Headphones aren't required. The soundscape is designed to be experienced on headphones or speakers, so choose whatever listening setup feels right for you.

That said, headphones can make certain elements of the experience more immersive. The sound is mixed in stereo to create a sense of depth, movement, and proximity, with binaural tones and subtle shifts across the stereo field becoming part of the composition. Your listening environment becomes part of the experience too. Find a comfortable place, turn down the lights, and give yourself an hour to listen without needing to do anything else. If you have headphones, put them on and let yourself explore the sound from a more intimate perspective.