Endel is a sound health app with a neuroscience background, designed to help users improve focus, relax, and improve sleep through real-time personalized soundscapes. Its patented technology can generate and adjust sound in real time based on inputs such as time, weather, heart rate, and location, matching sound to the user's current state and environment.
Main uses and scenarios:
- Focus: Scientifically validated sound enhances sustained focus. Endel's official website claims it can improve focus compared with playlists and maintain consistent focus for longer periods.
- Relax: Soothing sound helps reduce stress and create a sense of comfort and safety.
- Sleep: Gentle sound guides users into deep sleep, with support for features such as autoplay and smart alarm.
- Exercise: Provides sound for activities such as walking to help users stay present and grounded.
Platforms and devices: Endel offers iOS and Android mobile apps, with more than 4 million downloads. It also supports Apple Watch (Apple Watch App of the Year 2020), Amazon Alexa (including Echo devices, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Alexa Auto, and the Alexa app), Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Mac desktop app, and web player. The Apple Watch version can run independently of the iPhone and uses biometric data such as the heart rate sensor to generate personalized soundscapes. The Alexa version requires no installation; just say "Alexa, start Endel" to use it.
Core features:
- Real-time personalized soundscapes: Infinitely generates sound on the device based on local inputs (weather, time, walking rhythm, heart rate, etc.), accompanied by generative visual animations.
- Autoplay: Automatically selects a suitable soundscape (focus, relax, or sleep) based on the current state.
- Scenarios: Sound sessions with predefined logic (beginning, middle, and end phases), designed for specific tasks or life scenarios, and users can set a timer.
- Binaural beat scenarios: The app provides binaural beat sound, which requires stereo headphones; other sounds do not use this technology.
- Sound tuning: Endel's sound is tuned to 440 Hz, which is said to reduce the cognitive load of perceiving musical information.
How to use: Users can play soundscapes through the mobile app, desktop app, web player, or smart speakers and other devices. On Alexa, it can be started by voice command and can be combined with Alexa Routines for automation (such as "start bedtime routine" to dim the lights and activate sleepsoundscape). The Apple Watch version can be used independently, without carrying a phone.
Scientific background and limitations: Endel's sound design is based on research in sound, neuroscience, and circadian rhythm science, and is supported by peer-reviewed studies showing its effectiveness compared with playlists and silence. Circadian and ultradian rhythm theories are used to adjust sound intensity; for example, focus soundscapes played during low-energy periods are relatively gentle. However, sound perception is subjective, and Endel acknowledges that it may not be equally effective for everyone.
Pricing and support: Endel uses a paid subscription model to continuously maintain and develop the product. The subscription price includes updates, new sounds, and feature improvements. Specific pricing is not currently provided. Users can contact support through the in-app form or by email at ask@endel.io.
Other information: Endel collaborates with artists such as James Blake and Ta-ku to release albums, singles, and playlists on streaming platforms; these may not have personalized or adaptive features. Users can join the Endel Bubble community on Discord for previews, beta versions, tips, and AMAs, among other things.