The Best Headphones for Binaural Beats
What are the best headphones for Binaural Beats?
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A frequent questions asked is what headphones are best to use when listening to binaural beats. There is a common misconception that normal everyday headphones might not be able to play the ultra low frequencies of binaural beats. Most headphones are listed as having a low end frequency response of 15Hz. – 20Hz and the lowest frequencies perceivable to human hearing is between 20Hz – 30Hz. So just how is it possible to listen to a 3.5Hz delta binaural beat?
Binaural Beats are created by playing two separate audible (above 3Hhz) frequencies into each separate ear while wearing headphones. It is the difference between the two frequencies that create the binaural beat. For example a 3.5Hz binaural beat could play 100Hz in the left ear and 103.5Hz in the right ear. This difference of frequencies creates a “wub” or “beat” sound that is generated in the brain. The effect works sort of like a tuning fork to align your brain with the desired frequencies.
For this reason almost ANY pair of headphones or earbuds can be used effectively for binaural beats. Although it is not necessary to run out and buy the fanciest pair of headphones on the market, better quality headphones do have their advantages. Below I suggest some tried and true quality choices for high quality headphones to use for both binaural beats and every day listening. All reviews are of over-ear headphones as I find these to be much more comfortable for listening then earbuds.
Editors Choice:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
The ATH-M50x has been my personal use headphones for the last 2 years. They offer incredible sound and comfort. I use these headphones for both producing audio and for listening to binaural beats and other music. The comfort of these headphones really stands apart from any other headphones I have tried in the past. This is important for listening to binaural beats, especially if trying to fall asleep with sleep audios. I have been able to fall asleep with these on several times, and typically I awake to find I have unconsciously removed them sometime during my slumber. Here are some specs from Amazon:
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90 Degree swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring, professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort. Detachable cable
- Professional grade studio monitor headphones
If you are looking for a top notch pair of professional headphones you will be very happy with the Audio-Technica ATH M50x.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH M50x from Amazon by clicking this link.
Runner-up
Audio-Technica ATH M20x Professional Monitor Headphones
Before upgrading to Audio-Technica M50x headphones I use now, The Audio-Technica M20x was my go to set of headphones. In fact the only reason I upgraded was because I lost these ones! These headphones have great sound quality and are very comfortable and definitely my top choice for the $50 price point.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH M20x from Amazon by clicking this link.
(I am no way affiliated with Audio-Technica, I simply have been happy with their products as a consumer)
Worth a Look
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
I have not personally tried these headphones and cannot give any direct feedback, however the Sony MDR7506 headphones have thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon and are definitely worth a try. They also boast a low end frequency response of 10Hz which is lower then most headphones.
Buy the Sony MDR7506 Headphones from Amazon by clicking this link.
Budget Friendly
Samson SR350 Closed Back Over-Ear Stereo Headphones
The Samson SR350 is another model I have not personal tried, but is highly reviewed on amazon. For the budget friendly price range under $20 they seem to be a good choice for comfort and sound quality.
Buy the Samson SR350 Headphones from Amazon by clicking this link.
Use the comments below to let us know what headphones you love to use while listening to binaural beats and what you think of the headphones we highlighted in this article.
