Softwr

Software · head to head

Brain.fm vs Focusmate

Brain.fm logo

Brain.fm

Software

Scientifically-designed music to enhance focus and productivity

From
$14.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Focusmate logo

Focusmate

Software

Virtual co-working platform for accountability and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Focusmate has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Brain.fm monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent); Focusmate the free plan caps sessions at 3 per week
  • They diverge on capability: Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brain.fm and Focusmate actually diverge.

Attributes where Brain.fm and Focusmate differ
AttributeBrain.fmFocusmate
Starting price$14.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, DesktopWeb, IOS, Android
Founded20152017

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Brain.fm

  • Neuroscience-designed music
  • Focus tracks
  • Relaxation tracks
  • Sleep tracks
  • Offline mode
  • Multiple genres
  • Cross-platform access
  • Ad-free experience

Only in Focusmate

  • 25-minute work sessions
  • Partner matching
  • Video co-working
  • Goal setting and tracking
  • Session history
  • Reflection notes
  • Weekly sessions
  • Mobile-friendly

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brain.fm

  • Knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocksnot Focusmate
  • ADHD individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentrationnot Focusmate
  • Students preparing for exams with learning and meditation supportnot Focusmate

Focusmate

  • Booking virtual coworking sessions with an accountability partnernot Brain.fm
  • Building a focused work routine with timed sessionsnot Brain.fm

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brain.fm

  • Monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent)
  • ADHD mode available only with active subscription; no trial access to specialised features
  • No offline mode documented; requires internet connectivity for audio delivery
  • Content library composition not published (proprietary vs. licensed music distinction unclear)

Focusmate

  • The free plan caps sessions at 3 per week
  • Unlimited sessions require the Plus plan at $8 per month billed annually or $12 per month billed monthly
  • The Business plan is priced by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

Brain.fm

$14.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Brain.fm review.

Focusmate

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 25-minute sessions
    • Limited sessions per week
    • Basic matching
  • Plus$5/month
    • Unlimited sessions
    • Priority matching
    • Session history

Which should you pick?

Choose Brain.fm if

  • You need neuroscience-designed music.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want focus tracks.
Brain.fm review

Choose Focusmate if

  • You need 25-minute work sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want partner matching.
Focusmate review

Questions people ask

Is Brain.fm or Focusmate better?
Neither clearly leads. Brain.fm starts at $14.99/month and Focusmate at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brain.fm or Focusmate?
Focusmate has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $14.99/month for Brain.fm and Free for Focusmate.
Does Brain.fm or Focusmate run on more platforms?
Brain.fm runs on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Focusmate runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Focusmate for free?
Yes. Focusmate has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Brain.fm starts at $14.99/month.
What is Brain.fm best used for?
Brain.fm is most often used for knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocks, adhd individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentration, students preparing for exams with learning and meditation support. Of those, knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocks and adhd individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentration are not what Focusmate is typically brought in for.
What can Brain.fm do that Focusmate cannot?
Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Focus tracks, Relaxation tracks, Sleep tracks. Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions, Partner matching, Video co-working, Goal setting and tracking.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Brain.fm

More on Focusmate

Keep looking

Other head to heads