40 Hz focus mode
A gamma-band preset for deep work: 200 Hz in one ear, 240 Hz in the other.
Free · Open source · No subscriptions
Sounds that help you focus, relax and sleep.
Put on headphones and play two gentle tones, one in each ear. Your brain blends them into a soft rhythm that can help you settle into the state you want. OpenBinauralBeats is a free binaural beats generator for your desktop, with a 40 Hz focus mode, ready-made presets and custom frequencies.
Download
macOS · Windows · Linux
OpenBinauralBeats is a desktop app. Open this page on your Mac or PC to download it, or try the demo in the player on this page.
MIT licensed · Open source · View source on GitHub
40 Hz Focus
Gamma · 40 Hz beat
L 200 Hz
R 240 Hz
R 240 Hz
Plays in your browser. Use headphones.
Presets
A binaural beats generator with everything you need
Your own frequencies
Type any carrier from 40 to 1500 Hz and any beat from 0.5 to 100 Hz. Save the ones you like as named presets.
Smooth transitions
Switching presets while playing glides between frequencies over up to 30 seconds. No clicks, no pops.
Background noise
Optional white, pink or brown noise at any level, to mask distractions.
Session timer
Set 15 to 90 minutes and it fades out gently at the end. Good for a focus block or for falling asleep.
Featherweight
A single ~6 MB native app. About 40 MB of memory, 0% CPU when idle, and no runtime to install.
Binaural beat presets for focus, relaxation and sleep
| Preset | Band | Beat | Carrier | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Hz Focus | Gamma | 40 Hz | 200 Hz | Sustained attention, deep work |
| Focus | Beta | 20 Hz | 440 Hz | Alert, active concentration |
| Relax | Alpha | 10 Hz | 400 Hz | Calm, light meditation |
| Meditate | Theta | 6 Hz | 300 Hz | Meditation, creativity |
| Deep Sleep | Delta | 2 Hz | 200 Hz | Sleep, deep rest |
How binaural beats work
Each ear hears a slightly different pure tone, say 200 Hz on the left and 240 Hz on the right. Your brain combines them and you perceive a soft pulse at the difference: 40 Hz. That pulse is the binaural beat.
Because the effect happens between your ears, you need stereo headphones. Speakers mix the two tones in the air before they reach you.
Delta0.5–4 HzDeep sleep
Theta4–8 HzMeditation, creativity
Alpha8–13 HzRelaxation
Beta13–30 HzFocus, alertness
Gamma30+ HzAttention; 40 Hz is the most studied
Download the free binaural beats app
Free for macOS, Windows and Linux. Every download is built from the public source code by GitHub Actions.
macOS
Download .dmg- Open the .dmg and drag OpenBinauralBeats to Applications.
- The first time, right-click the app and choose Open. The app isn't notarized by Apple yet, so macOS will ask you to confirm.
Windows
Download .exe- Run OpenBinauralBeats.exe. There's nothing to install.
- If SmartScreen warns you, click More info, then Run anyway. The app isn't code-signed yet.
Linux
Download AppImageAlso as a .deb for Ubuntu and Debian, or a .tar.gz.
- AppImage: run
chmod +x OpenBinauralBeats-linux-x86_64.AppImage, then open it. - .deb:
sudo apt install ./OpenBinauralBeats-linux-amd64.deb
Verify your download with the SHA-256 checksums and GitHub build attestations. All releases
Binaural beats guides
New to binaural beats? Start here.
What are binaural beats?
How they work, why you need headphones, and what the research says.
40 Hz binaural beats
Why 40 Hz is the go-to frequency for deep work, and how to use it.
Binaural beats for focus
Beta or 40 Hz? Setting up a focus session that works.
Binaural beats for studying
Which frequency suits reading, problem sets and pre-exam nerves.
Binaural beats for sleep
Delta and theta beats, a wind-down routine, and listening safely at night.
Frequently asked questions
What are binaural beats?
Binaural beats happen when each ear hears a slightly different tone, for example 200 Hz in the left ear and 240 Hz in the right. Your brain blends the two and perceives a soft pulse at the difference, in this case 40 Hz. Many people use that pulse to help them focus, relax, meditate or fall asleep.
Do I need headphones?
Yes. Each ear has to hear its own tone, so you need stereo headphones or earbuds. Speakers mix the two tones in the air before they reach you, and the effect disappears.
What are 40 Hz binaural beats?
40 Hz is in the gamma range, which is linked to attention and concentration and is the most studied binaural beat frequency. The 40 Hz Focus preset plays 200 Hz in one ear and 240 Hz in the other, which makes a good background for deep work.
Which binaural beat frequency is best for sleep?
Delta beats, from 0.5 to 4 Hz, are associated with deep sleep, and theta beats, from 4 to 8 Hz, with drowsiness and meditation. Try the Deep Sleep preset (2 Hz) with the session timer, so the sound fades out on its own.
Is OpenBinauralBeats really free?
Yes. It's free and open source under the MIT license, with no ads, no account, no subscription and no in-app purchases. The source code is on GitHub.
Does it collect any data?
No. The app makes no network connections at all. Your settings and saved presets stay in a small file on your computer.
Do binaural beats actually work?
The evidence is mixed. Some studies show modest effects on attention, anxiety and relaxation, and the brain does respond measurably to the beats. Effects vary a lot between people. Treat it as a focus and relaxation aid, not a treatment.
What volume should I use?
Lower than you think. The beat works at a quiet, comfortable level. Start around 20 to 30 percent and adjust from there.
Are binaural beats safe?
For most people, yes. Don't use them while driving or doing anything that needs your full attention. If you have epilepsy, a seizure disorder or another neurological condition, check with a doctor first. Stop if you get a headache or feel uncomfortable.