Top 10 Focus Music Apps for Better Concentration

published on 18 November 2024

Need to boost your focus? These apps have you covered:

  1. Brain.fm: AI-generated focus music
  2. Focus@Will: Personalized playlists
  3. Endel: Adaptive soundscapes
  4. Noisli: Customizable sound mixing
  5. MyNoise: 200+ sound generators
  6. Spotify Focus Hub: Curated playlists
  7. Headspace Focus Music: Playlists + meditation
  8. Coffitivity: Coffee shop ambiance
  9. Focus App Finder Music Collection: Multi-platform curation
  10. White Noise Pro: HD stereo sounds + Mix Pad editor

Quick Comparison:

App Key Feature Price (Annual) Device Support
Brain.fm AI-generated music $49.99 iOS, Android, Web
Focus@Will Brain type-based playlists $52.49 iOS, Android, Web, Desktop
Endel Real-time adaptation $48.99 iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Alexa
Noisli Sound mixing $1.99 (mobile) iOS, Android, Web, Chrome
MyNoise Vast sound library Free with premium options iOS, Android, Web

These apps use science-backed methods to help you concentrate. Try a few free trials to find your perfect focus soundtrack.

1. Brain.fm

Brain.fm

Brain.fm isn't your average focus music app. It's a high-tech tool that uses neuroscience and AI to boost your concentration. Forget random playlists - this app creates music designed to sync with your brain.

The secret sauce? "Neural phase-locking" technology. It's not just fancy talk - the National Science Foundation gave Brain.fm a grant to study how music affects attention.

The app has three modes: Focus, Relax, and Sleep. Let's zoom in on Focus mode. Users report major improvements in concentration. One study showed a 400% boost in focus after just five minutes.

What does this mean for you? Picture this: you sit down, put on your headphones, and within minutes, your mind clears and your focus sharpens. Brain.fm users have seen:

  • 30% fewer work errors
  • 39% longer focused work sessions
  • Less distraction overall

Using the app is a breeze. Pick your goal (Focus), choose a genre, and set the "Neural Effect Level". Pro tip: start low and work your way up.

Brain.fm's tracks aren't random ambient noise. They're crafted using AI and backed by research. The result? Music that keeps you engaged without becoming a distraction.

Here's what it'll cost you:

Plan Price What You Get
Monthly $6.99 Full access to everything
Quarterly $15.99 Better deal than monthly
Annual $49.99 Best value at about $4.17/month

They offer a free trial, and keep an eye out for discount codes. As of now, "tdcs" gets you 20% off.

What makes Brain.fm stand out is its commitment to improvement. The team keeps refining their algorithms based on user feedback and new research.

Still not sure? Remember, this isn't just background noise. It's about creating the perfect sound environment for your brain. As Junaid Kalmadi, Brain.fm's CEO, puts it:

"The fascinating artificial intelligence software that Adam invented to use 'note-bots' for creating music for sleep, focus and creativity."

Even high-performers are taking notice. In 2016, the USA Olympic Wrestling team used Brain.fm to help with sleep and anxiety before the Rio Olympics.

Whether you're a student, a professional, or anyone looking to focus in a world full of distractions, Brain.fm offers a science-backed solution. It's not just changing how we listen - it's changing how we focus.

2. Focus@Will

Focus@Will

Focus@Will isn't your average music app. It's a concentration booster that uses neuroscience to keep you in the zone for up to 200 minutes straight.

What makes it special? It's the brainchild of platinum-selling music producers and neuroscientists. Dr. Julia Mossbridge, the Science Director, puts it this way:

"We've worked with scientists and audio experts since the beginning of our company."

The result? A unique library of tracks designed to get you focused in just 20 minutes. You've got seven music styles to choose from:

  1. Classical
  2. Focus Spa
  3. Up Tempo
  4. Alpha Chill
  5. Acoustical
  6. Cinematic
  7. Ambient

Each style is crafted to help you concentrate. A PCMag UK reviewer found their sweet spot:

"I found myself gravitating toward focus spa and ambient songs because they seemed most conducive to helping me block out noise and distractions."

But it's not just about the tunes. Focus@Will comes with productivity tools too. You can track your focus progress and time your work sessions. It's a great way to see how different music styles affect your output.

And it's not just talk. Focus@Will has over 2 million subscribers worldwide. It's particularly popular among people with ADHD. The app uses Brainwave Entrainment to sync your brain waves with your task, boosting focus and productivity.

Want to get the most out of it? Here's how:

  • Take the Channel Recommender quiz to find your brain's favorite tunes
  • Give each channel at least 20 minutes to work its magic
  • Keep the volume low to medium
  • Play around with different neural effect levels

You can use Focus@Will on pretty much any device - web, desktop (MacOS and Windows), mobile (iPhone and Android), and even Sonos speakers.

As for pricing, you've got options:

Plan Price What You Get
Yearly $52.49 Full access, cancel anytime
Two-Year $60 Better deal for long-term users
Lifetime VIP $150 One-time payment, unlimited access

Not sure? They offer a 7-day free trial.

In the world of focus music apps, Focus@Will holds its own. It's ranked 3rd in deep-work music services (behind Brain.fm), but its mix of science-backed audio and productivity tools makes it a top choice for anyone looking to boost their focus and get more done.

3. Endel

Endel

Endel takes focus music up a notch with AI-powered, personalized soundscapes. This app adapts on the fly to boost your concentration, help you relax, and even improve your sleep.

What makes Endel special? It uses neuroscience and patented tech to create unique audio experiences based on:

  • Time of day
  • Weather
  • Your heart rate
  • Your location

This isn't just fancy tech for tech's sake. A 2022 peer-reviewed study found that Endel's Focus soundscape can boost concentration up to 7 times more than regular productivity playlists or silence.

Dr. Dan Furman, who led the study, said:

"When we set up this experiment we didn't know what would happen. One of our main takeaways is that the personalization of soundscapes is really effective."

Endel works pretty much anywhere. Use it at home, in the office, or on your commute. You can get it on:

  • iOS and Android
  • Apple Watch and Wear OS
  • Mac and Windows
  • Alexa devices
  • Popular music streaming platforms

Got specific needs? Endel's got you covered with soundscapes like Attention Boost for ADHD and Anxiety Relief for stress.

They're not just sticking to their own ideas, either. Endel teamed up with techno producer Richie Hawtin to create "Plastikman: Deeper Focus", a special deep focus soundscape.

Here's what Endel costs:

Plan Price
Monthly $8.99
Quarterly $26.99
Annual $48.99
Lifetime $249.99

There's also a free version with fewer features if you want to try it out.

Users say it's making a real difference. One professor and author shared:

"As a professor, an author, and a consultant, maintaining balance and focus are key to me. I find myself using this app multiple times throughout the day to help with my productivity and at night to help with peaceful sleeping."

With its science-backed approach, personalized soundscapes, and wide compatibility, Endel stands out for anyone looking to focus better in our distraction-heavy world.

4. Noisli

Noisli

Noisli isn't your average focus music app. It's a digital soundscape tool that mixes nature sounds and ambient noises to help you concentrate or relax.

What makes Noisli special? You can mix up to 16 high-quality sounds. Rain, wind, thunder, even coffee shop chatter - it's all there. And you control each sound's volume. So whether you're tackling a tough project or just chilling out, you can create the perfect audio backdrop.

One user nailed it: "The quality of sound is the most important aspect of an app like this." Noisli delivers. The sounds are rich, warm, and realistic. They pull you in and keep you there.

But Noisli isn't just about sounds. It's got a built-in timer too. Perfect for Pomodoro fans or anyone who needs help managing their time. When your session's up, the sound fades out gently. No jarring interruptions here.

You can use Noisli pretty much anywhere:

Platform Cost
Web Free
Chrome Extension Free
iOS $1.99
Android $1.99

So whether you're at your desk or on the move, your perfect soundscape is just a click away.

Now, Noisli isn't perfect. With 26 sound options, some users find it gets old after a while. But for many, the quality of the sounds and the mixing options more than make up for it.

Want to get the most out of Noisli? Try these:

  1. Mix and match sounds until you find your perfect combo.
  2. Save your favorite mixes for quick access.
  3. Use the timer to structure your work and breaks.
  4. Try the text editor for distraction-free writing.

In a sea of focus apps, Noisli stands out. It's not about quantity - it's about quality. High-quality sounds, easy customization, and availability across platforms make it a solid choice. If you're looking to boost your focus with a natural, customizable sound environment, Noisli might just be your new best friend.

5. MyNoise

MyNoise

MyNoise isn't your average focus music app. It's a sound engineer's playground, created by Dr. Stéphane Pigeon, who's spent over a decade perfecting the art of audio environments.

Imagine having over 200 sound generators at your fingertips. We're not talking about basic white noise here. MyNoise offers everything from the gentle lapping of waves on a pebble beach to the ambient hum of a Japanese garden.

But here's where it gets interesting: each soundscape comes with 10 adjustable sliders. You're not just pressing play - you're crafting your perfect audio environment. Got ADHD? Struggling with noisy neighbors? These customization options let you create a sound bubble that's just right for you.

Dr. Pigeon didn't cut corners on quality either. Many sounds are recorded live, giving you an immersive experience that digital noise generators can't match. It's like having a high-fidelity recording studio in your pocket.

And it's not just about sounding good - it's about boosting your brain power. A 2012 study found that low to medium volume background noise can spark creativity. MyNoise takes this idea and runs with it, letting you fine-tune your sound environment to your exact needs.

Here's a quick breakdown of what MyNoise brings to the table:

Feature What You Get
Sound Generators 200+ options to choose from
Customization 10 sliders per soundscape
Audio Quality High-fidelity, often live-recorded
Offline Use Download your favorites
Pricing Free options, full access for one-time fee

For the science buffs out there, MyNoise also offers binaural beats. These special audio tracks can help tune your brain to specific states. For example, a 20Hz rhythm has been shown to boost word recall and recognition in studies.

Want to get the most out of MyNoise? Here are some tips:

  1. Don't settle for the first sound you try. Explore different options.
  2. Play with those sliders. Your perfect sound mix might surprise you.
  3. Save your favorite combinations for quick access later.
  4. Give the binaural beats a shot when you need laser focus.

The MyNoise team sums it up nicely:

"Join our global community and find out why myNoise is the top app for tinnitus relief, anxiety relief, noise blocking, study aid, and better sleep!"

Whether you're pulling an all-nighter for exams, trying to focus in a busy office, or just need to quiet your mind, MyNoise offers a unique, science-backed way to boost your concentration and get things done.

6. Spotify Focus Hub

Spotify Focus Hub

Spotify's Focus Hub is a game-changer for productivity buffs. It's not just another playlist section - it's a powerhouse of concentration-boosting tunes.

What makes the Focus Hub special? It's all about variety and quality. You'll find playlists for every work style, from ambient sounds to classical compositions.

Let's break it down:

  • "Deep Focus": This playlist is a hit with 4.6 million saves. It's packed with 157 tracks of ambient and post-rock music. Perfect for when you need to zone in on your work.
  • "Classical Concentration": Want to feel like a genius? This playlist serves up timeless classics known to kickstart your brain.
  • "Lo-Fi Beats": If lyrics throw you off, this playlist's got your back with chill hip-hop instrumentals.
  • "Work From Home": With 663,000 followers, this 8-hour mix keeps remote workers pumped throughout the day.
  • "Peaceful Piano": Need to pull an all-nighter? This 11-hour, 300-track playlist of soothing piano pieces has got you covered.

What's the secret sauce? It's all in the user experience. As Tim Baker, an industry expert, puts it:

"Spotify's app excels in handling music queuing, an aspect consistently critiqued in Apple Music's mobile offering."

This smooth operation means you can switch between playlists without breaking your focus.

Want to make the most of the Focus Hub? Here's how:

  1. Try different playlists. Your perfect focus soundtrack might surprise you.
  2. Kick off your day with "Productive Morning". It's a mix that'll get you going.
  3. For marathon work sessions, queue up longer playlists like "Peaceful Piano".
  4. Don't overlook user-created playlists. Check out "Focus Music – Work | Studying | Concentration" by Spotify user kroschi. It's a goldmine of over 1,000 instrumental tracks.

Spotify's Focus Hub isn't just about music. It's about creating your ideal work environment. Whether you're crunching numbers or dreaming up your next big idea, there's a soundtrack waiting to help you crush it.

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7. Headspace Focus Music

Headspace

Headspace, the meditation app, now offers focus music to boost your concentration. Let's dive into what makes this feature stand out.

Ever tried to work with your favorite tunes blasting, only to find yourself singing along instead of getting stuff done? Headspace's focus music aims to solve that problem.

Here's what you'll find in their Focus Hub:

  • Playlists by famous artists (like John Legend's jazz collection)
  • Ambient and lo-fi beats
  • Nature soundscapes
  • Quick meditation breaks

The star of the show? A 60-minute "Bounce back" track designed to keep you in the zone for those long work sessions.

But Headspace isn't just throwing random tunes at you. They're big on science. In fact, a study of over 21,000 Headspace users found that 23% reported less stress after eight weeks of regular use. While this wasn't specifically about the focus music, it shows Headspace's commitment to backing up their features with data.

"Meditation is like a mental decluttering tool. Just as physical exercise strengthens your body, meditation strengthens your mind, helping you handle stress, anxiety, anger, and depression more effectively." - Jenny Maenpaa, Licensed Therapist and Yoga Instructor

This mindset carries over to their focus music. It's not just background noise - it's designed to get your brain in work mode.

And don't worry about scratchy audio ruining your flow. Headspace's sound quality is top-notch, with professionally produced tracks.

You can use Headspace on iOS, Android, and desktop, so your focus routine can follow you anywhere.

Now, let's talk money:

Plan Price
Monthly $12.99
Annual $69.99 ($5.83/month)
Family (up to 6 accounts) $99.99/year

Sure, it's pricier than some other focus music apps. But remember, you're getting the whole Headspace package - meditations, sleep sounds, and more.

Want to make the most of Headspace's focus music? Try these tips:

  1. Test different playlists to find your focus sweet spot
  2. Use the quick meditation breaks between tasks
  3. Try the "Bounce back" track for marathon work sessions
  4. Mix focus music with meditation for a brain-boosting combo

In a sea of concentration apps, Headspace's focus music stands out. With its science-backed approach and high-quality content, it's worth a listen for anyone looking to up their productivity game.

8. Coffitivity

Coffitivity

Coffitivity brings coffee shop sounds to your workspace. Why? Because science says it might make you more creative.

The app's creator, Justin Kauszler, noticed people work better in coffee shops. So, he made an app for that.

"Coffitivity says it is 'just enough noise to work,' and it lives up to that motto." - Justin Kauszler, Founder and Developer of Coffitivity

The app has different sound options:

  • Morning Murmur
  • Lunchtime Lounge
  • University Undertones

These aren't fake sounds. The team recorded real coffee shops like Harrison Street Café and Urban Farmhouse.

People love it. On launch day, 49,000 people visited the site. Surprisingly, 70% were from Japan. Now, users send in recordings from coffee shops worldwide.

What makes Coffitivity work?

1. Volume Control

Turn it up or down to suit you.

2. Music Integration

Add your own tunes on top of the coffee shop noise.

3. Offline Use

Download sounds for productivity anywhere.

Here's what it costs:

Platform Price
Web Free
iOS $1.99
Android Free

Users say it helps. One photographer shared:

"Coffitivity seems to let me get right into the task at hand, puts me In The Zone."

The science checks out. Research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that noise levels around 70 decibels (think coffee shop) can boost creativity.

Want to try it? Coffitivity might be the productivity hack you need. It's like working in your favorite café, minus the overpriced lattes.

9. Focus App Finder Music Collection

Focus App Finder's music collection is a game-changer for concentration-boosting apps. Instead of creating its own playlists, it curates the best focus music from various streaming services.

The app's secret sauce? Variety. Whether you're into Mozart, ambient noise, or chill beats, Focus App Finder's got something for you. It offers playlists for everything from intense study sessions to casual reading.

But here's the kicker: it integrates with Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can access curated playlists from these platforms right in Focus App Finder. No more app-hopping to find your perfect focus tunes.

Check out some popular playlist categories:

Category Description Best For
Classical Concentration Old-school masterpieces Deep work, writing
Ambient Atmospheres Background vibes Reading, light tasks
Lo-Fi Beats Chill hip-hop without words Coding, design work
Nature Sounds Outdoor chill Meditation, relaxation

The app's design? Clean and simple. Find and play a playlist without losing your groove. This fits with research showing that the right background tunes can boost your productivity and creativity.

Here's a fun fact: a University of Illinois study found that moderate noise (about 70 decibels) can make you more creative. Focus App Finder runs with this idea, offering playlists that hit the sweet spot between too quiet and too loud.

Want to make the most of Focus App Finder's music collection? Try these tips:

  1. Play around with different genres. What works for writing might not work for coding.
  2. Use the app's tags to quickly find playlists for specific moods or tasks.
  3. Take advantage of the cross-platform integration. Your favorite playlists follow you across devices.

Focus App Finder isn't reinventing the wheel. It's just making it spin smoother. By bringing together top-notch focus music from different sources, it saves you the hassle of playlist hunting. Now that's music to our ears.

10. White Noise Pro

White Noise Pro

White Noise Pro isn't your average focus music app. It's a sound powerhouse that goes beyond basic white noise.

Here's what makes it stand out:

  • Over 50 HD stereo sounds, perfectly looped
  • A Mix Pad editor for creating custom soundscapes
  • Multiple noise colors (white, pink, brown, blue, violet)
  • Apple TV and Apple Watch support
  • A full-screen digital clock with customization options

The app's been around since 2008, and it's caught the eye of big names like NBC News Today and The Washington Post.

"White Noise can instantly transform a chaotic environment into a calm oasis." - Daniel A. Begun, Author of AMAZING ANDROID APPS

But what can you actually do with White Noise Pro?

  1. Layer sounds: Mix rainfall with distant thunder for your perfect focus backdrop.
  2. Time your work: Use the built-in clock for Pomodoro-style sessions.
  3. Go mobile: Take your sounds anywhere with Apple Watch support.
  4. Make it yours: Record and loop your own sounds, then share them with others.

The Mix Pad editor is where White Noise Pro really shines. It turns you into a sound designer, letting you tweak position, variance, volume, and pitch for each track.

And if you're into the science of sound, you'll love the different noise colors. Each one has its own properties:

  • White noise: Equal intensity across frequencies
  • Pink noise: Softer high frequencies
  • Brown noise: Even softer high frequencies, more bass
  • Blue noise: More high frequencies
  • Violet noise: Even more high frequencies

Pricing isn't specified, but expect a model similar to other focus apps - likely a free version with a paid upgrade for full features.

Want to get the most out of White Noise Pro? Try these:

  • Mix and match sounds until you find your perfect blend
  • Use the timer for structured work-rest cycles
  • Experiment with binaural beats for deep focus
  • Record your favorite real-world sounds to use in the app

White Noise Pro is more than just background noise. It's a customizable focus tool that adapts to your needs, whether you're working, relaxing, or trying to sleep in a noisy environment.

App Features and Prices

Let's compare our top 10 focus music apps, looking at their key features, pricing, and device support. This breakdown will help you pick the best app for your needs.

App Name Key Features Pricing Device Support
Brain.fm AI-generated focus music, neural phase-locking tech $6.99/month, $49.99/year iOS, Android, Web
Focus@Will Personalized playlists, productivity tracker $52.49/year iOS, Android, Web, Desktop
Endel AI-adapted soundscapes, personalization $48.99/year iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Alexa
Noisli Customizable sound mixing, built-in timer Free (Web), $1.99 (Mobile) iOS, Android, Web, Chrome
MyNoise 200+ sound generators, binaural beats Free with premium options iOS, Android, Web
Spotify Focus Hub Curated focus playlists Included with Spotify subscription All Spotify-supported devices
Headspace Focus Music Focus playlists, meditation breaks $69.99/year (full Headspace access) iOS, Android, Web
Coffitivity Coffee shop ambiance Free (Web), $1.99 (iOS) iOS, Web
Focus App Finder Music Collection Curated playlists from various services Free (requires separate subscriptions) Depends on chosen service
White Noise Pro 50+ HD stereo sounds, Mix Pad editor One-time purchase (varies by platform) iOS, Android, Mac, Windows

Brain.fm uses AI to generate focus music with neural phase-locking tech. A study showed a 400% focus boost after just five minutes. They offer a free trial, and you can save 20% with the code "tdcs".

Focus@Will personalizes your listening experience based on a brain type quiz. Their Science Director, Dr. Julia Mossbridge, says they work with scientists and audio experts. The app claims to keep users focused for up to 200 minutes.

Endel creates adaptive soundscapes. A 2022 peer-reviewed study found that Endel's Focus soundscape can boost concentration up to 7 times more than regular productivity playlists. Dr. Dan Furman, who led the study, noted:

"The effectiveness of personalized soundscapes in improving focus is quite remarkable."

Noisli and MyNoise are great for customization lovers. Noisli lets you mix up to 16 high-quality sounds, while MyNoise has over 200 sound generators and binaural beats for different brain states.

Spotify's Focus Hub and Headspace's Focus Music use their existing platforms for curated focus playlists. Spotify's "Deep Focus" playlist has 4.6 million saves, showing how popular it is.

Coffitivity recreates coffee shop ambiance. This idea comes from University of Illinois research, which found that moderate noise levels (around 70 decibels) can boost creativity.

When choosing your focus music app, think about what you need, your budget, and what devices you use. Most apps have free trials, so try a few and find what works best for you.

Summary

Focus music apps have become go-to tools for boosting concentration in our distraction-filled world. Let's break down the top contenders and how to pick the right one for you:

Brain.fm uses AI-generated focus music and neural phase-locking tech. Users say they focus 400% better after just five minutes. It costs $6.99/month or $49.99/year.

Focus@Will tailors your experience based on a brain type quiz. It claims to keep users locked in for up to 200 minutes at a stretch. The price tag? $52.49/year.

Endel adjusts to your surroundings in real-time. A 2022 peer-reviewed study found it can boost concentration up to 7 times more than regular productivity playlists. Dr. Dan Furman, who led the study, said:

"The effectiveness of personalized soundscapes in improving focus is quite remarkable."

Noisli and MyNoise are perfect for those who love to tinker. Noisli lets you mix up to 16 high-quality sounds, while MyNoise offers over 200 sound generators.

Spotify's Focus Hub and Headspace's Focus Music leverage their existing platforms. Spotify's "Deep Focus" playlist has 4.6 million saves, showing how popular it is.

Coffitivity mimics coffee shop background noise. It's based on research showing that moderate noise levels (around 70 decibels) can spark creativity.

When picking your focus music app, think about:

  1. Where you work
  2. What sounds you like
  3. How much you want to spend
  4. What devices you use

Most apps offer free trials, so try a few out. What works for your friend might not work for you. The goal is to find an app that helps you tune out the noise and get in the zone.

Daniel Bowling, PhD, Instructor at Stanford School of Medicine, puts it this way:

"The right music can stimulate reward, reduce stress, and improve mood, putting your brain in a position to better achieve many wellness outcomes, such as focusing."

In a world where we get distracted every 40 seconds on average, these apps can be real game-changers. Whether you're hitting the books, crushing work deadlines, or just need to focus, there's a focus music app out there for you. Now go get focused!

FAQs

What is the app for concentration music?

Brain.fm is a standout app for concentration music. It uses AI-generated focus music and neural phase-locking tech to boost your focus. Users say they're 400% more focused after just 5 minutes.

But it's not the only game in town. Here are some other options:

  • Headspace: Not just for meditation, it's got focus playlists too.
  • Endel: Makes soundscapes that change with your environment and body.
  • Focus@Will: Picks music based on your "brain type" to keep you focused for hours.
  • Noisli: Mix up to 16 ambient sounds your way.

Each app does its own thing. Take Endel - it changes based on time, weather, and even your heart rate. Pretty cool, right?

Dr. Dan Furman, who studied Endel, says:

"The effectiveness of personalized soundscapes in improving focus is quite remarkable."

What is the best app to listen to binaural beats?

myNoise is a top pick for binaural beats. It's got over 200 sound generators, including lots of binaural beats for different brain states. You can tweak the frequencies just how you like them.

But there are other good options:

  • Brain.fm: Not just binaural beats, but similar brain-boosting sounds.
  • Binaural (β): All about binaural beats, with a simple, clean look.
  • Focus@Will: Mixes binaural beats into its brain-based music.

When picking a binaural beats app, think about:

  1. Can you customize it?
  2. How's the sound quality?
  3. Is there science behind it?

For example, Brain.fm works with researchers to study how their sounds affect thinking and focus.

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