6 Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can be super helpful for anyone who’s looking to improve in a certain area of wellness — improving digestive issues, for example, or getting better sleep — or just want to improve their sense of calm and relaxation. VNS devices are particularly helpful as a non-invasive solution that strengthens the nervous system and offers more benefits the more you use it. If you’re looking to add on to your mindfulness routines without a ton of time or effort, a device might work for you.
What is the vagus nerve?
Cranial nerve X, also known as the vagus nerve, is an incredibly important part of our body’s nervous system. It’s the primary driver of the parasympathetic nervous system, which manages the “rest and digest” functions of the body: heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, immune response, and other important reflexes. It’s the master of our body’s recovery system.
What are vagus nerve stimulation devices?
Experts have known about the vagus nerve for centuries and have long recognized its importance for sleep management and stress relief. VNS is any method that stimulates the vagus nerve — and that includes deep belly breathing, meditation, and general mindfulness.
In this context, a VNS device usually means a wearable that delivers mild electrical pulses or other waves to the nerve without having to be embedded in the skin. There are implanted clinical VNS devices that are used to treat epilepsy, depression, and stroke; there’s significantly more research on these, whereas there are fewer studies on over-the-counter options. Many wearable brands have conducted their own studies and/or worked with researchers and third parties to verify that their products work, which they should state directly on their site.
VNS devices are designed to treat a wide range of conditions, from digestive issues and migraines to anxiety and depression. Customers also use them for general relaxation and mood, as well as to improve their sleep. Essentially, when the body is in fight-or-flight mode, activating the vagus nerve can help the body relax and de-stress. Devices range in price, but they’re often FSA/HSA eligible, which can help with the cost.
Before you commit, it can be helpful to talk to your clinician to see whether VNS might be effective for you. There are sometimes contraindications (factors that might prevent you from being able to use a device safely) that include being pregnant, needing a pacemaker, or having scars from surgery.
How does vagus nerve stimulation work?
When they’re working properly, VNS devices activate the vagus nerve through electrical stimulation, vibration, sound, or other noninvasive methods. They’re often positioned to access the nerve as directly as possible through the ears, chest, or neck. These waves are designed to help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation.
VNS devices often work most effectively in short bursts, with sessions ranging from a couple minutes to an hour. It can help to use one over the course of weeks and months, as you might not feel any effects right away. Sometimes you can wear a device while you sleep, but always consult an expert. You can accidentally cause irritation if you wear it for long periods of time.
Over time, these devices often aim to boost your vagus nerve toning (VNT), which conditions the vagus nerve and strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system. They’re supposed to be helpful in the moment, in other words, but they’re also designed to strengthen the nervous system and improve your body’s ability to recover from stress.
Our criteria:
After researching, corresponding with brands, and combing through customer reviews, our editors have chosen our favorite vagus nerve stimulation devices. We update this list regularly with new, emerging favorites, and all of our picks are evaluated to meet the following criteria:
SCIENCE-BACKED | Vagus nerve stimulation is quickly growing as more people seek tools to support relaxation, stress management, and sleep. We prioritized brands that cite research, are backed by scientists and clinicians, and use evidence-informed approaches to developing their technology.
SAFE & EASY TO USE | We prioritized products that we tested ourselves, or that garnered positive customer reviews. All of the products on this list make transparent claims and offer gentle, vetted solutions.
Want more than just wearables? Check out our guide to PEMF mats for supercharging your at-home wellness regimen, vibration plates for circulation and recovery, and grounding mats for healing connection.
1. Sensate
Best For | Beginners
Features | Uses sound waves and soundscapes, variable session time, designed to work short- and long-term
Price | $279
As one of the more well-known VNS devices, Sensate has an accessible website with a long educational section to help you understand the exact benefits. Its wearable is designed to be noninvasive — as in, without the electrical stimulation that a lot of VNS devices use. And it doesn’t require a ton of mental effort but gets results that are similar to meditation and mindfulness work. Reviewers note that this is a good device for beginners, and Sensate’s pilot study showed that users got an extra 60 minutes of sleep and a 48% decrease in stress.
Sensate works as a two-fold system. You wear a device that hangs from a lanyard around your neck and sits right on your breastbone, delivering infrasound (low-frequency sound waves) into your body. Then, you put on your headphones, and soundscapes play in synchronization with the device. An app on your phone marries the two experiences together. In 10- to 30-minute sessions, depending on what you choose and how you’re using the device, the result is similar to a deep meditation session.
This system is designed to do both VNS and VNT. In other words, by using the device regularly, it’s designed to make your stress response stronger over time. Thus, even though the device isn’t cheap, it’s designed to last. Plus, it’s FSA/HSA available, which might help with the cost.
Customer Review | “This thing actually works. It produces a sense of profound wellbeing. Not every time, uniformly, but sometimes there is some positive effect every single time and sometimes it’s staggeringly helpful. I recommend it to people all the time. Great way to destress after a full work day, before diving into “the second shift” (kids and family). Or before stressful events. Or any time!” – Rebecca R. (Read more reviews.)
2. Apollo Neuro
Best For | Tech-savvy
Features | Helps with heart rate, works for different scenarios, syncs with devices
Price | $448
Founded by a neuroscientist, Apollo Neuro is designed to administer gentle vibrations (which the brand calls “vibes”) that stimulates the vagus nerve and improves heart rate variability (HRV). There’s a lot of research behind it, including independent studies. Unlike other wearables that are only designed for one mode, Apollo’s app can help you create a schedule that administers vibes according to your schedule. You can use it to wind down, go to sleep, recover after a workout, wake up in the morning, and even prepare for a stressful work or social event.
Apollo Neuro attaches to your wrist like a watch and comes in four colors so you can customize the look and feel. There’s also a sleep band for securing the device onto your ankle while you rest, and a clip so that you can wear the device on your waistband or shirt collar. Their Quick Start Guide takes you, step by step, through your wearable, so you can get a sense of what to expect before you actually buy it. It’s not the cheapest option on this list, but the brand offers a $50 coupon, and the device is HSA/FSA eligible. The device syncs with Apple Health and Oura Ring if you have them, and one year of SmartVibes AI membership on the Apollo Neuro app is included with your initial purchase.
Customer Review | “Apollo feels like a massage for my nervous system and vagus nerve. I was looking for something to help tone my vagus nerve and come back into my body and out of my head. I got Apollo and it immediately took the edge off my anxiety and helped me relax way easier.” – Meredith (Read more reviews.)
3. Pulsetto
Best For | Multiple people
Features | Work on the neck, lots of app programs, provides detailed health insights
Price | $251 for the Pulsetto Lite, $269 for the Pulsetto Fit
The scientifically-validated Pulsetto offers two different models: the Lite and the Fit. Both offer several days of battery life, making it a longer-lasting option than others on this list. The Fit is best if more than one person is using the device, since it’s adjustable and stays secure once attached. The Fit also has new wave-like simulation, whereas the Lite only has direct stimulation. But still: the brand notes that the Lite will work just fine if you’re the only one using it. Both options are the most reasonably priced on this list, and there’s not a huge difference in price.
The Pulsetto pairs with an app, which has five different programs targeting stress, anxiety, burnout, and pain, among others. Paying for premium gets you access to three additional programs. You can also access breathing exercises, insights into your heart and sleep patterns (without being too intense about the results), and personalized insights.
This is stronger than some other devices on this list, but reviewers also noted they saw improvements faster as a result. The brand notes that you might feel small muscle contractions at the site of the device, which should go away after the session is over. Check out their list of contraindications, which can include anyone who’s had neck surgery, people who have a history of seizures, and anyone with abnormal cervical anatomy.
Customer Review | “I was really happy with how fast my Pulsetto order arrived. The device was easy to start using, and the app made the first sessions simple to follow. I also tried some of the Premium features, and they have been great for building a more consistent relaxation routine. Overall, fast shipping, helpful support, and a strong app experience.” – Mia L. (Read more reviews.)
4. Vagustim
Best For | Offline use
Features | Worn in the ear, different themes, long-term efficacy
Price | $419
Vagustim is backed by more than 30 clinical studies, and more than 50 studies have been published using their technology. The device fits into your ears, much like wired earbuds, and it’ll also work if you only want to place an earpiece in one ear. During 20-minute sessions, it targets the vagus nerve via the tragus and concha. The brand’s app allows you to pick from different “themes” of stress, sleep, focus, or recovery, but it’ll also work effectively without the app. If you do use the app, though, it’ll track your sessions so you can see how long you’ve been using the device.
There are two potential options to buy. The brand suggests V2 for most customers, while the V2 Plus is for pros who want the most advanced features (including customization for multiple users). You can also buy a bundle that includes their premium app subscription to customize sessions along with extra gel, earsets, and battery.
Users generally reported subtle changes over several weeks of daily use — regardless of whether they were using the app to customize their experience or not. Apparently the device works best when you’re not moving around, as some users reported the earbuds falling out occasionally.
Customer Review | “I hadn’t slept through the night in three years. After two weeks with Vagustim I started waking up feeling actually rested. I don’t really understand the science. I just know it works.” – Sarah M. (Read more reviews.)
5. Nuropod
Best For | Experts
Features | Heavily studied and tested, worn securely in the ear, range of session lengths and types
Price | $900
Billing itself as the “world’s most studied” wearable, Nuropod has been validated with more than 60 studies — including ones that tested for the placebo effect to ensure the device is actually having a positive impact instead of just leaving the impression that it’s working. You can actually start by taking a short nervous system impairment assessment, which will assess your core issues of sleep, stress, digestion, and more. You’ll then get a score and insights that will help you towards understanding your baseline.
From there, the Nuropod wearable integrates into your daily routine. The device also fits directly in the ear; the earpiece wraps around the back of the lobe, making a tighter and more secure fit than other options. You can wear it while working, resting, or even engaging in mild activity (even though the brand encourages you to stay away from anything intensive). Sessions can last as short as 15 minutes and as long as 60; nervous system dysregulation, stress resilience, post-viral symptoms, HRV, sleep, and digestive function are among the many symptoms that showed demonstrated improvement with the device. This is the priciest option on the list, and — even though it’s HSA/FSA eligible — this would be an investment. So it’s nice to know this has undergone such rigorous testing.
Customer Review | “Whether I’m spending time with friends, clients, or just on my own, I feel so much more connected to myself and the present moment. What makes Nuropod so unique, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t replace practices like yoga, breathwork, or mindfulness—it enhances them.” – Marie (Read more reviews.)
6. Truvaga
Best For | Speed
Features | Handheld, short sessions, disposable and non-disposable options
Price | $325 for the Truvaga 350, $499 for the Truvaga Plus
Truvaga is a small, handheld stimulator that you place on your own neck. The sessions are super-quick at two minutes each (up to two times a day), and there’s no major setup beforehand. There are two options: the Truvaga 350 is designed to be used for 350 sessions and then can be thrown out; it doesn’t sync with an app, but it’s ideal for someone who wants a simple, no-frills VNS device. The Truvaga Plus is rechargeable, with unlimited sessions — it’s obviously the more expensive option, but it’s better for customers hoping to use it long-term. Plus, it pairs with the Truvaga Plus app for planning your schedule, reminding yourself to do sessions, and tracking your progress as you continue to use it.
Users report that the device is fact-acting, even though each session is short. Some felt an unpleasant tingling sensation on their neck (which can happen with current devices) and felt that it took a bit of trial and error to find the exact placement and intensity level. Based on studies, up to 94% of users saw improvement in stress, sleep, and other symptoms. Beyond general wellness, athletes, and VNS enthusiasts, Truvaga also targets mid-life women to help them with brain fog, sleep issues, and general health issues that come with that phase of life.
Customer Review | “After 2 weeks, it finally happened. I slept well without any sleep aids. Because sleep is back in my life, exercise is back, brain is clear, and the work I enjoy feels like play again.” – Beth M. (Read more reviews.)
Featured image by Sensate
