What Are Binaural Beats?

Binaural beats are an auditory phenomenon created when you listen to two slightly different frequencies, one in each ear.

Your brain reacts by perceiving a third “beat” frequency, which is the difference between the two tones.

Example:

Left ear: 200 Hz

Right ear: 210 Hz

Brain perceives: a 10 Hz “beat”

This response can gently guide the brain into specific states associated with relaxation, focus, creativity, or sleep.

How Binaural Beats Work

Your brain naturally cycles through different electrical patterns depending on your state of consciousness.

Binaural beats subtly influence these patterns by encouraging your brain to “sync” with the frequency difference you're hearing a process called brainwave entrainment.

You must use headphones for true binaural beats, since each ear needs its separate frequency.

The Different Brainwave Frequencies

Delta Waves (0.5–4 Hz)

• Deep sleep

• Healing and restoration

• Used for improving sleep quality and recovery

Theta Waves (4–8 Hz)

• Deep relaxation

• Meditation, creativity, emotional release

• Helpful for reducing anxiety and enhancing introspection

Alpha Waves (8–12 Hz)

• Calm focus

• Light relaxation, stress reduction

• Great for easing into meditation or improving concentration

Beta Waves (12–30 Hz)

• Active thinking, problem-solving

• Alertness and productivity

• Higher beta can increase stress, so these are rarely used in binaural tracks

Gamma Waves (30–100 Hz)

• High-level cognition

• Memory, learning, insight

• Often used for peak performance or intense focus sessions

Why People Use Binaural Beats

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Support meditation and mindfulness

• Increase focus or creativity

• Enhance mood regulation

• Assist with breathwork or yoga practices