Binaural Beats Awards: Top 10 Downloads – 2020

Back again for 2020!

I have been doing this virtual awards ceremony since 2012, under the name Binaural Beats Freak Awards.

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

For the record: I own every product featured in the list and therefore each has been tested by me. Including companies that I have purchased from means 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 through the year.

Please note that no company can pay to be on this list or influence the outcome each year.

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 – 2019

1. Deep Meditation – BBM

> Click here to visit Deep Meditation <

Deep Meditation is simply an amazing track. As a music enthusiast, the way the music is layered is quite brilliant and really engages the mind.

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

It then 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.

I must also mention the Earth Vibration track here, as that is equally compelling. Do check that out.

2. Perfect Sleep – Ennora

> Click here to visit Perfect Sleep <

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.

Also check out Blissful Sleep or Deep Sleep by BBM, also good insomnia busters.

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 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.

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.

The sound design is quite unique: It has a beautiful Native American flute phrase laid over a prominent binaural beats track (hum), and forest ambience on the back drop. It progresses into the sound of Tibetan Bowls that pan slightly from speaker to speaker.

All the while a simple sustained string holds your attention in the present moment throughout.

This remains a personal favorite, and a must for your music library.

5. Abundance Meditation – BBM

> Click to hear Abundance Meditation <

This meditation combines binaural beats with subliminal affirmations to unblock self-limiting behaviors around success and prosperity.

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 to remap the self-limiting beliefs in our subconscious mind that dictate our lives.

The music is really beautiful. It features the Bansuri flute, 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 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. Twice a day should do the trick!

6. Journey to the Center of Self – iAwake

> Click here for Journey to the Center of Self <

In certain ancient myths, the hero goes on a long quest for a mysterious magical artifact, only to discover that what they were seeking was always there within them, right from the start.

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

And this is what this journey is all about.

A fairly minimal soundscape, the main track is a guided meditation by Joseph Kao that invites you to open your heart, and to allow yourself to be exactly as you are, in this moment.

Next, you'll begin to gently open 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.

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

7. Memory Enhancer – BBM

> Click to see Memory Enhancer <

This track uses a Gamma frequency binaural beat at 40Hz; a frequency scientifically shown to help with memory improvement.

Memory Enhancer is designed to prevent memory decline and mild cognitive impairment as you age, so if you keep losing your keys like I do then this is probably a good one to add to your collection.

The music is nice too and has 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 study aid 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 light as a feather.

The music is very deep, and certainly not fluffy, which is what you might assume stress release music to sound like – think elevators or hotel lobbies.

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.

It is by all accounts ideal for releasing tension, stress and feelings of unease.

Also check out Chill Pill for stress relief.

9. Deep Delta – iAwake

> Click to see Deep Delta <

This Deep Delta track is super cool. It has a real space travel type feel to it; a kind of epic but calm floating sensation takes over as you move through the galaxies.

You can feel the delta entrainment very quickly, so it is effective and that's what really appeals.

It might not be the best place for newcomers to this type of music to start, as it's quite deep and a little dark at times. But if you're using binaural beats for sleep, then give this a go along with the other tracks for sleep mentioned above.

Deep Delta paints a blank canvas over your mind.

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 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 over come the fear.

Underneath all this your brain is relaxed by 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 places where I will have to present in a meeting or have an interview or take an exam, and before catching flights or any big occasion. It's hard for me to settle my mind and sleep well, and I feel uneasy and on-edge.

Anxiety Release really helps just bring me down a couple of notches, reorientate and think straight.

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.

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 makes this just a beautiful track.

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

Spiritual Awakening is wholly 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!

Awards In Summary

This year the best binaural beats chart is dominated by the BinauralBeatsMeditation store brand, having gone from strength to strength in 2018/9 by adding around 10 new tracks to their catalogue, and by increasing value by providing hour-long versions of all their tracks too.

From the point of production quality they now dominate the industry, and they have also introduced a subliminal messaging range.

Ennora remains a staple and valued feature of the awards, taking 3 spots on the chart this. I'm hoping they will put out some new music in the forthcoming year.

iAwake takes two spots, and well deserved to. 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.

Unexplainable Store lost their spots this year simply because they've offered nothing new and the older stuff just isn't as effective as the new entries.

As an enthusiast, I've seen a definite shift in the past 3 years, with some of the older stores from the 90s and early 2000s unable to keep pace with those in my list, and many have seemingly stopped trading or updating their catalogue.

Amateur YouTube music in this space has slowed down as 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 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 generally to reduce pain, promote healing and well-being.

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