Ever wonder how the world’s top businesspeople and elite athletes stay calm, focused, and effective under immense pressure?
One of their closely held secrets to high performance has been a form of biofeedback called neurofeedback training. But here’s the thing.
This form of professional brain training therapy costs a small fortune.
Generally $20,000 to $100,000+ for a complete package.
They justify the price with the commonly reported powerful at-home neurofeedback benefits.
And most importantly, maintaining the superhuman “flow state”. Neurofeedback training teaches their brain to stay “in the zone” naturally, without medications. Helping them easily accomplish otherworldly feats.
Your brain is the most powerful polypharmacy on Earth Share on XHere’s the best part.
What used to cost five or six figures, required commuting, and took at least a week of your time, is now available at home. For a fraction of the price.
You can now get the brain benefits of professional brain training from anywhere in the world. At any time. The other articles I read were biased by companies selling products.
Today, I am comparing and reviewing the best professional-grade home neurofeedback systems for every budget and use.
Overall: Sens.ai
Passive Brain Fitness: BrainTap
Value: Muse Athena
The Top Home Neurofeedback Devices, Machines & Equipment
The market for consumer neurofeedback kits is fairly new and evolving rapidly.
You can now get a basic unit for about $100, and some of the hottest systems rival what you find in clinics for under $1,300.
After dozens of hours of research, and waiting several years for the most powerful neurofeedback equipment to emerge, I finally invested in my own machine.
Here’s what I’ve learned about neurofeedback training and the gear that goes along with it.
Sens.ai
Neurofeedback: EEG
Modes: 12+ different programs, customizable
Features: 5-in-1 brain training, gel-free technology
Warranty: 1 year, 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $1,500
Sens.ai is becoming the gold standard of at-home neurofeedback devices.
It’s the world’s first (and only) personalized neuroadaptive system; combining clinical-grade heart rate variability training, neurofeedback, and photobiomodulation into the ultimate neuro wearable.
It contains all the components necessary for optimal neurofeedback. Most systems require you to apply gels to your hair to read brainwave signals.
Sens.ai patented a gel-free technology that still yields highly accurate measurements. This brain training machine begins with functional brain mapping assessments. To get an accurate snapshot of your brain’s unique abilities.
Cognitive training provides moderate and long-term benefits, while neurostimulation works immediately
The industry standard is to use brain games and meditation apps. They don’t show much quantifiable progress.
Sens.ai’s headset continuously reads and displays your biomarker progress. Showing you meaningful and applicable changes in things like memory, focus, stress, and focus.
Sens.ai helps you train all of the peak-performance brainwaves (alpha, gamma, theta, and SMR), these are the proven ways to increase gamma brain waves.
No other device has this ability at this price point. It’s like having your own personal brain coach in your pocket. One that builds your ideal personal program to get you the best results, fastest.
$1,500 is more than most devices on this list. At the same time, Sens.ai is also five neurowearables in one (quantification, neurofeedback, heart coherence, brain stimulation, and meditation).
If you can afford it, it’s great value. It’s one of the few systems I consider a viable replacement to in-clinic neurofeedback.
I pre-ordered Sensai and waited 14 months for mine to arrive because it is the top at-home neurofeedback wearable on the planet. Now, they are available to the masses without the wait. Read my honest review of the Sens.ai Brain Training Headset to learn why.
Muse S Athena
Neurofeedback: EEG & fNIRS
Modes: 500+ guided programs
Features: SmartSense EEG brain activity tracker & fNIRS blood flow tracking, ultralight band, 10-hour battery life
Warranty: 1 year, 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $474.99
For over a decade, a company called InteraXon has sold the most popular at-home neurofeedback headset called Muse.
Over the years, they’ve released multiple models and the Muse S Athena is their latest and greatest.
This one combines two brain training technologies, EEG and fNIRS. Almost every other neurofeedback wearable uses EEG, and only one uses fNIRS. This is the only one that harnesses both.
It’s also one of few systems in this list that can track brainwaves during sleep too.
The Muse S Athena contains all kinds of sensors:
- Movement-detected gyroscope
- Heart rate measuring PPG (Photoplethysmogram)
- 7 brainwave measuring EEGs (Electroencephalograms)
- Blood flow and oxygen tracking fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)
- Breath rhythm detecting accelerometer
Plus, unlike most devices on this list, Muse has a robust and highly developed software/app. Want to see how any health intervention impacts your live brainwaves? The Athena can do that.
My order is set to arrive in April, and expect a through Muse S Athena review shortly thereafter!
Small, portable, lightweight, and at a reasonable price—the Muse Athena will likely become the top neurofeedback device for almost everyone.
BrainTap
Neurofeedback: Brainwave entrainment using sound & light
Modes: 2000+ guided audio programs
Features: Portable, Bluetooth connectivity
Warranty: 1 year
Price: $547
Created by Dr. Porter after decades of neuroscience research, BrainTap is one of the hottest new brain training systems.
Marketed as the ultimate dynamic neurofeedback system, BrainTap combines many of the top brain enhancement tools into one system.
They’ve been featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Inc, People, BusinessWeek, Entrepreneur, NBC, and ABC.
BrainTap uses multi-modal stimuli to naturally rebalance and boost brain performance where it’s needed. These modalities include:
- Binaural beats (proprietary algorithm)
- Guided visualization
- 3D soundscapes
- Isochronic tones
- Pulsing lights
Unlike most neurofeedback, which trains the brain into a specific brainwave state (say, alpha), BrainTap gently and dynamically guides the brain into achieving greater coherence.
You choose a goal, and BrainTap adapts the algorithms and builds your ideal program.
Though sessions last just 10 to 20 minutes, their users have already logged nearly 7 million sessions. The top vibroacoustic sound beds like inHarmony also pair with Brain Tap for a more immersive session.
My main complaint with BrainTap is that the device itself comes out to $547 (save $100 by clicking the button below). It only comes with a single “Founder’s Choice” program.
Access to all the different states (their “Wellness Collection”) has an additional monthly cost ranging from $9.99 up to $29.99.
You can test the full BrainTap system at popular health optimization & biohacking events. Or trail their app for free which contains some of the same audio technologies.
If you don’t mind paying a subscription, like simplicity, and want a uniquely powerful brain fitness system, consider BrainTap.
Muse S
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: 3 main modes + curated programs
Features: Free meditation app, heart rate detection, comfortable design, Bluetooth connectivity
Warranty: 1 year, 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $249.99
InteraXon cornered at-home neurofeedback with their release of the Muse headband back in 2014.
Two product lines, several startup acquisitions, and over five million recorded Muse meditation sessions later, InteraXon pioneered the new category of “brain fitness” wearables.
Today, they’ve become an affordable EEG brain wave quantification staple. Used in clinical trials for scientific validation and also by curious citizen scientists.
The two current options are Muse 2, and Muse S. The primary difference between the two being Muse S contains added sensors to accurately track sleep, enable their “digital sleeping pill” technology, and improve battery life.
The headband itself is packed with sensors. The Muse S (Gen 2) contains 7 EEGs, PPG to measure heart rate variability, EFG to enhance sleep, and an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure breath rate and body status.
InteraXon does a great job regularly releasing new hardware and software upgrades.
Their collaborations, impressive scientific advisory board, and partnerships have made Muse a household name in the self-quantification community.
The consumer community has also grown larger than that of any neurofeedback device, so you’ll easily find reviews and YouTube tutorials.
My biggest complaint about Muse is the total cost. The hardware itself costs between $249.99 (Muse 2) and $399.99 (Muse S Gen 2) which is great for these systems.
To practice neurofeedback, however, you’ll need a subscription that costs an additional $9.99 to $12.99 per month.
The popular workaround among the community is a one-time-fee third-party app called Mind Monitor used to unlock the biofeedback capabilities.
Muse 2 and the Muse S are two top neurofeedback headbands that’ve become quite affordable thanks to the release of their new Muse S Athena.
Mendi
Neurofeedback type: fNIRS
Modes: 1 neurofeedack game
Features: Free brain health app, 60-session per charge battery life, one-size-fits-all fit, accelerometer & gyroscope
Warranty: 1 year, 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $299
Mendi was born on 2018 in a successful Stockholm-based neurofeedback clinic. Their team wanted to democratize the technology for the masses.
They timed the market perfectly and quickly become the best funded brain health product on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
Since then, Mendi has supported over 15,000 users on their neurofeedback platform. People choose Mendi for its unique sensor technology, ease of use, and relative affordability.
It has the sensors you’d expect like an accelerometer and gyroscope, but with a major difference.
Unlike virtually every other device on this list that uses EEG sensors, Mendi developed their own proprietary technology called fNIRS
This non-invasive tech uses near-infrared light to detect blood flow changes in the brain. Using fNIRS, Mendi can also track heart rate variability.
Here you’ll find Mendi’s whitepaper validating the neurowearable.
What I like about Mendi’s fNIRS is that you can stack it with electromagnetic brain stimulation devices. Things like tDCS, tACS, tRNS. These technologies would interfere with measurements recorded by EEG-based systems, but not fNIRS.
I haven’t used it personally, so I cannot comment on the build quality and real-world benefits of Mendi.
Pick Mendi if you use other neurostimulation devices or want a decent biofeedback system at a good price (without a subscription).
FocusCalm Headband
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: 90+ guided programs
Features: FocusCalm App tracker & assessment, personalized daily training, lightweight & flexible headband
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $249.99
FocusCalm is a neurofeedback company born in Harvard’s Innovation Lab by a team of neuroscientists, robotics engineers, and educators. They partner with athletes, e-Sports teams, clinics, and innovative corporate wellness programs.
This system uses EEG tech to measure brain wave patterns, and shift your state via meditations, training exercises, and meditations.
They market it as a tool to rapidly enter the flow state, decrease reaction time, relax the mind, and improve focus.
FocusCalm contains more tools than Muse or Mendi, and its multi-user support makes it better for practitioners that use neurofeedback therapy with clients.
They also do a better job with their curated programs. I doubt this advantage will last. Muse is on an acquisition spree of small brain training startups.
They did publish a whitepaper that found using FocusCalm improved sense of well-being at work by 21 percent.
FocusCalm sent me a device to test, and I was pleasantly surprised by its ease of use. It rapidly acquires a signal, and actually displays your realtime brainwaves.
The neurofeedback mechanisms aren’t as polished as some of the alternatives, but still helpful.
I don’t like a few things about FocusCalm. First, there’s little scientific validation of their device. Second, there’s not much community, tech specs, or other information available.
Third, although the device itself is quite affordable at $249.99, you’ll want a membership. Costing $9.99 per month, $69.99 per year, or $149.99 for a lifetime membership. Or, you can leave a review.
Fully unlocking the device for life comes out to about $400.
If you opt for the monthly membership, FocusCalm is still one of the cheapest ways to try at-home neurofeedback.
Neurosity Crown
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: 2 prebuilt training modes + customizable training
Features: Dry-electrode EEG sensors, onboard CPU, developer-friendly SDK & API, includes productivity platform
Warranty: 90-day money-back guarantee
Price: $1,499
Neurosity designed their system for programmers, developers, and productivity enthusiasts to rapidly shift into the zone (focus) and get more work done, faster.
Neurosity’s major claim is reducing the time to enter the flow state from 25+ minutes, down to under 5 minutes. How?
The Crown contains 8 EEG sensors, 2 haptic motors, a motion-detecting accelerometer, and near-field communication technology. This is another of few systems capable of measuring bursts of gamma waves.
Since it has an onboard CPU, you won’t lose your data if something goes wrong.
Using these sensors, Neurosity first measures your brainwaves and then uses custom neuroscience music to shift into your ideal focused state.
Letting you go about your focused day, unencumbered by brain games, exercises, and other distractions.
This system is a more advanced platform, ideal for researchers, developers, and those that want access to their raw data.
As you’d expect from such a company, the specs list every detail that even advanced neuronerds could want.
You can watch their TED Talk here.
Neurosity’s limitations, however, include the limited use cases and price. Where many of the other devices train your brain to relax and de-stress, The Crown only has focus mode. Plus, buying for $1499 puts the kit out of budget for many.
Neurosity’s Crown is one of the best options for those that only plan to use neurofeedback training to improve focus (or want their raw data).
Narbis
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: 3 core programs
Features: Real-time visual feedback, companion tablet, user-friendly glasses fits both adults & kids
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
Price: $690
Narbis is a newer neurofeedback system that seeks to introduce neurofeedback into your everyday living. You just wear their smart glasses and go about your day.
When you get distracted, the glasses gradually change tint. When you re-focus, the tint disappears.
I like this because it’s practical neurofeedback. Zone out while reading? Daydream while working on homework? Mindlessly crank out emails? Get distracted by all those perpetually open Chrome tabs?
Narbis can help build the “muscle” of focus, without requiring you to carve out precious time for neurofeedback training sessions.
Science-wise, I am not all that impressed. I couldn’t find any mention of the specifics of their technology.
All they list is “3 sensors-one behind each ear and one on top of the head-and the NASA patented algorithm to track relaxation, distraction, and focus”. Nowhere do they mention EEG or tech specs of their system.
The other downside is the price. While it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee, $690 for smart glasses seems overpriced when compared to the other neurowearables.
Get Narbis if you want to integrate neurofeedback therapy into your daily life without carving out dedicated time.
MYNEURVA
Neurofeedback type: QEEG
Modes: Customized training program
Features: Work directly with a neurofeedback practitioner
Warranty: N/A
Price: $3,599
The team behind MYNUERVA has 25 years of applying neuroscience to improve human health. This service is a hybrid between in-person clinical and at-home neurofeedback.
They ship you all the equipment and then you do neurofeedback therapy virtually with a practitioner. All from the comfort of your home.
My favorite part of MYNUERVA is its well-designed protocol. You start with a detailed brain mapping (QEEG) and then they use that to customize your ideal training program. The neurofeedback gear consists of a 19-sensor electrode cap.
You’re paired with an experienced “Braintuner” and “NeuroPractor” who interprets your data and helps you through training.
After every ten sessions, you do another QEEG brain scan to visibly check the progress of your brain.
This concierge treatment comes at a hefty cost of between $3,599 for ten sessions and $6,199 for thirty. The other downside is that the cap requires you to apply the special gel onto your scalp so that the sensors get accurate readings.
If you want to work directly with a neurofeedback practitioner and don’t mind the premium, consider MYNUERVA.
Myndlift
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: Personalized training plans
Features: Compatibility with Muse, therapist-guided sessions, app integrations, extra
electrode
Warranty: 1 year
Price: $272-$1224
Like MYNUERVA, Myndlift is a neurofeedback platform built on top of another device. In this case, the Muse headband (which appeared previously in this list).
Unlike buying the Muse separately, Myndlift comes with a whole lot of personal one-on-one support and a proven process.
You begin with a brain assessment, and then your neurofeedback expert builds you a custom protocol to match your current state and goals.
You train whenever and as much as you want. No limits. So far, tens of thousands of people have recorded over 500,000 Myndlift training sessions.
Your professional neurofeedback expert monitors your progress, and at any point, you can reach out with questions. They’re becoming a popular choice among Neurotherapy clinics around the world.
Either bring your own Muse or get it through them when you sign up. You get access to both the standard Muse app and Myndlift’s own mobile neurofeedback app.
They offer three plans, monthly payment of $272, paid every three months for $696 and paid for every 6 months $1224 and you can add the Muse device for $199.
Myndlift is the perfect guided neurofeedback program for beginners and those that want an inexpensive start.
BrainBit Headband With SDK
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: Personalized training plans
Features: Comfortable hardware design, wireless connectivity, developer-friendly SDK
Warranty: 10-day return policy
Price: $499
The BrainBit headband is another true brain biofeedback device.
Drawing on over 25 years of medical equipment engineering experience, the team designed BrainBit to improve meditation, sleep, education, e-sports, neuromarketing, social interaction, and more.
BrainBit has existed since 2016. Supplying the brain-computer interface industry with hardware, and now is one of few vendors to offer neuro product white-labeling.
The headband itself features 4 optimally placed EEG channels, 2 reference sensors and was designed for use by both psychologists and everyday users alike.
This system has a robust developer platform with proprietary SDK and APIs. The popular add-on product is their EEG Software (which, at $800, costs significantly more than the device itself).
While BrainBit uses medical-grade biosensors, it’s not the greatest value for the price these days. It lacks many of the common bells and whistles included in newer products.
Choose BrainBit if you get it on sale, or are a developer interested in brain-computer interface technology.
NeurOptimal
Neurofeedback type: EEG
Modes: Personalized training plans
Features: Laptop & tablet bundles, zAmp EEG amplifier, sensors & accessories, designed for ease-of-use
Warranty: 2 years
Price: $7,995-$10,995 w/ financing options at $389/month
Created by the Zengar Institute, NeurOptimal is the original professional neurotechnology, most commonly used in clinics.
The team behind the kit actively contributed to the field of neurofeedback for many years before developing this system.
NeurOptimal is an entire kit. It comes with a Microsoft Surface Pro computer and all the required neurofeedback equipment and software.
Every package has everything you need to transform an office into a neurofeedback clinic.
What sets NeurOptimal apart from the rest is the approach. They view the brain as an “intelligent, self-organizing dynamical system which can actively utilize information to its own benefit”.
Most devices train to achieve certain states or goals. This requires precise assessments, and conscious effort during specific training exercises, and sometimes causes side effects.
While listening to music or watching a movie, NeurOptimal gently presents the brain with the necessary information which allows it to self-optimize.
As with medical-grade devices, it’s a bit more clunky. NeurOptimal requires you to wear ear clips and apply a goop to your head so that the sensors can read your brainwaves.
All this comes at the hefty minimum price of $7,495.00 for the cheapest i5 model and with limited licenses. Putting it outside the budget for most at-home users.
I know several people that experienced the power of NeurOptimal firsthand, purchased a full kit and then opened their own mobile clinics.
The other alternative is to use their online directory to find local practitioners that you can book sessions with.
If you have a large budget and want the Earth’s most proven neurofeedback system, pick NeurOptimal.
Honorable Mentions & Other Neurowearables
Falling outside the strict definition of neurofeedback, these devices have similar or synergistic effects.
From HRV biofeedback to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, to functional neuroscience music, and much more.
Often, they’re much cheaper and elicit similar beneficial brain and biology changes. I use several of these daily.
Infopathy
Infopathy makes neurowearables that influence brainwaves and biological activity via electromagnetism. On the cellular level, everything we ingest carries a unique electromagnetic “fingerprint”. Infopathy contains a massive digital database of these frequencies.
By introducing only the frequency (without the original molecule), similar biochemical changes occur throughout the body (albeit to a much weaker effect). My first test was with Xanax.
I was skeptical at first, but after over a year of daily use and several blinded placebo-controlled self-experiments, I can say that I do notice an effect. If one cup of coffee blended with l-Theanine is a ten, the Infopathy equivalent feels like a three. Their library contains thousands of different signals. Ranging from the electromagnetic signature of the most cutting-edge nootropics to PEMF signals designed to induce particular brain wave states. You can learn more here in my Infopathy “Infoceuticals” Review.
Use the exclusive Infopathy code URBAN10 for 10% off
Omnipemf NeoRhythm
The NeoRhythm emits pulsed electromagnetic frequencies clinically proven to improve sleep, enhance meditations, de-stress, focus, and improve performance. Though the underlying technology is different, NeoRhythm’s frequencies also entrain the brain to reach your desired state.
You choose a goal or activity, and the NeoRhythm generates Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma frequencies. Your brain activity then matches these frequencies, the same ones you learn to access via neurofeedback.
What I like about this product is the balance between ease of use and functionality. Although they have 12 programs, 50 different frequencies, and 3 intensities, the system itself is so simple that a little kid could figure it out.
Among PEMF devices, it has the most rigorous scientific efficacy and safety backing.
Brain.fm
Ever hear that classical music is good for cognition? Prefer to work on inspirational movie soundtracks? That’s because music can quickly, sustainably, and profoundly alter neuronal activity. Influencing the way you feel and perform.
Here’s the thing about commercial music. Music can only go viral if it captivates your attention. Thus, it’s engineered to distract. Using special technology, composers can actually create functional music that puts you in the zone. Helping you focus, relax, sleep, or excel at your chosen task.
I’ve tried just about every form of neuroscientific sound. From binaural beats, to isochronic tones to productivity playlists, to half dozen startups focusing on their own proprietary tones. I get the best results from one particular tool. I outline my personal experience in this Brain.fm review. In fact, I’ve been using Brain.fm while writing most of this post!
Use the exclusive Brain.fm code URBAN for 10% off
Hapbee
Hapbee is another neuro hacking wearable that uses radio waves ostensibly to modulate activity within the brain. Unlike Infopathy, ultra-low radio frequency (ulRFE) technology powers Hapbee. Their catalog consists of desired states (social, deep work, relaxing, unwinding, sleeping). Choose one, put the wearable on, and go about your day.
There’s tons of research on how electromagnetic fields influence health — mostly detrimentally. Hapbee’s proprietary ulRFE technology, however, has very little scientific backing. They did publish their whitepaper here. While I’m not impressed by the limited research, I like the concept. The brain’s natural electromagnetic activity is ultra-low power, so it follows that a neurowearable could safely modulate effects using similar power levels.
I primarily use their Deep Work mode throughout the day which contains the molecular signatures of both CBD and nicotine. Then at night, I’ll use Unwinding mode for a non-pharmacological hit of melatonin and adenosine. I’ve been testing Hapbee for several months and in my experience, it hasn’t been as powerful as Infopathy. I’d rate the potency of Deep Work a one out of ten, but Unwinding mode really does seem to knock me out faster. I’ll rate the potency of that one a three out of ten. Learn more in my detailed Hapbee review.
Use the exclusive Hapbee code URBAN for 10% off
Hanu
According to HeartMath research, the heart often registers information and changes slightly ahead of the brain. Additionally, the electromagnetic field of the heart is 1,000-fold more powerful than that of the brain. Finally, neurofeedback and heart rate variability biofeedback are strongly correlated.
Heart rate variability is simply the varying interval of time between heartbeats. More variability indicates healthier and more regulated nervous systems. Of the many HRV biofeedback systems, Hanu Health is the most effective and modern. It’s backed by some of the leading industry biofeedback experts and the biggest names in wellness.
I’ve been using this daily to track the effect of healthy living practices (movement, ice baths, sauna, meal timing, sound and nature therapy, etc).
What I’ve found most useful, however, is that Hanu alerts me when emails or distractions make me slip into a reactive beta-brainwave dominant state. A few breaths at my resonant frequency later, and I’m back into productivity. Accomplishing something similar to neurofeedback.
Use the exclusive Hanu code URBAN for 40% off
Popular Neurofeedback Devices I Don’t Recommend
Some systems just don’t cut it.
Either they use inferior technology, suffer from quality control issues, stopped selling to customers, or are just not worth the money.
Flowtime
Flowtime appeared in 2019 as a cheaper knockoff of the Muse. In all honesty, this is NOT a neurofeedback device. Neurofeedback shows your brainwaves in real-time so that you can make changes and improve. Flowtime shows your session AFTERWARD.
Where it beats the Muse with sleek and modern aesthetics, it lacks in functionality. These sensors require TLC and a bit of tweaking to get to work. To get accurate data, you’ll need to occasionally clean Flowtime.
Flowtime actually just recently sent me their latest device to test. I will update this should it perform better than expected.
NeuroSky’s MindWave Mobile 2
NeuroSky, the markers of this system, developed biosensors and monitors since 2004. Many years ago, MindWave Mobile 2 was popular. These days, however, it’s no longer a top choice for multiple reasons.
First, it’s hard to find. The links on their website route you to an old (out of stock) Amazon store. Second, many users reported major problems with sensor calibration. Data accuracy and consistency is everything in neurofeedback. Third, the app store is a mess. There are TONS of apps, but some of the most popular ones cost up to $200.
Emotiv
Back pre-2017, Emotiv was another promising neurowearable. It become one of the better brain-computer interface kits. Things changed when the company decided to close its system to research and other uses. It no longer works for neurofeedback.
Dreem
Dreem was a crowdfunding project that sought to bring highly accurate, medical-grade EEG technology to consumers. They built a raving fan base and delivered on their promise. After several years, however, they pivoted to serve a different market. Unfortunately, for the time being, consumers can no longer purchase Dreem headbands.
How to Optimize Your Neurofeedback Sessions
Certain things can help you get more benefits out of your practice.
We will explore each.
Nootropics are a special class of supplements that improve neurobiology. They work via many different mechanisms, such as increasing brain oxygenation, nutrient delivery, neuroprotection, energy metabolism, blood flow, etc. Supplements that boost BDNF, dubbed “MiracleGrow” for the brain, will more strongly wire the pathways influenced by neurofeedback.
Cranial Electrical Stimulation (C.E.S) is the umbrella term for artificially modulating brainwaves. This technology works by running micro-currents (extremely low power) of electricity to specific parts of the head. Doing so influences neuronal firing and can alter the dominant brain activity. CES manually puts the brain into specific states.
Dual N-Back is one of the only forms of training scientifically validated to improve both IQ and working memory. Apps and software push your memory via a little “game”. It’s mentally exhausting, and not all that fun, but can complement neurofeedback by further challenging your brain.
Overall, these advanced neurohacks enhance the benefits you get out of Neurotherapy to increase the baseline performance of your brain.
How to Choose the Best At-Home Neurofeedback System For Your Goals
A healthy, optimally functioning brain determines every other facet of your existence.
You can improve brain health. From supplements to lifestyle practices to brain training.
Your brain naturally produces & influences more neurotransmitters than even the fanciest designer supplements.
Once you’ve trained your brain, you can tap into your desired state anywhere, anytime, without any exogenous substances.
Once you’ve optimized your health and are looking to perform like the world’s elite, consider neurofeedback.
It’s often cited as a top tool benefitting happiness, focus, memory, productivity, calmness, confidence, resilience, sleep quality, and rapidly entering the “flow state”.
Tons of devices have flooded the neurowearable market, and quite frankly, many are junk.
Here’s the truth…
There’s no one best device for everyone.
That said, I personally bought the Senai system and love it. Many of the others on this list work well and have amassed huge followings of loyal fans.
Since the industry changes so rapidly, I’m curious. Do you use brain training? If so, let me know which system you use in the comments below!
Thanks for this comprehensive review! It’s amazing to see how neurofeedback technology is evolving. I’m particularly interested in the devices that offer user-friendly interfaces and detailed progress tracking. Excited to try some of these out for my brain training journey!
Great combination, just what I was looking for 🙂 I have a question, which device can you recommend if several people use it? I have mendi and it doesn’t look good, there is only the primary and secondary user. Maybe some equipment has software for adding users?
Hi Andy,
You’re right. Most platforms do NOT have that functionality. It’s intentional, because they want to incentivize clinics and professions to upgrade to a special licensing tier. The ones that are good for multiple users are often ridiculously expensive per month. Some are $300-600 per MONTH for multi-user setups. How many users are you wanting to add?
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your thorough and excellent review. I’m a former Halo headset user and have recently acquired the Flowtime tDCS device. Additionally, my collection includes several biohacking gadgets like the Dreem 2, Whoop 4, Oura Ring, Muse S, and Pulseto, and propbaly 10 more, to name a few, though some have been relegated to gathering dust.
I have two questions for you:
Do you think Sens.ai could serve as a suitable substitute for a tDCS device such as Halo, especially when it comes to accelerating motor learning function for sports activities, like golf?
Have you noticed any enhancements in the duration and quality of deep sleep and REM sleep as recorded by your Oura Ring and if so by how much? Moreover, have these improvements been mirrored in your recovery scores and HRV readings?
Thanks again for your insights.
Best,
Reto
Hi Reto,
Wow, you have quite the collection of devices! Based on the research they showed me on tPBM, it does look like a viable alternative. I actually asked them about why they chose this tech over tDCS/tRNS/tACS/etc in my interview!
Hmm that’s a great question! I wish I could give you a better answer, but I’ve been changing too many major variables (ie travel) recently to isolate the effect of Sensai on sleep/recovery.
If you have it (or anyone else reading this that does), I’d love to know how your sleep and/or recovery metrics change from this!
Nick
Hi Nick,
This is Grace from Flowtime.
Thank you for taking the time to review Flowtime.
Flowtime has been updated a lot since it was published.
It’s a biofeedback device, as we recently added sound feedback for many metrics, like alpha waves, theta, waves, and gamma waves. We update the app based on all user feedback to meet their needs. This is the highly requested function from our advanced meditators.
I’m writing to invite you to test our latest features.
Your experience definitely would give your audience an accurate and informative review.
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Hi Grace! Thanks for reaching out. Please contact me via the Contact Form. I’d like to test it and update this review accordingly.
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awesome article thank you! I have CFS and a lot of difficulty focusing on one task, brain fog and also emotional dysregulation. This was present however, before I got CFS and I’m starting to suspect ADD runs in my family. I was thinking of getting either Myndlift or Mendi – do you have any idea which would be best?
Hi Rachel! I’ve certainly heard several stories if people in similar situations benefitting from this training. I know it wasn’t one of the ones you listed, but personally, I’d go with Sensai. You get the added HRV biofeedback, as well as brain optimizing neurostimulation. All personalized based on your real-time brainwaves.
Of the two you listed, I like Mendi a little more. It uses different technology and is supposed to be a bit more precise.
Hi thanks for the article 😊
In relation to ADHD in kids, which devices would you recommend first and second. (If price wasn’t an issue)
Hey Brid! I just responded to a similar question on Facebook. I’d definitely go for Sens.ai. They intentionally sequenced it to first and foremost build a strong foundation of nervous system stability (excellent for emotional regulation too). Then, based on your brain activity and your goals, they design automatically design a custom program for you.
If that’s out of your budget, I’d consider either BrainTap (which is not true neurofeedback) or the Muse. But both technologies, especially Muse, are far behind.
After 3 years of searching for relief from long ‘vid, I learned that it is often treated like a concussion or TBI. That led me to Brain Paint neurofeedback. I have now had 10 sessions with a BrainPaint therapist and getting relief. It feels like a bit of a miracle and I would like to continue. That said, at $150 per session, 2 to 3 sessions per week it is not sustainable.
Are you familiar with Brain Paint? What at home systems would be most like BP?
I am also a psychotherapist so that allows me to purchase some systems not available to others.
Thank you so much for your article.
Yes! It shares some of the same constellation of symptoms. I hadn’t heard of BrainPaint, but glad it worked well for you! $150 per session definitely adds up. How did you come across it? I checked out their website and I’d like to see more information about the science behind it and the specifics of exactly how their program works before I can offer alternatives.
Nick
6-27-2023. No discount by clicking the button, $647.
Thanks for letting me know. Which product are you referring to?
You mentioned Dual-N-Back programs. I looked into it at one point trying to find Open Source versions of this type of software. There are other programs out there, but I happen to like this one: https://sourceforge.net/projects/dualnbacklite/ It’s free and the source code is available to look at or modify if anyone wants to.
Awesome, thanks for sharing! Big fan of open source software.
Looking for Open Source software too – and reliable hardware that gives access to raw data!
Is this outside the scope of this site?
Hey Nils! Great question. I don’t have that much experience with open source neurofeedback software. What system do you have?
Hi, I am considering send.ai for my child who has hyper sensitivity in her outer world. Do you think it is a good choice for a children as well as adults?
Hey Yuka! I do think it’s a great brain training system for children, with one major caveat. Age. The physical hardware requires a certain head size. How old is she?
Hi, thanks for writing this article, I am looking for neurofeedback for my 8 year old who has attention deficit disorder and anxiety, do you know which ones are effective for children please?
Hi Caroline!
Muse is one of the common neurofeedback products for kids. I also like Mendi for young children. The Sens.ai hardware is a little too big, so it’s only an option for kids ~13+.
Great article, thank you very much for putting this together!!
Ever since I did two clinical sessions of NeurOptimal awhile back, I found the benefits so overwhelming that I’ve been wanting to buy a NeurOptimal system but simply haven’t been able to afford it. I didn’t realize, though, that there were so many cheaper systems available until recently.
I’d like to purchase a system that is as close to NeurOptimal as possible… in your opinion, is Send.ai is the closest thing to NeurOptimal out of all these in terms of overall benefits? My intent is to rewire my brain from stress overload and smooth out ongoing dysregulations.
Thanks, Brandon! That’s really great to hear too!
I have to say that I think NeurOptimal is the best… if you can afford it. That’s because it uses dynamic neurofeedback tech where most (if not all) the others do not. Although it’s way out of the price range and too complicated for most consumers. I think Sens.ai should be the perfect tool. Mine is scheduled to arrive next month or so, so I will follow up with a thorough review once it does (I’ve been holding out and pre-ordered about a year ago).
Keep us updated on whatever you choose!
Nick
Hi Nick! Thanks for this. I’ve tried Neuroptimal being a dynamical system, but am looking to try a linear system this time. Have you heard of Brainmaster and know of it’s efficiency and effectiveness in yielding good results?
Hey TJ!
I had heard of it, but hadn’t looked into Brainmaster. It’s a bit hard to find high-quality info on those systems. Especially considering the price. Have you used it?
Great article thanks! I am curious what you think of this one- marketing more for ADHD- which is what I am looking at for my child.
https://excellent-brain.com/product/excellent-brain-adhd-neurofeedback-home-training-kit/
Hi Stacey. Thank you! Many of the devices can be used for that when the software is set up appropriately. What concerns me about that unit is the lack of third-party reviews, little information about the hardware itself, and the semi-high price. There aren’t even ratings on their own website.
Hi Nick,
Great article. I need your expertise in this area, if you wouldn’t mind.
I played college football and was recently “diagnosed” with CTE (you really can’t tell until an autopsy…but I was in really bad shape and had all the symptoms).
I went to a clinic that used Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy twice a day. In addition they used neurofeedbak (along with cold bath, braintap, peptides etc.). The neurofeedback had a gel cap, TV with dimmer & a tech to monitor the sessions.
I feel amazing and the benefits are going to continue for the next 45 days as my brain continues to rejuvenate/heal.
I want to keep up the neurofeedback, trying to continue to create new neural pathway growth.
What would be the best home product(s) for that in your opinion? Some seem just for stress relief.
Also, I was looking to get the Neurosity Crown for work (I bought the BrainTap) but again, wanted to get something for continued neural pathway growth.
Thanks for your help.
Best, Greg
Hey Greg, just noticing that I never responded to this—sorry about that.
Having played collegiate American Football & Rugby, I can relate. That clinic sounds pretty cool and advanced!
I don’t think it was released when you wrote your comment, but the Sens.ai is by far the best at-home system I’ve come across. It has a bunch of different brain health & performance modalities and technologies built in. You can check out my review of it here. I’ve used it daily for almost a year and am going to record a follow up video with tips, tricks, and reflections on 250+ sessions.
Hope your healing has gone well!
Nick