10 Hz binaural beats
The centre of alpha, and the rate with the longest history in this subject — the rhythm that started EEG research in the 1920s is roughly this fast.
10 Hz is the middle of the alpha band (8–13 Hz), the rhythm Hans Berger recorded when he first measured human EEG in the 1920s — prominent when the eyes are closed and the mind is quiet. That history is why alpha became the default “relaxed but awake” setting, and why 10 Hz turns up in more presets than any other rate.
What it is like to listen to
At ten cycles per second the beat reads as a clear, even pulse rather than a sway. It is more present than 6 Hz and much less intrusive than the 20–40 Hz range. Most people can work through it after the first minute, which is the practical test that matters for a focus sound.
Where 10 Hz is the right pick
- Reading and reviewing — anything language-heavy, where music with lyrics costs you.
- Admin and email — low-stakes work that benefits from a rhythm to sit against.
- Calming down without sleeping — the rate is slow enough to settle, fast enough to stay awake in.
- A first try — if you have never used binaural beats, this is the least strange starting point.
Where it is not: deep work that needs an hour of silence, and anything you want to fall asleep to. For those, a slower beta block and delta respectively.
The alpha claim, honestly
The appeal of a 10 Hz beat is the idea that it encourages a 10 Hz brain rhythm. Frequency-following responses to rhythmic sound can be measured in some laboratory conditions; that they translate into a reliable, useful change in how you feel or perform is not established, and several studies of attention have found nothing or the opposite. Our full reading is on the evidence page. Use it because it is a pleasant, controllable background sound.
Questions
What are 10 Hz binaural beats good for?
Calm, low-effort focus — reading, reviewing, admin — and settling down without getting sleepy. It is also the gentlest starting point if you have never tried beats.
Is alpha better than theta for focus?
For staying awake, yes in practice: theta rates tend to feel drowsy. Between alpha and low beta there is no evidence either way; pick by feel.
Can I listen to 10 Hz all day?
There is no session limit here, but headphones for eight hours is hard on ears. Take breaks, and keep the volume low.
Why 10 Hz specifically?
It is the centre of the alpha band, which was the first human brain rhythm ever recorded. The number is conventional rather than optimal.
Running this on a phone? The Brainwave Generator app keeps playing with the screen off, works without a connection, and carries the same engine. Free on iOS and Android.