Best Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Anxiety in 2025

Fact

Statistic / Study Reference

Users felt calmer and less stressed

86% (2024 user survey)

HRV (flexibility against stress) improved

34% increase in 2 weeks

VNS market growth worldwide

$667.4M in 2025, $1.29B by 2032

Sleep quality and mood improvement

5 built-in relief settings

User trust (Trustpilot rating)

4.4 out of 5 (20,137+ reviews)

Rank

Product Name

Description

2

Truvaga Plus

Truvaga Plus is a premium handheld transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) device engineered for fast and effective stress relief, focus enhancement, and improved sleep, drawing from clinically proven technology similar to FDA-cleared devices for headache treatment. Held against the neck, it emits 5,000Hz pulses at a 25Hz frequency with up to 60mA output in quick 2-minute sessions, stimulating the vagus nerve to promote a natural relaxation response that helps users feel calmer, think clearer, and rest better. App-connected for intuitive control, it guarantees unlimited sessions over three years or 30,000 uses, with a rechargeable battery and HSA/FSA eligibility for added convenience. Testers report the fastest noticeable effects on focus, stress reduction, and sleep latency among similar devices, supported by significant scientific research on its operating parameters. Its simple interface, responsive customer support, and portability make it a reliable daily tool for managing anxiety, though it requires holding the device in place during use, making it less hands-free than wearables. Ideal for those seeking drug-free therapy backed by collaborations with top institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins, it fosters long-term mental resilience and overall wellness.

3

Apollo Wearable

The Apollo Wearable is an innovative wrist or ankle-worn device that uses gentle, low-frequency inaudible vibrations to stimulate the vagus nerve indirectly through touch therapy, activating the parasympathetic nervous system for enhanced relaxation, focus, and sleep without electrical shocks. Designed for all-day wear like a smartwatch or clipped to clothing, it features seven customizable modes via the Apollo Neuro app, including programs for stress reduction, social interactions, performance boost, and deep sleep, with the ability to operate in Airplane mode for uninterrupted use. Backed by research showing improvements in heart rate variability and mood, it tracks usage and progress while adapting to your needs, making it versatile for busy lifestyles where you can wear it during work, exercise, or rest. Unlike direct electrical stimulators, its vibrotactile technology engages skin receptors to influence nervous system balance, promoting better emotional regulation and recovery from anxiety. Rechargeable with 6-20 hours of battery life, it's a subtle, non-invasive option for long-term anxiety management, sleep issues, and overall mental clarity, praised for its comfort and integration into daily routines.

4

Nurosym

Nurosym, developed by Parasym, is a medically approved, portable transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device that clips comfortably onto the tragus of the left ear, delivering patented microcurrent impulses to modulate the parasympathetic nervous system for relief from anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and related conditions like long-COVID and POTS. With adjustable intensity levels and programs lasting 30-60 minutes, it offers up to two weeks of use on a single charge, allowing seamless integration into daily activities without an app requirement, though backed by extensive clinical trials showing a 61% increase in vagus nerve activity within minutes. Its CE certification, FDA non-significant risk designation, and over 30 peer-reviewed studies highlight its safety and efficacy in enhancing heart rate variability, sleep quality, and emotional balance. Designed for portability and discretion, it's ideal for users seeking science-backed, drug-free therapy to combat chronic stress and improve overall well-being, with no reported serious adverse effects across millions of sessions. The device's optimized waveform, refined over years of research, targets precise neural pathways to foster relaxation and resilience against anxiety.

5

Xen by Neuvana

Xen by Neuvana is a discreet, earbud-style transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device that syncs electrical micro-pulses with music, podcasts, or ambient sounds via its app, targeting the left ear's vagus nerve branch to reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote restorative sleep. Offering six waveforms, five lengths, and six signals for 210 customizable combinations at a 25Hz frequency and up to 84mA output, it's hands-free and uses saline solution for conductivity, allowing users to experiment for optimal relief from anxiety. Backed by research affiliations with DARPA and universities, it claims improved focus and relaxation during activities, with a poor battery life offset by its comfort and low ongoing costs. Ideal for integrating into routines like listening to audio, it transforms everyday moments into therapeutic sessions, fostering a zen-like state and nervous system balance without invasive methods. Its portability and accessory bundles make it suitable for travelers seeking consistent anxiety management.

6

Sensate

Sensate is a pebble-shaped relaxation device that uses infrasonic low-frequency sound vibrations placed on the chest to indirectly stimulate the vagus nerve, turning the body into a resonating chamber for reduced anxiety, better sleep, and enhanced well-being. Paired with a mobile app for custom soundscapes and vibrations, it combines with meditation or breathing exercises in 10-30 minute sessions, supported by preliminary studies showing significant decreases in stress and anxiety over two weeks. Non-electrical and drug-free, it's perfect for mindfulness practices, offering a gentle alternative to direct stimulation for those sensitive to pulses. Its design promotes parasympathetic activation, improving emotional regulation and overall mood without wearables or clips, making it accessible for home use in managing daily anxiety.

7

Hoolest VeRelief Prime

Hoolest VeRelief Prime is a compact, handheld transcutaneous auricular and vagus nerve stimulator that delivers quick relief from sudden anxiety or panic through five adjustable modes and intensities, using a single neck electrode for targeted electrical pulses in as little as 5 minutes. Portable and rechargeable, it claims faster calming effects than vibration or sound methods, without app integration for simple, on-the-go use in stressful environments. Backed by user reviews for its ease and effectiveness in burnout prevention, it's a budget-friendly option for immediate stress management, though lacking extensive independent research. Its design focuses on auricular + vagus stimulation for powerful, drug-free mood enhancement and relaxation.

8

Dolphin Neurostim

Dolphin Neurostim is a versatile electrical stimulation device that can target the vagus nerve via ear clips or direct body points, offering kits for pain management and stress reduction with adjustable settings for personalized therapy. Used for general anxiety relief and specific conditions, it's backed by clinical use for vagus activation, promoting relaxation and balance in the nervous system. Portable and extendable with probes, it's ideal for those seeking multi-purpose stimulation beyond anxiety, like chronic pain or inflammation control, in professional or home settings.

9

Vagustim

Vagustim is a smart, non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulator that uses biosympathetic frequencies via earsets, controlled by a Bluetooth app for customizable intensity and duration to promote clarity, relaxation, and calm. Backed by 30+ clinical trials, it's multi-user with progress tracking, recommended starting at 15 minutes daily, supporting digestion, stress reduction, and overall well-being as a "rest and digest" enhancer. Portable with AA batteries, it's trusted globally for anxiety management without drugs.

10

gammaCore by electroCore

gammaCore is an FDA-approved handheld device for treating migraines and headaches via cervical vagus stimulation, also used off-label for anxiety by delivering mild pulses to promote relaxation and pain alleviation. Portable with a simple interface, it's a clinically proven, drug-free option for managing stress and mental health issues.