{
  "publisher": "Vagus Lab",
  "publisherUrl": "https://vaguslab.net",
  "source": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/",
  "scoreScale": "0-10",
  "scoreType": "Editorial score authored by Vagus Lab from a 10-criterion weighted methodology. Not a consumer rating and not an aggregate of user reviews.",
  "disclosure": "Vagus Lab earns affiliate commission on some device purchases. Scores are never adjusted by commission. See https://vaguslab.net/advertising-policy/",
  "pricesCheckedAt": "2026-07-28",
  "currency": "USD",
  "count": 6,
  "devices": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "name": "Pulsetto",
      "brand": "Pulsetto",
      "mpn": "PULSETTO",
      "badge": "Best Overall",
      "editorialScore": 9,
      "priceUsd": 259,
      "description": "Worn neck band delivering transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation to both sides of the neck, controlled from a phone app.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/pulsetto.webp",
      "pros": [
        "Most affordable electrical VNS at $259",
        "Bilateral cervical stimulation",
        "HRV tracking with Oura and Apple Watch"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Cervical placement may not suit all"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://pulsetto.tech/products/pulsetto-lite-device",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#pulsetto",
      "returnTerms": null
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "name": "Nuropod",
      "brand": "Nuropod",
      "mpn": "NUROPOD",
      "badge": "Most Researched",
      "editorialScore": 8.1,
      "priceUsd": 900,
      "description": "Wired ear clip delivering transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation at the tragus, driven by a handheld controller. Sold as Nurosym outside the US.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/nurosym-nuropod.webp",
      "pros": [
        "Strongest clinical research backing",
        "CE-certified medical device (EU platform)",
        "US shipping, support, and 2-year warranty"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Premium price ($900)",
        "Single-ear auricular stimulation",
        "No HRV tracking"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://nuropod.com/products/nuropod",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#nuropod",
      "returnTerms": {
        "days": 30,
        "country": "US",
        "buyerPaysReturnShipping": true,
        "source": "https://nuropod.com/policies/refund-policy"
      }
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "name": "Xen by Neuvana",
      "brand": "Neuvana",
      "mpn": "XEN",
      "badge": "Best for Music Lovers",
      "editorialScore": 6.9,
      "priceUsd": 449,
      "description": "Wired earbud system that pairs transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation with music playback.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/xen.webp",
      "pros": [
        "Music-paired VNS experience",
        "Spotify and Apple Music integration"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No HRV tracking",
        "Short battery life"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://neuvanalife.com/products/xen",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#xen-by-neuvana",
      "returnTerms": null
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "name": "Sensate 2",
      "brand": "Sensate",
      "mpn": "SENSATE-2",
      "badge": "Best Guided Relaxation",
      "editorialScore": 6.7,
      "priceUsd": 398,
      "description": "Pebble-shaped chest device using bone-conducted infrasonic vibration rather than electrical stimulation.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/sensate-2.webp",
      "pros": [
        "Lowest entry price",
        "Soothing vibration experience"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Not electrical VNS",
        "Subscription for full content"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://www.getsensate.com/",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#sensate-2",
      "returnTerms": null
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "name": "Truvaga Plus",
      "brand": "Truvaga",
      "mpn": "TRUVAGA-PLUS",
      "badge": "Best Session Speed",
      "editorialScore": 7.3,
      "priceUsd": 499,
      "description": "Handheld vagus nerve stimulator pressed against one side of the neck for two-minute electrical sessions.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/truvaga-plus.webp",
      "pros": [
        "2-minute sessions",
        "Exceptional battery longevity"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "One-sided stimulation only",
        "No multi-year warranty"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://www.truvaga.com/product/truvaga-plus/",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#truvaga-plus",
      "returnTerms": {
        "days": 30,
        "country": "US",
        "buyerPaysReturnShipping": true,
        "source": "https://www.truvaga.com/returns/"
      }
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "name": "Apollo Neuro",
      "brand": "Apollo Neuroscience",
      "mpn": "APOLLO-NEURO",
      "badge": "Best Wearable",
      "editorialScore": 6.9,
      "priceUsd": 448,
      "description": "Wrist- or ankle-worn wearable delivering silent haptic vibration patterns rather than electrical stimulation.",
      "image": "https://media.vaguslab.net/media/devices/apollo-neuro.webp",
      "pros": [
        "Sleek wrist-worn design",
        "Oura Ring integration"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Not electrical VNS",
        "Subscription required"
      ],
      "merchantUrl": "https://apolloneuro.com/products/apollo-wearable-1-year-ai-membership-starter-kit",
      "reviewUrl": "https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/#apollo-neuro",
      "returnTerms": null
    }
  ]
}