6 Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices From Truvaga, Apollo, & More

Do Vagus Nerve Stimulators Really Work?

According to Jennifer Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, RYT, a functional dietitian, mind-body wellness expert, and founder at Body to Soul Health, vagus nerve stimulating devices are still being researched but show promising results. “I’ve used them and noticed anecdotal evidence of less stress, better sleep, reduced anxiety, and noticeably less thought rumination,” she notes. “They’re not a magic fix, but they can be a powerful tool to help regulate the nervous system.”

To reap the benefits of vagus nerve stimulators, Bianchini says consistency matters. She also says combining them with other healthy lifestyle practices can make the biggest impact. “I truly believe you’ll get the best results when you live a healthy lifestyle, eat whole, nutritious food, and practice stress management techniques that support both the mind and body, in addition to using a vagus nerve stimulator.”

What Are the Negative Effects of a Vagus Nerve Stimulator?

Vagus nerve stimulators are relatively safe to use and don’t have many side effects. However, there are a few things worth considering before incorporating one into your routine. For one thing, “there are different levels of vibration, so sometimes the sensation may feel a little excessive or overstimulating,” says Bianchini, especially if you’re newe to vagus nerve stimulation. If you experience this, she recommends turning it down a little bit to resolve any overstimulation.

Some devices are placed directly on the neck and require the use of a gel, which Bianchini says can cause skin irritation for some. “If someone has a vasovagal response or a tendency to faint easily, vagus nerve stimulation may feel overstimulating at first,” Bianchini adds. “I recommend going very easy and slow to build tolerance.”

In addition to these side effects, it’s also worth considering how a vagus nerve stimulator might interfere with the mind-body connection. “In my opinion, outsourcing your nervous system [is] the negative effect of a vagus nerve stimulator,” says Jessica Addeo, OT, a nervous system clinician. She explains that, since the vagus nerve works to activate your survival responses and keep you alive, the nervous system is something to be in a relationship with.

Gaining a deeper connection to your nervous system without the use of a stimulator device can help you tune in and learn more about why the vagus nerve shifts gears, what causes the survival response to activate, and how you can turn that off (when appropriate) from inside your body. “This is how we make lasting changes to our nervous system,” Addeo adds. Bianchini also encourages her clients to practice natural vagus nerve stimulation techniques such as breathwork, yoga, and meditation. However, she says those who need something stronger or just want a little more motivation and support can benefit greatly from a device.

Who Should Use Vagus Nerve Stimulators?

Most people can benefit from a vagus nerve stimulator, says Bianchini. “People dealing with anxiety, migraines, inflammation and pain, excessive thoughts, high stress, and poor sleep can often feel noticeable benefits,” she explains. While there are natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, anyone who experiences these symptoms might find relief from daily use of a vagus nerve stimulation device.

If you want to try the biohacking tech out yourself, here are the best vagus nerve stimulation devices for at-home use.

The Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices

Pulsetto Lite

Image Credit: Pulsetto

best overall
Pulsetto Lite
On Sale 57% off

Buy Now $260

The Pulsetto Lite is another hands-free device that is easy and convenient to use. This device sits comfortably around the neck and connects to the brand’s app for five vagus nerve stimulating programs that target stress, anxiety, sleep, and more. With purchase of the device, you’ll also get a free 30-day trial of Pulsetto Premium, which features guided meditations, breathing exercises, affirmations, and more, so that you can also experience natural vagus nerve stimulation practices.
Zenowell Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator

Image Credit: Amazon

best for sleep
ZenoWell Vita Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator

$279 Buy Now On Amazon

$328 Buy on zenowell

If sleep is your biggest concern, the ZenoWell Vita Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator is worth adding to your Amazon cart. This device is made specifically for sleep and features an ear plug design that you can wear comfortably while resting in bed. The vagus nerve stimulator has three modes—sleep, relax, and meditation—and supports the autonomic nervous system to help with concerns like insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and more.
Truvaga Plus

Image Credit: Truvaga

best neck device
Truvaga Plus

$499 Buy Now

The Truvaga Plus is one of the best vagus nerve devices because it has a simple and easy to use design, plus it comes with unlimited sessions that stimulate the vagus nerve. This device syncs to the brand’s app so that you can conveniently track your sessions, personalize your routine depending on your needs, and adjust the intensity based on your preferences. Unlike other wellness tech—which often requires lengthy sessions to see results—each session is only a couple minutes long, so you don’t have to commit to a big time investment to reap the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation.

Read our full review of the Truvaga Plus vagus nerve stimulation device.
Apollo Wearable

Image Credit: Apollo

best wrist device
Apollo Wearable

$349 Buy Now

The Apollo Wearable is the most convenient on our list, thanks to its wearable wristband design. Unlike the Truvaga Plus—which you hold up to your neck to use—this device straps around your wrist or ankle, allowing you to go about your day or drift off at night while reaping the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation. The Apollo Neuro device also connects to an app, so that you can customize your routine and choose sessions that feel most appropriate for your needs. And, with regular wear, users have seen improved focus and cognitive performance, less stress and anxiety, and better sleep.

Read our full review of the Apollo Wearable.
Sensate

Image Credit: Sensate

Most innovative
Sensate

$349 Buy Now

Those who experience fast-paced, stressful lives will benefit from incorporating the Sensate device into their routine. This vagus nerve stimulator utilizes infrasonic waves for a soothing vibration that can help calm and destress the body and mind. You can wear it around your neck on a lanyard for a hands-free experience, or place it on your chest to enhance your meditation practice. The device also comes with access to the Sensate app, which provides access to calming music and soundscapes for a more elevated meditation experience.
amofit S

Image Credit: amofit

Best for travel
amofit S
On Sale 17% off

$248 Buy Now

For something more discreet, try the amofit S. This vagus nerve stimulation device features a petite design—it’s slightly bigger than an Apple AirTag—that you can clip onto your clothing or wear around your neck to destress on-the-go (or at work). It features two different modes: one for calming the mind and body, and another for enhancing focus. And, with regular wear, you can reap all kinds of benefits, including improved sleep, focus, creativity, and even memory.