Best Headphones For Binaural Beats and Brainwave Entrainment
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It’s intriguing how binaural beats enable the brain to perceive a tone from two different frequencies. To achieve that, you’ll need a good headphone when listening to binaural beats audio. Without one, the binaural beat wouldn’t work as the frequencies would be imbalanced on both ears.
Of course, you can place two speakers symmetrically on both sides but that’s a hassle for many of us. Ideally, you’ll want a high-quality headphone or earphone to reproduce the exact frequencies of those binaural beats.
As a fan of brainwave entrainment, I strongly recommend these headphones.
Top Binaural Beats Headphone Compared
Best Headphones For Binaural Beats
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Features
- 20 hours of playtime on wireless mode.
- Works with wired and wireless connection.
- 3 levels active noise cancellation.
Ideally, you’ll want a distraction-free environment when listening to binaural beats. And if you can’t, getting the Bose QuietComfort 35 is the best solution. It boasts a 3 level noise cancellation feature, that lets you enjoy the binaural beats track with clarity.
You’ll also get unmatched sound quality from, as far as consumer headphones are concerned. It’s crucial for audio to be retransmitted seamlessly on Bluetooth, or it’ll distort the reproduction of binaural beats. The Bose QuietComfort 35 does just that and if you’re still worried, it also works with a cable.
Binaural tracks can play for hours and you’ll want a headphone that keeps you comfortable. Bose has a solid track record in ensuring a comfortable listening experience. You’ll find that the headphone’s padded headband and soft ear cups live up to what Bose stands for.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality.
- Total noise isolation.
- Very comfortable for long hours.
Cons
- Rare incidences of Bluetooth connectivity issues.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
Features
- 30 hours playtime.
- Dual-sensor active noise cancellation.
- Touch sensor controls.
Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the few headphones that could give Bose a good run of money for its noise cancellation and sound quality. If you wish to shut out the outside world when listening to binaural beats, this is one that’s worth your money. This cutting-edge headphone by Sony is only second to Bose in terms of comfort.
Putting on the WH-1000XM4 and turning on the ANC will drown out the ambient noise. It leaves you nothing but the clear binaural beats audio playing from your smartphone. The sound quality is excellent with a strong base and clear higher-pitched notes. The headphone also boasts a long-lasting battery that gives you up to 30 hours of playtime.
The touch controls are a welcome feature for those who are not fond of mechanical buttons. The only complaint is that they can be oversensitive. An accidental touch may restart the entire audio track, or skip to the next one when you’re deep in focus.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality across the frequency spectrum.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Comfortable for long hours.
Cons
- Does not support aptX low latency.
3. ATH-M50X
Feature
- 45 mm drivers
- Circumaural ear cups design.
- 90-degree swiveling earcups.
If you wanted an almost exact reproduction of the binaural beats in terms of frequency and amplitude, check out the ATH-M50X. It’s a studio monitoring headphone favored by professionals but is as affordable as consumer headphones.
With the ATH-M50X, you’ll have an almost flat frequency response, which gives you accurate tones for the high, mid, and low frequencies. Some users may find comfort that this is a wired headphone, which means there’s no audio loss over the transmission medium. The ATH-M50X also has a wireless version, which sounds equally well for binaural beats.
The large, soft padded ear cups ensure that your ears are totally covered and work well in blocking noise off. You won’t be feeling the strains or discomfort with the ATH-M50X, even after hours of listening.
If you’re worried that you’ll need a headphone amp for the ATH-50X, here’s the good news. It does work without an amp, although it sounds better with one.
Pros
- Balanced and accurate audio across the audible range.
- Good noise isolation.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- Rare cases of imbalanced audio.
4. TOZO NC9
Features
- 8 hours playtime (24 hours with charging case)
- Hybrid active noise canceling.
- Transparent mode.
Need something less bulky, but without compromising sound performance? The TOZO NC9 could just be the perfect mate for binaural beat audio. Despite its sizes, this true wireless earbud packs a punch on its own with a range of features.
Its active noise cancellation is worth raving. Not only does it blocks noise from the outside, but the earbud also has a mic on the inside, which removes internal noise too. Coupled with its fitting ear caps, you’ll be listening to binaural beats without distraction.
TOZO NC9 operates on Bluetooth 5, which allows lossless audio transmission from the device. Sound performance is enhanced by the 9.2 mm driver, which is larger than typical earbuds in the market. These features translate into getting the best of binaural beats wherever you are.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Fits comfortably.
- Long battery life.
Cons
- Some units suffer from connectivity issues.
5. Musicozy Sleep Headphone
Features
- 10 hours of playtime.
- Breathable fabric.
- 0.25” speakers.
If you’re listening to binaural beats for sleep or meditation, the Musicozy sleep headphone is a good fit. It’s designed as a headband and made with breathable fabric. Just slip it over your forehead and you’re already streaming the audio from a device.
You won’t be feeling the pressure from the speaker, as they are only a quarter-inch thick. This is ideal for side sleepers, who have a bedtime binaural beats ritual. It even has space for the eyes to blink, which prevents friction and pressure.
The audio would play for up to 10 hours with a single charge. The headphone connects via Bluetooth 5.0, which guarantees a stable and lossless audio transmission.
Worried about getting the headband dirty? Fret not. The modules are removable and the fabric is washable.
Pros
- Decent sound quality.
- Very comfortable when lying down.
- Long playtime.
Cons
- Some units suffer from charging issues.
Choosing A Headphone For Binaural Beats
You can’t help being a little fussy when it comes to choosing a headphone for binaural beats.. If you’re tempted by cheap headphones, you risk getting one that couldn’t properly deliver the binaural frequencies.
Therefore, give these points some thoughts when shopping for one.
Sound Quality
Check out the frequency response of the headphone and whether it can reproduce the binaural audio with little or no losses. If you’re going for a wireless headphone, having one that runs on Bluetooth 5.0 ensures seamless transmission of the audio.
Binaural beats are usually below 1,000 Hz, so you’ll want a headphone that has good clarity in the lower frequencies. Ideally, you’ll want the binaural beats to sound as unaltered as possible.
Comfort
You’re likely to spend at least 30 minutes listening to the binaural beats tracks. You’ll want a headphone that doesn’t cause discomfort after long hours. Therefore, the headphone must feature an ergonomic design, such as soft-padded ear cups and adjustable headbands.
Durability
Cheap, generic headphones may work, but often, they aren’t built to last. You wouldn’t want to start getting cranky audio after a few weeks of listening. Therefore, going for headphones from renowned brands like Sony and Bose is a safer bet.
Quick FAQ
1. Do you need special headphones for binaural beats?
Not exactly. As long as you’re using a headphone with decent sound quality, you’ll be able to listen to the binaural beats.
2. Can you use Bluetooth headphones for binaural beats?
There are concerns that using Bluetooth headphones could compromise the ‘quality’ of the binaural beats audio. However, Bluetooth technology has evolved leaps and bounds. You’re able to get a lossless and reliable connection with a Bluetooth 5.0 headphone.
3. How long should I listen to binaural beats?
Ideally, you’ll want to listen to binaural beats for at least 30 minutes daily. That’s about how long it takes for the rhythm to sink into your mind.
Summary
Hopefully, you’ve found the perfect headphone for binaural beats and start getting real benefits from it. You’ll know when it works as your mind falls into a calm relaxing state the longer you listen to the audio.
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About Author
Kenny Lee
An electronics engineer of 10 years turned copywriter. Headphones have been my best companion whether it's coding or writing. It's as much about blocking off distractions and tuning in to great music. Also a passionate pianist.