The Brain.fm Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Brain.fm in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Brain.fm
The Insider’s Guide
Functional music for focus, relaxation, sleep and meditation
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among focus apps, read from Brain.fm’s own pages.
Made by Brain.FM, Inc. · checked Oct 4, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Brain.fm’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Brain.fm’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 4, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 1 of the 65 other focus apps we grade
Brain.fm streams instrumental music written for a particular mental state: focus, relaxation, sleep or meditation. Each mode offers several activities, such as Deep Work or Learning, and the strength of the audio effect can be adjusted. The app has count-up, countdown and interval timers, and the vendor cites its own published research for the focus music.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Brain.fm, taken from its own pages and our grades.
A short quiz at sign-up picks your starting effect level, then you press play and work.
- 1
Best for focus music with no lyrics to pull you away
Brain.fm plays instrumental music with no lyrics, made to sit behind your work, and you pick an activity such as Deep Work or Learning on the web, a computer or a phone.
- 2
Paid plans start at $8.33 a month when paid by the year
As its pricing page puts it: $99.99 / year, billed annually.
- 3
You can try it first
Free trial with full access; 14 days according to the App Store listing
- 4
It runs on 5 platforms
Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
- 5
Modes for different activities
Focus covers Deep Work, Creativity, Learning, Light Work and Motivation. Separate modes handle relaxation, sleep, including power naps, and guided or unguided meditation.
- 6
Adjustable neural effect level
The intensity of the modulation in the music can be turned up or down. A short quiz at sign-up sets a starting level, and a high level is aimed at listeners with ADHD.
- 7
Built-in timers
A count-up timer tracks how long you have worked, a countdown timer ends a session, and an interval timer alternates work and breaks in the Pomodoro style.
- 8
A 2.0 GPA, above 1 of 65
That is against the other focus apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Your call
A focus timer at its plainest counts down 25 minutes and keeps a log.
Brain.fm at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $99.99 / year, billed annually
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- Free trial with full access; 14 days according to the App Store listing
- Runs on
- Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Made by
- Brain.FM, Inc., since 2014
- Category
- Focus Apps
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
- Store rating
- 4.5 on the App Store, 5,494 ratings
The report card
Best for focus music with no lyrics to pull you away
Brain.fm plays instrumental music with no lyrics, made to sit behind your work, and you pick an activity such as Deep Work or Learning on the web, a computer or a phone. It's $99.99 a year in one payment or $14.99 a month, there's no free plan, the pricing page won't say how long the trial runs, and it connects to nothing.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | D | $99.99 a year works out at $8.33 a month, the dear quarter of this category, against a middle of $3.99. Pay monthly and it's $14.99, past the $12 where the dearest tenth starts, and twelve of those come to $179.88. What you get for it is music. Students can ask for 20% off. |
| Free plan and trial | D | No free plan at all. The trial is the start of a subscription that then charges $99.99 in one go, and the pricing page won't even say how long it runs; the App Store listing says 14 days. |
| Features | C | It does its one thing: modes for focus, relaxing, sleep and meditation, five kinds of focus alone, an effect strength you can turn up or down, count-up, countdown and interval timers, and downloads for a flight. But music is one slice of what this category does. |
| Ease of use | B | 4.54 from about 5,500 App Store ratings, just over the 4.5 line for a B. A short quiz at sign-up picks your starting effect level, then you press play and work. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Web, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with menu bar control on a Mac and offline downloads on a phone, so every device is covered. It joins up with nothing, though: no integrations and no API listed. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Brain.fm is for
- Fits if lyrics pull you out of your work and silence doesn't help either
- Works for people who want focus, sleep and meditation audio in one subscription
Who it is not for
- Pricey if you only want something on in the background, at $99.99 a year in one payment
- Not for you if you want a free version to live on, because after the trial it's pay or stop
- Skip it if you'd pay monthly for long, as twelve months at $14.99 comes to $179.88
- Watch out: the pricing page doesn't say how long the trial lasts; the App Store says 14 days
- Watch out: student and team prices mean contacting the company, and no integrations or API are listed
Good to know
Good for
- People who find lyrics distracting while they work
- Timed work sprints with a built-in interval timer
- One subscription that also covers sleep and meditation audio
Worth knowing
- There is no free plan; listening after the free trial requires a subscription.
- The pricing page does not state how long the trial lasts; the 14-day figure comes from the App Store listing.
- The yearly plan is charged as a single $99.99 payment; paying monthly costs $14.99 a month.
- The student discount and team pricing are arranged by contacting the company rather than at checkout.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$8.33
A month to start, paid by the year
Brain.fm is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $99.99 / year, billed annually.
Yearly plan
$99.99
per year, billed annually
Full access to the focus, relax, sleep and meditate modes on web, desktop and mobile. Starts with a free trial.
Monthly plan
$14.99
per month, billed monthly
The same access paid month to month, with cancellation at any time.
Trying it first
Free trial with full access; 14 days according to the App Store listing
Read from brain.fm on Oct 4, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Annual discount
Yearly plan costs less than paying monthly
The yearly plan is $99.99 against $14.99 a month, which comes to $179.88 over twelve months. The pricing page marks the yearly plan with a 40% discount badge.
Stated on brain.fmEducation
20% discount for active students
Students can email support from a .edu address, or send a copy of a student ID or other proof of enrollment, to receive 20% off.
Stated on brain.fmOther savings
Special pricing for teams
Brain.fm supports team accounts for companies and classrooms and asks teams to get in touch through a form for special pricing.
Stated on brain.fm
How its prices have moved
- Mar 4, 2026Monthly plan: $9.99 per month, billed monthly → $14.99 per month, billed monthlyThe archived copy of 4 March 2026 shows $14.99 a month; the copy before it, of 8 November 2025, shows $9.99. The price changed between the two.
- Mar 4, 2026Yearly plan: $69.99 per year, billed annually → $99.99 per year, billed annuallyThe archived copy of 4 March 2026 shows $99.99 a year; the copy before it, of 8 November 2025, shows $69.99. The price changed between the two.
- Nov 26, 2023Monthly plan: $6.99 per month, billed monthly → $9.99 per month, billed monthlyThe archived copy of 26 November 2023 shows $9.99 a month; the copy before it, of 23 August 2023, shows $6.99. The price changed between the two.
- Nov 26, 2023Yearly plan: $49.99 per year, billed annually → $69.99 per year, billed annuallyThe archived copy of 26 November 2023 shows $69.99 a year; the copy before it, of 23 August 2023, shows $49.99. The price changed between the two.
What the app costs elsewhere
Each country’s App Store price for “Brain.fm Pro”, against $6.99 in the United States, in dollars at the day’s rate. The four cheapest and the four dearest of 11.
| Country | Price there | In dollars | Against the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | ₺18,99 | $0.39 | 94% less |
| India | ₹ 419 | $4.33 | 38% less |
| Brazil | R$ 21,90 | $4.38 | 37% less |
| Indonesia | Rp 99ribu | $5.54 | 21% less |
| Canada | $9.99 | $7.02 | about the same |
| Australia | $10.99 | $7.67 | 10% more |
| Germany | 6,99 € | $7.83 | 12% more |
| South Africa | R139.99 | $8.47 | 21% more |
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
5
Places it runs: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
Functional music for focus, relaxation, sleep and meditation. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: works offline, Pomodoro timer, focus music.
But music is one slice of what this category does.
- Modes for different activities
- Focus covers Deep Work, Creativity, Learning, Light Work and Motivation. Separate modes handle relaxation, sleep, including power naps, and guided or unguided meditation.
- Adjustable neural effect level
- The intensity of the modulation in the music can be turned up or down. A short quiz at sign-up sets a starting level, and a high level is aimed at listeners with ADHD.
- Built-in timers
- A count-up timer tracks how long you have worked, a countdown timer ends a session, and an interval timer alternates work and breaks in the Pomodoro style.
- Music made to stay in the background
- Tracks have no lyrics or intrusive sounds and run extra long so that a work session is not broken up by song changes.
- Offline listening on mobile
- The App Store listing says music can be downloaded for offline use, including in airplane mode.
- Desktop apps with menu bar control
- Apps for macOS 12 or later and Windows 10 or later sit alongside the web player, with playback control from the Mac menu bar.
Where it runs
- Web
- macOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Brain.fm is made by Brain.FM, Inc., and has been around since 2014.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
1/65
Other focus apps it is graded above
Brain.fm's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 3.
It stands best on platforms and integrations (B, above 39 of 65) and worst on value for money (D, above 0).
Its paid plans start at $8.33 a month when paid by the year, against a middle price of $2.82 for the category: 37 of the 45 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.7 out of 4. 15 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 66 focus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Brain.fm’s own letter is outlined.
- DValue for moneyAbove 0 of 65
- DFree plan and trialAbove 2 of 65
- CFeaturesAbove 3 of 65
- BEase of useAbove 17 of 65
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 39 of 65
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 56 focus apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Brain.fm is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Your call
A focus timer at its plainest counts down 25 minutes and keeps a log.
You could make the core of Brain.fm for yourself: Pomodoro timer. What you would give up is listed below. Whether that is worth the price is your call. It costs $99.99 a year.
What you could make
- Pomodoro timer: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- A library of sound you would have to license.
- Apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Brain.fm’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Forest, Session, Freedom and Rize
The 4 tools Brain.fm is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.0GPA
Forest
Free plan · from $5.99/mo
Focus timer that grows a virtual tree while you stay off apps.
- Forest has a free plan. Brain.fm does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Brain.fm lists a web app.
- Only Brain.fm lists macOS and Windows apps.
- 2.2GPA
Session
Free plan · from $3.33/mo
Pomodoro focus timer with analytics for Mac, iPhone and iPad.
- Session has a free plan. Brain.fm does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Brain.fm lists a web app.
- Only Brain.fm lists Windows and Android apps.
- 2.2GPA
Freedom
Free plan · from $3.33/mo
Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones.
- Freedom has a free plan. Brain.fm does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Brain.fm lists a web app.
- Only Freedom lists a browser extension.
- 2.2GPA
Rize
Free trial · from $9.99/mo
Automatic time tracker with focus tools and AI reports.
- Only Brain.fm lists a web app.
- Only Brain.fm lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Rize lists a browser extension.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
14
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Brain.fm free?
No, Brain.fm is a paid product, but you can try it first. Free trial with full access; 14 days according to the App Store listing.
How much does Brain.fm cost?
Brain.fm lists 2 plans. Yearly plan: $99.99 per year, billed annually.
What platforms does Brain.fm work on?
Brain.fm is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Does Brain.fm offer any discounts?
Brain.fm publicly lists the following: Yearly plan costs less than paying monthly; 20% discount for active students; Special pricing for teams.
How is Brain.fm rated?
Brain.fm's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.5 out of 5 from 5,494 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
Does Brain.fm have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 4, 2026. Brain.fm is listed for Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Is Brain.fm open source?
Brain.fm is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 4, 2026.
Does Brain.fm work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Does Brain.fm have a student discount?
20% discount for active students. Students can email support from a .edu address, or send a copy of a student ID or other proof of enrollment, to receive 20% off.
Who makes Brain.fm?
Brain.fm is made by Brain.FM, Inc. It dates from 2014.
What are the alternatives to Brain.fm?
The closest alternatives to Brain.fm in our directory are Forest, Session, Freedom and Rize.
How does Brain.fm compare with other focus apps?
Brain.fm's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 3.
Is Brain.fm good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Brain.fm D for value for money. Its paid plans start at $8.33 a month when paid by the year, against a middle price of $2.82 for the category: 37 of the 45 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of Brain.fm?
A focus timer at its plainest counts down 25 minutes and keeps a log. You could make the core of Brain.fm for yourself: Pomodoro timer.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Brain.fm’s own pages on Oct 4, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Brain.fm's own pages on 4 October 2026, and its App Store rating. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-09-08.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Brain.FM, Inc. Prices change, so check brain.fm before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Brain.fm, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/brain-fm
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Brain.fm: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 4, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/brain-fm
Know someone choosing between focus apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/brain-fm/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded focus apps after Brain.fm, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Focus Apps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 66 focus apps we grade, compared
- ScreenZen Insider's GuideFree app that delays and blocks distracting apps and sites3.6 GPA
- Flora Insider's GuideFree focus timer that grows trees, alone or with friends3.2 GPA
- Flow Insider's GuideMinimal Pomodoro timer for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Brain.fm’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Brain.fm is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Brain.FM, Inc. Prices and plans change: check brain.fm before you buy.