Best Endel Alternatives in 2026

Why people look for Endel alternatives

Endel has made waves in the productivity and wellness space with its science-backed soundscapes designed for focus, relaxation, and sleep. Using real-time inputs like time of day, weather, and heart rate, it generates adaptive audio experiences that respond to your environment.

But Endel isn't for everyone. Maybe the subscription feels steep at around $50-70 per year. Maybe you find the algorithmic soundscapes a bit too abstract, or you just want more control over what you're listening to. Perhaps you're looking for something with a simpler interface, or you need features Endel doesn't offer like white noise stacking or specific nature sounds.

Whatever your reason for exploring alternatives, you've got plenty of solid options. From Brain.fm's research-backed focus music to Dark Noise's beautifully minimal approach to ambient sounds, there's a tool out there that'll match how you actually work and relax.

This guide breaks down the best Endel alternatives in 2026, organized by what makes each one stand out.

Why Consider Endel Alternatives?

Common reasons people switch from Endel

Endel does a lot of things right, but it's not a perfect fit for everyone. Here are the main reasons people go hunting for alternatives:

Pricing can feel steep. At around $50-70 annually (depending on whether you catch a sale), Endel sits in the premium tier for audio focus apps. If you're on a tight budget or just testing the waters with focus sounds, that's a real barrier. Free alternatives or cheaper options make more sense when you're not sure this whole "sound for focus" thing will actually work for you.

The algorithmic approach isn't for everyone. Endel's big selling point is that it generates soundscapes in real-time based on circadian rhythms and environmental factors. That sounds cool in theory, but honestly? Some people just want to pick a rain sound and be done with it. The abstraction can feel like overkill if you prefer straightforward control.

Limited sound variety. If you've used Endel for a few months, you've probably noticed the soundscapes start to feel samey. There are different modes (Focus, Relax, Sleep, Activity), but within each mode, the variations are subtle. People who crave variety often bounce to apps with larger sound libraries or the ability to layer multiple sounds.

No offline mixing or customization. You can download soundscapes for offline use, but you can't tweak them. Want to adjust the rain intensity or add in some thunder? Can't do it. Apps like Dark Noise or myNoise give you way more control over individual sound elements.

Mobile-first design. Endel works great on phones but feels a bit limited on desktop. If you spend most of your workday at a computer, you might want something with a more robust desktop experience or better integration with your workflow tools.

For people with ADHD or specific focus needs, the lack of customization can be a dealbreaker. Some folks need brown noise specifically, or they need to stack white noise with a coffee shop ambiance. Endel's approach is more "trust the algorithm," which doesn't work for everyone.

That said, Endel's science-backed approach and the newer ADHD-focused soundscapes have earned it a loyal following. But if any of the above resonates with you, keep reading.

What Makes a Good Endel Alternative?

Key features to look for in focus audio apps

When you're evaluating Endel alternatives, here's what actually matters:

Sound quality and variety. At minimum, you want high-quality audio that doesn't sound compressed or loopy. Better apps offer dozens or even hundreds of different soundscapes. The best ones let you mix and layer sounds to create your own combinations.

Platform availability. If you work across multiple devices (phone, tablet, desktop), you need an app that syncs or at least works everywhere. Some apps are iOS-only, which is fine if you're in the Apple ecosystem but useless otherwise.

Offline access. This one's non-negotiable if you travel, work in places with spotty internet, or just don't want to burn through mobile data. Check whether offline mode requires a premium subscription or comes standard.

Customization options. Can you adjust individual sound elements? Mix multiple tracks? Save custom combinations? The more control you have, the better you can dial in exactly what works for your brain.

Pricing model. Some apps are free with ads, others offer generous free tiers, and some go straight to premium-only. Figure out what you're willing to pay. If you're experimenting, start with free options. If you know sound helps you focus, investing in a paid app often pays off.

Science-backed claims. Endel makes a big deal about its research partnerships and circadian rhythm alignment. If that matters to you, look for alternatives with similar credentials. If you just want something that sounds nice, don't get hung up on the science marketing.

Integration with other tools. Some apps integrate with Pomodoro timers, task managers, or calendar apps. If you use time-blocking or structured work sessions, these integrations can be clutch.

Aesthetic and UX. You're going to interact with this app daily, potentially multiple times. If the interface annoys you or feels clunky, you won't stick with it. Don't underestimate the value of a well-designed app that's pleasant to use.

Brain.fm

Best Science-Backed Alternative: Brain.fm

Brain.fm is probably the closest like-for-like alternative to Endel. Both lean heavily on neuroscience and research partnerships, both generate audio designed for specific mental states, and both target the same audience: people who want to optimize their focus, relaxation, or sleep with sound.

Brain.fm uses what they call "functional music" that incorporates neural phase locking and rhythmic patterns to help your brain enter flow states. Translation: the music is specifically engineered to reduce distractions and help you sustain attention. They claim users see a 116% increase in focus during work sessions, which sounds impressive but honestly, your mileage will vary.

The interface reminds me of Spotify if it was purpose-built for productivity. You pick a mode (Focus, Relax, Sleep), set a timer, and hit play. The app generates music in real-time, so it's never exactly the same twice. Unlike Endel's more ambient soundscapes, Brain.fm uses actual music with melody and rhythm, which some people find more engaging.

Key features include adjustable intensity levels. You can dial the music from gentle to intense depending on the task. Need deep focus for coding? Crank it up. Just doing email? Keep it mellow. This level of control is something Endel lacks.

Offline mode works well. Download sessions before a flight or commute, and you're good to go. The downloads use up storage but not an unreasonable amount.

The desktop experience is solid. Brain.fm has dedicated Mac and Windows apps that feel more substantial than Endel's web player. If you spend your day at a computer, this matters.

Pricing is comparable to Endel. You're looking at around $50-70 per year for the annual plan, or about $10 per month if you go monthly. Not cheap, but if it helps you focus for even one extra hour per week, it pays for itself pretty fast.

Downsides? The music can feel a bit repetitive after extended use, especially if you stick to one mode. Some people find the rhythmic patterns distracting rather than helpful, which is ironic given the whole point. And while they talk up the science, some of the claims feel a bit marketing-heavy.

Best for people who want Endel's science-backed approach but prefer actual music over abstract soundscapes. If you've tried Endel and found it too ambient or not engaging enough, Brain.fm is worth testing.

Dark Noise

Best for Apple Users: Dark Noise

Dark Noise takes the opposite approach from Endel. Where Endel is algorithmic and adaptive, Dark Noise is beautifully simple: here are 50+ high-quality ambient sounds, pick the ones you like, mix them together, done.

This app is iOS and macOS only, which is a dealbreaker if you're not in the Apple ecosystem. But if you are, it's one of the most polished focus sound apps available. The design is minimal and gorgeous, with a dark interface that feels native to Apple platforms.

The sound library focuses on nature and environmental sounds. Rain (multiple varieties), thunderstorms, ocean waves, campfires, coffee shops, airplanes, fans, and all the colored noise variants (white, pink, brown). Each sound is a high-quality loop that doesn't have that obvious "restarting" moment cheaper apps suffer from.

Sound mixing is where Dark Noise shines. You can layer multiple sounds together and adjust the volume of each individually. Want gentle rain with distant thunder and brown noise underneath? Easy. The custom mixes save, so you can build a library of combinations for different situations.

The app integrates with iOS Focus modes and Shortcuts, which is stupidly useful if you're already using Apple's ecosystem features. Set up an automation that plays your work mix when you start your focus timer. That level of integration feels seamless in a way Endel doesn't quite match.

Offline everything. All sounds are stored locally, no streaming required. This makes the app lightning-fast and reliable regardless of your internet connection.

Pricing is a one-time purchase of around $10. That's it. No subscription, no annual renewal. Compared to Endel's yearly fee, this is a steal if Dark Noise's approach works for you.

Limitations? There's no algorithmic generation or circadian rhythm adaptation. The sounds are static loops, which is great for consistency but means you miss out on Endel's adaptive features. And again, it's Apple-only, so cross-platform users are out of luck.

The sound selection, while good, is more limited than apps like myNoise that have hundreds of options. If you're the type who wants extremely specific sounds (Tibetan singing bowls, cat purring, specific types of engines), you might hit the limits of Dark Noise's library.

Best for Apple users who want a simple, beautiful app with high-quality sounds and don't need algorithmic features. If you value control over automation and want to pay once instead of subscribing, this is probably your move.

myNoise

Best for Maximum Customization: myNoise

myNoise is the deep end of the focus sound pool. Where Endel is curated and minimal, myNoise gives you absurd levels of control over hundreds of different soundscapes. This app is for people who want to tweak every single parameter until they've created their perfect audio environment.

The sound library is massive. We're talking 200+ different generators covering everything from traditional nature sounds to industrial noise, chanting monks, Gregorian chants, spaceship engines, and hyperspecific things like "Irish Coast" or "Japanese Garden." If you can imagine it, there's probably a generator for it.

Each generator comes with a 10-band equalizer that lets you adjust different frequency layers independently. Taking the rain generator as an example, you can boost the low rumble of distant thunder while reducing the high-frequency hiss of raindrops. This level of control is insane compared to Endel's hands-off approach.

The calibration feature is genuinely useful. myNoise can test your hearing and create a sound profile optimized for your specific hearing range. This is particularly valuable if you have any hearing loss or sensitivity to certain frequencies.

You can layer up to five generators simultaneously with the pro version, creating incredibly complex soundscapes. Combine a coffee shop ambiance with rain, add some brown noise underneath, mix in distant conversation, and adjust each layer's volume independently.

The app works on web, iOS, and Android. The web version is full-featured, which is rare for this category. You can use it anywhere without installing anything.

Pricing is donation-based with a catch. The basic generators are free, but premium generators and advanced features (like offline mode and layering) require either a one-time donation (around $10) or a subscription (about $5 monthly). This model is generous if you just want to test things out.

Downsides are real though. The interface looks like it was designed in 2010, because it basically was. It works, but it's not pretty. If you value aesthetics, myNoise will feel dated compared to Endel or Dark Noise.

The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Decision paralysis is real when you're facing 200+ generators. Endel's simplicity is an advantage for people who just want to hit play and get to work.

There's no algorithmic generation or circadian rhythm stuff. You're manually selecting and configuring everything. This is a feature if you want control, but a bug if you prefer Endel's automated approach.

Best for tinkerers and people who know exactly what sounds they need to focus. If you've tried various white noise apps and thought "I wish I could adjust the mid-range frequencies," myNoise is your jam. If that sentence sounds like gibberish, stick with something simpler.

Noisli

Best Value Alternative: Noisli

Noisli sits in the sweet spot between Dark Noise's simplicity and myNoise's complexity. It gives you a solid selection of high-quality ambient sounds with just enough mixing capability to create custom combinations, without overwhelming you with options.

The sound library includes 16 base sounds: various nature sounds (rain, thunderstorm, wind, forest, ocean), white noise, pink noise, brown noise, and environmental sounds (coffee shop, fan, train, campfire). Each sound is a clean, high-quality loop that blends well with others.

Mixing is straightforward. Toggle sounds on or off, adjust individual volume sliders, save your combinations. The interface uses a colorful tile system where each sound gets a color, making it visually intuitive. This is way less intimidating than myNoise's equalizer sliders.

The productivity timer is a nice touch. Noisli includes a Pomodoro-style timer that you can run alongside your sound mix. Set it for 25 minutes, focus on work, take a break when it dings. Having this integrated means one fewer app to juggle.

Text editor integration is unique. Noisli has a built-in distraction-free text editor where you can write while your sound mix plays. It's basic (no rich formatting), but for drafting blog posts, writing morning pages, or brainstorming, it works. Your text saves to local storage, and you can export it when done.

The app works across web, iOS, and Android with sync between devices. Start a mix on your phone during your commute, pick it up on desktop when you get to work. Your saved mixes sync automatically.

Pricing is around $10 per year, which is ridiculously cheap compared to Endel or Brain.fm. There's also a free tier with limited saves and no offline mode if you want to test it first.

Limitations? The sound selection is smaller than myNoise (16 vs 200+), so if you need really specific sounds, you might not find them. The customization is less granular than myNoise's equalizers, though honestly most people don't need that level of control.

There's no science-backed claims or algorithmic generation like Endel and Brain.fm. Noisli is straightforward: here are nice sounds, mix them how you like. If the neuroscience marketing was a selling point for you with Endel, Noisli won't scratch that itch.

Best for people who want mixing capability without complexity, especially if you like the idea of having a timer and text editor in the same app. At $10 per year, it's low-risk to try.

Not Boring Vibes

Best for Visual Learners: Not Boring Vibes

Not Boring Vibes (formerly Boring Vibes, they rebranded) is the playful, visual alternative to Endel's serious approach. Where Endel is all clean design and science talk, Not Boring Vibes gives you colorful, interactive visuals that respond to the music.

This is primarily a web app with mobile support. The whole thing runs in your browser, which means it works on any device but lacks some of the polish and features of native apps.

The visual component is the main draw. Each vibe (their term for a sound/visual combination) has animated graphics that pulse, shift, and react to the audio. Think of it like a screen saver that happens to also help you focus. If you find pure audio a bit boring (hence the name), the visual element adds engagement without being distracting.

The sound selection leans toward electronic and ambient music rather than nature sounds. You're getting lofi beats, ambient electronica, and chill music rather than rain and thunderstorms. This makes it more similar to Brain.fm than to Dark Noise or myNoise.

Customization is minimal. You pick a vibe, hit play, enjoy. There's no mixing, no EQ sliders, no saving custom combinations. This simplicity is intentional: the app is designed to reduce decision-making, not add to it.

Pricing is free with optional donations to support the creator. No subscription, no premium tier, just free. For people testing whether focus sounds work for them, this zero-risk entry point is clutch.

Downsides? The lack of customization means if none of the preset vibes work for you, you're stuck. The music style is specific, so if you prefer nature sounds or need white noise, this won't cut it.

The visual component uses screen real estate. If you're working on a small laptop screen, dedicating space to the visuals might not be practical. You can minimize it, but then you lose the main differentiator.

There's no offline mode or native apps. It's web-only, which means you need internet access and it's one more browser tab competing for attention.

Best for people who find pure audio apps a bit too minimal and want something more engaging. If you're drawn to lofi hip hop streams on YouTube but want something purpose-built for focus, Not Boring Vibes hits that sweet spot.

Focus@Will

Best for Music Lovers: Focus@Will

Focus@Will takes a different approach from Endel's algorithmic soundscapes. Instead of generating audio in real-time, it offers curated music channels designed by neuroscientists to boost attention and reduce distractions.

The service has been around since 2011, which makes it one of the older players in this space. They've partnered with researchers and published studies on their methodology, lending some credibility to their claims about productivity improvement.

You get 50+ channels covering different musical styles: classical, ambient, uptempo, alpha chill, focus spa, and more. Each channel is designed for specific personality types and work styles. There's a quiz when you sign up that recommends channels based on your focus preferences.

The music is actual composed pieces, not generated sounds. This gives it more variety and musicality than Endel's abstract soundscapes, but it also means you might get earworms or find the music itself distracting if you're sensitive to melody.

Session length customization is built in. Set a timer for 30, 60, or 100 minutes, and the app will adjust the musical progression to match. This is useful for structured work sessions or Pomodoro variations.

The productivity tracking feature logs your focus sessions and shows statistics over time. See how many hours you've focused this week, track streaks, and monitor your productivity trends. If you're into quantified self stuff, this data can be motivating.

Platform support includes web, iOS, and Android. The web player works well, and the mobile apps are solid if unremarkable.

Pricing is around $10-15 per month or $70-80 annually. This puts it in the same tier as Endel and Brain.fm. There's usually a free trial available to test before committing.

Limitations include the fact that if you don't like music while you work, Focus@Will won't work for you. There are no nature sounds, no white noise, no ambient audio, just music. This is fundamentally different from Endel's approach.

Some users find certain channels distracting rather than focusing. The classical and uptempo channels in particular divide people: some love them, others can't concentrate with them on.

The personality quiz, while interesting, feels a bit gimmicky. Your optimal channel might not match what the quiz recommends, so be prepared to experiment.

Best for people who specifically want music (not ambient sounds) for focus and like the idea of curated channels instead of algorithmic generation. If you've tried Endel and found it too abstract or not musical enough, Focus@Will could be the answer.

How to Switch from Endel

Making the transition to a new focus app

Switching from Endel to an alternative is pretty straightforward since there's no data to migrate, but here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

Figure out what you actually used Endel for. Did you primarily use it for work focus, relaxation, or sleep? Different alternatives excel at different things. Brain.fm and Focus@Will are better for work focus. Dark Noise and myNoise work great for both focus and sleep. Not Boring Vibes is more focus-oriented.

Test during low-stakes sessions first. Don't switch to a new app on the day you have a critical deadline. Try it during routine tasks first to see if the sounds work for your brain. What helps one person focus might distract another.

Recreate your go-to Endel mode. If you always used Endel's Focus mode, start with focus-oriented sounds in your new app. If Sleep mode was your thing, prioritize apps with good sleep soundscapes. Match the use case before experimenting with new features.

Give it at least a week. Your brain is used to Endel's sound signature. A new app will feel different initially, even if it's objectively better for your needs. Stick with it for several sessions before deciding it doesn't work.

Use trial periods wisely. Most paid apps offer free trials. Stack them: try Brain.fm for a week, then Focus@Will, then Noisli. This lets you compare multiple options without paying for everything upfront.

Consider combining apps for different contexts. Maybe Brain.fm for deep work, Dark Noise for background ambiance, and myNoise for sleep. You don't need one app to do everything Endel tried to do.

Check your subscription status with Endel. If you're on an annual plan, note when it renews so you're not paying for both apps. Most apps have settings to disable auto-renewal.

For iOS users switching to Dark Noise, take advantage of shortcuts and focus mode integration. You can automate your sound setup in ways Endel didn't really support.

If you're switching because of price, start with free options like Not Boring Vibes or the free tiers of myNoise and Noisli before committing to another subscription.

Don't overthink the science claims. Endel made a big deal about circadian rhythms and research. Some alternatives do too, others don't. Honestly? If the sounds help you focus, the neuroscience marketing doesn't matter. Trust your own experience over the research claims.

Endel Alternatives FAQ

Common questions about switching from Endel

Is Brain.fm better than Endel?

This one's close, honestly. Brain.fm uses actual music instead of Endel's abstract soundscapes, which some people find more engaging. The desktop apps are more robust. But Endel's circadian rhythm features and ADHD-specific modes are unique. If you prefer music over ambient sounds, Brain.fm wins. If you want adaptive soundscapes that respond to time of day and environmental factors, stick with Endel.

What's the best free alternative to Endel?

Not Boring Vibes is completely free and works well for focus sessions with visual elements. myNoise has a generous free tier with dozens of soundscapes (premium features cost extra). Dark Noise requires a one-time $10 purchase but no subscription. If free means $0 forever, go with Not Boring Vibes or myNoise's free tier.

Can I get Endel's adaptive features in other apps?

No, not really. Endel's real-time algorithmic generation based on circadian rhythms is pretty unique. Brain.fm generates music dynamically but doesn't adapt to environmental factors like weather or heart rate. Most alternatives use static loops or curated channels. If the adaptive feature is what you love about Endel, you might not find a true replacement.

Which app is best for ADHD?

Endel actually has specific ADHD soundscapes, which is rare. For alternatives, myNoise's brown noise and customization works well for many people with ADHD. Dark Noise's ability to layer colored noise (white, pink, brown) helps too. Brain.fm's focus music gets good feedback from the ADHD community on Reddit. It depends on whether you need music or ambient sounds.

Do any alternatives work offline?

Yes, several. Dark Noise stores all sounds locally. Brain.fm and Noisli let you download sessions for offline use (premium required). myNoise supports offline with a pro account. Not Boring Vibes is web-only and needs internet. If offline access is critical, Dark Noise is probably your best bet since everything is local by default.

What's the cheapest alternative to Endel?

Noisli at $10 per year is the cheapest premium option. Dark Noise is a one-time $10 purchase. myNoise works on donations (around $10 one-time for full features). Compared to Endel's $50-70 annual subscription, you can save significant money with any of these options.

Which Endel Alternative Should You Choose?

Final recommendations

Your best Endel alternative depends on what you actually need from a focus sound app.

Go with Brain.fm if you want something scientifically similar to Endel but prefer real music over abstract soundscapes. The research backing and desktop apps make it a solid like-for-like replacement.

Choose Dark Noise if you're an Apple user who wants beautiful design, high-quality sounds, and the ability to mix custom combinations. The one-time purchase beats subscription fatigue.

Pick myNoise if you're a tinkerer who wants absurd levels of control over every aspect of your soundscape. The learning curve is real, but the customization is unmatched.

Try Noisli if you want something simple and cheap that does sound mixing well without overwhelming you. The integrated timer and text editor are nice bonuses.

Test Not Boring Vibes if pure audio feels too boring and you want visual engagement alongside your focus sounds. It's free, so there's no risk.

Consider Focus@Will if you specifically want curated music channels instead of ambient sounds or algorithmic generation.

For most people, I'd start with Dark Noise (Apple users) or Noisli (everyone else) since they're affordable and straightforward. If those don't work, move to Brain.fm or myNoise depending on whether you want curation or customization.