How to listen to binaural beats
- Put on headphones; speakers mix the two tones before they reach your ears and the effect disappears.
- Choose a preset (delta, theta, alpha, beta or gamma) or set your own carrier and beat frequency.
- Press Play, keep the volume low, and optionally add soft noise and a timer.
What binaural beats are
When each ear hears a slightly different pure tone, for example 200 Hz on the left and 210 Hz on the right, the brain perceives a third, pulsing tone at the difference: a 10 Hz "binaural beat". The beat is not in the sound itself; it is created by the auditory system in the brainstem, which is why headphones are essential. The phenomenon was described by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in 1839.
Binaural beats are popular as a focus and relaxation aid, with frequency bands named after brainwave rhythms: delta for deep sleep, theta for meditation, alpha for relaxed alertness, beta for concentration and gamma for high-level processing. Scientific evidence that they change brainwaves or mood is limited and inconsistent; some studies report small effects on anxiety and attention, others none. Many people simply find the steady tones calming. Carriers between 100 and 400 Hz are most comfortable, and beats are clearest below about 30 Hz. The tones are generated in your browser.
Do binaural beats work without headphones?
No. Each ear must receive its own tone.
Which frequency is best for studying?
Alpha (8–13 Hz) or low beta (14–18 Hz) are popular choices, but personal preference matters most.
Are binaural beats safe?
For most people, at low volume, yes. Avoid them while driving, and check with a doctor if you have epilepsy.