You've been trying out Brain FM and, honestly, it's fine. The science-backed approach to focus music is legit, but maybe the subscription feels steep. Or maybe you're just not vibing with the soundscapes they offer.
Brain FM uses neuroscience research to create audio that supposedly helps your brain get into flow states. They've got modes for focus, relaxation, and sleep. The core idea is solid: certain audio patterns can influence brainwave activity. But after testing it for a few months, I get why people shop around.
The $15 monthly price tag adds up, especially if you're a student or dealing with ADHD on a tight budget. Plus, some users find the tracks too similar after extended use. There are days when you just need something different.
Here are solid alternatives to Brain FM that approach focus audio from different angles. Some cost less, some offer more variety, and a few take the science backing even further.
Why Look Beyond Brain FM?
Brain FM does what it promises, but it's not perfect for everyone. After using it alongside other focus apps, a few pain points became obvious.
The pricing model is the first hurdle. At $7 monthly or around $50 annually, it's not cheap for what's essentially background sound. If you're already paying for Spotify, Headspace, and other productivity subscriptions, adding another $50-60 per year starts feeling excessive.
Sound variety is another issue. Brain FM generates tracks algorithmically, which means consistent quality but limited diversity. After a couple months, the focus tracks start blending together. Some days you want thunderstorms, other days you need coffee shop ambiance. Brain FM sticks to its neuroscience-optimized formula, which can feel restrictive.
The science backing is strong, but it's not exclusive. Several competitors have partnered with neuroscientists and published their own research. Endel, for instance, has studies from Berlin Technical University. Brain FM was early to the game, but they're not the only ones doing evidence-based audio anymore.
Mobile app experience varies. The iOS and Android apps work fine, but some features feel clunky compared to newer competitors. The interface hasn't evolved much since launch.
If any of these limitations bug you, or if you're just curious what else exists, the alternatives below are worth your time.
What Makes a Good Brain FM Alternative?
When evaluating focus sound apps, I looked for specific qualities that actually matter during deep work sessions.
Science backing or credible methodology. Not every app needs published studies, but there should be some rationale beyond 'relaxing sounds.' The best alternatives either cite research or explain their approach clearly.
Sound variety and customization. Brain FM's algorithmic generation is clever, but sometimes you need control. Look for apps that let you mix sounds, adjust intensity, or switch between different audio styles without losing the focus benefits.
Reasonable pricing. Focus apps should enhance productivity, not drain your budget. Free tiers or lower subscription costs make these tools accessible when you're testing what works for your brain.
Cross-platform availability. If you work across devices, the app should sync seamlessly. Starting a focus session on desktop and continuing on mobile shouldn't require workarounds.
Actual focus modes that differ meaningfully. Some apps just slap different labels on the same ambient tracks. The good ones create distinct audio experiences for deep work versus creative thinking versus relaxation.
No annoying interruptions or upsells. Nothing kills flow state faster than an ad break or upgrade prompt mid-session. The alternatives listed here respect your focus time.
1. Endel
Best for Adaptive, Personalized Soundscapes
Our first pick is Endel, and it's become my go-to recommendation for people leaving Brain FM. The app takes a personalized approach that Brain FM doesn't match.
Endel generates soundscapes in real-time based on factors like time of day, weather, heart rate, and location. Connect your Apple Watch or other wearable, and the audio adapts to your circadian rhythm and current state. On a rainy Tuesday morning, you'll hear different compositions than a sunny Friday afternoon.
The science backing is solid. Endel partnered with Berlin Technical University and published research showing their audio can improve focus. They're not just making claims, they've got peer-reviewed studies supporting their methodology.
There are four core modes: Focus, Relax, Sleep, and On-the-Go. Each mode generates unique soundscapes that evolve over time. Unlike Brain FM's loops, Endel's audio never quite repeats the same way twice. This solves the repetition problem some users experience with Brain FM after months of use.
The interface is cleaner and more modern than Brain FM. It's minimal in a good way: pick your mode, hit play, and let it run. No complicated menus or settings to fiddle with when you just want to start working.
Integrations set Endel apart. It works with Alexa devices, has an Apple Watch app, and integrates with shortcuts and automation tools. You can trigger focus mode automatically when you open certain apps or arrive at your office.
Pricing is comparable to Brain FM at around $5 monthly or $30 annually when on sale. Not cheaper, but the personalization features justify the cost if you're someone who wants audio that adapts to your actual state rather than generic focus tracks.
The main limitation compared to Brain FM is less direct control. You can't select specific types of sounds or mix elements. Endel's algorithms decide what you hear based on contextual data. This is either a feature or a bug depending on whether you trust the system.
Best for people who want their focus audio to be genuinely adaptive and are willing to let an algorithm customize the experience. If you like the science-backed approach of Brain FM but want more personalization, Endel is the move.
2. Noisli
Best for Simple, Affordable Focus Sounds
Next up is Noisli, which takes the complete opposite approach from Brain FM's complexity. This is focus audio stripped down to the essentials.
Noisli gives you around 16 different background sounds: rain, thunderstorms, wind, forest, water stream, bonfire, coffee shop, white noise, pink noise, brown noise, and a few others. You mix and match these sounds to create your perfect background ambiance. Adjust the volume slider for each sound independently, save your favorite combinations, and you're done.
There's no algorithm, no neuroscience claims, no adaptive features. Just high-quality ambient sounds you control completely. After the algorithm-driven experience of Brain FM, this level of control feels refreshing.
The Chrome extension is legitimately useful. Install it, and you've got your focus sounds available in any browser tab with one click. No need to keep a separate app open or worry about which device you're on.
Tim Ferriss mentioned using Noisli in some podcast or article years ago, which gave it credibility in the productivity space. The tool itself backs up that endorsement. It's been around since 2013 and has barely changed because it doesn't need to. Simple things that work tend to stay simple.
Pricing is where Noisli wins hard against Brain FM. There's a free web version with all the core sounds. The premium version costs $10 per year. Not per month. Per year. That's roughly one-sixth the cost of Brain FM's annual plan. For students or anyone watching expenses, this price difference is huge.
The timer feature is basic but handy. Set it for your work session length, and Noisli will fade out when time's up. Pair this with the Pomodoro technique, and you've got a complete focus system for ten bucks a year.
Limitations: no fancy science backing, no adaptive algorithms, no claims about brainwave entrainment. If you need the neuroscience validation that Brain FM provides, Noisli won't satisfy that itch. But if you just want customizable ambient sound that helps you concentrate, Noisli delivers without overthinking it.
The offline functionality on the mobile app is solid. Download your favorite mixes and use them anywhere without burning mobile data or dealing with connectivity issues.
Best for people who want complete control over their focus sounds and don't need scientific validation. If Brain FM feels over-engineered and overpriced for what you actually use, Noisli is the practical alternative.
3. LifeAt
Best for Complete Focus Environment
LifeAt is actually kind of different from Brain FM. Instead of just audio, you get a whole focus environment. Think of it as background sound plus a productivity workspace in one.
The core concept: you open LifeAt and it gives you a beautiful background environment (lofi cafe, mountain cabin, rainy window, beach house, etc.) with ambient sound built in. Then you can add widgets for your to-do list, notes, timer, and other productivity tools right on top of that environment.
It's trying to replace your messy browser tabs with a single, calming workspace. Instead of switching between Spotify for music, Todoist for tasks, and Google Keep for notes, everything lives in one aesthetic space.
The sound library isn't as extensive as Brain FM or even Noisli, but it covers the basics: lofi beats, nature sounds, cafe ambiance, and white noise variations. The audio quality is good, and it loops smoothly without jarring transitions.
What sets LifeAt apart is the integration of productivity tools with the ambiance. You can see your task list, take quick notes, and run a focus timer without leaving the calming environment. For some people, this unified approach beats jumping between apps.
The backgrounds themselves are stupidly pretty. Animated scenes that don't distract but provide gentle movement in your peripheral vision. There's something about working 'in' a cozy cafe or mountain cabin that helps maintain focus better than staring at blank browser tabs.
Pricing is generous. The free tier gives you access to most features including basic environments and sounds. Premium unlocks more backgrounds and advanced productivity features, but most users can stick with free indefinitely.
The customization options let you adjust background animations, sound mix, and widget placement. You can make LifeAt look exactly how you want, which matters when you'll be staring at it for hours during deep work.
Limitations compared to Brain FM: zero neuroscience backing, no adaptive features, and the sound selection is more limited. LifeAt prioritizes aesthetic and integrated productivity over pure audio optimization for focus.
The Chrome extension and desktop app work well, but mobile support is lighter. This is primarily a tool for computer-based work sessions, not something you'd use while commuting or away from a screen.
Best for people who want a complete focus environment, not just background audio. If you find yourself opening multiple productivity apps alongside Brain FM anyway, LifeAt might replace several tools at once. It's free to try, so there's no risk in testing whether the aesthetic approach works for you.
4. Headspace
Best for Meditation + Focus Bundle
Headspace is primarily known for meditation, but they've expanded into focus and sleep audio that competes directly with Brain FM. If you already subscribe to Headspace, you might not need Brain FM at all.
The Focus Music section includes tracks designed for concentration, studying, and deep work. These aren't meditation sessions, they're instrumental background music optimized for productivity. Headspace worked with musicians and neuroscientists to create audio that supports sustained attention.
What makes Headspace interesting is the human element. Unlike Brain FM's algorithmic generation, Headspace uses real musicians creating actual compositions. The result feels more organic and musical rather than purely functional.
The Soundscapes feature offers ambient audio similar to what you'd find in focus apps: rain, waterfalls, rainfall on tent, airplane cabin, campfire, and more. Quality is excellent, and the loops are seamless. Pair these with Focus Music, and you've got flexibility that Brain FM lacks.
Sleep Radio is another bonus. If you're using Brain FM for both focus and sleep modes, Headspace's Sleep Radio might replace that entire use case. DJ Sammy voices bedtime stories and sleep soundscapes that are genuinely relaxing.
For premium subscribers (around $13 monthly or $70 annually), you're getting meditation, focus music, sleep content, and fitness workouts in one package. If you value the meditation side, this is better value than paying separately for Brain FM plus a meditation app.
The mobile apps are polished. Headspace has been around since 2010 and has refined their user experience thoroughly. Everything works smoothly across iOS, Android, and web.
Limitations: Headspace doesn't claim the same neuroscience specificity as Brain FM. They have research supporting meditation benefits, but the focus music isn't backed by studies the same way Brain FM's audio is. If you need that scientific validation, Headspace won't fully replace Brain FM's appeal.
The focus tracks don't adapt or generate dynamically. You're picking from a library of pre-composed pieces. More variety than Brain FM's algorithmic output, but less personalization than Endel's adaptive approach.
Best for people who want meditation plus focus audio in one subscription. If you're already meditating regularly or curious about it, Headspace bundles everything together for less than paying for Brain FM and a separate meditation app. The focus music quality is solid even if it lacks Brain FM's neuroscience edge.
5. Flocus
Best for Pomodoro Timers + Ambient Sound
Flocus is another take on the productivity dashboard concept, similar to LifeAt but with different priorities. This one's really popular for combining ambient sound with Pomodoro timer functions.
The setup is straightforward. Pick a background scene (mountain lake, cozy room, northern lights, etc.), select your ambient sound (rain, fire, wind, etc.), and start a Pomodoro timer. The whole interface is designed to keep you in one place rather than switching between multiple apps.
The Pomodoro timer integration is better than most focus apps attempt. Standard 25-minute work sessions with 5-minute breaks, fully customizable if you prefer different intervals. The timer is prominent on screen, so you always know where you are in the work cycle.
Flocus lets you track your focus sessions over time. You can see how many Pomodoros you completed each day, which helps build momentum. There's something motivating about watching your streak grow.
The sound selection covers basics: rain, ocean, bonfire, coffee shop, white noise, and a few others. Not as extensive as Noisli, but adequate for most people. You can mix sounds together and adjust volume independently.
Built by Grifiti, a company known for simple productivity tools. Flocus reflects that philosophy: it does a few things well rather than trying to be everything. If you need timers plus ambient sound, Flocus handles both competently.
Pricing is free for the basic version with occasional upgrade prompts for premium backgrounds and features. The free tier is usable indefinitely, which is generous. Premium removes ads and unlocks additional scenes.
The background scenes are well-designed. Not as elaborate as LifeAt's, but pleasant enough to stare at during work sessions. The gentle animations provide just enough visual interest without becoming distracting.
Limitations compared to Brain FM: zero science backing, limited sound library, and no mobile app. Flocus is strictly a web-based tool, which restricts usage to times when you're at a computer.
The focus tracking is basic. You get session counts and streaks, but nothing as detailed as dedicated time tracking apps. Still, seeing your Pomodoro history provides enough feedback to maintain consistent work habits.
Best for people who want ambient sound combined with Pomodoro timers in a single interface. If you're already using the Pomodoro technique and currently running Brain FM in the background, Flocus might consolidate your workflow while saving money. The free tier makes it risk-free to test.
Switching from Brain FM: What to Know
Moving away from Brain FM is straightforward since these apps don't have much data to transfer, but there are some transition considerations.
Don't cancel Brain FM immediately. Test alternatives for a week while you still have access. You might find that Brain FM's specific approach actually worked better than you realized. Or you'll confirm that one of these alternatives suits you more.
If Brain FM's focus mode worked well for you, try Endel first. It's the closest in terms of science-backed, algorithm-generated audio designed for cognitive states. The adaptive features might feel like an upgrade rather than a compromise.
If you mainly used Brain FM for background ambiance and didn't care about the neuroscience aspect, Noisli will save you money while giving you more control. The lack of algorithmic generation won't matter if you're just creating a sound environment.
Experiment with mixing approaches. You could use Noisli's customizable sounds for routine tasks and save Endel's premium experience for deep work sessions. Or combine LifeAt's productivity features with Noisli's Chrome extension for maximum flexibility.
Pay attention to what time of day you struggle most without Brain FM. If morning focus was Brain FM's biggest contribution, ensure your alternative works well during that window specifically.
Consider the device split. If you used Brain FM primarily on desktop, web-based options like LifeAt and Flocus work fine. If you relied on mobile listening during commutes or while walking, prioritize alternatives with strong mobile apps like Endel and Headspace.
Budget the cost difference. If you're switching to save money, actually redirect those savings somewhere intentional. Brain FM costs around $50-60 annually. Switching to Noisli's $10 annual plan frees up $40-50. Put that toward something else that improves productivity.
Watch for annual sale pricing. Both Endel and Headspace offer significant discounts during Black Friday and other promotional periods. If you're testing alternatives in November, wait for sales before committing to annual plans.
Brain FM Alternatives FAQ
What's the best free alternative to Brain FM?
Noisli's web version is completely free and covers the core use case of customizable ambient sound for focus. LifeAt's free tier is also generous if you want the productivity dashboard experience alongside audio. Both let you use essential features indefinitely without payment.
Does any alternative have the same neuroscience backing as Brain FM?
Endel comes closest with published research from Berlin Technical University supporting their methodology. Headspace has studies on meditation benefits but less specific research on their focus music. If scientific validation is important to you, Endel is your best bet among these alternatives.
Can I use these alternatives offline?
Noisli's mobile app lets you download sound mixes for offline use. Endel requires internet for the adaptive features to work properly. LifeAt and Flocus are web-based and need connectivity. Headspace allows downloading content for offline listening on mobile.
Which Brain FM alternative is best for ADHD?
Endel's adaptive soundscapes work well because they evolve over time, preventing the boredom that can trigger ADHD attention drift. LifeAt's integrated productivity features help by keeping tasks visible alongside focus audio. Flocus's Pomodoro timers provide the structure many people with ADHD find helpful. Honestly, try all three free tiers and see which approach clicks.
Is Brain FM actually better than these alternatives?
Depends what you value. Brain FM's neuroscience-optimized algorithm is unique and backed by specific research. If that methodology resonates with your brain, none of these alternatives perfectly replicate it. But if you're after ambient sound that helps you focus, several alternatives deliver that outcome through different approaches while costing less or offering additional features. I used Brain FM for six months, switched to Endel, and haven't missed it.
Can I mix sounds from different apps?
Technically yes, but it usually sounds muddy. Better to pick one app per work session and fully commit to its approach. Mixing Noisli's rain with Endel's adaptive soundscape will probably distract more than help.
Which Brain FM Alternative Should You Choose?
Brain FM established the science-backed focus audio category, but it's not the only game anymore. These alternatives offer different approaches that might suit your needs better.
Go with Endel if you want something equally sophisticated that adapts to your state. The personalization features and clean interface make it worth the similar price point.
Pick Noisli if you want simple, customizable ambient sounds without the premium cost. Ten dollars annually versus Brain FM's $50-60 is hard to argue with.
Try LifeAt if you're opening multiple productivity apps alongside your focus audio anyway. Consolidating everything into one aesthetic workspace might simplify your workflow.
Choose Headspace if you meditate or want to start. Getting focus music, sleep content, and meditation in one subscription makes more sense than paying for specialized apps separately.
Use Flocus if Pomodoro timers are central to your work method. Having the timer and ambient sound integrated keeps you in flow without switching tools.
Test the free tiers before committing. Most of these alternatives offer enough free access to determine if they work for your brain. Brain FM's approach works for some people and not others. Same goes for these alternatives. Spend a week with each and let your focus quality guide the decision.