🎵 Free Tone Generator

Generate pure audio tones at any frequency - No ads, no tracking, just sound

1 Hz – 20,000 Hz · logarithmic scale for finer control at low frequencies
Different waveforms produce different timbres
50%
Ready to generate tone

Quick Presets

Advanced Features
0 = play continuously

What is a Tone Generator?

A tone generator (also called a frequency generator or signal generator) is a tool that creates audio waveforms at specific frequencies. This free online tone generator allows you to produce pure tones ranging from 1 Hz to 20,000 Hz - covering infrasound (below 20 Hz), the full range of human hearing (20 Hz - 20 kHz), and everything in between.

Unlike other tone generator websites cluttered with advertisements, this tool is completely free and ad-free, created for the good of the community. Whether you're an audio engineer testing subwoofers, a musician tuning instruments, a student learning about sound, or just curious about frequencies, you can use this tool without any distractions.

Also known as a tone maker, pure tone generator, or online frequency generator, it runs entirely in your browser - nothing to install and no sign-up required.

How to Use This Online Tone Generator

  1. Set the frequency. Type a value in Hz (1–20,000) or drag the slider. The nearest musical note is shown automatically so you can use it as a reference tone.
  2. Choose a waveform. Pick a sine wave for a clean pure tone, or square, triangle, or sawtooth for different timbres.
  3. Set a safe volume. Start low and increase gradually, especially with headphones.
  4. Press Play. Click Play or press the Space bar to start the tone, and Stop to end it. Use Copy Link to share or bookmark the exact tone.

For testing across a range, switch to Sweep mode to glide smoothly from one frequency to another - ideal for checking speaker response or finding the limits of your hearing range.

Binaural Beats Generator

This tool also works as a free binaural beats generator. Binaural beats appear when a slightly different frequency is played in each ear - for example 200 Hz on the left and 206 Hz on the right. Your brain perceives a third "beat" at the difference (6 Hz in that example). You'll need stereo headphones for the effect to work.

Switch to Binaural Beats mode above, then pick a brainwave preset or set the carrier and beat frequency yourself. Common brainwave ranges people generate beats for include:

  • Delta (0.5–4 Hz): associated with deep, dreamless sleep.
  • Theta (4–8 Hz): associated with meditation, relaxation, and light sleep.
  • Alpha (8–12 Hz): associated with calm, relaxed alertness.
  • Beta (12–30 Hz): associated with active focus and concentration.
  • Gamma (30–50 Hz): associated with heightened alertness.

Keep the volume low and comfortable. Reported effects of binaural beats vary from person to person, and the scientific evidence is mixed, so treat them as a relaxation aid rather than a medical treatment.

Waveform Types Explained

Sine Wave
The purest form of sound - a single frequency with no harmonics. Ideal for audio testing, hearing tests, and calibration. Sounds smooth and clear.
Square Wave
Contains odd harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.). Sounds hollow and buzzy, commonly used in synthesizers and electronic music. Great for testing speaker response.
Triangle Wave
Softer than square waves, contains odd harmonics at lower levels. Sounds flute-like and mellow. Popular in vintage synthesizers.
Sawtooth Wave
Contains all harmonics (even and odd), creating a bright, brassy sound. Commonly used in brass instrument synthesis and string sounds.

Common Use Cases

  • Audio Equipment Testing: Test speakers, headphones, amplifiers, and other audio equipment for frequency response and distortion.
  • Subwoofer Testing: Test low-frequency response of subwoofers and bass systems using infrasound and deep bass frequencies (1-50 Hz).
  • Hearing Tests: Check your hearing range and identify which frequencies you can perceive (always use safe volume levels).
  • Musical Tuning: Tune instruments using standard reference frequencies like A4 (440 Hz or 432 Hz).
  • Tinnitus Masking: Some people use specific frequencies to help mask or identify their tinnitus frequency.
  • Sound Design: Create reference tones for music production and audio post-production work.
  • Physics Education: Demonstrate wave properties, interference patterns, and acoustics principles.
  • Meditation & Focus: Use binaural beats (dual tone mode) for relaxation or concentration.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Space - Play/Stop toggle
  • ↑ / ↓ - Increase/Decrease frequency by 1 Hz
  • Shift + ↑ / ↓ - Increase/Decrease frequency by 10 Hz
  • W - Cycle through waveforms
  • M - Mute/Unmute

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the human hearing range?

Most humans can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). However, this range typically decreases with age, especially at the high end. Young people may hear up to 20 kHz, while older adults often can't hear above 15 kHz.

What is infrasound (below 20 Hz)?

Infrasound refers to frequencies below 20 Hz, which are below the normal threshold of human hearing. While you typically can't "hear" these frequencies, you can often feel them as vibrations. Infrasound is useful for testing subwoofers, studying structural acoustics, and scientific experiments. Many high-quality subwoofers can reproduce frequencies down to 10 Hz or lower.

What is 440 Hz?

440 Hz is the standard tuning pitch for the musical note A above middle C (A4). This is the reference frequency used by most orchestras and musicians worldwide, though some prefer 432 Hz.

What are binaural beats?

Binaural beats occur when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear (use Binaural Beats mode with headphones). Your brain perceives a third tone that's the difference between the two frequencies. Some believe this can affect brain waves and consciousness, though scientific evidence is mixed.

Is this safe for my hearing?

Yes, when used responsibly. Always start at a LOW volume and gradually increase. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds at any frequency can damage hearing. Never use high volumes, especially with headphones.

Why doesn't my device play certain frequencies?

Your device's speakers or headphones may have limited frequency response. Most small speakers can't reproduce very low frequencies (below 80 Hz) or very high frequencies (above 18 kHz) well. Use quality headphones for the full range.

Can I use this for commercial purposes?

Yes! This tool is free to use for any purpose. There are no ads, no tracking, and no restrictions.

About This Tool

This free online tone generator was created to provide a clean, ad-free alternative to other tone generation websites. It uses the Web Audio API to generate high-quality audio directly in your browser - no plugins or downloads required.

Essential audio tools should be freely accessible to everyone.