Vagal devices compared with Pulsetto. Ear vs neck, current-controlled vs voltage-controlled, no gel vs gel.
Vagally Curious?
Vagal Oh! vs Pulsetto
Both wireless. Both app-connected. Very different technology underneath.
Vagal Oh!
$599
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
Sits discreetly inside the ear, targeting the tragus with 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
Not needed
Pop it in your ear and go. No prep, no mess, no recurring consumable.
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. No gel on your skin, 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
$499
Current-controlled tVNS. No gel. No subscription. 18g wireless earpiece you can wear anywhere.
Price
~$269
Plus ongoing gel costs and optional premium app subscription.
Different technology. No gel. No subscription.
Oh! costs more than Pulsetto upfront. 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.
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 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
Not needed
Clip on and go. No consumables, no mess, no recurring cost.
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. 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.
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 — 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.
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.
