Questions answered.

HealthTunes is a California-based non-profit streaming service that combines music with binaural beats and isochronic tones — tuned to specific health and wellness conditions. Think of it as Spotify, but designed to support your health rather than just your listening habits. We ask for your preferred music genre so that the therapeutic layer is embedded in music you actually enjoy, which clinical research shows increases effectiveness. Conditions supported include anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, focus, stress, Alzheimer's, pain, and more.

Yes. HealthTunes is a registered California non-profit. This matters for how we operate: there is no investor pressure to compromise on clinical rigor or to monetize your health data. Our reason to exist is health outcomes, not revenue growth. The subscription fee covers operating costs — it does not fund shareholder returns.

HealthTunes was founded by Univ.-Prof. Walter Werzowa, a composer and professor whose work focuses on the clinical application of music. He holds multiple US patents for the adaptive audio therapy technology at the core of the platform and has built clinical research partnerships with institutions including UCLA Health and Wellstar Health System.

Binaural beats occur when two slightly different audio frequencies are played separately into each ear — for example, 200 Hz in the left ear and 206 Hz in the right. Your brain perceives the difference (6 Hz in this example) as a rhythmic pulse. That perceived frequency is the binaural beat. Different frequencies are associated with different mental states: theta waves (4–8 Hz) with relaxation and sleep, alpha waves (8–12 Hz) with calm focus, and so on. HealthTunes selects the appropriate frequency for each condition and embeds it into the music you're already listening to. Headphones are required — the effect depends on each ear receiving a separate signal.

Isochronic tones are single audio tones that pulse on and off at a precise, regular rate. Unlike binaural beats, they work without headphones — though headphones still improve the experience. Both binaural beats and isochronic tones work by encouraging the brain to synchronize with an external rhythm, a phenomenon called neural entrainment. HealthTunes uses whichever technique is most appropriate for each condition.

Research consistently shows that music's therapeutic effect is stronger when you're actually enjoying what you're listening to. A binaural beat embedded in music you find grating will work less well than the same beat embedded in music you like. We ask for your preferred genre so we can personalize your playlist — the therapeutic layer is the same regardless of genre, but the experience (and therefore the outcome) improves when the music itself resonates with you.

Use headphones or earbuds — this is essential for binaural beats to work. Standard stereo earbuds are fine; expensive audiophile equipment is not required. Listen in a quiet space when possible, especially for sleep and anxiety sessions. Most people notice an effect within the first few sessions; consistent use compounds the benefit over time. HealthTunes is designed to work within your existing routine — put it on while you work, before bed, or during rest — no new habit formation required.

HealthTunes' approach is grounded in peer-reviewed clinical research. The use of binaural beats and music therapy for anxiety, depression, and sleep has been tested in multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. A 2005 randomized trial (Padmanabhan et al., Anaesthesia) found a 26.3% reduction in anxiety from music with binaural beats. A 2020 meta-analysis of 55 RCTs (Tang et al., PLOS ONE) found significant reductions in depressive symptoms. A 2024 systematic review confirmed these findings for anxiety. See our Science page for full citations. HealthTunes is also currently involved in ongoing clinical studies with Wellstar Health System and Chelsea & Westminster NHS.

No. HealthTunes is a complementary wellness tool — it is not a medical treatment and is not intended to replace professional care. If you are living with a diagnosed mental health condition, please continue working with your healthcare provider. HealthTunes can be used alongside therapy or medication, not instead of it. The clinical evidence supports its role as a supportive intervention, not a standalone treatment.

HealthTunes has curated playlists for: anxiety, depression, sleep, focus, stress, burnout, chronic pain, Alzheimer's and cognitive support, addiction recovery, grief, maternity and prenatal wellbeing, epilepsy, nausea, cardiovascular recovery, jet lag, and meditation. Each playlist is tuned to the clinical research specific to that condition. The evidence base varies by condition — anxiety, depression, and sleep have the strongest published evidence, while other conditions are supported by emerging or preliminary research.

Yes, for the full therapeutic effect. Binaural beats require separate audio in each ear — so headphones or earbuds are essential. Standard stereo earbuds work perfectly well. Speakers still deliver the music experience, but the binaural layer will not function without the two-channel separation that headphones provide.

Your first month is free — no credit card needed to start. After that, the subscription is 4.99 USD or 4.99 EUR per month, depending on your location. As a non-profit, we aim to keep pricing as accessible as possible.

HealthTunes is available on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) — see our Get the app page for direct links. Both platforms provide the full playlist experience.

Write to support@healthtunes.org. For technical issues, please describe what you're experiencing and which device and platform you're using. We typically respond within one business day.

HealthTunes does not sell or share your personal data. As a non-profit, we have no commercial incentive to monetize your information. Your health condition selections and listening history remain private. We share data only with third-party services that are contractually required to keep it confidential and that are necessary to deliver the service. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

No. Your email is not sold, traded, or shared with third parties for marketing purposes. It is used only to manage your account and communicate with you directly about the service.

Yes. HealthTunes has an enterprise licensing program and API for healthcare systems, HR departments, and research institutions. Current institutional partners include Wellstar Health System and Marietta Police Department. For enterprise inquiries, contact support@healthtunes.org or visit the Enterprise page.

Yes. The HealthTunes API provides programmatic access to condition-targeted playlists, binaural beat parameters, and usage analytics. It is designed for integration into benefit platforms, clinical systems, and employee wellness apps. Contact us at support@healthtunes.org to discuss access.