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Vagal Buddy tVNS
Vagal Buddy tVNS
Most chosen. Current-controlled, wireless charging.
› Vagal Oh!
Vagal Oh!
Wireless and discreet. App-controlled.
› Vagal Boost
Vagal Boost
Try it first. Phone-powered.
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New: Vagal Hub, hands-free sessions › Learn about your vagus nerve › See how tVNS works in 3D › Help me choose a device › EverSteady Technology › Join our HRV Study ›
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Vagal vs Pulsetto Comparison

Looking for a Pulsetto alternative that goes on the ear, not the neck? Vagal devices clip to the tragus instead of a neck band. Current-controlled vs voltage-controlled, gel optional vs gel every session.

Pulsetto: quick answers

We make Vagal devices, so weigh our view accordingly. Facts about other brands come from their own websites, checked in October 2026.

Is there a Pulsetto alternative that goes on the ear?

Yes. Vagal Buddy ($349), Vagal Oh! ($249) and Vagal Boost ($59, US and UK only) clip to the ear instead of sitting on the neck.

Can you use Pulsetto without gel?

Pulsetto’s own guidance is to apply gel before each session. With Vagal Buddy and Oh!, gel is optional and only changes comfort. More on gel.

Does Pulsetto need a subscription?

The device works without one. Pulsetto offers an optional Premium plan of about $45 a quarter for extra features. Vagal devices have no subscription.

Pulsetto or Nuropod?

Pulsetto is worn on the neck and starts at $269. Nuropod, sold as Nurosym outside the US, clips to the ear and costs about $900. Pulsetto vs Nuropod compared.

How long do I have to return it?

Pulsetto offers 30 days. Vagal Buddy, Oh! and Boost come with 45 days from delivery.

Vagally Curious?

Vagal Buddy vs Pulsetto

Current-controlled ear stimulation vs voltage-controlled neck stimulation. Different technology, different approach.

Vagal Buddy

$349

Pulsetto

~$269

Current control

Current-controlled (tVNS)
EverSteady maintains a constant current regardless of skin impedance. The dose you set is the dose delivered.

Current control

Voltage-controlled (tENS)
Fixed voltage. The actual current reaching the nerve fluctuates with skin moisture and contact pressure.

Stimulation target

Ear (auricular)
Targets the tragus, the most direct vagal pathway to the brainstem. Supported by the widest body of tVNS research.

Stimulation target

Neck (cervical)
Electrodes on the back of the neck. Targets the cervical vagus nerve trunk through the skin surface.

Conductive gel

Optional
Clip on and go. A tube of gel is in the box for comfort; water or nothing works too. Nothing you have to keep buying.

Conductive gel

Required every session
Electrolyte gel applied to the neck before each use. Tubes need regular replacement.

App required

No
Buddy works entirely on its own with a built-in screen and joystick. The Vagal Tones app is optional for custom protocols.

App required

Yes
Pulsetto requires the companion app to start a session, select a program, and control the device.

Protocols

Multiple, updatable via app
New protocols loaded through the Vagal Tones app as research advances.

Protocols

5 app programs
Free tier includes 5 programs. Premium unlocks additional features for a recurring fee.

Price

$349
Current-controlled tVNS with EverCharge wireless charging. No gel required. No subscription.

Price

~$269
Plus ongoing gel costs and optional premium subscription.

Different technology. No ongoing costs.

Pulsetto costs less upfront but uses voltage-controlled stimulation and needs gel every session. Vagal Buddy delivers current-controlled tVNS through the ear, needs no gel, works without an app, and has no subscription. Add gel refills and premium app fees and the total cost of ownership favours Buddy.

View Buddy - $349 Compare all devices

Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Pulsetto is a trademark of Pulsetto UAB. Verify current details with each manufacturer.

Vagally Curious?

Vagal Oh! vs Pulsetto

Both wireless. Both app-connected. Very different technology underneath.

Vagal Oh!

$499 $249

Pulsetto

~$269

Stimulation type

Current-controlled (tVNS)
EverSteady delivers a constant current regardless of skin conditions. Consistent dose, every session.

Stimulation type

Voltage-controlled (tENS)
Fixed voltage output. The actual current reaching the nerve varies with skin moisture and contact pressure.

Where and how

23mm earpiece, invisible
Clips to the tragus, the small flap in front of the ear canal, the most direct vagal pathway to the brainstem. Wear it anywhere without anyone noticing.

Where and how

Neck band, visible
A band worn around the back of the neck with electrodes on the skin. Visible to others. Requires staying relatively still during use.

Conductive gel

Optional
Clip it to your tragus and go. A tube of conductive paste is in the box for comfort; water or nothing works too. Nothing you have to keep buying.

Conductive gel

Required every session
Electrolyte gel applied to the neck before each use. Tubes need regular replacement at additional cost.

Use it while...

Working, walking, commuting, cooking
Fully hands-free, with no band around your neck. 15 minutes in the background of your life.

Use it while...

Sitting or lying still
The neck band and gel work best when you're stationary. Moving can affect electrode contact and gel distribution.

Price

$249
Current-controlled tVNS. No gel required. No subscription. 18g wireless earpiece you can wear anywhere.

Price

~$269
Plus ongoing gel costs and optional premium app subscription.

Different technology. No gel required. No subscription.

Upfront, Pulsetto is ~$269 and Oh! is $249. What that gets you is current-controlled tVNS instead of voltage-controlled tENS, an 18g wireless earpiece instead of a visible neck band, and no gel to buy for as long as you own it. 45-day money-back guarantee.

View Oh! - $249 Compare all devices
Keep exploring
Boost vs Pulsetto
Looking for a budget option? Both tENS, $59 vs $269.
Oh! vs Nurosym
How Oh! compares to the premium ear-based competitor.
Oh! vs Sensate
Two wireless devices, fundamentally different technology.

Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Pulsetto is a trademark of Pulsetto UAB. Verify current details with each manufacturer.

Vagally Curious?

Vagal Boost vs Pulsetto

Both use voltage-controlled stimulation. The difference is where, how simply, and at what price.

Vagal Boost

$59

Pulsetto

~$269
Stimulation target
Ear (auricular)
Targets the tragus, the part of the ear with the most direct vagal pathway to the brainstem.
Stimulation target
Neck (cervical)
Electrodes sit on the back of the neck. Targets the cervical vagus nerve trunk via the skin surface.
Conductive gel
Not needed
Clip on and go. No consumables, no mess, no recurring cost.
Conductive gel
Required every session
Electrolyte gel must be applied before each use. Tubes need regular replacement.
App required
No
Plug into your phone and go. No separate app to install, no pairing, no setup screens.
App required
Yes
Pulsetto requires the companion app to start a session, select a program, and control the device.
Subscription required
No
One purchase. Full functionality. Nothing else to pay for.
Subscription required
Optional premium app
Free tier includes 5 programs. Premium unlocks additional features for a recurring fee.
Price
$59
The most affordable ear-based vagus nerve stimulator available. Powered by your phone, so there is no separate device to charge.
Price
~$269
Plus ongoing gel costs and optional premium subscription.

Ear stimulation for $59. No gel. No app. No subscription.

Both Boost and Pulsetto use voltage-controlled (tENS) stimulation. The difference is that Boost targets the ear, costs a fraction of the price, needs no app, and has no ongoing expenses. If you want current-controlled accuracy, Vagal Buddy tVNS ($349) delivers a consistent dose every session with wireless charging.

Start getting better Compare all devices
Keep exploring
Oh! vs Pulsetto
Want current-controlled tVNS instead? See the Oh! comparison.
Boost vs tVNS Stimulator
What upgrading to current control gets you.
tVNS vs Nurosym
Our flagship vs the premium competitor.

Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Both Boost and Pulsetto use voltage-controlled stimulation (tENS). For current-controlled stimulation (tVNS), see the Vagal tVNS Stimulator or Vagal Oh! Pulsetto is a trademark of Pulsetto UAB. Verify current details with each manufacturer.