating menus. The 15 year track record inspires confidence.
What I don’t like: Currently only available on iOS. The library is smaller than some competitors. Subscription pricing may not suit everyone’s budget.
Pricing: Subscription starting at affordable monthly rates. Annual plans available.
Platforms: iOS only (Android coming soon)
#6. Insight Timer – Best for Free Meditation Content
Insight Timer is known as the number one free meditation app. Their binaural beats section gives you access to thousands of tracks without paying a cent.
The app hosts content from teachers worldwide. You can find guided meditations layered with brainwave frequencies or pure tones for solo practice.
Community features let you connect with other meditators. Progress tracking keeps you motivated.
Key Features:
- Massive free library including binaural beats and brainwave content
- Content from thousands of meditation teachers globally
- Community features and meditation groups
What I like: The amount of free content blows my mind. I’ve explored binaural beats without spending anything. The teacher variety means you can find someone whose voice and style click with you. The community aspect makes meditation feel less lonely.
What I don’t like: Quality varies widely since anyone can upload content. Finding the best tracks takes time and experimentation. The free model means occasional prompts to upgrade.
Pricing: Free with optional premium membership.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#7. Calm – Best for Beginners to Meditation
Calm is one of the most popular meditation apps worldwide. While not purely a brainwave app, it includes binaural beats and theta wave programs.
Sleep stories narrated by celebrities make it famous. Breathing exercises and masterclasses round out the experience.
The app works great for people new to meditation. The interface is gorgeous and easy to navigate.
Key Features:
- Binaural beats and theta wave programs for sleep and relaxation
- Famous sleep stories narrated by celebrities
- Daily calm sessions and breathing exercises
What I like: Calm makes meditation accessible for complete beginners. The production quality is top notch. Sleep stories help my racing mind settle down before bed. The calming visuals and sounds create a peaceful atmosphere right from opening the app.
What I don’t like: Brainwave content is limited compared to dedicated apps. The subscription feels expensive for what you get. Power users wanting deep frequency customization will feel restricted.
Pricing: Free trial available. Annual subscription required for full access.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#8. Headspace – Best for Focus and Productivity
Headspace has evolved beyond basic meditation. Their Focus Mode offers curated music tracks designed to boost concentration.
They’ve partnered with artists like Hans Zimmer and John Legend for exclusive content. Music styles span jazz, classical, cinematic, and electronic.
The app also includes breathing exercises and short meditations. It integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Key Features:
- Focus Mode with music curated for concentration
- Exclusive collaborations with famous musicians and composers
- Integration with voice assistants and smart devices
What I like: The celebrity collaborations bring unique content you won’t find elsewhere. Focus Mode genuinely helps me work better. The diverse music genres mean I can match the vibe to my current task. The polished design makes using it feel premium.
What I don’t like: It’s not a true binaural beats app. The focus music works differently than traditional brainwave entrainment. Subscription costs add up over time.
Pricing: Free basic plan. Premium subscription for full access.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Alexa, Google Assistant
#9. Binaural app – Best for Simple and Free Listening
This minimalist app does one thing well. It generates binaural beats in real time with a clean interface.
You choose your frequency and hit play. Rain sounds can be added to soften the tones. Sessions log to Apple Health as mindful minutes.
The app has been helping users sleep for years. Many reviews mention dramatic results with insomnia.
Key Features:
- Simple one page interface for instant use
- Customizable frequencies with gradual transitions
- Free with no invasive ads
What I like: Sometimes simple is better. This app lets me set exactly what I want without wading through libraries. The transition feature that gradually changes frequencies is brilliant for sleep. Best of all, it’s completely free.
What I don’t like: iOS only limits who can use it. No guided content or advanced features. The bare bones approach won’t work for people wanting variety.
Pricing: Free.
Platforms: iOS only
Do Brainwave Apps Really Work?
Yes, brainwave apps can work for many people. The science behind binaural beats shows that listening to specific frequencies can influence brain activity. When you hear slightly different tones in each ear, your brain creates a third frequency. This process is called brainwave entrainment.
Studies have shown benefits for focus, relaxation, and sleep. However, results vary from person to person. Some people notice effects within minutes while others need weeks of practice. Headphones are required for binaural beats to work properly.
The key is consistency. Using these apps regularly gives your brain time to respond. Think of it like exercise for your mind.
What Frequency Is Best for Sleep?
Delta waves between 0.5 and 4 Hz work best for deep sleep. These are the slowest brainwaves and happen naturally during dreamless sleep. Apps targeting this range can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Theta waves between 4 and 8 Hz also help with relaxation before sleep. Many apps offer programs that start with theta and gradually shift to delta. This mirrors how your brain naturally transitions into sleep.
Start with programs designed specifically for sleep rather than manually choosing frequencies. The experts who create these apps have already optimized the transitions for the best results.
Can I Use Brainwave Apps Without Headphones?
Traditional binaural beats require headphones because each ear needs to hear a different frequency. However, some apps offer isochronic tones that work through speakers. Isochronic tones use rapid pulses rather than frequency differences between ears.
Apps like Life7 and Brainwaves offer both options. If you want flexibility, look for apps that include isochronic tones along with binaural beats.
For best results with sleep, headphones can be uncomfortable. Consider sleep headphones or pillow speakers. Some people switch to speaker based isochronic tones for nighttime use and save binaural beats for daytime sessions.