Key Takeaways
- Nurosym and Vagustim are popular vagus nerve stimulator devices that aim to improve HRV.
- Nurosym uses patented electrical signals to stimulate the brainstem via the vagus nerve, while Vagustim is an auricular device controlled by a mobile app.
- Both devices offer benefits for HRV, stress, anxiety, and sleep, but their mechanisms and features differ.
- Side effects for both devices are minimal but can include mild discomfort or skin irritation.
- Nurosym is generally more expensive than Vagustim.
- Pulsetto is a budget-friendly alternative with a neck-wearable design and mobile app integration.
Nurosym vs Vagustim Overview
Nurosym and Vagustim are two popular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Nurosym uses patented electrical signals to stimulate the brainstem via the vagus nerve. It was developed over eight years of research costing over $10 million. This device is backed by clinical studies and is renowned for its effectiveness in improving HRV, relaxation, mood, and sleep.
The Nurosym device control unit and the earpiece.
Vagustim is the world's first mobile app-controlled non-invasive bilateral auricular vagus nerve stimulation device. It is designed to be user-friendly, with adjustable stimulation parameters. Vagustim has also been shown to promote relaxation, mood, sleep, and healthy digestion.
The Vagustim device is worn on both ears.
Both devices can help to improve Heart Rate Variability (HRV) — the variation in time between each heartbeat, reflecting the body's ability to adapt to stress and maintain balance.
A higher HRV score is associated with better cardiovascular health, improved stress resilience, and overall well-being. Therefore, enhancing HRV through vagus nerve stimulation can lead to significant health benefits.
Nurosym vs Vagustim Comparison Table
Feature |
Pulsetto |
Nurosym |
Vagustim |
*Price |
$269 |
€699 (approx. $750) |
$390 (regular price is $790) |
Technology |
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), neck-wearable design |
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), earpiece |
Bilateral auricular vagus nerve stimulation, earpiece |
Battery Life |
Up to 1 week on a single charge and with daily use |
Up to 1 week on a single charge |
Not specified |
App Integration |
Yes, mobile app for customizing stimulation programs |
No app, app-free device |
Yes, mobile app for adjusting stimulation parameters |
Certifications |
FCC certification |
CE Mark, FDA Non-Significant Risk Designation |
ISO 13485 manufacturing standards, FCC certification |
Money-back Guarantee |
30 days |
30 days |
14 days |
Warranty |
2-year |
2-year |
Not specified |
Stimulation Programs |
5 programs designed for anxiety, burnout, pain, sleep, stress |
Not specified |
Multi-purpose programs for various conditions |
User Experience |
Neck-wearable design, gel required for conductivity, some app performance issues reported |
Earpiece design, gel recommended but not required, no app |
Bilateral auricular stimulation, app control, designed for ease of use |
*Prices were taken at the time of writing and may be different now.
Pulsetto: Revolutionary Vagus Nerve Stimulator Reduce stress and anxiety in just 4 minutes with Pulsetto, the innovative vagus nerve stimulator designed to biohack your parasympathetic nervous system. Clinically proven and FCC-certified, Pulsetto has helped 86% of users feel calmer and less anxious within two weeks. Rated 4.5/5 by over 20,137 customers. Enjoy benefits like free worldwide shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 2-year warranty, and recyclable materials. |