BrainWave: Altered States is a lifestyle app for iOS that uses binaural audio sequences to stimulate specific brain states for sleep and focus.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire this app to achieve non-pharmacological mental states, relying on the proprietary entrainment algorithms to bypass the limitations of standard ambient noise apps.
For Individuals seeking non-pharmacological methods for sleep aid, stress reduction, focus, and meditation.
What does it look like?
Key features
Multi-stage binaural sequences that layer frequencies to guide brain states.
Allows layering of binaural beats with third-party audio from Spotify, iTunes, or audiobook readers.
Exports time spent in relaxation and meditation programs to Apple Health.
How much does it cost?
One-time purchase model anchored by a 15-year history of development and 1,300+ reviews.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: maintenance.
Who built it?
Banzai Labs
6 apps tracked · Lifestyle
BrainWave: Neuro Trainer ™
NeuralStack.io™: Focus & Sleep
BrainWave: Dream Inducer ™
BrainWave: 37 Binaural Series™
BrainWave: Sharp Mind ™User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate customizable binaural audio layers allow users to blend background sounds with personal music libraries.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Customizable binaural audio layers allow users to blend background sounds with personal music libraries
- Technical regressions post-update cause flat tones instead of functional brainwave audio output
49 of 49 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for BrainWave: Altered States ™
How's the Lifestyle market?
The app maintains a 4.88 rating across 1,332 total ratings, positioning it as a high-authority niche utility. Its $4.99 price point contrasts with the subscription-heavy landscape of meditation apps, signaling a focus on legacy power users over broad-market recurring revenue.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By TMSOFT
Both apps target the same niche of users seeking non-pharmacological sleep and focus aids through binaural audio, creating direct competition for users prioritizing frequency-based therapy over subscription-based meditation content.
- BrainWave: Altered States ™ supports external audio mixing, whereas Binaural Beats Generator + pauses external media apps.
- BrainWave: Altered States ™ utilizes proprietary Progressive Brainwave Entrainment, while Binaural Beats Generator + relies on basic frequency generation.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for BrainWave: Altered States ™
Where is it heading?
The binaural audio market is consolidating around subscription-based platforms that offer broader content libraries and adaptive AI features. BrainWave's current maintenance-mode updates leave it exposed to these rivals, so the PM must pivot to a unified interface to remain relevant.
- Technical regressions in the latest update cause flat audio output, which directly erodes the core value proposition and drives negative sentiment.
- The app maintains a consistent update cadence, but recent focus on minor sound additions fails to address the critical playback stability complaints.
The SWOT
- 15-year brand authority in binaural audio
- Proprietary Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithm
- Flexible external audio mixing engine
- Consolidate fragmented apps into a single interface
- Expand B2B partnerships for sleep aid
- Integrate wearable heart-rate data
Next best moves
Rebuild audio playback engine because recent updates caused flat tone output → restore core functionality
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's fragmented multi-app model is not just an outdated development approach…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Real-time adaptive soundscapes (available in Endel but absent here) +1
Since the last report: The app faces a decline in functional reliability due to post-update technical regressions, while its competitive positioning has sharpened against subscription-based meditation platforms.
Bottom line
The app holds a strong niche position through proprietary entrainment algorithms, but technical regressions threaten its 15-year brand equity, so the PM must prioritize playback stability to prevent further user churn.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
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