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Vagal vs Sensate Comparison

Two Vagal devices compared with Sensate. Electrical nerve stimulation vs infrasound chest vibration.

Sensate: 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 Sensate a vagus nerve stimulator?

Not an electrical one. Sensate is a pebble-sized device that rests on your chest and gives low-frequency vibration, paired with soundscapes from its app.

Sensate or Nurosym?

They are different kinds of device. Nurosym, called Nuropod in the US, sends electrical pulses through a clip on the ear. Sensate vibrates on the chest. Sensate costs about $299, plus about $100 a year for the full soundscape library. Nurosym costs about £599 or €700, and about $900 as Nuropod in the US.

Apollo Neuro or Sensate?

Both use vibration rather than electrical stimulation. Apollo is worn on the wrist or ankle and costs about $279. Sensate rests on the chest and costs about $299, with a subscription for the full library. Vagal vs Apollo Neuro.

What is an electrical alternative?

Vagal Oh! ($249) is an 18-gram wireless earpiece that clips to the tragus and holds the current you set. Vagal Boost ($59, US and UK only) is the starting point.

Vagally Curious?

Vagal Oh! vs Sensate

Both wireless. Both daily wellness tools. One sends electrical signals to your vagus nerve. The other vibrates on your chest.

Vagal Oh!

$249

Sensate

~$299

How it works

Current-controlled tVNS
Sends precise, current-controlled electrical impulses through the ear directly to the vagus nerve. The method used in clinical research.

How it works

Infrasound vibration
Emits low-frequency vibrations on the chest, paired with soundscapes via an app. Not electrical nerve stimulation.

Size

23mm, fits in your ear
The world's smallest wireless VNS. Wear it anywhere. Nobody notices.

Size

Pebble-sized chest device
Placed on sternum or worn on a lanyard. Requires lying down or sitting still for best results.

Ongoing costs

None
Full app access. All protocols. No extra charges.

Ongoing costs

$100/year for full soundscapes
Free tier has limited content. Sensate Plus subscription unlocks the full library.

Dose consistency

Constant, adjusts to your skin
EverSteady current control delivers the same therapeutic dose every session, regardless of conditions.

Dose consistency

Fixed vibration intensity
Vibration is not electrically calibrated. Soundscape selection is the primary way to vary the experience.

Stimulation, not vibration.

Oh! delivers the same type of vagus nerve stimulation used in clinical studies, wirelessly, from a device smaller than a coin.

View Oh! - $249 Compare all devices
Keep exploring
Oh! vs Pulsetto
How Oh! compares to the neck-based alternative.
Oh! vs Nurosym
Two ear-based devices, very different technology.
Boost vs Buddy
Not sure which Vagal device? Start here.

Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Sensate uses infrasound vibration, which is a different technology to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS). Both approaches aim to support vagal tone through different mechanisms. Sensate is a trademark of Sensate Inc. Verify current details with each manufacturer.

Vagally Curious?

Vagal Boost vs Sensate

$59 ear-based electrical stimulation vs $299 chest vibration. Different technology, different price, different approach entirely.

Vagal Boost

$59

Sensate

~$299

How it works

Electrical vagus nerve stimulation
Sends electrical impulses through the ear to the vagus nerve. The method used in published tVNS research.

How it works

Infrasound vibration
Emits low-frequency vibrations on the chest, paired with soundscapes via an app. Not electrical stimulation.

Ongoing costs

None
Powered by your phone. No app subscription, no consumables.

Ongoing costs

$100/year for full soundscapes
Free tier has limited content. Sensate Plus subscription unlocks the full library.

Use it while...

Doing anything
Small ear clip. Walk, work, commute. Background stimulation that fits your day.

Use it while...

Lying down or sitting still
Placed on the sternum. Best results when stationary and wearing headphones for soundscapes.

Price

$59
One-time purchase. No subscription. No replacement parts.

Price

~$299
Plus $100/year for the full experience via Sensate Plus.

Electrical stimulation for $59. No subscription.

Sensate is a relaxation device that vibrates on your chest. Boost is an electrical vagus nerve stimulator that targets the ear. Different technology, five times the price difference. If relaxation soundscapes appeal to you, Sensate may suit. If you want actual electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, Boost delivers it for $59.

Start getting better Compare all devices

Based on publicly available specifications as of March 2026. Prices approximate and may vary. Sensate uses infrasound vibration, which is a different technology to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Sensate is a trademark of Sensate Inc. Verify current details with each manufacturer.