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Productivity · head to head

Brain.fm vs Focusmate

Brain.fm logo

Brain.fm

Productivity

Scientifically-designed music to enhance focus and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Focusmate logo

Focusmate

Productivity

Virtual co-working platform for accountability and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Brain.fm and Focusmate differ
AttributeBrain.fmFocusmate
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, DesktopWeb, IOS, Android
Founded20152017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Productivity).

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

  • Focus and deep worknot Focusmate
  • Sleep improvementnot Focusmate
  • ADHD supportnot Focusmate
  • Stress reductionnot Focusmate
  • Creative work sessionsnot Focusmate

Focusmate

  • Virtual co-working sessionsnot Brain.fm
  • Accountability partnershipsnot Brain.fm
  • Focus and productivitynot 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

Free
  • Monthly$14.99/month
    • Task-based audio across all categories
    • Focus modes: Deep Work, Creativity, Learning, Light Work, Motivation
    • Relaxation modes: Unwind, Destress, Recharge, Chill
  • Yearly$99.99/year
    • All monthly plan features
    • 40% savings vs. monthly billing
    • Task-based audio across all categories

Focusmate

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 sessions per week
    • No credit card required
  • Plus$8/month
    • Unlimited sessions
  • Business$null/mo
    • For enterprises, small businesses, learning communities

Which should you pick?

Choose Brain.fm if

  • You need neuroscience-designed music.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • 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 Free 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?
Brain.fm starts at Free and Focusmate at Free.
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 Brain.fm for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Brain.fm best used for?
Brain.fm is most often used for focus and deep work, sleep improvement, adhd support, stress reduction. Of those, focus and deep work and sleep improvement 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.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Brain.fm: How much does Brain.fm cost?

Brain.fm costs $14.99/month or $99.99/year. The yearly plan offers 40% savings compared to paying monthly.

Source
Focusmate: Does Focusmate offer a free plan?

Yes. Focusmate's free plan includes up to 3 sessions per week at no cost, with no credit card required. Session duration is approximately 25 minutes each. Upgrade to Plus to unlock unlimited sessions.

Source
Brain.fm: Can I try Brain.fm before paying?

Yes. Brain.fm offers a free trial before you commit to either the monthly or yearly paid plan.

Source
Focusmate: What is the difference between Plus monthly and annual billing?

Focusmate Plus costs $12 per month when billed monthly, or $8 per month when billed annually. Annual billing provides a 33 percent discount compared to monthly billing.

Source
Brain.fm: What audio modes does Brain.fm offer?

Brain.fm includes task-based audio for Focus (Deep Work, Creativity, Learning, Light Work, Motivation), Relaxation (Unwind, Destress, Recharge, Chill), Sleep (Guided Sleep, Deep Sleep, Sleep and Wake, Wind Down, Power Nap), and Meditation (Guided and Unguided).

Source
Focusmate: What features are included in Focusmate Business?

Business is designed for enterprises, small businesses, and learning communities, but specific features and pricing are not listed publicly. Contact Focusmate directly for details on Business plan capabilities and costs.

Source
Brain.fm: Can I cancel Brain.fm anytime?

Yes. You can cancel at any time from your Account Overview or by contacting support. There are no long-term contracts.

Source
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