Three gadgets that promise to calm your nervous system in very different ways: electrical pulses on the neck, vibration on the wrist, and infrasound on the chest. Here's how they compare and who each one suits.
Disclosure: this is an independent buyer's guide. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Only products marked with a store button are affiliate links; the others are listed for comparison. This page is for general information and is not medical advice. These devices are not treatments for anxiety disorders, depression or insomnia.
All three aim to nudge your body out of "fight or flight" and toward rest. The method, and the time it takes, is what differs.
Gentle electrical pulses through the skin on both sides of the neck, where the vagus nerve runs. You feel a light tingle.
A wristband or ankle device that plays soft vibration patterns. The company suggests wearing it for several hours a day.
A pebble-shaped device rests on your chest while you lie down, pairing low-frequency vibration with audio soundscapes.
Safety first: if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, a heart condition or epilepsy, or you're pregnant, talk to your doctor before using any nerve stimulator. Ongoing anxiety or sleep problems deserve a doctor's visit first.
Pulsetto is the one we've reviewed in full. Apollo Neuro and Sensate details come from published reviews.
Image: Apollo Neuro
Image: Sensate| Pulsetto FIT | Apollo Neuro | Sensate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Electrical pulses on the neck | Vibration on wrist or ankle | Infrasound on the chest + audio |
| Session time | 4 minutes | Hours a day (suggested) | 10 to 30 minutes |
| Use on the go | β Yes | β Yes | Best lying down |
| Needs gel | Yes | β No | β No |
| App | β Free app, 5 programs | β App, membership after year 1 | β App, some paid tracks |
| Price | $269 (official offer) | About $349 list | About $249 at launch |
| Guarantee | 30-day money-back | Check the store | Check the store |
Pulsetto details come from our full review and its official offer page. Apollo Neuro and Sensate details come from published reviews; prices may have changed, so check the current price before buying.
Pulsetto takes 4 minutes. Sensate needs 10 to 30 minutes lying down. Apollo is meant to be worn for hours.
Pulsetto uses mild electrical stimulation with gel. If that sounds uncomfortable, Apollo and Sensate use vibration only.
For a quick reset at work or before bed, Pulsetto. For an evening wind-down ritual, Sensate. For background calm during the day, Apollo.
Apollo charges a membership after the first year and Sensate sells some soundscapes. Pulsetto's app is free.
Results vary a lot from person to person. Pulsetto's 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to see how you respond.
These are relaxation tools, not treatments. Breathing exercises, sleep habits and talking to a professional still matter most.
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If you want something fast that you can use anywhere, Pulsetto FIT is the easiest to fit into a busy day: 4-minute sessions, a free app and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Choose Apollo Neuro if you'd rather wear a silent vibration band for hours, or Sensate if you want a longer wind-down ritual in bed.
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