Vagal devices compared with Nurosym. Same ear-based approach, different technology and price.
Vagally Curious?
Vagal Buddy vs Nurosym
Same goal. Same ear-based approach. Six differences that matter.
Vagal Buddy
$349
Nurosym
~$699
Stimulation type
Current-controlled (tVNS)
EverSteady adjusts in real time. The current stays constant regardless of changing skin impedance. The dose you set is the dose delivered.
Stimulation type
Voltage-controlled (tENS)
The voltage stays fixed but the current fluctuates as skin moisture, temperature and contact pressure change.
Stimulation protocols
Multiple, updatable via app
New protocols loaded through the Vagal Tones app as research advances. Your device evolves without replacing hardware.
Stimulation protocols
Fixed
One stimulation protocol. No app-based updates to parameters.
Ongoing costs
Earpiece replacement over time
No gel, no subscription. The ear clip will eventually need replacing with regular use — affordable replacements available in our store.
Ongoing costs
Earpiece replacement over time
No gel or subscription. 6-month warranty on earpiece electrodes. Replacements available at additional cost.
Ease of use
Display + joystick
A clear on-device display shows your session settings at a glance. The joystick lets you adjust intensity mid-session without fiddling with buttons.
Ease of use
Single button + LED
Intensity adjusted by pressing a button repeatedly. A small LED indicates status but doesn't show settings.
Try it risk-free
45 days
Use it daily. Not feeling like you again? Send it back. No questions.
Try it risk-free
30 days
30-day return window from delivery.
Price
$349
Clinical-grade tVNS with EverCharge wireless charging. Current-controlled accuracy and updatable protocols included.
Price
~$699
Retail price as listed. Discounts occasionally available.
Same ear. Different technology. Half the price.
Both devices target the vagus nerve through the ear. Vagal Buddy uses current-controlled stimulation for a consistent dose every session. Nurosym uses voltage-controlled tENS, where the dose fluctuates with your skin. Buddy costs half the price, includes EverCharge wireless charging, and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. We encourage you to verify current details directly with each manufacturer. Nurosym is a trademark of Parasym Ltd.
Vagally Curious?
Vagal Oh! vs Nurosym
Both target the ear. Both use electrical stimulation. One fits in your pocket. The other doesn't.
Vagal Oh!
$599
Nurosym
~$699
Stimulation type
Current-controlled (tVNS)
EverSteady maintains a constant current regardless of skin impedance. The dose you set is the dose delivered, every session.
Stimulation type
Voltage-controlled (tENS)
The voltage stays fixed but the current fluctuates as skin moisture, temperature and contact pressure change.
Form factor
23mm wireless earpiece
The world's smallest wireless VNS. Sits discreetly in the ear. No wires, no handheld unit. Use it on the train, at your desk, in bed — nobody knows.
Form factor
Handheld unit + wired earpiece
A separate handheld controller connects to an ear clip via cable. Requires holding or resting the device during each session.
Stimulation protocols
Multiple, updatable via app
New protocols loaded through the Vagal Tones app. The device evolves with the science — no new hardware needed.
Stimulation protocols
Fixed
One stimulation protocol. No app-based updates to parameters.
Ongoing costs
Earpiece replacement over time
No gel, no subscription. The earpiece will need replacing with regular use — affordable replacements available in our store.
Ongoing costs
Earpiece replacement over time
No gel or subscription. 6-month warranty on earpiece electrodes. Replacements available at additional cost.
Price
$499
Wireless, current-controlled, app-updatable. Everything Nurosym does and more, for $200 less.
Price
~$699
Retail price as listed. Discounts occasionally available.
Wireless. Current-controlled. $200 less.
Oh! delivers current-controlled tVNS from a wireless 18g earpiece — no handheld unit, no cables. Nurosym uses voltage-controlled tENS with a wired earpiece and costs $200 more. Both target the ear. Only one controls the dose.
Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Nurosym is a trademark of Parasym Ltd. Verify current details with each manufacturer.
Vagally Curious?
Vagal Boost vs Nurosym
A $59 ear stimulator vs a $699 one. Both tENS. What's the actual difference?
Vagal Boost
$59
Nurosym
~$699
Stimulation type
Voltage-controlled (tENS)
Fixed voltage output. The current varies with skin conditions. Simple and effective for general use.
Stimulation type
Voltage-controlled (tENS)
Also voltage-controlled. Proprietary waveform, but the current still fluctuates with skin impedance.
Stimulation target
Ear (auricular)
Targets the tragus — the most direct vagal pathway to the brainstem.
Stimulation target
Ear (auricular)
Also targets the ear tragus via a wired clip connected to a handheld controller.
Ongoing costs
None
Powered by your phone. No gel, no subscription, no replacement parts.
Ongoing costs
Earpiece replacement over time
6-month warranty on earpiece electrodes. Replacements at additional cost.
Price
$59
The most affordable ear-based vagus nerve stimulator available.
Price
~$699
Retail price as listed. Discounts occasionally available.
Same technology. 12x the price.
Both Boost and Nurosym use voltage-controlled stimulation through the ear. Boost costs $59. Nurosym costs ~$699. If you want to try tENS ear stimulation, Boost is the most affordable way in. If you want current-controlled accuracy, Vagal Buddy tVNS ($349) delivers what neither of these can: a constant, known dose every session.
Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Nurosym is a trademark of Parasym Ltd. Verify current details with each manufacturer.
