Best Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices
Feeling overwhelmed by stress, sleep trouble, or anxiety? There’s a new wave of science-backed gadgets offering non-invasive help, and this article digs deep into the best vagus nerve stimulation devices you can use without surgery. Non-invasive VNS technology promises calmer nerves, better moods, and a healthier you, all in the palm of your hand.
Ready to try one of the highest-rated solutions for stress relief and well-being? Check out Pulsetto, a top-rated device designed specifically for safe, easy vagus nerve stimulation right at home.
What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutic technique that activates the longest cranial nerve in the body, helping regulate stress, sleep, mood, and even inflammation. Originally, only surgical implants delivered this therapy, but new, non-invasive devices are accessible for anyone wanting relief without surgery.
How Non-Invasive VNS Devices Work
Non-invasive tools use gentle electrical pulses or vibrations to stimulate the vagus nerve through the skin, usually at the neck or ear. Popular devices rely on transcutaneous (surface-level) stimulation, meaning you just place the device on your body and let it work.
- Most use FDA-cleared infrasonic or gentle pulsing technology.
- Sessions last from 4 to 30 minutes.
- Can reduce stress, anxiety, improve sleep, and support overall wellness.
- No surgery, no downtime, and no complicated setup.
Best Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices
| Rank | Device Name | Description |
| 1 | Pulsetto | Pulsetto is a wearable device that uses vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. By targeting the vagus nerve with gentle electrical impulses, Pulsetto can help induce a state of calm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Advantages of Pulsetto: Stress Reduction: Experience significant relief from daily stress by activating your vagus nerve and shifting your body into a “rest and digest” state.Improved Sleep: Pulsetto supports restful sleep by calming your nervous system, helping you wake up refreshed and energized.Enhanced Mental Clarity: By promoting relaxation, Pulsetto aids in sharpening focus and reducing brain fog.Boosted Heart Rate Variability (HRV): This device helps improve HRV, an important marker of heart health and resilience to stress.Digestive Health Support: Vagus nerve stimulation positively impacts the gut-brain connection, aiding digestion and reducing bloating.Chronic Health Support: Pulsetto offers support for individuals managing chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue, helping to improve their quality of life. What’s Included: Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulation DeviceUSB-C Charging CableElectrode Gel (enough for one month of use)User ManualFree Premium App Trial (includes 11 guided meditations, 54 breathing exercises, and 1,200 positive affirmations) How Pulsetto Works: Using Pulsetto is simple and takes just 4 minutes to start feeling the effects. Here’s how it works: Apply a generous amount of gel to your neck or directly onto the electrodes.Place the device on your neck.Pair it with the Pulsetto app on your smartphone.Choose your desired program and start the device through the app. The device creates a gentle, pleasant vibration or tingling sensation in your neck area. This stimulation helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer, less stressed state. |
| 2 | Truvaga Plus | Truvaga Plus is a handheld vagus nerve stimulator designed to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and better sleep by balancing the vagus nerve. It uses clinically studied, drug-free technology to deliver fast vagus nerve stimulation, working gently with the nervous system to create a natural relaxation response. The device is portable, rechargeable, and app-enabled, offering unlimited sessions for convenient use. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free trial. Advantages of Truvaga Plus: Stress Relief: 94% of users reported feeling calmer and happier within 30 days, effectively reducing daily stress.Improved Focus: Enhances mental clarity and concentration by activating the parasympathetic system.Deeper Sleep: Supports better sleep quality, helping users fall asleep faster and wake refreshed.Overall Well-being: Boosts mood and resilience, backed by collaborations with Johns Hopkins and Harvard.Portability: Compact design fits easily into daily routines without hassle.Non-Invasive: Drug-free alternative to medications for anxiety management. What’s Included: Truvaga Plus device with proprietary vagus nerve stimulation technologyRechargeable batteryApp for personalized sessions and progress trackingConductivity spray (sold separately but recommended)User manual and quick-start guide How Truvaga Plus Works: The stimulator delivers gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve via a soft probe on the neck, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Sessions last just 2 minutes, with adjustable intensity. Pair with the app for customized programs targeting stress, focus, or sleep. Developed with top medical institutions, it ensures safe, effective use for long-term wellness. |
| 3 | Nurosym | Nurosym is a wearable neurotech device that uses targeted electrical impulses via the vagus nerve to rewire the brain, promoting lasting calm, consistent energy, and peak biological performance. It employs neuromodulation to address stress, fatigue, and inflammation by enhancing vagal tone and reducing inflammatory markers. Benefits include a 35% improvement in anxious states, 48% reduction in fatigue, 18% increase in heart rate variability (HRV), and 78% improvement in inflammation, as shown in clinical trials. Users report better sleep (31% improvement), enhanced recovery, and reduced oxidative stress (28%). The device helps manage chronic stress, burnout, and poor sleep by downregulating the stress response and supporting neuroplasticity. It is trusted by over 60 institutions and used by more than 1,000 health professionals, with over 4 million happy user sessions and no serious adverse events reported. Nurosym is certified, patented, and backed by 50+ ongoing scientific studies. Advantages of Nurosym: Reduced Anxiety and Fatigue: Significant improvements in mood and energy levels.Enhanced HRV and Sleep: Boosts resilience and restful nights.Inflammation Control: Lowers markers for better long-term health.Clinically Proven: Backed by extensive research for reliability. What’s Included: Nurosym deviceCharging cableUser manualCarrying case30-day money-back guarantee How Nurosym Works: Nurosym delivers precise electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the ear, modulating the autonomic nervous system to shift the body from “fight-or-flight” to a parasympathetic state. Sessions last about an hour, with sustained effects even after discontinuation, improving HRV, reducing inflammation, and enhancing energy and mood. Clip the electrode on the outer ear and adjust intensity for personalized therapy. |
| 4 | Sensate | Sensate is a wearable device designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress by targeting the vagus nerve. It uses gentle sound vibrations to calm the nervous system, offering quick relief from anxiety and improved focus in just 10 minutes. The device is shown to decrease stress by 48% and enhance sleep, with users gaining an average of 60 extra minutes of sleep per night. It strengthens the nervous system, improves emotional regulation, and supports better digestion, heart health, and breathing over time. Advantages of Sensate: Rapid Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes calm instantly.Better Sleep: Extends sleep duration and quality naturally.Emotional Balance: Enhances regulation and resilience to stress.Holistic Health: Supports digestion, heart, and breathing functions.Convenience: Portable and easy for daily meditation. What’s Included: Sensate deviceLanyard for chest placementAccess to Sensate app with soundscapesOptional Plus subscription for premium content90-day money-back guarantee How Sensate Works: Place the Sensate on your chest using the lanyard. It emits soft infrasonic vibrations synced with calming soundscapes from the app, soothing the vagus nerve and nervous system. Sessions of 10-30 minutes activate the parasympathetic response, leading to relaxation without drugs. Over time, it builds stress resilience for sustained wellness. |
| 5 | Apollo Neuro | Apollo Neuro is a wearable device designed to promote calm, improve sleep, and enhance focus using gentle, personalized vibrations. It activates the vagus nerve through non-invasive, drug-free sound wave vibrations, offering a science-backed approach to stress relief and well-being. The device is made in the USA, female-founded, and award-winning, with features like SmartVibes™ AI that adapts to the user’s health and rhythms for real-time support. Advantages of Apollo Neuro: Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Lowers levels by 40% for daily calm.Boosted Focus: Increases concentration by 25%.Improved HRV and Sleep: Enhances variability by 11% and adds up to 60 minutes of deep sleep.Energy and Mood Lift: Supports all-day performance and recovery.AI Personalization: Tailors vibrations for optimal results. What’s Included: Apollo Wearable band for wrist/ankleApollo Clip for versatile attachmentCharging cableUser guideOptional sleep band How Apollo Neuro Works: Wear the device on wrist, ankle, or clip to clothing. SmartVibes™ AI sends gentle vibrations to stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting to parasympathetic mode. Daytime modes energize and focus, evening ones relax for sleep. Use 3 hours daily for best effects; AI learns from usage to refine support, promoting sustained nervous system balance. |
| 6 | Xen by Neuvana | Xen by Neuvana is a portable auricular vagus nerve stimulator that delivers gentle electrical stimulation through earbuds to enhance relaxation, mood, and overall wellness. Using transauricular VNS (taVNS), it targets the vagus nerve via the ear canal at 25Hz frequency, offering 210 customizable settings for personalized therapy. Hands-free and app-controlled, it integrates seamlessly with music, podcasts, or TV, making sessions enjoyable and effortless. Advantages of Xen: Stress and Mood Improvement: Promotes calm and emotional balance.Enhanced Relaxation: Reduces anxiety during daily activities.Wellness Boost: Supports focus, sleep, and nervous system health.Versatility: Compatible with media for immersive use.Comfort: Lightweight earbuds for all-day wear. What’s Included: Xen earbuds deviceApp for control and modes (Ambient, Sensation, Sync)Saline solution for conductivityCharging cableProtective sleeve and travel case (in bundles)30-day money-back guarantee How Xen Works: Insert earbuds, apply saline for conductivity, and connect to the app. Select a mode and intensity; the device sends low-level pulses to the vagus nerve, activating parasympathetic responses. Sessions up to 3 hours per charge build vagal tone over time, with app tracking progress. Ideal for multitasking, it fosters long-term stress resilience without disruption. |
| 7 | ZENOWELL Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator | The ZENOWELL Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator is a non-invasive medical device designed to stimulate the vagus nerve through the ear, promoting overall wellness. It targets the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which is accessible via the outer ear, to deliver targeted electrical stimulation. This stimulation aims to regulate the autonomic nervous system, potentially improving stress response, mood, digestion, and heart rate variability. Advantages of ZENOWELL: Stress Reduction: Lowers anxiety and promotes relaxation.Mood Enhancement: Improves emotional well-being.Better Sleep: Supports restful nights and recovery.Autonomic Balance: Boosts HRV for resilience.Portability: Easy home use without clinical visits. What’s Included: ZENOWELL deviceEar electrodesCharging cableUser manualReplacement pads and carrying case (in some kits)30-day money-back guarantee How ZENOWELL Works: Place electrodes on ear points, moisten if needed, and activate via app or buttons. It sends mild pulses to the vagus nerve, influencing the relaxation response. Adjustable intensity and duration allow customization; regular 15-30 minute sessions enhance parasympathetic activity, supporting digestion, mood, and stress management for holistic health. |
| 8 | VeRelief Prime by Hoolest | VeRelief Prime is a drug-free device that uses patented high-dose vagus nerve stimulation to provide instant relief from stress, panic, and anxiety. It reactivates the vagus nerve, the body’s natural “panic reset,” to restore calm by releasing serotonin and acetylcholine, calming the nervous system after a single use. Clinically proven, it increases heart rate variability and reduces state-anxiety severity, being twice as effective as placebo. Over 1,000 first responders reported feeling more relaxed after one use. The device is non-invasive, requires no gel, and is doctor-recommended for high-stress, PTSD, and sleep issues. Advantages of VeRelief Prime: Instant Calm: Rapid relief from panic and stress.Sleep Improvement: Enhances quality for better recovery.Performance Boost: Supports focus in demanding environments.Proven Efficacy: Backed by studies and user testimonials.Ease: No app or setup needed. What’s Included: VeRelief Prime deviceHeadphones (Pro version)Pre-applied gel tipsCharging accessories1-year warranty, 60-day guarantee How VeRelief Prime Works: Place on neck, turn on, and adjust intensity. It delivers targeted stimulation to reset the nervous system, promoting serotonin release and parasympathetic activation. Short sessions provide immediate effects; use as needed for ongoing stress management, with hands-free Pro option for enhanced relaxation. |
| 9 | Vagustim | Vagustim is the world’s first multi-purpose, smart, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device designed to promote mental clarity, relaxation, and calmness. It activates the vagus nerve, a key component of the body’s “rest and digest” system, to support digestion, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Backed by over 30 clinical trials and trusted by over 100 prestigious institutions worldwide, Vagustim delivers personalized wellness through a mobile app, making it user-friendly and adjustable to individual needs. Advantages of Vagustim: Stress and Digestion Aid: Balances nervous system for calm and gut health.Better Sleep: Promotes restorative rest.Mental Clarity: Enhances focus and grounding.Personalized: App-customized for optimal results.Evidence-Based: Supported by extensive research. What’s Included: Vagustim device with earsetsBluetooth app (free/premium)AA batteriesUser manual1-year warranty, 30-day guarantee How Vagustim Works: Use earsets to deliver biosympathetic frequencies to the vagus nerve. Pair with app to select duration (15-60 min) and intensity. Daily sessions activate parasympathetic mode, fostering relaxation and well-being. Start short for beginners; track progress via app for tailored therapy. |
| 10 | gammaCore | gammaCore is a handheld, portable, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) cleared by the FDA to treat and prevent multiple headache types, including migraine, cluster headache, hemicrania continua (HC), and paroxysmal hemicrania (PH). It delivers gentle electrical stimulation through the skin to activate the vagus nerve, a key neural pathway that blocks pain signals, providing fast relief and reducing future attacks. For acute use, two-minute treatments offer rapid, long-lasting pain relief. For prevention, twice-daily use promotes more headache-free days. Clinically proven for users aged 12+, it reduces migraine days without additional drugs and is the only device proven for cluster headache and HC/PH treatment. The device is easy to use, drug-free, and avoids surgery or systemic side effects. Advantages of gammaCore: Pain Relief: Quick reduction in headache severity.Prevention: Fewer attacks with regular use.Non-Drug: Avoids medication side effects.Portability: Fits in pocket for on-the-go.FDA-Cleared: Safe and effective for specific conditions. What’s Included: gammaCore deviceCharging cableUser guidePrescription processing supportHSA/FSA eligibility How gammaCore Works: Apply to neck, press button for 2-minute stimulation. Pulses activate vagus nerve to interrupt pain signals. Use acutely or preventively; requires prescription but simple setup. Builds on clinical evidence for sustained headache management. |
Benefits Proven by Clinical Studies in 2025
A study from Cambridge found 89% of users improved heart rate variability, an important stress marker, after a month of daily use with infrasonic wave VNS devices like Pulsetto. Other studies revealed that regular non-invasive VNS sessions can lower resting heart rate, improve sleep quality, and cut cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels significantly in as little as two weeks.
Fast Facts:
- 56% lower stress levels after VNS sessions (2025 study).
- 41% improvement in sleep quality reported after consistent use.
- Symptom domains (pain, anxiety, fatigue) saw significant improvement over 3 months.
Data supports wellness uses, but medical claims for disease treatment may still require more research.
Who Can Safely Use Non-Invasive VNS Devices?
Anyone looking for drug-free ways to ease stress, anxiety, improve sleep, or support their mood may consider VNS devices. These gadgets are especially popular among adults and teens dealing with high stress, insomnia, or burnout, no prescription required for most wellness models.
- Medical clearance is advised for individuals with heart or neurological conditions.
- Most devices provide safety features and low-intensity options to fit different sensitivities.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While studies and user surveys confirm safety for most people, experts recommend checking with a doctor, especially for those with pacemakers or neurological conditions. Mild skin irritation is the most common minor issue, easily avoided by cleaning wearable surfaces after each use.
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Discontinue use if you feel discomfort.
How to Choose The Best Device
Look for:
- Proven data and clinical testing (FDA or CE marks preferred).
- Adjustable settings for comfort.
- App support for easy tracking.
- Money-back guarantees or warranties.