What it does
Brainwaves is a wellness and productivity app centered on audio content like binaural beats, isochronic tones, and meditation music. It aims to help users improve sleep, enhance focus, reduce stress, and achieve other cognitive benefits through sound therapy. The app also features a collection of articles and interactive brain training games to supplement its core audio library.
Where it shines
Brainwaves excels in its onboarding, which meticulously builds a case for its scientific validity before asking for a subscription. The flow starts with data-backed claims (00:03) and transitions into a detailed quiz that makes the user feel heard. A standout moment is the emoji-based question about sleep quality (00:32), which provides instant, empathetic feedback. The app then culminates this personalization with a projected results radar chart (01:12), visually connecting the user's input to tangible future benefits just before presenting the paywall.
UX highlights
- The app effectively categorizes a vast library of sounds. The main dashboard (01:46) offers personalized content, featured playlists, and thematic sections, preventing overwhelm.
- The audio player is simple yet functional. It includes essential controls plus useful features like a sleep timer (01:57) and the ability to easily add a track to a custom playlist (02:03).
- Interactive elements are well-designed. The emoji-based slider (00:32) is a refreshing alternative to standard quiz inputs, making data collection more engaging.
- The app diversifies its content beyond audio with articles (03:36) and a dedicated brain training section (04:31), adding more reasons for users to return.
- In-app navigation is straightforward. A bottom tab bar provides access to the main sections, while a dedicated profile/settings tab consolidates account management.
Monetization & growth
The app uses a soft paywall model, allowing users to complete the entire onboarding and personalization flow before being asked to subscribe. The paywall screen at 01:17 is loaded with persuasive elements. It features a large discount (84% off), a countdown timer for "Exclusive Benefits," and dynamic social proof notifications showing other users subscribing. This multi-pronged approach creates significant urgency and social validation, likely boosting conversion rates. Following a successful subscription, the app immediately prompts the user to share it with friends (01:44), leveraging the moment of high intent for user acquisition.
Who it’s for
This app is for individuals looking to use sound-based therapy for self-improvement. The target audience likely includes students seeking better focus, professionals trying to manage stress, and anyone struggling with sleep issues. The scientific framing appeals to users who want a data-driven approach to wellness, while the extensive library caters to both beginners and experienced listeners of binaural beats. The addition of brain games also targets users interested in cognitive enhancement and memory improvement.
Notes & opportunities
While the onboarding is thorough, its length could be a point of friction for some users. The sheer number of questions might lead to drop-off before the value is fully demonstrated. The main dashboard has a prominent "Exclusive Offer" banner (01:46) even after the user has subscribed, which could be confusing or feel redundant. Simplifying the post-subscription home screen could create a cleaner experience focused on content discovery.