Definition
Brainwave entrainment describes the idea that periodic sensory stimulation—auditory, visual or otherwise—can influence the timing or power of neural oscillations. In binaural-beat research, investigators often test whether stimulation at a chosen beat frequency produces corresponding changes in EEG measures.
What research says
The 2023 PLOS ONE systematic review examined 14 qualifying EEG studies of binaural-beat stimulation. Five reported findings in line with the entrainment hypothesis, eight reported contradictory findings and one was mixed. The authors emphasized substantial methodological heterogeneity and concluded that the research question remained open.
What that means for consumers
A product can legitimately reference the concept of entrainment without being entitled to claim that entrainment is guaranteed, or that a particular mental outcome follows. Mechanism, EEG change and real-world benefit are separate questions.
Where to go next
Read what binaural beats are, then our evidence guide.