How to play your FLAC file
Every session is delivered in two formats: lossless FLAC (24-bit / 48 kHz) and MP3 320. FLAC is the reference file — the audio your session was rendered at, bit-for-bit. MP3 is the copy that fits on any phone.
Why we ship FLAC
FLAC stores every sample exactly as the synthesis engine produced it. Nothing is thrown away. For entrainment specifically, this matters more than for regular music: the binaural, monaural and isochronic layers depend on precise stereo phase and sharp low-frequency modulation, both of which lossy formats can subtly smear. If you're wearing headphones for the deeper effect, the FLAC gives you the intended stimulus.
Not everyone needs that, which is why we include an MP3 320 too — it's very good, plays everywhere, and is much smaller for putting on a phone.
Modern systems play FLAC natively
Recent versions of Windows, macOS and iOS play FLAC out of the box. If double-clicking the file just works, you're done. When it doesn't — older systems, some Android phones, some browsers — the free apps below cover every case.
By platform
Windows
- VLC — free, opens FLAC and everything else, no fuss.
- foobar2000 — free, tiny, built for high-quality audio.
macOS
- VLC — free, drag-and-drop.
- IINA — free, native macOS look.
- QuickTime and Apple Music now play FLAC too, so double-click may just work.
Linux
- Most distributions already play FLAC in the default music app (Rhythmbox, Elisa, Amarok).
- VLC — universal, plays anything.
- mpv — keyboard-driven, minimal, fast.
- Celluloid — a friendly GTK front-end for mpv.
- Audacious — lightweight music player with a proper playlist.
VLC, mpv and Audacious also run on Windows and macOS if you prefer them over the platform defaults.
iOS / iPad
- Recent iOS versions play FLAC in the Files app.
- If not, or if you want a proper library: VLC for Mobile (free) or Doppler (paid, beautiful).
Android
- Most Android phones play FLAC natively in Files / Music apps.
- For a smoother player: VLC (free) or Poweramp (paid, superb).
Common questions
My browser won't play the FLAC when I click the link.
Most browsers will download the file instead of playing it inline — that's normal. Open the downloaded file in one of the apps above, or right-click and choose "Open with".
What if I can only get MP3 to play?
Use the MP3. It's high-quality (320 kbps CBR) and the entrainment layers are all there. FLAC just carries them with a bit more precision.
Does the file size mean anything?
A lossless FLAC of a 30-minute session is roughly 400 MB; a two-hour session is around 1.6 GB. That's normal for 24-bit / 48 kHz stereo. The MP3 is about a fifth of that.