Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) devices are catching on fast, as more people are finding that stimulating the vagus nerve — a nerve that links the brain with many organs throughout the body — may help relieve stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep.
Pulsetto is one of those devices that’s become quite trendy. It's a compact, wearable device that goes around your neck and is intended to stimulate the vagus nerve non-invasively — meaning it’s suited for use at home.
And in this Pulsetto review, I'll be looking at if it really delivers on these promises. I'll walk you through what it’s like to use, how it performs according to those who have already used it, and if it really provides the benefits that have made vagus nerve devices so popular lately.
What is Pusetto and how does it work?
Pulsetto is a non-invasive transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulator (tcVNS) that’s intended to help you better manage stress and anxiety and improve your sleep quality. But Pulsetto isn’t your typical device — its neck-worn design makes it a true one-off in the market.
There are a couple of key things to know about the Pulsetto system, including how it works and how to use it. First, Pulsetto is powered by an app, which you can download to your smartphone from either Google Play or the iOS App Store, depending on your device's operating system.
Secondly, to use Pulsetto, you'll need to apply electrode gel to the area where the device will be worn — your neck. The good news is that the electrode gel comes with your purchase, so you won't have to worry about that at the start.
This gel is similar to what you would find in ultrasound exams, so many of you may already be familiar with it. And if you are not, it’s just a gel, and applying it is as easy as any other product. Overall, the setup looks pretty straightforward, and you should have no trouble getting the hang of it.
Once you have applied the gel, put the Pulsetto device on your neck and turn it on. Then, you’ll need to pair it with the mobile app. The app features nine stimulation frequency levels and five stimulation programs that are designed to address:
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Pain
- Sleep
- Stress
After selecting your desired program and frequency level, Pulsetto will begin emitting electric pulses through its electrodes. This will create a slight tingling sensation on your skin. These electrical signals then will travel along the vagus nerve to the brain and so they will influence brain activity and other physiological functions.
Benefits of Pulsetto
Pulsetto is marketed to help reduce anxiety, relieve stress, promote relaxation, and enhance sleep quality — all benefits that align well with current scientific findings on what tVNS devices may be capable of. Let's look at them one by one.
Reduced anxiety levels
Using Pulsetto or a similar tVNS device to reduce anxiety involves non-invasively stimulating the vagus nerve to enhance the parasympathetic nervous system activity, as well as potentially altering brain functioning or chemistry.
As a result, it is being theorized that you might see your anxiety symptoms reduced. This could help create a sense of calm and improve how you manage your emotions. Take, for instance, this one study with elderly medical professionals, which found that a four-week course of taVNS was linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep.
But again, keep in mind that individual responses do vary, and further research is still needed for us to fully understand the effectiveness of tVNS for anxiety reduction.
Pain relief
Pulsetto can also be used for pain management. Scientific studies suggest that tVNS can modulate pain perception by stimulating the vagus nerve, which interacts with areas of the brain responsible for pain processing.
This non-invasive technique may help alleviate chronic pain and, in turn, improve the quality of life. However, the extent of relief can vary from person to person, which, again, warrants further research.
Better sleep quality
Limited scientific research indicates that tVNS can improve sleep quality. The non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve may influence the parasympathetic nervous system activity, also known as ‘rest and digest,’ which predominates during sleep. This process has the potential to alleviate sleep disorders and improve overall sleep patterns, though continued research is needed to fully grasp the extent of tVNS’s benefits for sleep improvement.
Stress management
Scientific research also suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve may help manage stress levels by influencing the body's stress response system. This is thought to promote relaxation, lower heart rate, and help lessen the negative effects of chronic stress on both physical and mental health.
For example, in individuals experiencing stress due to sleep deprivation, cervical transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ctVNS) was linked to improved arousal, ability to multitask, and reduced fatigue.
User experience
Looking at reviews online, Pulsetto seems to have a mix of opinions, but most are on the positive side. Trustpilot gives it 3.7 stars, though Amazon users rate it a bit lower at 2.9 stars.
What people liked
On the upside, many users really like how Pulsetto performs. They say it helps them feel at ease and reduces their stress and anxiety levels. Quite a few people also mention that their sleep has gotten better since they started using it. Another thing that stands out from the reviews is that Pulsetto is easy to use, which is always a big plus.
What people didn’t like
But not all reviews are glowing. Some users have complaints about Pulsetto's functionality and reliability, noting that it didn't quite live up to the advertising and didn't deliver the results they were hoping for. Additionally, there are gripes about poor Bluetooth connectivity and some technical issues with the app interface, which can detract from the overall user experience.
What Reddit users are saying about Pulsetto
Now, a look at what Reddit users, who often share detailed insights into their experiences, have been saying about Pulsetto — both the positives and negatives.
- Positive. When it comes to the positives, users are united in their opinion that Pulsetto has performed as expected. Improvements in sleep quality and reduced anxiety are two benefits often mentioned by those on Reddit. They also report seeing progress in mood and focus, attributing these benefits largely to regular use of the device.
- Negative. On the other hand, users harbor skepticism regarding the device’s overall value. Comparisons with other vagus nerve stimulation devices often reveal criticism, with Pulsetto seen by some as less effective in delivering desired results. Others have criticized its interface design for poor usability, particularly with the app requiring users to turn on the device and log in each time they use it, which many find frustrating.
So, in the end, when you consider both the pros and the cons, there are certainly some valid criticisms that point out areas where Pulsetto could improve. But a lot of users find Pulsetto really helpful and think it's a good buy. Their customer service is also on point — showing a proactive approach to addressing customer concerns with a good amount of responses to negative reviews.
Tips and tricks for best results
Using Pulsetto is marketed as incredibly easy, and I agree — it really does seem straightforward. There’s no special know-how required aside from pairing the device with the app on your phone. To make your experience even smoother, I have put together this step-by-step guide to help you get started with Pulsetto:
- Power on. Turn on the device by pressing the button.
- Sync device. Pair the device with the Pulsetto app on your smartphone.
- Apply gel. Generously apply electrode gel to your neck. Focus on the device's pulse points for optimal skin contact.
- Position the device. Place the device around your neck. Make sure it sits comfortably.
- Select a mode. Open the app and choose from the five available modes — stress, worry, sleep, burnout, or pain management.
- Enjoy. While Pulsetto is working try to relax and enjoy what generally should feel like a gentle, light vibration and tingling sensation in your neck area.
To get the most out of Pulsetto, think about adding it to your daily routine or using it whenever you are in need of some stress relief. The makers recommend regular use for optimal results but feel free to adjust how often you use it based on what works for you.
How much does Pulsetto cost and where to buy It?
When you look at the most popular vagus nerve stimulation devices out there on the market, Pulsetto is notable not just because of its distinctive design but also because of its price tag — it's actually one of the lowest-priced options available.
Currently, with the company’s promotional offer, the Pulsetto system is available for $249. This deal includes a 14-day free trial of the premium version of the Pulsetto app, which costs $15 a month after the trial ends, but you can opt out and cancel at any time.
If you want to check out the Pulsetto system for yourself or if you decide to make a purchase, simply visit the official Pulsetto website, where the buying process is designed to be seamless. While all the product information will be available there, I have also outlined the key purchasing details for you in the table below.
| Starting price | $499 |
| Price with ongoing promotion | $249 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Shipping | Free worldwide |
| What’s included | The Pulsetto device, lifetime access to the free version of the Pulsetto app, a 14-day trial of the premium app, a tube of gel, a USB-C charging cable, and a user guide |
Comparison: Pulsetto vs. other popular alternatives
Now, if you are shopping around for options beyond the Pulsetto device or simply want to weigh it against alternative vagus nerve stimulators, here are some other highly rated non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices:
Nurosym is a transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device that has made strides toward scientific validation, as it has been evaluated in some clinical trials. It’s believed to have therapeutic potential for certain mental health issues and long-term COVID-19 symptoms using earpiece-based stimulation. For a more in-depth comparison of Pulsetto with Nurosym, check out our dedicated article.
Then there's Apollo, which, while not technically a vagus nerve stimulator, is a smart wearable designed to be worn as a bracelet. It works by creating vibrations as a form of non-invasive touch therapy. For a full comparison, check out our Pulsetto vs. Apollo comparison, where we break down all the details between the two.
Another popular option is the Hoolest VeRelief Prime, a multifunctional tVNS device that targets not only the vagus nerve but also the median nerve in your wrist and the trigeminal nerve in your forehead.
There's also the Neuvana Xen VNS device, which seems to truly nail it in terms of portability and practicality. Supporting three modes — ambient, sensations, and sync — it also includes an integrated music listening feature. The Xen unit is easy to carry around and designed to work with special earbuds. This means the device can be used even while on the move, walking, or engaging in light activities like stretching.
For more insights on these devices, be sure to read our dedicated article that covers all the essentials and discusses what sets them apart.
Let’s now look how they stack up side by side:
| Device | Price | Technology | Features | Money-back guarantee | Warranty | Potential benefits for |
| Pulsetto | $249.00 | tcVNS | Neck wearable | 21-day | 2-year | Anxiety, burnout, pain management, sleep, and stress |
| Nurosym | €699.00 | taVNS | Works through an earpiece | 30-day | 2-year | Anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue |
| Apollo | $299.99 | Transcutaneous vibratory stimulation through silent vibrations | Worn as a bracelet, can be clipped to clothes | 30-day | 1-year | Stress and sleep |
| Hoolest | $299.00 | tVNS | Targets multiple nerves | 60-day | 1-year | Relaxation and mood |
| Neuvana | $449.00 | taVNS | Easy to carry around | 30-day | 1-year | Stress, sleep, mood, and concentration |
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How and why we chose to review Pulsetto
Pulsetto is one of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators that's buzzing in today’s health scene. What prompted me to review Pulsetto in more detail, beyond the growing interest in these at-home solutions, were its standout features — a design that's like no other and a price that's refreshingly low.
Following our standard practice of reviewing other VNS devices, I, alongside the Healthnews Research team, spent 30-some hours on research. Here’s how that time was spent:
- 20 hours reviewing the scientific literature and clinical trial data
- 10 hours comparing product features and pricing against other vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices
- 2 hours assessing the unboxing experience and first impressions
- 2 hours analyzing customer reviews from platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit
And here's the evaluation criteria that we paid the most attention to while evaluating Pulsetto:
| Criteria | Description |
| Scientific backing | Looked at how well Pulsetto’s proposed benefits stack up against the latest research on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation |
| Customer input | Reviewed what real users are saying to get a sense of how the device performs in actual use |
| Head-to-head comparison | Matched up features and price against other vagus nerve stimulation devices |
| Design | Looked into whether the device design is comfortable, easy to use, and whether it will be a good fit for most people |
Our intention with this review was to provide you with a transparent view of Pulsetto — to help you figure out if it's a good match for what you may be looking for.
Final verdict: is Pulsetto worth it?
After taking a close look at what the Pulsetto device has to offer, considering both the science behind it and my hands-on experience with the device, here are my final reflections, highlighting both the positive and negative takeaways I gathered.
What I liked most about Pulsetto
What really stood out to me about the Pulsetto device is its adjustable stimulation parameters, which let you customize the intensity and frequency to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s one of the lowest-priced vagus nerve stimulators designed for home use when you stack it up against similar well-regarded devices on the market. And it’s also FCC-certified, which means it emits radiofrequency radiation at safe levels. The unique look and feel of the device are definitely appealing, too.
On top of that, with Pulsetto, you can adjust stimulation parameters, which let you customize the intensity and frequency to suit your preferences. Plus, the company’s customer service does seem supportive, and the 30-day money-back guarantee that the device comes with only adds to its appeal.
To me, Pulsetto is one of those options that delivers both quality and performance like the best alternatives out there — only it does so at a budget-friendly price. So in the end, whether you are just looking into vagus nerve stimulation or have been using a similar device for a while, Pulsetto seems like a solid that’s at least worth considering.
What I didn’t like as much about Pulsetto
Now, on the flip side, there are a few things that I didn’t like as much. For starters, Pulsetto requires a continuous supply of electrode gel, which might be a bit inconvenient for some, including myself. It’s also not really suitable for use during extensive movement, like when you are out walking.
I also think that the design might be problematic for some people. See, I can share from our team's experience that the size of the device was not a fit for everyone. Some of our team members with slender necks found it to be too large, which caused it to not sit properly. And so, in these cases, the points where the device rests on the neck might not maintain good contact, which could potentially impact its performance.
Another downside is that much of the scientific evidence supporting the proposed benefits of Pulsetto comes from studies that focus on auricular vagus nerve stimulation — in other words, stimulating the ear rather than the neck. Besides, no studies to date have specifically examined the Pulsetto device itself. This means that scientific backing is one area where this product requires further work.
FAQ
Is Pulsetto legit?
Too early to tell. Pulsetto uses tVNS technology, which has shown potential benefits for stress, sleep, and pain management. However, the specific effectiveness of Pulsetto still needs more research and clinical trials to fully establish its claims.
Who should not use Pulsetto?
Pulsetto is generally considered safe for healthy people since it's a non-invasive VNS device. Still, if you have any existing health issues or worries, it’s imperative that you consult with a healthcare provider before giving it a try.
Do vagus nerve stimulators work?
It’s a preliminary yes, but that depends on the type. Vagus nerve stimulators are typically categorized into two types — invasive and non-invasive. Pulsetto falls into the latter category, which means it doesn’t require surgical implantation. While invasive vagus nerve stimulators do have more scientific backing, non-invasive options are now becoming popular alternatives and have already shown some promise.
Does Pulsetto work without a subscription?
Yes, it does. Pulsetto can be used without a subscription. The device comes with lifetime access to the free version of the Pulsetto app. This will allow you to use its basic features without any additional cost. Now, if you want to access the premium features of the app, you'll need to opt for the subscription.
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