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BrainWave: Altered States ™ vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against BrainWave: Altered States ™'s closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

BrainWave: Altered States ™
This App
BetterSleep: Relax and Sleep
Nemesis
Pzizz - Sleep, Nap, Focus
Contender
Brain.fm: Focus & Sleep Music
Contender
Endel: Focus & Sleep Sounds
Contender
Atmosphere: Relaxing Sounds
Peer
White Noise Lite
Peer
Balance: Meditation & Sleep
Peer
Medito: Mindfulness Meditation
New Kid
Calm Sleep - Rest & Relax
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperBanzai LabsIpnos Software Inc.Pzizz, Inc.Brain.fmEndelPeak Pocket StudiosTMSOFTThe Mind CompanyMedito FoundationCalm.com
CategoryLifestyleHealth & FitnessHealth & FitnessProductivityHealth & FitnessHealth & FitnessHealth & FitnessHealth & FitnessHealth & FitnessHealth & Fitness
PlatformiOS, AndroidiOSiOS, AndroidiOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.9 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 50.0 / 54.9 / 54.9 / 54.7 / 5
Ratings Count1,332390,0869,6495,17432,0982,5530119,2323,9643,296
PriceUSD4.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateMar 27, 2009May 7, 2009Sep 16, 2014Oct 5, 2016Jun 21, 2018Jul 17, 2017Apr 23, 2011Sep 3, 2019Apr 18, 2020Aug 26, 2025
Last UpdatedOct 14, 2023Apr 23, 2026Feb 19, 2026Apr 29, 2026Mar 25, 2026Aug 15, 2024Apr 9, 2026Apr 28, 2026Apr 13, 2026Mar 5, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentexcellentnegative-mixednegativeexcellent-positive-negative
Score85/10025/100-55/10025/10085/100-78/100-32/100
Praises
  • Customizable binaural audio layers allow users to blend background sounds with personal music libraries
  • High quality sleep sound variety provides effective relaxation for users struggling with nightly rest
-
  • Auditory focus sessions provide tangible productivity gains for users managing attention deficit challenges
  • Effectiveness for Focus and Sleep
  • Customizable sound mixing allows users to create personalized sleep environments without subscription paywalls
-
  • Guided meditation plans provide a structured skill ramp for beginners to build consistent mental wellness habits
-
  • Content Quality
  • App Performance
Complaints
  • Technical regressions post-update cause flat tones instead of functional brainwave audio output
  • Aggressive paywall implementation restricts access to previously free content and core sound features
-
  • Subscription paywall friction prevents new users from evaluating the core functionality before committing
  • Deceptive Billing and Subscription Practices
  • False Advertising
  • Inappropriate advertising content appearing in the bottom banner disrupts the user experience
-
  • Audio playback interruptions and pausing issues during sleep sessions disrupt the user experience on Android devices
-
  • Redundancy and Value
  • Technical and UX Limitations
Requests
  • Consolidation of multiple separate apps into one unified interface to reduce clutter
  • Addition of a lower-cost monthly subscription plan for casual or intermittent users
-
  • Offline playback capability allows users to maintain focus sessions without active internet connectivity
-
  • Improved integration with system alarms to allow automatic audio resumption after snoozing
-
  • Offline download capability for meditations would allow users to maintain their practice during travel or flights
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • 15-year brand authority in binaural audio
  • Proprietary Progressive Brainwave Entrainment algorithm
  • Flexible external audio mixing engine
  • Specialized noise-focused soundscape environment sustains functional utility
  • HealthKit-integrated sleep tracking drives daily habit formation
-
  • Patented brainwave entrainment technology creates a functional utility moat
  • ADHD-specific modes capture high-intent niche segments
  • National Science Foundation funding provides a unique trust signal
  • Patented real-time AI sound generation
  • High-profile artist partnerships (Grimes, James Blake)
  • Superior visual design and UI/UX
  • Granular sound-mixing engine enables unique user-generated soundscapes
  • Offline-first architecture supports consistent usage in travel segments
  • Generous free-tier model drives high organic install velocity
-
  • Personalized algorithm increases long-term switching costs
  • 10-day plans reinforce daily habit loops
  • Interactive wind-down features gate premium value
-
  • Exclusive celebrity talent (Harry Styles, Cillian Murphy)
  • Strong brand synergy with Calm
  • Native Apple HealthKit integration
Weaknesses
  • Technical regressions causing flat audio output
  • Fragmented app model across multiple titles
  • One-time purchase model limits recurring revenue
  • Aggressive paywalling of previously free content alienates long-term users
  • Technical instability post-update disrupts nightly sleep routines
-
  • Immediate paywall friction at onboarding drives high bounce rates
  • Persistent login instability in the latest build
  • Annual pricing perceived as high relative to general music platforms
  • Predatory billing reputation and difficult cancellation
  • High annual cost ($119) compared to peers
  • Marketing/Product content mismatch
  • Inappropriate ad-banner content triggers churn
  • Intermittent playback interruptions during overnight use
  • Lack of premium ad-free subscription tier
-
  • Android audio-playback instability persists
  • $11.99/month price point exceeds category median
  • Limited sleep story library causes long-term churn
-
  • Lack of offline mode for travel
  • High battery consumption during playback
  • Perceived AI-generated voice content
Pricingpaidfreemiumfreemiumsubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumfreesubscriptionfreesubscription
MomentumMaintenanceActive-SteadyMaintenance-IntenseActiveIntenseMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions3 versions, ~19d avg-5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~38d avg5 versions, ~9d avg-3 versions5 versions, ~11d avg5 versions5 versions, ~8d avg

Compare BrainWave: Altered States ™ head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BrainWave: Altered States ™, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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