All Comparisons
2026 Comparison

Endel vs NSDR

Endel creates adaptive AI soundscapes that respond to your biometrics and environment. NSDR offers free focus music with binaural beats and recovery protocols. Which approach works better for deep focus?

Quick Verdict

Endel is impressive technology — real-time adaptive soundscapes that respond to your heart rate and time of day. But at $5.99/month and requiring app downloads, it's a commitment. NSDR is free, web-based, and uniquely pairs focus music with NSDR recovery protocols. For most people who just need to focus, NSDR delivers without the subscription.

N

NSDR is best for

People who want free, instant-access focus music with binaural beats and NSDR recovery sessions — no downloads or accounts needed

E

Endel is best for

Users who want personalized, adaptive soundscapes that respond to biometrics (heart rate, movement) across the Apple ecosystem

Feature Comparison

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Price

NSDRFree
Endel$5.99/mo

Binaural Beats

NSDR
Endel

Adaptive AI Soundscapes

NSDR
Endel

Focus Tracks

NSDR5 curated
EndelInfinite (generative)

NSDR Recovery Protocols

NSDR
Endel

Pomodoro Timer

NSDR
Endel

Account Required

NSDR
Endel

App Download Required

NSDR
Endel

Apple Watch Integration

NSDR
Endel

Heart Rate Adaptation

NSDR
Endel

Works in Browser

NSDR
Endel

Free Trial

NSDRFree forever
Endel7 days
Detailed Analysis

How They Stack Up

Adaptive AI vs Binaural Beats

Endel and NSDR represent fundamentally different philosophies. Endel adapts to you in real-time; NSDR gives you proven tools to control your own focus.

N
NSDR
Uses binaural beats targeting beta/gamma frequencies to directly promote focus-state brainwaves
Lo-fi music with embedded binaural beats — enjoyable background audio that also enhances concentration
Transparent science: we explain how binaural beats work so you understand the mechanism
No algorithms deciding what you need — you choose your focus track and get to work
E
Endel
Proprietary AI engine (Endel Pacific) generates never-repeating soundscapes on-device
Adapts to time of day, weather, heart rate, and movement in real-time
Peer-reviewed study showed 7x better, more consistent focus than productivity playlists
Grounded in circadian rhythm science for alignment with your body's natural cycles

Accessibility & Getting Started

How quickly can you go from wanting to focus to actually focusing? The two platforms have very different answers.

N
NSDR
Open nsdr.co/focus in any browser and start listening immediately — no signup, no download
Works on any device with a web browser — nothing to install
No account required, no personal data collected to start listening
Zero friction: visit the site, click play, start working
E
Endel
Requires downloading a native app (iOS, macOS, or Android)
Account creation required with email signup
Apple Watch integration adds unique value for biometric adaptation
Available across Apple ecosystem: iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Vision Pro

The Recovery Advantage

Endel focuses on the listening experience. NSDR wraps focus and recovery into a complete productivity system.

N
NSDR
Combines focus music with NSDR recovery protocols — the only platform to do this
Built-in Pomodoro timer: focus with binaural beats, recover with NSDR, repeat
NSDR protocols are specifically designed for post-focus mental restoration
Complete focus cycle: deep work (beta waves) → NSDR recovery (theta/alpha waves) → deep work
E
Endel
Offers sleep and relax modes alongside focus soundscapes
Soundscapes naturally adjust intensity throughout the day based on circadian rhythm
Partnerships with artists like Grimes and James Blake add unique content
Deep integration with Apple's health ecosystem for holistic wellness tracking
Pricing

What You'll Pay

Best Value

NSDR

Focus Music + NSDR

$0/forever
5 focus tracks with binaural beats
Full NSDR protocol library
Pomodoro timer integration
No account required
Web-based, no download
Try Free Now

Endel

Subscription Required

$5.99/month

That's $50/year for features NSDR offers free

Pricing as of February 2026. Subject to change.

FAQ

Common Questions

Ready to Focus for Free?

Stop paying for focus music. NSDR gives you binaural beats, lo-fi focus tracks, NSDR recovery protocols, and a Pomodoro timer — all completely free.

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