I have been doing the best binaural beats ‘virtual awards ceremony' since 2012, under the name Binaural Beats Freak Awards.

The purpose is to help enthusiasts keep abreast of the latest and most effective binaural beats music, but also to provide a starting point for new users who are perhaps overwhelmed with choice and want some solid recommendations .

For the record: I own every product featured in the list and therefore each has been used by me for quite some time. The stores featured are reputable companies that have been in operation for a number of years, so you can rest assured there is a good level of customer service.

Additionally, I take into account user feedback I receive through the comments on my website and the emails I receive throughout the year.

Please note that no company can pay to be on this list or influence my recommendations.

To gain eligibility to the awards, a track must meet 4 specific requirements:

1. Must be a high quality recording: 320 Kbps mp3 file, or a .wav file.
2. 30 minutes or more in length.
3. Have a specific use case that is well explained / has research behind (no outlandish claims).
4. Good value for money.

The order of the list isn't entirely relevant, because each track is generally designed for a different purpose.

Best Binaural Beats Winners – 2023

1. Deep Meditation – BBM

> Click to visit Deep Meditation <

Deep Meditation is simply an amazing track. As a music enthusiast, I really appreciate the production quality of this track and the way the music is layered to engage the mind.

The track starts by leading you through a tunnel of serene, Eastern-inspired ohm breaths and subtle chimes.

As the track progresses it draws you deeper into your meditation by using abstract voice layering and surround-sound positioning to place ambient textures in different areas of your headspace – creating a 360 degree immersive experience.

If you meditate, or simply want something to close your eyes and get lost in to escape the noise of life for a while, this is a great companion for the perfect escape.

It's a sanctuary of calm and very immersive, which I find perfect for use on long journeys on trains and planes when I want to block out the distraction around me.

I must also mention the Earth Vibration track here, as that is equally compelling and part of the same BBM catalogue. Other favorites of mine are Theta Thunder, Abundance Meditation, and Flow State. This store has programs for everything from sleep and meditation to improving focus and brain power and relieving anxiety.

2. Deep Sleep – Ennora

> Click to visit Deep Dreams<

Here's a natural remedy for all you insomniacs out there.

What I find about this track is that it numbs my mind.

Let's say I've been going all day at 100 kph and I need to bring my mind down a few notches and stop all the thoughts racing, I sit down, TV off, mobile on silent and put my headphones on.

Gradually my brain shifts into a daydream type state and I find myself winding down.

I then do my bedtime prep routine (clean teeth, wash face, change of clothes) and I'm good to sleep. You can listen in bed too, and while you sleep; though I'd suggest sleep phones or earpods for that.

What this composition does very well is combine soothing and hypnotic properties. It has these long, hypnotizing pads and dreamy textures that pull you into a deeply relaxing, dreamy world, all nestled on a bed of delta binaural beats frequencies.

They have another sleep track called Perfect Sleep, but I prefer Deep Dreams because it is less intense and more minimal, which I think is conducive to getting sleepy.

BBM and iAwake do sleep tracks too, so check those out if you want a variety to listen to.

3. Zen Focus – BBM

> Click to hear Zen Focus <

If you spend a lot of time working alone and sometimes find it difficult to zone in and be productive, Zen Focus is an effective way to get into the “Zen Zone”.

I often put this on loop while working on the computer, especially when I'm writing, like now.

The running water stream really draws your mind to center, and the piano and general natural ambience, along with the Alpha binaural beats waves, help you concentrate on what you are doing.

But what I most enjoy is the sense of mindfulness it brings. I find I'm really present when listening, and can truly engage in what I'm doing and not feel rushed to get it done or frustrated at it being boring or difficult.

This track provides an instant pathway to get in the right frame of mind to work.

Also check out Mindfulness Meditation and Flow State for similar use cases.

4. Crystal Clear Mind – Ennora

> Click to hear Crystal Clear Mind <

Another track to cure a troubled mind, Crystal Clear Mind is an Alpha state track that can be used for meditation or when working like Zen Focus above.

The sound design is pretty and has an indigenous feel to it that has made it one of my favorite tracks.

It has a beautiful Native American flute phrase laid over a quite a prominent binaural beats frequency track (hum), and a layer of forest ambience on the back.

Later on un the track, as the flute dissipates, wind chimes begin to tinkle naturally, as if blowing in the wind. These move subtly between speakers (panning slightly), creating a feeling of sitting outside surrounded by nature.

Throughout the track there is a simple sustained string that holds your attention and creates a hypnotic element that draws you into the track.

5. Abundance Meditation – BBM

> Click to hear Abundance Meditation <

This track combines binaural beats frequencies with subliminal affirmations that help unblock self-limiting behaviors around success and prosperity. BBM sell a number of these subliminal tracks in addition to their regular binaural beats catalogue.

Subliminal messaging, both audio and visual has been used by many brands and entities to manipulate the subconscious of the masses, and research shows (see the product page for some examples) it really does work.

But in this case we're using it for a good cause, and that is by using positive affirmations to reprogram the self-limiting beliefs held in our subconscious mind. These beliefs control our thought processes and behaviors, and ultimately our outcomes in life.

The subliminal affirmations play underneath a beautiful sound design that features a  Bansuri flute, which is a side blown bamboo-based flute originating from the Indian subcontinent.

The flute intermittently drifts over warm pads and a lush soundscape that reminds me of the sun rising over a mountain range in Asia somewhere.

I love listening to the hour-long version while I work, simply as a piece of music and not necessarily for the binaural beats or subliminal affirmations.

Included in the download package is a 2-hour version of the silent subliminal messages (affirmations), which is of course silent. Over the last month I've seen some remarkable shifts in positive pathways opening up for me.

I recommend listening to this daily for 2 weeks plus. Over time you will see a shift to a more positive mindset that is open to attracting opportunity and prosperity into your life.

6. Journey to the Center of Self – iAwake

> Click here for Journey to the Center of Self <

We've all heard a story of a spiritual seeker who goes on a long quest for life-changing wisdom or an ancient secret, only to discover that what they were seeking was there within them, right from the start.

The reality is this: The answers we seek are within. The motivation, the confidence, the passion, the compassion we seek – it all resides within us.

And this is what this journey to the center of self is all about.

Based around a minimal sound design, the track is layered with a guided meditation by Joseph Kao, who invites you to open your heart and allow yourself to be exactly as you are in this moment.

Next, you'll begin to gently open up to the void, to who you are beneath all thoughts and beyond all concepts.

Finally, you'll be shown a way to release all mental representations that you may have of yourself as the “Big Self”, so that you can completely let go and break free from the story you live behind in daily life.

This is quite a ride, I can tell you, and a fantastic experience. The track is Theta based, so hugely relaxing by default, but interestingly combines short bursts of Gamma waves that stimulate epiphanies, heightened mental clarity, and spiritual awakenings.

You have to try this. iAwake has some really cool experimental programs that are worth checking out beyond just this one.

7. Memory Enhancer – BBM

> Click to see Memory Enhancer <

Memory Enhancer uses a Gamma frequency binaural beat at 40Hz, which is a frequency scientifically shown to help with memory improvement.

It is designed to aid in the prevention of memory decline and mild cognitive impairment as you age. If you keep losing your keys like I do, then this is probably a good program to add to your collection.

The music is pleasant with a strong melody throughout. If you like a classical feel to music (flute and piano) then this will appeal.

A quick heads up on this though: Do not listen to Memory Enhancer in the late afternoon or early evening, because the Gamma waves will cause wakefulness. I tend to listen before 2pm.

Additionally, if you're looking for a program to help with information retention while studying check out Super Brain Power on the same website.

8. Stress Release – Ennora

> Click here for Stress Release <

Classic Ennora style, which is usually a tad ethereal, Stress Release has a mystical edge to it that really carries you away to another place, which where stress is concerned, is a good thing.

This track acts almost like a rebirth of sorts that picks you up, dusts you down, soothes you and then releases you feeling as light as a feather.

What I like about this track is that it's not your run of the mill spa-type chill music, think elevators and hotel lobbies. It's deep and soothing and really takes you away.

It's simple on the surface, but once you lose yourself in the soundscape you notice all these gentle effects and alluring sounds as you fall deeper into the rabbit hole.

If you're looking for a program to release tension, stress and feelings of unease, this is a great choice.

9. Deep Delta – iAwake

> Click to see Deep Delta <

Deep Delta track is an epic journey down into the depths of your mind. It has a real space travel type feel to it, this kind of epic but calm floating sensation takes over as you move through the galaxies.

You can feel the Delta entrainment very quickly as you slip into a trance.

It might not be the best place for newcomers to this type of music to start, as it's quite deep and intense and may take you to places you're not used to going.

I literally can't listen to this track in the daytime at all if I'm even a little tired, as I just start closing my eyes and get caught up in the journey.

If you're using binaural beats for sleep, then give this a go along with the other tracks for sleep mentioned above.

Enjoy the ride into the abyss!

10. Anxiety Release – BBM

> Click to hear Anxiety Release <

This is a hugely popular track and one you might read about elsewhere. As someone who struggled with anxiety in the past, and still does in some instances today, this is a wonderful, natural relief.

The music cleverly uses tentative organ-like keys and a soothing flute to gradually take your state of anxiety lower and lower, and then introduces strings that instill a confidence and ability to overcome the fear.

Underneath the soundscape your brain is relaxed by calming Theta waves, and then later in the track you are taken to a calmer, more assertive Alpha state – which gets you in the flow and ready to overcome your obstacle.

My anxiety is usually around forthcoming events, such as having to socialize in a big group, take an interview or exam, or even having to catch a flight before a holiday. Generally any big occasion can set my anxiety off.

During such times it's hard for me to settle my mind and sleep well, I feel uneasy and on-edge. Anxiety Release really helps bring me down a couple of notches and reorientate my mind in calmer pastures.

I picked this track because it's an obvious one for anxiety, given the title. But there are many more that help too, such as Theta Rain, Morning Meditation, Chill Pill, Wind Chimes, the list goes on. Generally speaking, Theta state tracks are great for tempering anxiety.

Special Mention Award

11. Spiritual Awakening – BBM

> Click to hear Spiritual Awakening <

I had to get this one in so I've created a special mention at the end of my list.

The composition on this track is fantastic. Imagine going trekking in the Amazon, coming to a clearing by a stream and sitting on a rock to meditate for a while.

The natural ambience of the forest, a reverberating hang drum, subtle bird calls and the sooting vibration of Theta binaural beats make this a beautiful track.

Is there a better way to connect with higher spiritual awareness? Probably, but I doubt it's legal – haha!

It just feels so liberating and one of my favorite tracks. It frees my mind from the physical world for a while and takes me to a place of oneness where I feel just content to just sit and be for a while.

With that in mind, it is best, in my opinion to be listened to as a seated meditation, or at least sitting in a chair with your eyes closed, or better still out in the garden or park.

Spiritual Awakening raises your vibration and puts you in tune with Mother Nature. This is a very special musical journey for connecting mind, body and soul with universal consciousness.

Also check out Love Meditation on the same site – another lovely track!

In Summary

This year the best binaural beats chart is dominated by the BinauralBeatsMeditation store brand. It really has grown into a special store over the last 10 years and a further 6 or so titles were added last year.

In addition, in 2021 the store started proving the raw binaural beats track with every program. By raw I mean the frequency track without the music, so it is just the naked tone. Some people may not like listening to this as it's quite an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth trying. The purists will enjoy the vibrations!

As standard, you also get 30-minute and 60-minute versions of each program.

Ennora scooped 3 spots on the chart this year and I still enjoy the tracks I bought from them a number of years ago. I'm hoping they will put out some new music in 2023.

iAwake takes two spots, and well deserved too. They continue to push boundaries by combining different frequencies and, while at times in the past the quality has been hit and miss, the more recent stuff is exciting and taking things to a new level.

A couple of stores have dropped off the list this year – not naming names – because they have become outdated and the quality doesn't compete with the three stores listed on this year's list.

Industry Trends

As an enthusiast, I've seen a definite shift in the past few years, with some of the older stores from the 90s and early 2000s unable to keep pace. Some have seemingly stopped trading. It's expect, though, after all, this is a niche area of healing music and it probably takes a lot of effort to run a small business with small margins.

The amateur YouTube productions in this space has slowed down considerably, The market has become saturated and the consumer isn't so easily fooled. The music churn farms from the Far East and Eastern Europe have out competed each other and views are diluted to the point that making money on advertising isn't as lucrative as it was 4-5 years ago. I welcome this trend, as much of it is misleading and simply doesn't do what it is supposed to.

The popularity of binaural beats has grown immensely, largely due to the growing body of research studies, not just on the effectiveness of brainwave entrainment on memory, anxiety and stress but on the power of therapeutic music in general to reduce pain, promote healing and well-being.

I hope you continue to enjoy this genre of music as much as I do.

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