Binaural beats · 4–50 Hz

Two tones, one beat

Binaural beats grow more popular every year as research and technology advance. Play two sine waves of slightly different frequency, one in each ear, and the brain perceives a third tone at the difference between them. That tone can shift the type of brain activity a person experiences, and the change in the brain’s electrical patterns may be used to support many aspects of physical and mental state.

Below you’ll find five tracks to listen to with earbuds.

Listen to the beats ↓

Frequency bands

Brainwave frequencies

The ranges overlap a little depending on the literature you read.

Frequency	Band	Associated state
< 4 Hz	Delta	Deep sleep without REM
4–7 Hz	Theta	Dreaming, deep meditation, REM sleep
7–13 Hz	Alpha	Relaxed but alert
13–38 Hz	Beta	Activity and good concentration
40 Hz	Gamma	The focus of the most recent studies, with interesting results
40.5–50 Hz	Gamma	Better than morning coffee

Listen

Five binaural beats to try

Each track is 15 minutes long and plays a slightly different pure tone in each ear. The difference between the two tones is the beat your brain perceives.

Left ear 200 Hz, right ear 240 Hz: the brain perceives a 40 Hz beat.

How to listen

Use earbuds or headphones. Each ear must hear its own tone. Through speakers the two tones mix in the air and the effect disappears.
Keep the volume low. Just loud enough to hear the tone comfortably.
Find a quiet place. Sit or lie down; for relaxation, meditation and sleep, close your eyes.
15–30 minutes per session. Use the delta track only in bed, before sleep.
Never while driving or doing anything that needs your full attention.

If you have epilepsy or are prone to seizures, or have a heart condition, talk to your doctor before using binaural beats.

40 Hz Gamma