Omix vs Brain.fm: An Honest Comparison for Focus Music in 2026

If you're reading this, you probably already know that the right music can transform your workday. Brain.fm pioneered the idea of scientifically designed focus music, and they deserve credit for that. But after years on the market, some cracks are showing, and alternatives like Omix are taking a different approach.

Here's an honest breakdown of both apps so you can decide which one actually fits how you work.

The core difference: how they adapt

Brain.fm generates audio tracks using neural phase locking, with patterns designed to guide your brain into focus, relaxation, or sleep states. You pick a mode, press play, and the music does its thing regardless of what you're doing.

Omix takes a different approach. It monitors your actual work activity (keyboard and mouse input) and adjusts the music in real-time to match your momentum. When you're typing fast, the beat builds. When you pause, it fades to ambient. The music responds to what you're doing, not just playing in the background.

Brain.fm creates a static focused environment. Omix creates a dynamic one that mirrors your workflow.

Platform support

Brain.fm is mobile-first with web access. Their desktop experience is a browser tab, so it's competing with every other tab for your attention.

Omix is desktop-first with a native app for both Mac and Windows. The activity monitoring that powers the adaptive music only works on desktop, which is where deep work actually happens. A native app means a smaller footprint and system-level integration without needing a browser tab.

If you primarily need focus music on your phone, Brain.fm is the better choice today. If your deep work happens at a desk, Omix was built specifically for that.

Pricing

Brain.fm: $14.99/month or $99.99/year (~$8.33/month). Subscription only.

Omix: $7.99/month, $59/year, or a one-time $119 Founder's Deal for lifetime access (limited to first 100 purchasers). All plans start with a 7-day free trial, no credit card required.

The lifetime option matters. Brain.fm users on Trustpilot and Reddit frequently mention the subscription cost adding up, especially when some feel the experience plateaus after a while. Omix gives you the option to pay once and own it.

The ADHD factor

Both apps are popular with people who have ADHD, but for different reasons.

Brain.fm uses neural entrainment to help establish focus. It's a passive approach: put on headphones and let the frequencies do their work. Many ADHD users report it helps initially, though some find the tracks blend together over time.

Omix creates an external feedback loop. Because the music responds to your actual behavior, it acts like a subtle body-doubling companion. The audio "notices" when you're working and rewards it with momentum. For ADHD brains that thrive on immediate feedback, this can be more engaging than a static audio track.

Music quality and variety

Brain.fm uses algorithmically generated audio across focus, relax, and sleep categories. Consistency is a strength, but some long-term users describe it as repetitive after extended use.

Omix offers curated and generated music across genres including deep house, jazz fusion, lofi, post-rock, and ambient soundscapes. Each genre layers dynamically based on your activity level, so the music evolves throughout your work session rather than looping.

What real users say

Brain.fm

Common praise: "It actually works for focus." "Better than any playlist I've tried."

Common complaints: "Gets repetitive after a few months." "Had trouble canceling my subscription." "Not sure it's worth $15/month when YouTube playlists exist."

Omix

Common praise: "The adaptive feature keeps me locked in for hours." "More organized than any productivity app I've used." "The way it responds to my workflow creates an effortless focus experience."

Omix is newer and has fewer reviews, but early adopters, especially developers and writers doing long focus sessions, report strong satisfaction.

The bottom line

Choose Brain.fm if:

• You want a proven, established platform with years of track record
• You need mobile or iOS support
• You prefer a passive "press play and forget" experience
• You don't mind an ongoing subscription

Choose Omix if:

• Your deep work happens on a desktop (Mac or Windows)
• You want music that actively responds to your workflow
• You prefer a native desktop app over a browser tab
• You'd rather pay once than subscribe forever
• You have ADHD and respond well to real-time feedback

Both are solid tools for different types of users. Brain.fm has momentum and mobile reach. Omix listens to what you're doing, not just a timer.

---

Try Omix free for 7 days, no credit card required. Download for Mac or Windows →

Related comparisons

• Omix vs Endel
• Omix vs Spotify Playlists
• The Best Focus Music for Programmers in 2026
• Focus Music for ADHD: What the Science Says