Our Productivity Ninjas are always keen to test new Productivity Apps. Here is where they let you know the best features and if they would recommend them or not. This time, we’re looking at a music application which helps improve your focus, relieves your stress and aids your sleep. As we discuss in our Time Management Workshops, productivity tools are there to make your easier and encourage you to stay focused and ignore work life distractions. Let’s see if Brain.fm can help…
Whether you’re trying to work more efficiently, take some time out to de-stress or in need of a tool to help ease your sleep, Brain.fm has music that can aid you in all areas. The soundtracks are completely original, so don’t expect to hear songs you know, but they do work effectively.
Chosen App: Brain.fm
Available on: iOS, Android (soon), Internet
Why did you pick this particular app?
I’ve always been an avid listener of music. I work, shower, eat, run and sometimes even sleep with music on in the background. You will even be welcomed into my home with music playing from my speaker set-up in the lounge. It’s almost constant. Being a university student, I do, or should I say attempt to do, a lot of work. I enjoy listening to music whilst working, however, when I’m either writing or reading, songs with lyrics usually distract me. Brain.fm provides a scientific solution to encourage work ethic through instrumental music. So, I thought I would give it a shot.
How does it work?
Brain.fm is ‘the most advanced AI music composer on the planet written with over 1.6 million lines of code’. The music on the application is designed to enhance concentration, relaxation, meditation, naps and sleep within 10 – 15 minutes of use. The developers and scientists working at Brain.fm state that they ‘combine music with auditory neuroscience to produce an innovative non-invasive digital therapy application for consumers.’
The team produced pilot study evidence in support of the benefits of listening to their original music whilst working:
How did you use the app and what changed for you?
I’ve been using Brain.fm for the last few months, including time spent studying for exams. I found it was a great tool to use when I really wanted to get down and work. Whether that be making endless notes or reading chapters in textbooks. However, when being vocal I found that music I regularly listen to in the background was better suited as it provided a more casual environment.
What was your favorite feature?
The app offers multiple music types depending on the activity at hand, be it to focus, relax or sleep. This allows the app to be accessible in the majority of situations. Although, I use the ‘focus’ range of music almost exclusively. I also enjoyed the feature allowing a user to select the period of time they wanted to play the music. I used this as a method of keeping track of work duration, as I wouldn’t finish until the music stopped playing.
Nothing is perfect. What were the negatives of using the app?
The app is overall extremely good and very useful, the downside to some, however, may be the cost. It’s free for 7 listening sessions, allowing the ability to try out the service first. If you do like it, you can get a premium account for $7/month, $4/month if you pay for a year upfront ($48), or $150 for a lifetime subscription. Speaking to some people about the application, they found it to be great but perhaps wouldn’t be willing to pay for continued use.
Will you continue using it? Why/Why not?
In continuation of the pricing, I believed the app helped a great deal through an intense studying period and as such, I opted for the annual subscription. I believe strongly in working smart opposed to hard, due to my Productivity Training. As such, this application helps me focus on the work at hand intensely for a duration of time, be it 30 minutes or an hour, then take a break and repeat. Plus, having the ability to use the IOS app on my phone, means it’s greatly accessible when I need to do work anytime, anywhere.
Who would you recommend this app for?
I think this app would be great for those who struggle to focus or perhaps get distracted too easily. Although, with the pricing being an issue to some people I spoke to, I’d say it is aimed more at those who are serious about working more efficiently and are willing to pay for such a benefit.
In addition, I know many people who suffer from insomnia. Brain.fm would be a great asset to those people and if they found it worked effectively for them, I’m sure the cost would not be an issue. I’d recommend everyone give the free sessions a go and judge for yourself if it’s worth paying for the continued use.
If you are looking to see the other productivity apps we have tested, feel free to check out our blog.
Have you used Brain.fm? Share your experience with us in the comment box below or tweet us @thinkproductive
By Miles Singleton
Miles is Think Productive’s Editorial Content Producer and is the voice behind many of our regular blog posts.