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2026 Comparison

Noisli vs NSDR

Noisli lets you mix and match ambient sounds to create your perfect focus environment. NSDR offers pre-built focus tracks with binaural beats and recovery protocols. Two very different approaches to helping you concentrate.

Quick Verdict

Noisli excels at customization — if you love mixing rain sounds with coffee shop ambiance and brown noise, it's a great tool. But at $10/month for Pro, it's the most expensive option in this space. NSDR takes the opposite approach: pre-built focus tracks with binaural beats for brainwave entrainment, plus NSDR recovery protocols and a Pomodoro timer, all completely free.

N

NSDR is best for

People who want ready-made focus music with binaural beats, NSDR recovery sessions, and a structured work-rest cycle — no setup required

N

Noisli is best for

Users who want full control over their sound environment with the ability to mix and customize 28 different ambient sounds

Feature Comparison

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Price

NSDRFree
Noisli$10/mo (Pro)

Binaural Beats

NSDR
Noisli

Custom Sound Mixing

NSDR
Noisli

Ambient Sounds Available

NSDREmbedded in tracks
Noisli28 individual sounds

Focus Tracks

NSDR5 curated
NoisliUser-created mixes

NSDR Recovery Protocols

NSDR
Noisli

Pomodoro Timer

NSDR
Noisli

Account Required

NSDR
Noisli

Built-in Text Editor

NSDR
Noisli

Sound Oscillation

NSDR
Noisliyes (Pro)

White/Pink/Brown Noise

NSDRIn focus tracks
Noisli

Free Tier

NSDRFree forever, full access
Noisli16 sounds, 1.5 hrs/day
Detailed Analysis

How They Stack Up

Philosophy: Pre-Built vs DIY

NSDR and Noisli represent opposite ends of the spectrum. NSDR curates the experience for you; Noisli gives you the building blocks to create your own.

N
NSDR
5 purpose-built focus tracks with binaural beats precisely tuned for concentration
Zero setup time — pick a track and start focusing immediately
Binaural beats actively target brainwave frequencies, not just pleasant background sound
No decision fatigue: tracks are designed by experts so you don't have to be a sound engineer
N
Noisli
28 high-quality ambient sounds you mix and match to your preference
Full control over individual sound volumes for a custom environment
Save favorite combinations as presets for quick access
Sound oscillation (Pro) creates natural variation so mixes don't feel static

Science & Focus Enhancement

Noisli provides pleasant background sound. NSDR actively promotes focus through brainwave entrainment technology.

N
NSDR
Binaural beats embedded in music use brainwave entrainment to promote beta/gamma focus states
Research-backed: studies show binaural beats can improve attention, vigilance, and working memory
Lo-fi music provides the dopamine-boosting benefits of familiar, predictable rhythms
Combines neuroscience (binaural beats) with music psychology (lo-fi patterns) for dual benefit
N
Noisli
Ambient sounds mask distracting noise to create a more controlled work environment
White, pink, and brown noise options cover different masking preferences
Nature sounds (rain, ocean, birds) can reduce stress and improve mood
Approach is comfort-focused rather than neuroscience-driven — simpler but less targeted

The Complete Productivity System

Both offer timers, but NSDR goes further with an integrated focus-and-recovery workflow that Noisli doesn't address.

N
NSDR
Pomodoro timer with focus music creates structured deep work sessions
NSDR recovery protocols between focus blocks for mental restoration
Complete cycle: binaural beat focus → NSDR recovery → repeat — a full productivity system
Focus + recovery is scientifically more sustainable than continuous work with background noise
N
Noisli
Built-in timer supports Pomodoro-style work sessions alongside ambient sound
Distraction-free text editor is unique — write directly in the Noisli app
Shuffle feature (Pro) automatically varies your sound mix for novelty
Team/business features support collaborative focus environments
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

Noisli

Subscription Required

$10/month

That's $120/year for features NSDR offers free

Pricing as of February 2026. Subject to change.

FAQ

Common Questions

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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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