We all experience stress in one way or another, whether from demanding jobs, hectic family lives, or the constant pressures of daily life. Wearable stress relief devices have become popular innovative tools offering easy and discreet ways to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.
Pulsetto and Sensate are two strong players in this market, each with its unique approach to calming the mind and body.
In this review, we’re going to provide an in-depth comparison of Pulsetto vs. Sensate and will help you determine which wearable stress relief device best suits your lifestyle.
By understanding Pulsetto and Sensate devices' distinct features and benefits, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and take a step towards a more balanced and stress-free life.





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Pulsetto vs. Sensate: Head-to-head comparison
Brand | Price | Wearable location | Technology | Biometric tracking | Recommended frequency | Sync with other apps |
Pulsetto | $244.00 | Neck | Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) | No | Daily for as little as 4 minutes | No |
Sensate | $249.00 | Chest | Infrasonic vibrations to tone the vagus nerve | No | Daily for 10 minutes | No |
How and why we chose to compare these products
When it comes to managing stress, wearable device technology has become very popular. Pulsetto and Sensate are two of the top contenders on the market, each offering potential benefits to calm the mind and body.
To be exact, both Pulsetto and Sensate devices have gained popularity in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. While they share similar goals, their technologies and use differ.
Pulsetto is considered one of the best vagus nerve stimulation devices for home use and focuses on targeting the vagus nerve via tVNS to potentially alleviate anxiety and improve sleep, while Sensate uses vagus nerve toning to target conditions associated with stress.
This technology is rather innovative, as there are no other devices on the market that claim to tone the vagus nerve. Most of the devices aim to simulate it using electrical impulses.
Another reason we chose these devices is that both Pulsetto and Sensate have garnered significant attention and positive reviews from users, which shows their great potential and appeal. Plus, both devices are very close in price.
However, given their different designs and technologies, it's natural to wonder which device offers a more effective stress-relief experience.
What is Pulsetto?

Pulsetto is a wearable tVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation) device that uses specific electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve, a key part of the body's relaxation response.
It’s non-invasive and is easy to use around your neck. The pulses that Pulsetto emits stimulate the vagus nerve, which is important for the parasympathetic nervous system and is responsible for regulating the body's rest and digest response.
Pulsetto features a horseshoe-shaped design with two electrodes that emit gentle electrical pulses through the neck.
Pulsetto features and how to use
The Pulsetto system comes with a wearable device around your neck — the Pulsetto itself. Together with it, you get an electrode gel that needs to be used on the neck area, where the electrodes touch your skin. You control the mechanism by clicking a button on the device and managing it with an app on a smartphone.
You have to pair the mobile application downloaded via Google Play or the iOS App Store with your phone. Then, via the Pulsetto app, you’ll be able to choose from five different settings: stress, anxiety, sleep, burnout, or pain management. Each setting has nine levels, so you can find the perfect vibe for you. And to make things even more relaxing, the app has built-in music.
Pulsetto effectiveness and safety
A study conducted by the company itself found that Pulsetto effectively increased parasympathetic activity. However, it's important to note that this study may have inherent biases due to the company's involvement.
To back these claims, further independent clinical trials should be conducted and published in reputable scientific journals.
Additionally, most of the existing research on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices often focuses on the auricular branch, while Pulsetto targets the cervical branch. This difference requires more extensive studies to determine the best placement and effectiveness of cervical transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation devices.
How much does Pulsetto cost and where to buy it?
Pulsetto is available for purchase on the company's website at a discounted price of $244, including free worldwide shipping.
Together with the purchase, you get the Pulsetto Premium app free trial: three extra stimulations, 11 unique guided meditations, 54 breathing exercises, 1200 positive affirmations, and more.
You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty for your peace of mind.
What users are saying about Pulsetto
Pulsetto website | Trustpilot rating | Amazon rating |
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.1 ⭐⭐⭐ |
What people liked
Many users have praised Pulsetto for its easy adjustment period and results in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Some have reported positive effects on sleep quality.
Additionally, people liked that the device was easy to use and appreciated its quick and straightforward setup process.
What people didn't like
We noticed that some users have encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues when pairing the device with the app. This can be frustrating as it may limit the device's functionality if it's not connected.
Additionally, the non-adjustable band has been a point of criticism, especially for users with larger necks who may find it uncomfortable to wear.
What is Sensate?

Sensate is a pebble-shaped, wearable device placed on your chest that targets the vagus nerve through a technology called infrasonic resonance. Infrasound waves are low-frequency sound waves that can travel deep within the body, potentially stimulating the vagus nerve and triggering the relaxation response.
Unlike other vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices, which use electrical impulses, Sensate uses sound waves to create frequency vibrations which are suggested to result in vagus nerve toning (VNT).
Sensate features and how to use
Unlike neck-worn devices, Sensate sits on your chest, which acts as a resonating chamber that, according to the brand, helps the vibrations reach the vagus nerve. It harnesses the power of biophilic sounds (such as bird songs and water sounds) and vibrations, combining audible and tactile sensations to calm the nervous system.
To get started download the Sensate app and place the Sensate device on your chest and connect it via Bluetooth. The app will offer you various pre-programmed sessions with different durations and goals (stress relief, sleep improvement, and so on). You can choose from those or create custom sessions.
During a session, Sensate emits gentle vibrations that synchronize with the accompanying soundscapes in the app. These soundscapes are designed to deepen the relaxation. The app's interface is uncluttered, so it doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary features.
Sensate effectiveness and safety
Sensate has shown promising results in reducing perceived stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality, according to preliminary in-house studies. People have reported decreased stress levels, reduced anxiety symptoms, and increased sleep duration. However, more rigorous scientific investigation is required to validate these claims.
Also, a preliminary study suggests Sensate may improve sleep quality by calming the body through vagus nerve stimulation. Users reported sleeping for a full seven hours and falling asleep within 30 minutes. Again, more independent research is needed to confirm these findings.
How much does Sensate cost and where to buy it?
Sensate is currently available for purchase directly from the company's website. The device is priced at $249, which includes the Sensate device, a lanyard, a charging cable, and access to the companion app.
You can purchase Sensate for $299 and get a one-year subscription to the Sensate Plus app for free.
Sensate also offers you a 40-day money return policy and a one-year warranty.
What users are saying about Sensate
Pulsetto website | Trustpilot rating | Amazon rating |
Ratings not available, only testimonials | 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What people liked
Users believe Sensate is a worthwhile investment for the results it produces, and the price tag matches its value. The device's ability to potentially tackle stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality has made it a popular choice among those who want a wearable for deeper relaxation.
What people didn't like
While the majority of customers have reported significant benefits, there have been some areas of concern. A small number of users have expressed concerns about the device's durability, reporting issues with breakage. Additionally, some have wished for a wider variety of free content and soundscapes within the app, and there have been discussions regarding battery life.
Pulsetto and Sensate vs. other stress relief wearables
Brand | Price | Technology | Key features | App integration | Certifications | Money-back guarantee | Warranty |
Pulsetto | $244.00 | tVNS | Neck-wearable, 5 stimulation programs, 9 levels | Yes | FCC | 30 days | Two years |
Sensate | $249.00 | VNT via infrasonic vibrations | Custom soundscapes, soft vibrations, and lanyard included | Yes | Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) certification for device's batteries | 40 days | One year |
Apollo Neuro | $349.99 | Wrist, ankle, or clip-on wearable, customizable app, that utilizes sound waves | Wrist, ankle, or clip-on wearable, customizable app, that utilizes sound waves | Yes | None | 30 days | One year |
Hoolest | $399.95 | Hand-held, 5 stimulation modes | Hand-held, 5 stimulation modes | Yes | None | 60 days | One year |
Nurosym | €699.00 | taVNS | Earpiece, certified medical device, uses patented waveform | No | CE marked | 30 days | Two years |
Moonbird | $199.99 | Hand-held, breathing coaching | App with many breathing exercises, portable | Yes | None | 30 days | Two years |
Muse S | $399.99 | Electroencephalography (EEG) | 'Sleeping pill' function, App metrics, Heart rate detection | Yes | Not specified | 30 days | One year |
Final verdict: Pulsetto or Sensate?
As we’ve already pointed out, both Pulsetto and Sensate offer unique approaches to stress relief, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
Pulsetto is a wearable device that uses electrical stimulation to target the vagus nerve. While it offers a more traditional stimulation method than Sensate, it's important to note that Pulsetto may not be as discreet as some other wearable devices. It's designed for home use and requires continuous gel use.
Sensate, on the other hand, uses infrasonic resonance and soundscapes, offering a more immersive relaxation experience. It's a good choice if you want a deeper level of relaxation and don't mind the chest placement. However, this innovative technology needs more research to better understand how infrasonic vibrations may impact the vagus nerve function.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what kind of experience you want to get.
If you prioritize easy use and immersive experience, Sensate might be the better fit. If you want a tVNS device that targets the vagus nerve via the neck, Pulsetto will be a better option. Price-wise, Pulsetto is slightly cheaper than Sensate.
FAQ
Does Pulsetto require a subscription?
No, Pulsetto doesn’t require a subscription to use the device. It’s a one-time purchase and doesn’t require any additional fees, the app is also free to use. A premium subscription is available for enhanced features and personalized experiences on the app.
Do vagus nerve stimulators really work?
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulators, when used at home, offer a non-invasive approach to potentially help alleviate some symptoms like stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and more. However, most of the commercially available vagus nerve stimulation devices for home use lack regulatory approval and clinical validation.
What is the fastest way to calm the vagus nerve?
Deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to calm the vagus nerve. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. This technique helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the stress response.
What is the science behind Sensate?
According to Sensate, it uses infrasonic waves and soundscapes to tone the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the nervous system. The device is placed on your chest to emit infrasonic waves and create resonance in the thoracic cavity via bone conduction.
1 resource
- Frontiers in Neuroscience. Critical review of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: challenges for translation to clinical practice.
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