Comparison

Stillwave vs Carsick.App

Two iOS apps, two different approaches to car sickness.

Side-by-side Comparison

FeatureStillwaveCarsick.App
TypeSound therapy (100 Hz)Visual motion cue dots
How it worksActivates vestibular system via otoconiaDots on screen move with vehicle to reduce visual-vestibular mismatch
Time to effect60 seconds pre-travelContinuous while app is active
Side effectsNone knownNone
During travelPut phone away after 60 secondsMust keep app running on screen
Pricing$0.99 one-timeSubscription ($2.99/month or $14.99/year)
Research basisPeer-reviewed study (Nagoya University)Based on general visual-vestibular conflict theory

Stillwave

Pros

  • + One-time purchase, no subscription
  • + Peer-reviewed research on specific mechanism
  • + Don't need to keep staring at phone
  • + 60 seconds then done

Cons

  • - Requires earbuds
  • - Must replay every 2 hours on long trips

Carsick.App

Pros

  • + No earbuds needed
  • + Uses phone's motion sensors
  • + Visual feedback can feel reassuring

Cons

  • - Monthly/yearly subscription
  • - Must keep app visible during entire trip
  • - No peer-reviewed research on this specific implementation

Our take

Both apps tackle motion sickness without drugs, but from opposite angles. Carsick.App uses visual cues requiring you to watch your screen — which is often what causes motion sickness in the first place. Stillwave's 60-second sound pre-treatment lets you put your phone away and enjoy the ride. Plus, it's $0.99 once versus an ongoing subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is better for car sickness?

Stillwave was directly tested in real vehicle conditions. Carsick.App uses visual cues that require you to look at your screen. If you want to look out the window or chat with passengers, Stillwave is the better choice.

Why is Stillwave cheaper?

Stillwave is a one-time $0.99 purchase. Carsick.App uses a subscription model at $2.99/month or $14.99/year. Over a year, Stillwave saves you $14+.

Do I need special earbuds for Stillwave?

No. Any earbuds work. We recommend noise-cancelling earbuds (like AirPods Pro) for best results, but regular earbuds are fine.

Ready to try Stillwave?

60 seconds of sound, up to 2 hours of relief. No side effects.

Coming Soon