14 Hz
Active Thinking & SMR Rhythm
14 Hz low beta (SMR) frequency for active thinking, reduced impulsivity, and improved attention. Key frequency in ADHD neurofeedback.
What it is used for
- Improved sustained attention
- Reduced impulsivity
- Better motor control
- Enhanced focus for ADHD
- Calm alertness
What the research says
14 Hz is the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) - one of the most studied frequencies in neurofeedback. Over 30 years of research shows SMR training helps ADHD, epilepsy, and insomnia. It represents the transition from relaxed alpha to active beta processing.
How to use it
Excellent for tasks requiring sustained attention without anxiety. Use for 25-40 minute focused work sessions. Especially beneficial for ADHD - use as part of a daily protocol. Note: this is not a substitute for medical treatment.
16 Hz
Focus & Concentration
16 Hz beta frequency for enhanced focus, concentration, and cognitive performance. Ideal for work and study sessions.
What it is used for
- Sharp mental focus
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced cognitive speed
- Better task performance
- Active problem solving
What the research says
16 Hz low beta is associated with focused attention and active cognitive processing. EEG studies show increased 16 Hz activity during tasks requiring concentration. It provides focus without the anxiety sometimes associated with higher beta frequencies.
How to use it
Perfect for work and study sessions of 25-50 minutes. Pair with the Pomodoro technique (25 min work, 5 min break). Keep volume at a comfortable background level. Take breaks every hour to prevent fatigue.
18 Hz
Alertness & Energy
18 Hz mid-beta frequency for heightened alertness, mental energy, and active engagement. The productivity powerhouse frequency.
What it is used for
- Heightened mental alertness
- Increased energy without jitteriness
- Fast information processing
- Active engagement and motivation
- Morning wake-up enhancement
What the research says
18 Hz mid-beta activity correlates with active, engaged thinking. Research shows this frequency range increases during challenging cognitive tasks. Unlike caffeine, it promotes natural alertness through brainwave entrainment.
How to use it
Best used in the morning or early afternoon to boost energy. 15-20 minute sessions. Not recommended within 3 hours of bedtime as it can delay sleep onset. Great as a caffeine replacement or complement.
20 Hz
Peak Focus & Cognitive Performance
20 Hz beta frequency for peak mental performance, intense focus, and rapid cognitive processing. Used by executives and competitive gamers.
What it is used for
- Peak cognitive performance
- Intense focused attention
- Rapid decision making
- Competitive edge for gaming/sports
- Maximum mental processing speed
What the research says
20 Hz is in the mid-beta range associated with peak cognitive performance. Studies show professional athletes and expert meditators produce strong 20 Hz activity during peak performance states. It's also linked to faster reaction times.
How to use it
Use for high-stakes cognitive tasks: exams, presentations, competitive gaming. Keep sessions to 20-30 minutes to avoid mental fatigue. Follow with a 10-minute alpha session (10 Hz) for recovery. Not for relaxation.
25 Hz
High Performance & Quick Thinking
25 Hz high beta frequency for rapid thinking, complex problem solving, and intense mental activity. The high-performance frequency.
What it is used for
- Rapid analytical thinking
- Complex problem resolution
- High-speed mental processing
- Intense concentration
- Multi-tasking ability
What the research says
25 Hz high beta is associated with complex cognitive tasks and multi-layered problem solving. Research shows this frequency increases during mathematical calculations and logical reasoning. It represents the upper end of productive beta activity.
How to use it
For complex analytical work: coding, math, data analysis. Short sessions of 15-25 minutes. Must follow with alpha/theta recovery. Overuse can lead to mental fatigue and anxiety - balance is key.