A postmodern life is full of time-savers and communication enablers, yet our minds deal with more information than ever before. It is forecasted that during upcoming years we will have created, captured, copied, and consumed more than 59 zettabytes (ZB) of information.
Remember the days when GB was huge? Zettabytes are one trillion times larger. The American Psychological Association raises the issue of “informational overload.” This phenomenon might cause higher stress levels, sleep difficulties, and other issues.
Here at HealthNews, we are excited to review possible solutions. This time, we will try to evaluate BrainTap’s effectiveness, technology, user experience, and value. Hoping that our readers will be able to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
What is BrainTap?
Brainwave frequencies whether it's alpha, beta, theta, or delta—correspond to a different mental state. When you're in deep, restful sleep, your brain's “vibe” is in the delta wave range, which is slow and calm.
Braintap's review reveals that it offers auriculotherapy technology, where external stimuli, sound, and light, are used to stimulate the eyes and ears, influencing brainwave activity. It uses an LED light program in the visor, emitting pulses of light at specific frequencies. These lights are synchronized with natural rhythms to potentially promote the desired brainwave state.
Sound therapy involves audio tracks playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear. If one ear receives a tone at 200 Hz and the other at 210 Hz, the mind will perceive a beat frequency of 10 Hz, which aligns with the alpha wave state, promoting rest. This is called binaural beats.
Music also includes isochronic tones—sharp, evenly spaced pulses of sound at specific intervals. The app audio programs guide users through wellness collection techniques.
A review in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience highlighted that binaural beats, a key component in BrainTap offers, have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive performance. While these studies support the concepts used in the BrainTap app program, specific clinical trials directly evaluating the app's effectiveness are limited.
BrainTap: A quick review
Learn about auricular therapy and how varied frequencies may potentially aid you in combating brain fog and improving concentration and overall well-being.
How and why we chose to review BrainTap
At HealthNews, we strive to be the unbiased voice of all things health. We cover topics such as longevity, wellness, supplements, health conditions, and the newest reports on health science.
A growing buzz about the BrainTap app meant only one thing: time to review it. It truly has a unique approach to repose using audio tracks and light therapy to guide a person towards relaxation. We had to see it for ourselves and provide an evidence-based review to help consumers choose the right calmness tool.
How to use BrainTap
We will start our BrainTap app review by providing step-by-step instructions on how to use the gadget, setting up the headset, downloading the app, and selecting the program.
It is important to note that the app (fit for Android and iOS) works without the headset, yet creators claim that in such a case one would have to try the guided meditations and sound therapies twice as much to reach comparable results.
- The headset is a headphones and sort of vision shield combination that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth or by cable.
- On the app, one can choose from various types of sessions: sound program, light program, and meditations transmitted to the device. Combining audio programs and light therapy, it aims to help users relax, sleep better, or reach a better focus.
- Each session has a description telling users what their function is.
- On the app, there is a search bar that can be used to quickly find one's way around.
- BrainTap headset is a portable device that can be used in various places, yet it is advisable to find a place that has minimal distractions.
- Light therapy is somewhat intense; we would advise not to use it in a dark room, or it might be too hard to focus and concentrate on the process.
- Each session lasts from 10 to 20 minutes, and BrainTap recommends finding time for sessions at least twice a day.
Unboxing experience
BrainTap comes with a portable case. Inside, you will find a headset, a cable for connecting to a smartphone, and some informational leaflets. Upon first impression, it seems easily settable—no assembly is needed.
Considering the price of the device, the package lacks the feel of luxury. Leaflets seem to be an afterthought. Programs only work with a smartphone, all the printed information should easily be found on the app.
BrainTap effectiveness for stress relief and sleep
Stress management and sleep patterns depend on individual characteristics. That being said, we will review some of the findings regarding tools' effectiveness, keeping strain reduction, sleep, and well-being in mind.
Creators are very keen on collaborating with scholars and researching “brain entrainment” topics. They offer their device, or simply the BrainTap app’s audio content, for studies and, therefore, contribute to the exploration of binaural beats and isochronic tones.
A recent study measured the agitation levels and focus of 40 Texan high school students. After using audio tracks for four weeks, scholars found a positive impact on mental health regarding stress, anger control, state depression, and overall mood. However, the audio brainwave entrainment (BrainTap) group did not see statistically significant improvements.
User experience and app features
We have looked through reviews on pages such as YouTube, Trustpilot, and app stores. Some of the claimed benefits can be supported by customer reviews.
A most prominent theme of the reviews seems to be the concept of “taking a pause” and meditating faster and deeper. People applaud the way the BrainTap app helps to relax and gather one’s thoughts, thus allowing one to feel more at ease and focused. Some, but not nearly as many, mentioned that the gadget helps to enhance sleep. People generally believe that it truly works.
The BrainTap headset and app are easy to use. The device is complemented by its wide session variety, which caters to different goals: stress reduction, mindfulness, focus, sleep, etc. Some say that not only are their moods better, but they have also noticed that they are getting better at focusing on sports and studying. As with any developing technology, there are some limitations.
Out of all the feedback, the most prominent one was discomfort wearing the headpiece. Also, for more sensitive eyes, the light therapy might be just too bright. The creator and main spokesperson of the programs, Dr. Patric Porter, commented in several of his interviews that after brain “regulation” is reached, the light should stop being a discomfort.
There have also been reports about track glitches, cracking sounds in headphones, or app malfunctions. These signify that technical development could be improved.
Naturally, we must also mention that some reviews report that no benefits were reached using programs. It is rather interesting because the reviews overall are rather polarizing, either being of really high praise or completely missing the effect. It works on creating a community of cerebrum entertainers. People can track their progress, customize their sessions to fit their needs, share their experiences, or look for guidance.
Tips for using BrainTap effectively
Programs work best when used routinely and consistently. We suggest creating a habit of “morning” and “evening” mind tapings and scheduling a notification for that. Other tips might include:
- Drinking water during the session
- Tuning out the surrounding noise
- Using the device in a well lit room
- Starting the session slowly
Give at least a couple of minutes after the program to calmly think about your progress, your goals, and your feelings. Experiment and see what works best since each and everyone is very individual, mind entertainment included.
How much does BrainTap cost and where to buy it?
Learn about auricular therapy and how varied frequencies may potentially aid you in combating brain fog and improving concentration and overall well-being.
Creators offer flexible cost options.
You can buy a monthly app subscription for $29.99 (with a 14-day free trial) or a full-year plan for $260.
These two plans unlock all the audio programs that can be used with regular headphones. If you have tried the app, you can also buy the headset later for $797.
To experience the full wellness collection, a power bundle is available for $907. This includes the mobile app yearly subscription and the headset. Lending partners can finance the purchase.
Comparison to other relaxation and sleep tools
To compare how the app and headphones look on the market, we have created a comparison table, including other meditation apps and tools.
| Device/App | Price | User experience | Possible effectiveness | Unique features |
| BrainTap | $907 for device and app | Easy to use app and product, guided visualizations, good for mental wellbeing and toning down the noise | May be effective for stress reduction, and focus enhancement. Lacks specific scientific trials | Combines light and audio therapy with guided meditation |
| Mendi | $299 | Good customer service, improvement in productivity, but some users find issues with devices' connectivity | Measures blood flow and oxygenation within the brain's prefrontal cortex. Monitoring neurofeedback may help control, train and track your activities | Uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure blood flow and transmits the findings to a mobile device |
| Sens.ai | $1500.00 | Easy to setup and comprehensive device. Raw EEG data was unavailable to users. | A neurofeedback system designed for personalized brain training to potentially reduce stress and improve sleep. | Includes light simulation, which uses near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells |
| Myndlift | $49.99/month (subscription) | Calming sessions, but users report some difficulty with initial use | Shown to reduce strain and improve sleep through neuroacoustic software and CES (Cranial electrical stimulation) | Combines neuroacoustic therapy, CES, and supplements for deep relaxation |
Final verdict: Is BrainTap worth it?
The BrainTap app has promising potential. Under the right circumstances, it might deliver a stress-free, worry-free mind entertainment experience.
We applaud the team's effort to push neuroscience forward by collaborating on research.
However, the program lacks in some cases, and we tried to make this review as transparent as possible. It is most suitable for people struggling to relax or focus and looking to improve sleep.
FAQ
Does BrainTap actually work?
Yes, though not everyone experiences the desired results, there is quite a prominent positive feedback on BrainTap improving sleep patterns, focus, and overall wellness. The lack of research is a concern to be solved.
What does BrainTap do?
Braintap offers auriculotherapy technology, where external stimuli, sound and light, are used to stimulate eyes and ears, influencing brainwave activity. It uses an LED lights program in the visor, emitting pulses of light at specific frequencies.
What are the side effects of BrainTap?
Some people report light therapy too overwhelming and strong for sensitive eyes.
Is Braintap safe?
BrainTap might be considered generally safe to use.
Is BrainTap hypnosis?
No. BrainTap is auriculotherapy technology and does not work on the basis of hypnosis.
Can BrainTap help you lose weight?
It does not help directly to lose weight, however a better rest might allow one to find time for exercise and improve the overall wellness.
5 resources
- Frontiers of Psychology. Dealing with information overload: a comprehensive review.
- Frontiers of Psychiatry. Auditory Beat Stimulation and its Effects on Cognition and Mood States.
- Frontiers of Psychology. Using Heartfulness Meditation and Brainwave Entrainment to Improve Teenage Mental Wellbeing.
- Exploration of Neuroprotective Theraphy. Effects of acoustic neurostimulation in healthy adults on symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and sleep quality: a randomized clinical study.
- Self published. The Impact of Neurofeedback on PTSD: A Case Study.
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