Binaural Beats

Q: Are binaural beats safe?

Generally yes at low volumes, but people with epilepsy or seizure disorders should avoid them. Start with short sessions and low volume.

Experimental frequency combinations for potential mental state enhancement

Choose Your Sound

Select from our curated collection of research-backed audio

HeadphonesExperimental

10m

Alpha Wave 11Hz

Binaural beats for alert focus and relaxation

HeadphonesExperimental

10m

Beta Wave 23.77Hz

Binaural beats to improve focus and cognition

HeadphonesExperimental

10m

Gamma Wave 65Hz

High-frequency binaural beats for peak performance

HeadphonesExperimental

10m

Theta Wave 4Hz

Creativity-boosting binaural beats for meditation

HeadphonesExperimental

30m

Delta Wave 3.62Hz

Deep binaural beats for restorative sleep

Safety & Usage Guidelines

• Start with low volume (20-30%) and adjust gradually. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage hearing.

• Take breaks every 45-60 minutes. Stop if you experience discomfort or headaches.

How Binaural Beats Work

The Basic Principle

When you hear two slightly different frequencies in each ear (e.g., 200Hz in left, 210Hz in right), your brain perceives a third "beat" frequency at the difference (10Hz in this example).

This phenomenon was first described scientifically in 1973 by Gerald Oster in Scientific American.

The Theory

The idea is that these beat frequencies might influence your brainwaves through a process called "entrainment" - potentially encouraging your brain to match the frequency pattern.

However, research on whether this actually happens is mixed and ongoing.

Delta (1-4Hz)

Associated with deep sleep and healing

Theta (4-8Hz)

Linked to meditation and creativity

Alpha (8-14Hz)

Relaxed focus and calm alertness

Beta (14-30Hz)

Active concentration and problem-solving

What the Research Actually Shows

Honest Assessment

Research on binaural beats shows mixed results. While some studies find small benefits for anxiety, mood, and attention, others show no effect. A 2019 meta-analysis found overall effects were small and highly variable between individuals.

Source: Garcia-Argibay et al., "Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception" Psychological Research (2019)

Potential Benefits

• Some users report feeling more relaxed
• May help with meditation for some people
• Small studies suggest possible anxiety reduction
• Minimal risk when used appropriately
• Can be combined with other relaxation techniques

Research Limitations

• High variability between individuals
• Many studies have small sample sizes
• Placebo effects may account for some benefits
• No clear evidence of brainwave "entrainment"
• Effects often disappear in larger studies

Our Approach

We include binaural beats because some users find them helpful, but we're honest about the limited evidence. Try them with realistic expectations: they might help you relax or focus, but they're not a magic solution. Start with short sessions (10-15 minutes) and see how you respond individually.

Available Binaural Beat Frequencies

Alpha Wave 11Hz

For relaxed focus and calm alertness

Try 10min

Use for: Light concentration tasks, studying, meditation preparation

Beta Wave 23.77Hz

For active concentration and cognitive performance

Try 10min

Use for: Problem-solving, analytical tasks, active focus

Theta Wave 4Hz

For deep relaxation and creative meditation

Try 10min

Use for: Meditation, relaxation, creative inspiration

Delta Wave 3.62Hz

For deep relaxation and sleep preparation

Try 15min

Use for: Pre-sleep relaxation, deep meditation (not for all-night use)

Safety Guidelines & Best Practices

Important Warnings

Epilepsy/Seizures: Avoid if you have any history of seizure disorders
Hearing protection: Keep volume low (15-25%) to prevent hearing damage
Headphones required: Will not work through speakers

Usage Tips

Start small: Begin with 10-15 minute sessions
Personal testing: Try different frequencies to see what works for you
Combine wisely: Can be used with meditation or relaxation practices

Research

Key studies we rely on

Concise, evidence-based references.

Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: a meta-analysis

Garcia-Argibay et al., 2019 · Psychological Research · Meta-analysis (22 studies)

Meta-analysis found small, highly variable effects of binaural beats across cognitive and emotional domains, with significant individual differences in response.

Auditory beat stimulation and its effects on cognition and mood states

Chaieb et al., 2015 · Frontiers in Psychiatry · Review

Review of binaural beat research found modest effects on attention and anxiety, but noted inconsistent results and need for larger, controlled studies.

Binaural auditory beats affect vigilance performance and mood

Lane et al., 1998 · Physiology & Behavior · RCT (n=29)

Beta-frequency binaural beats (16-24Hz) enhanced vigilance performance and mood compared to control conditions in a controlled laboratory study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do binaural beats actually work?

Research shows mixed results. Some studies find small benefits for anxiety and mood, while others show no effect. A 2019 meta-analysis concluded that effects are small and highly variable between individuals. Try them with realistic expectations.

Do I need headphones for binaural beats?

Yes, absolutely. Binaural beats require different frequencies in each ear to create the 'beating' effect in your brain. They won't work through speakers or if both ears hear the same frequency.

Are binaural beats safe?

Generally yes at low volumes for most people. However, avoid them if you have epilepsy or any seizure disorder. Start with short sessions (10-15 minutes) and low volume (15-25%) to see how you respond.

Which frequency should I try first?

Start with Alpha waves (8-14Hz) as they're associated with relaxed focus and are generally well-tolerated. Try a 10-minute session and see how you feel before experimenting with other frequencies.

Can I use binaural beats every day?

There's no established guidance on frequency of use. Some people use them daily without issues, while others find occasional use more effective. Listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort or headaches.

Curious to Try Binaural Beats?

Start with a short session and see if this experimental audio technology works for you. Remember: headphones required!

Alpha - 10min Theta - 10min