Mental health often takes a backseat in our lives, overshadowed by work projects, household chores, or endless to-do lists. I'll admit that I am the first one guilty of neglecting my well-being, working extra hours, scrolling endlessly after getting home, or lying in bed replaying the same thoughts over and over.
That's why I decided it was time to break these unhealthy habits and prioritize my mental well-being. During my research, I came across the mindfulness community — a space where meditation, journaling, breathing exercises, and other techniques are highlighted as valuable tools for enhancing calmness and tranquility.
However, despite being intrigued by this holistic approach to wellness, I also noticed an overwhelming amount of cult-like spiritual gurus, dubious retreats, and products that promise to transform your life. This put me in alert mode — who and what can we trust?
Thankfully, I did not have to ponder these questions for too long. Just a few days after discussing my trust issues in the mindfulness scene, I stumbled upon an oasis in the desert of skepticism — Muse.
Muse is unlike any other product in this space. It goes beyond offering meditation sessions by also tracking what's happening in your body during those moments of stress or agitation. With various sensors providing real-time feedback on your brain activity, heart rate, and breathing, this headband may help align your body and mind to achieve that calm state you are after.
In this Muse headband review, I will explore the ins and outs of the device, the Muse app, and what you can expect when using this meditation headband for the first time. I hope my insights help you make an informed decision and serve as a first step on a journey to enhance both your physical and emotional health.
What is Muse?
Muse is a device that utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) and other biomarkers to provide personalized meditation techniques, aimed at reducing stress and promoting a more relaxed and calm state.
What sets Muse apart from other meditation devices is its use of EEG technology, which is designed to monitor the electrical activity in your brain. EEG captures the brainwaves, which are the patterns of the electrical impulses produced by brain cells, representing your mental state.
Receive biofeedback of your brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and movement, helping you gain unique insights into how your body and mind work.
Through the use of EEG, Muse may track your brain activity and adjust each meditation session to help you reach a relaxed state. For instance, if your mind is wandering around, Muse will increase the volume of the meditation to help you focus and guide you back to a tranquil state.
Additionally, the device includes other markers, including a PPG sensor to track your heart rate, as well as an accelerometer and gyroscope to detect movement. These features are particularly useful for receiving personalized meditation soundscapes that are focused on the heart rate, body movement, or breath patterns.
All of this data is collected by the headband sensors and transmitted to Muse's app during the guided meditation or “digital sleeping pill” mode, which is specially designed for sleep. Here, you can check your progress during each meditation session and mark new goals and objectives. Your data on the app is a valuable tool for understanding your body and finding out what type of sound effects, ambient music, positions, or meditation techniques are the best for your specific needs.
Muse 2: a quick review
Muse’s brain sensing headband is often perceived as somewhat alien or peculiar. Its tight fit around the forehead and metallic design creates an unusual appearance that you may not want to rock outside of your room.
I had the same initial impression when I first saw Muse, but I eventually realized the wide range of benefits it may offer. For starters, it can provide detailed readings of your heart rate, breathing rate, and brainwaves in real-time, enabling unique and personalized sessions.
Furthermore, one of my favorite perks is the lightweight design of this device, which allows meditation and unwinding comfortably at-home or anywhere else you need to take a break. Last week for instance, I took the device to my office and took a 5 minute soundscape meditation to relax after a meeting.
Lastly, I enjoy the signal quality check, which ensures the device is working properly and does not cease working amidst the session.
On the downside, this device may be a bit uncomfortable for extended use, and if it’s hot, you will most likely sweat and have a mark on your forehead.
Muse S: a quick review
While the Muse 2 is a great device for promoting calmness, the Muse S takes it a step further with its upgraded design and features, offering elevated comfort and a better understanding of your body and mind.
Muse S is designed as a headband, with all of its sensors grouped in a pod for a more convenient reading of brain waves, heart rate, and movement. Its biggest advancement over Muse 2 is its “night mode”, which monitors brain activity and heart rate during sleep, offering valuable insights about your sleeping patterns and overall quality of rest.
Additionally, the Muse S includes a 'sleeping pill' feature, specifically designed for those who struggle to fall asleep or need help to unwind before bed. You can select from various meditation programs, and the device will adjust the music or podcasts based on your brain activity, lowering the volume as you drift off or increasing it if your brain becomes active during sleep.
Although the headband is considered more comfortable than the Muse 2, it must be properly adjusted on the forehead, as even slight movements can result in inaccurate readings.
Why we chose to review Muse
Reviewing Muse felt like a natural choice for our team, especially for me. The more I explored the mindfulness market, the more skeptical I became, as most devices lack the advanced technology needed to learn what works best to unwind when you need it most.
Many products simply rely on logging self-reported mental, physical, and sleep data on their apps. While some of these products, like Headspace or Sensa app, are pretty good as journals for tracking users' mental states, Muse goes a step further by providing a comprehensive view of your body's state during meditation and sleep.
Furthermore, we believe it's crucial to use unbiased, evidence-based evaluation when choosing the right meditation tool. Muse checked all the boxes in our requirement list, including biofeedback metrics, comfort, user-friendly design, and versatility. That’s why we decided to review it in detail and discuss the great, the good, and the not-so-good aspects of this brain-sensing headband.
Muse models and how to use them
Once your Muse headband arrives, it’s time to set it up. Thankfully, both the S model and the 2 model follow the same installation process. Let’s go over the step-by-step process of each device.
Muse 2
- Unboxing. The Muse 2 comes in a compact package with the device, a USB charging cable, and an instruction manual in various languages.
- Charge the device. Connect the USB cable to your computer and charge the Muse device for a few hours.
- App setup. While your Muse device is charging, you can download the Muse app and sign up for free. You will need to log in with your Google account or create a new user account.
- Answer a questionnaire. After signing up, you will need to provide some basic information, including birth date, sex, handedness, and geographical region.
- Connect the device. Turn on your Muse 2 by pressing the power button on the side. Make sure to remove the plastic covering the sensors on both sides of the device.
- Pair the device. Wait for the app to detect your device and follow the instructions on how to pair it.
- Adjust your headband. Once pairing is complete, a short video will guide you on how to adjust the headband. Make sure your hair is clear from the sensors and the headband is adjusted properly on the sides.
- Take a sample meditation. After your headband is securely fit, you can begin your sample meditation session. Before starting, the app will run a signal check to ensure the connection is strong.
Overall, the setup process for the Muse 2 is simple and easy to follow. I had no issues connecting the device to the app, even though I am not the most tech-savvy person in the office. However, I found the instructions and signal check before the sample meditation a bit lengthy, especially since I really wanted to get started.
Muse S
- Unboxing. The Muse S packaging has been upgraded from previous models — sleek, lightweight, and travel-friendly. Inside the folded box are two smaller packages: one containing the headband, and the other with the pod and the USB charger.
- Assembly. Attach the sensor to the headband and make sure the protective blue plastic is removed.
- Charge the device. Connect the USB cable to your computer. A full charge should take approximately 3 hours.
- Download the Muse S app. Log in or create a new profile. If you are new to Muse, a questionnaire will pop up. If you already have Muse 2, the app will automatically connect the device to your account.
- Pair the device. Turn on the sensor and pair the device. Once pairing is complete, a short video will guide you on adjusting the Muse S for a proper fit. Make sure the device has direct contact with your skin, with the pod centered.
- Start meditating. After your headband is securely fit, you can start your calming sessions. You can follow the sample meditation or, if you are familiar with Muse 2, jump straight into your usual practice.
Since I had experience with Muse 2, setting up the Muse S was easy for me, especially, because I already had an account linked. However, adjusting the headband was a bit trickier than I expected — my hair kept getting in the way, an issue I did not experience with the Muse 2 device.
Muse effectiveness for meditation
As I delved deeper into the Muse rabbit hole on Reddit, I came across highly positive feedback, especially regarding its benefits.
Many users reported that the meditation sessions not only helped them achieve better focus but also significantly reduced their stress and anxiety levels. While I am usually skeptical about anecdotal reviews, I turned my head to the shade of science to find out if Muse is also respected in the scientific community.
Although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Muse S and Muse 2 in meditation, some scientific findings highlight potential benefits:
- Stress. Some evidence suggests that Muse may be a promising candidate for reducing stress and anxiety. For example, one pilot study found that the Muse S headband was linked to reduced self-reported stress and increased resilience among healthcare professionals. Moreover, another study linked the use of Muse with reductions in self-reported fatigue and stress, as well as improved quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
- Mindfulness. EEG neurofeedback headbands like Muse have also been associated with an improved state of mindfulness after 14 days of using them during meditation. These results may indicate that meditation sessions with both Muse S and Muse 2 may have a positive effect on focus.
However, I also encountered skepticism in the scientific community about this device. An example is a 2018 study that notes that the use of consumer-grade EEG systems, such as Muse, is “extremely limited in non-laboratory conditions.”
User experience and app features
Hopping on Muse's app was easy for me and the rest of my team. We quickly familiarized ourselves with the five different meditation types and found the timer mode particularly convenient for free meditation practice. Moreover, we appreciated the detailed information about our performance during each meditation session and the various courses available on the app to guide your meditation journey.
However, our impressions may not necessarily match other users' experiences. Fortunately, we found plenty of positive feedback on Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit. While individual experiences are different and unique, I noticed many users shared similar insights about the product.
Many customers expressed that Muse devices helped them meditate effectively, which in turn supported their alertness and focus during the day. Others mentioned that using the headband significantly helped to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Some users also enjoyed the premium subscription, which allows them to pair the device with Spotify and other meditation apps. Lastly, the sleep tracking feature was well-received, especially for understanding sleep cycles and tracking sleep duration.
However, not all the feedback was positive. Some users expressed criticism of the brand and the product. The most common complaint was connectivity issues, as hair or movement can easily disrupt the sleep-tracking data as you fall asleep.
Moreover, some seasoned meditators felt that the sessions seemed incomplete and that keeping track of all the sensors and data could lead to the loss of precious focus. There were also complaints about the high price and poor customer support, especially on Trustpilot.
What people liked
- Real-time feedback helps improve focus and awareness
- Guided meditations are calming and effective
- Allows to track progress and provides motivation
- Easily adjustable headband
- The sleep tracking feature offers a detailed analysis of sleep phases, duration, and heart rate
- EEG feature to monitor brain activity and customize sleeping and meditation modes
- Premium subscription to pair Muse’s headband with other apps
What people did not like
- Connectivity issues with the app
- Drains the battery of the phone
- Only works with headphones
- The charging cable does not come with a plug
- Some guided meditations may not resonate with all users
- High price
- Bluetooth needs to always be active
Expert opinion
As my research on the Muse S and Muse 2 devices was coming to an end, I realized that something important was missing — expert opinions. That's why I turned to professionals in the medical field to get some first-hand insights about these products. I had the opportunity to connect with Sham Singh, a UCLA-trained psychiatrist, and Raveesh Sunkara, a neurosurgeon.
When I asked about the positive effects of Muse devices on mental health, the experts expressed enthusiasm, particularly for their ability to provide individuals with valuable data and increase awareness of their body and internal processes. “While neurofeedback devices may not directly alleviate stress or anxiety, they often incorporate mindfulness practices, which are well-established as effective for promoting relaxation and reducing stress,” said Sunkara. Singh echoed this view, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness as a tool to understand your own body better.
Regular use of such neurofeedback devices can significantly enhance self-awareness and self-regulation. I’ve seen individuals learn to identify patterns that precede stress or anxiety, which enables them to develop proactive strategies for managing these emotions.
Raveesh Sunkara
The experts also pointed out the limitations of these devices. “Accurately interpreting complex emotions like stress and anxiety based on EEG data alone can be challenging. While EEG may identify correlations between certain brain waves and emotional states, it doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship,” said Sunkara. He further added that it is important to approach similar devices with realistic expectations, as “more research is required to conclusively prove their ability to reduce stress or improve focus and sleep. If you’re considering using a neurofeedback device, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised, particularly if you have underlying mental health concerns.”
Tips and tricks for using Muse effectively
While Muse may seem rather intimidating at first, learning your way around the device is pretty easy. Just requires some time and willingness to experiment with the different modes and types of meditation in the app. Here, I compiled some tips and tricks to get started with the device and make the learning curve a bit easier:
- Reboot your phone. A few users have reported connectivity issues and lag with the Muse app. We have found that rebooting your phone may help with this. Additionally, avoid using other apps and close extra tabs to optimize Muse's performance.
- Keep your phone plugged in. Unfortunately, Muse S can be quite demanding on your phone’s battery. If you will use the headband for long meditation sessions or while falling asleep, make sure your phone stays charged.
- Don’t limit yourself. The Muse app offers a huge variety of options to personalize your experience, from guided sessions and stories to body or heart meditation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover what works best for you. Additionally, don’t overlook the courses on the app—Muse Essentials, for example, is a great starting point if you have never meditated before.
- Monitor your average calm. You can track your progress by comparing your calm percentage in a given session with your overall average. Aim for a gradual improvement instead of focusing on sudden leaps of calmness.
- Use time stamps. After a session, you can zoom in on your graph to pinpoint when you achieved calm, became distracted, or recovered your focus. Reflect on your meditation and consider what triggered each change on the graph—this information can be valuable to improve your meditation skills and also take greater control of your focus. If you use the “digital sleeping pill” in Muse S, you can also see how your mind behaves as you fall asleep.
- Find your focus. After using the Muse device for some time, you can probably better understand how your mind achieves focus. Try noticing the small things that help you relax. Is it a specific position? A type of sound? You can try different positions, music, and ambient sounds to understand what the key to relaxing is.
How much does Muse cost and where to buy it?
These neurofeedback devices are available on the Muse website with various pricing options. At the time of writing this review, there is a bundle promotion for Muse 2 and Muse S, retailing for $244.98 and $444.98, respectively. However, please note that these prices may change throughout the year. Below, we have listed the original prices:
| Device | Price with a year subscription | Price without subscription | 4-installment pay, each one for: | 4-installment pay, each one for: |
| Muse S | $494.98 | $399.99 | $111.25 | $100.00 |
| Muse 2 | $294.98 | $199.99 | $61.25 | $50.00 |
Both models come with a 30-day return period if they fail to meet your expectations. Additionally, they also include a 1-year warranty that covers repairs or a replacement if your headband stops working.
Finally, Muse offers discounts on all their products, including Muse S and Muse 2, for military, respondents, and medical workers.
Track your brain function and acquire effective strategies to guide your body and mind to a state of peace and tranquility.
Comparison to other meditation apps and devices
Entering the mindfulness universe may help you improve focus and mental clarity, but it can also be overwhelming with the countless devices and apps available. To help, we have done some research and compiled a list of the most talked-about devices and apps so you can see how they compare to using the Muse devices:
| Device or app | Price | Addresses | Focuses on | App | Technology | What makes it different |
| Muse S | $399.99 | Stress, focus, sleep issues | Brain activity | Yes | EEG, PPG sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope | Biofeedback to support meditation sessions and sleep tracking feature |
| Muse 2 | $249.99 | Stress and focus | Brain activity | Yes | EEG, PPG sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope | Biofeedback to support meditation sessions |
| Mendi | $299.00 | Focus, attention, and mental resilience | Brain activity | Yes | Near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex | Measures brain activity during mental exercises to help you control, train, and improve brain function |
| Pulsetto | $269.00 | Anxiety, burnout pain, sleep, and stress | Vagus nerve | Yes | Induces electrical pulse to stimulate the vagus nerve | Electrical signals can be modulated to achieve different benefits |
| Sens.ai | $1,500.00 | Focus, stress, and sleep | Brain activity | Yes | EEG-based neurofeedback, heart coherence biofeedback, and transcranial photobiomodulation stimulation | Personalized brain training experience at home to elevate focus and concentration, as well as enhance meditation practice |
| Sensate | $299.00 | Stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties | Vagus nerve toning | Yes | Infrasonic frequency vibrations and soundscapes | Sound waves create frequency vibrations, which is suggested to result in vagus nerve toning |
Final verdict: is Muse the right meditation tool for you?
I turned to the mindfulness space hoping to find a tool that could help calm my nerves, especially as I am in a constant battle with my workaholic tendencies. That's when I discovered Muse, a neurofeedback device that uses EEG sensors to guide you through personalized meditation practices to help you relax, rest, and focus better.
While it's important to note that this device will not automatically make you more productive or relieve your anxiety, it is worth trying if, like me, you struggle to disconnect from work, have trouble sleeping, or simply want to get started on meditation.
Muse offers an extensive library of meditation styles, soundscapes, modes, and session lengths, allowing you to explore different combinations and find what makes you feel best. The sensor pod in these devices collects data on certain aspects of your mental and physical states, providing valuable insights into your heart rate, movements, and brain activity during each session. This can help you understand better what triggers distractions, aid in regaining focus, or help you calm down.
Although both devices are great for meditation, I enjoyed the Muse S headband a bit more. This is mainly due to its digital sleeping pill mode, which soothes you with stories, sounds, or ambient music. This feature is particularly useful for me, as I typically fall asleep to podcasts only to wake up in the middle of the night when they get too loud. With Muse S, this does not happen, as the EEG sensors track your brain activity, and the app adjusts the volume and frequency or pace of the soundscape to the state of your mind. Moreover, it is fascinating to review your sleep data in the morning, as it provides insights into your sleep cycles, their duration, and your heart rate throughout the night.
I also enjoyed the adjustable Muse S headband and how easy it is to charge both devices. If you will be mostly focused on meditation, the Muse 2 may be a great choice. However, if you want a more extensive library of meditation options and the ability to use the device while sleeping, I would go for Muse S. Plus, both devices can be shared with friends or partners, as the app supports multiple users!
FAQ
Is the Muse headband worth it?
It might. If you frequently experience stress, Muse may offer useful insights about your body and valuable tools to help you achieve a more relaxed state. Moreover, it can also provide key information about your sleep quality and support better sleep hygiene.
What does the Muse headband do?
Muse is specifically designed to help you relax and unwind, restoring your mental and physical equilibrium. It provides a range of meditation techniques to enhance your well-being while delivering valuable insights into your breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and sleep patterns.
Can you use Muse headband without a subscription?
Yes. Both Muse 2 and Muse S can be used without a paid subscription. However, the meditation programs are more limited, and the devices cannot be paired with other apps like Spotify or Apple Music.
How long does Muse headband last?
While the product's lifespan is not specified, the brand indicates that Muse S has a battery life of around 10 hours, with a full charge taking 3 hours. Moreover, despite no official data about Muse 2's battery life, users report it lasts about 5 hours.
Should I buy Muse 2 or Muse S?
Depends. Both devices can be ideal for calming your body and enhancing relaxation, but some users prefer the Muse S for its sleep tracking feature. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Muse 2 may be a better match.
Is it OK to wear headbands all the time?
Depends. While the Muse S offers a comfortable and adjustable fit that suits various head sizes, some users have reported discomfort after extended wear, especially during the night.
4 resources
- Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. Mindfulness using a wearable brain sensing device for health care professionals during a pandemic: a pilot program.
- Integrative Cancer Therapies. Use of a wearable EEG headband as a meditation device for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.
- Mindfulness. EEG Neurofeedback during focused attention meditation: effects on state mindfulness and meditation experiences.
- Collaborative Innovation Networks. Muse headband: measuring tool or a collaborative gadget?
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