With my eye mask on, and noise-canceling headphones in, I skeptically wondered…
Can NuCalm neurotechnology really deliver on-demand, rapid rejuvenation equivalent to 2-3 hours of sleep… but in just 20 minutes?
Welcome to the futuristic world of “digital drugs. Powerful effects without the side effects, delay, and harsh biological consequences.
If this system lived up to its hype, I could slip away for a 20-minute mid-day “power nap” and return to the latter half of my day fully restored–more effectively than the strongest nootropic or smart drug.
I now use it several times per day and in this review, I’ll share my full NuCalm experience. The science, technology, benefits, and whether this seemingly magic system really delivers regeneration at the push of a button.
NuCalm is the world’s first and only patented drug-free technology clinically proven to lower stress and improve sleep quality. This brainwave entrainment technology is derived from an FDA Class III medical device in 2009.
The system works by using a special type of adaptation-resist binaural beats designed to gently guide the brain into desirable states of focus, rejuvenation, sleep, mental clarity, peak performance, or meditation. They claim one 20 minute session of “Rescue” mode is equivalent to 2 hours of sleep. It has been used as a replacement to anesthesia in 2.4 million surgeries with no adverse effects; by elite military personnel, and 78 pro sports teams.
Although many of the claims sound incredibly impressive, I’ve haven’t been able to find peer-reviewed confirmations for most of them (aside from the publicly available patents here and here). Despite that, the system appears to actually work.
Nick Urban of Outliyr uses Rescue every morning to deepen his neurofeedback and meditation practices and then Ignite to enter a high-performance gamma state later in the day.
What is NuCalm?
NuCalm is a system originally designed 30+ years ago by Dr. Blake Holloway and a neurotherapeutics company called Solace Lifesciences Inc. They developed NuCalm as a safe, narcotic-free technology to treat patients with acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their goal is to design therapies to rebalance the body and mind and help humans perform at their highest potential.
Then, Dan Selene brought his 40+ years of experience in music production and sound design to level transform NuCalm into the most advanced neuro-audio technology on Earth. Today, NuCalm is run by Solace Lifesciences President and CEO James (Jim) Poole.
Basically, NuCalm is a patented super brain music paired with a few other gadgets. Several notches above standard binaural beats or isochronic tones.
As good scientists do, they’ve continued discovering, inventing, developing, testing, refining, and releasing NuCalm upgrades. Transforming it into “the most sophisticated, powerful, and predictable neuroacoustic software in the world”.
Our minds are more powerful than the most advanced supercomputer. Outsmarting it to achieve any desired effects at the click of a button is no small feat and requires a hefty dose of humility.
In 2009, they brought NuCalm to the medical industry with amazing success:
- 2M+ dental surgeries without a single reported adverse reaction
- Thousands of dentists replaced IV sedation, oral conscious sedation, and nitrous oxide use with NuCalm
- 98% of dental patients surveyed would recommend NuCalm to friends and family (7,144+ subjects so far)
They have an impressive lineup of testimonials on their website too.
NuCalm has become a tool of choice for all kinds of peak performers:
- Tony Robbins
- Diana Wentworth
- Robbie Balenger
- Ben Greenfield
- Luke Storey
Since then, they’ve managed to make the device simple, user-friendly, and highly portable.
How Does NuCalm Work?
At its core, NuCalm works quite simply by entraining your mind to regenerative brainwave states.
NuCalm interrupts the stress response. By rebalancing and strengthening the autonomic nervous system, the heart-brain axis nourishes our mental health and performance.
For a system designed by a neuroscience company, I expected something quite complicated. With a full array of dials, knobs, and switches. Nope.
The audio comes from the NuCalm app installed on your smartphone.
In addition to the primary two components, certain modes also work best when paired with a few other things, which we’ll cover later.
NuCalm’s audio technology
People often dismiss NuCalm as “just binaural beats”. But as someone that’s listened to hundreds of hours of binaural beats and isochronic tones, this is different. Binaural beats stop working after you listen a few times and your brain adapts. NuCalm works consistently, the mechanism through which is likely patented. Isochronic tones are better but sound terrible and still not as powerful.
Our brains form trillions of connections between cells. They send messages to each other using electrical and chemical signals. Large-scale coordinated communication generates what’s called a brain wave. To simplify, the more often these messages occur, the more mind and body stimulating.
When designing the audio, Dr. Holloway focused on four areas of the mind:
- Reticular activating system
- Corpus callosum
- HPA axis
- Autonomic nervous system
This is where Dr. Holloway collaborated with Dan Selene to evoke targeted electrical changes at key brain regions that regulate cognition. Resulting in powerful neurobiofeedback. As Dan puts it, “The advanced neurobiofeedback neuroacoustic software files developed by Dr. Holloway contain the most sophisticated algorithms and frequency matrix I have ever worked with”.
While these two were the dynamic duo, they had an army of composers, musicians, audio engineers, lawyers, and licensing specialists to help them meticulously craft each music segment to deliver the maximum power as fast as possible.
So while technically NuCalm uses isochronic tones, this audio is in a league of its own and continues to work long after most become useless.
What Programs Does NuCalm Have?
Though mostly used for recovery, the NuCalm system features multiple different modes to amplify particular brain states.
The mode we choose either elevates or relaxes our state.
Slow-wave dominant states (delta, alpha, and theta) are more restorative, while fast-wave states (beta and gamma) are associated with optimal performance.
NuCalm offers different modes based on your desired state, current situation, and free time.
Note that Rescue, Recharge, Recharge 20, and Reboot are available in the standard NuCalm plan, the others require Premium.
Rescue
Rescue is NuCalm’s original mode, designed to drop you into the deepest possible recovery and restoration.
This one is alpha and theta (12Hz – 4Hz) dominant. The same realm as late-night, dreaming sleep and deep meditation. The shortest time available, however, is 30 minutes. I use this most mornings before getting out of bed, especially when I am sleep deprived.
Rescue requires all gear (app, eye mask).
Reboot
Reboot is a newer mode, used to induce creativity, calm, and relaxation.
This one keeps you in an alpha (12Hz – 7.83Hz) dominant state.
It’s considered an option for advanced users, so I haven’t played around with it much yet. If I have this much time free, I’d prefer to go for the full Rescue. If not, I’ll do a Recharge. So I don’t see much use for it.
Reboot requires all gear (app, eye mask).
Recharge & Recharge 20
Recharge is my go-to mode for the mid-day slump, to balance the 7 energy centers/chakras, boost energy, and recover in minimal time, aptly described as the “ultimate power nap”.
This one is both alpha and theta (12Hz – 4Hz) dominant.
I like that the shortest setting is just 20 minutes, making it accessible virtually every day.
Recharge requires all gear (app, eye mask), but I find it works great without the discs.
Focus
Focus is described as the mode for clarity, concentration, and comprehension.
This one induces a beta (20Hz – 15Hz) dominant state, making it ideal for all kinds of work. It’s suitable for frequent use, whereas Ignite (described below) shouldn’t. It’s a newer mode, released in mid-2022.
The available timing range significantly, and I most often use the 47-minute track. I am actually listening to it right now while I work.
Focus only requires the app.
Ignite
Ignite is the mode for high-intensity, peak physical and mental performance, mistake-free focus, and to reliably enter the “flow state”.
This one induces gamma (41Hz – 39Hz) brain waves, a band associated with world-class performers. Learning to naturally enter the gamma-dominant state often takes decades, and most people never reach it.
NuCalm warns not to exceed 60 minutes per day (to avoid adrenal exhaustion) or to use Ignite too close to bedtime.
Of course, this is my favorite mode and the strongest audio technology I’ve used by a mile (and I’ve tested lots). I generally use it for about 60 minutes per day.
Ignite just requires the app (and discipline not to exceed 60 minutes per day).
DEEP SLEEP
DEEP SLEEP is the final mode, used to downregulate the nervous system for full recovery and rest without drugs or side effects.
This one induces delta (4Hz – 0.5Hz) brain waves, which are profoundly sedating. So it should only be used before bed.
I really like DEEP SLEEP, as it nicely compliments my wind-down routine and helps me transition more effectively than any supplement, and I’ve tried just about everything to biohack my sleep.
DEEP SLEEP just requires the app. You can even play it through speakers. It has two durations, 50 minutes and 8 hours.
What Are the Benefits & Uses of NuCalm?
What started out as a niche solution has branched out and gained mass adoption.
People now use NuCalm for all kinds of things:
- Sleep quality enhancement
- Power napping
- Relieving anxiety
- Accelerating workout recovery
- Athletic performance
- Alleviating pain without narcotics
- Deepening meditation
- Shift work
- Slowing biological aging
- Easing addictions
- Lifting stress
- Rapid and painless transitions throughout the day
Although we can naturally shift our mental state, the process takes time and effort. The NuCalm system accelerates the process while simultaneously unlocking higher levels of functioning.
How Do I Use NuCalm?
Now, to demystify the entire NuCalm experience.
I was a bit intimidated as I awaited the arrival of my order, but it’s actually all quite simple.
Step 1: Open NuCalm app & choose ideal mode
Download the NuCalm app and sign in to the account you used when registering.
After going through the onboarding, you’re presented with a main menu with each of the modes available. The plan you signed up for determines which modes are available. Select a mode corresponding to your intended use case and desired benefits.
Many modes have multiple duration options. Choose the longest duration you can that will be uninterrupted.
Step 2: Prepare for session & start
All modes work best with earphones or headphones. Depending on the mode you selected, you may also want your eye mask.
You can download the modes for offline use, which I recommend. That way, you can put your phone on airplane mode and avoid distractions and non-native electromagnetic radiation.
Skeptics will want to use the NuCalm Stress Assessment voice analysis before and after the session.
Then, relax and hit the start button.
Step 3: Relax & enjoy your experience
Just sit back and enjoy. Let your mind wander. Notice the way you feel.
I find that the effects amplify when I focus on the way I physically feel, rather than observe my thoughts as I do during meditations.
That said, this system intensifies unguided meditations too, making it easier (and faster) to reach deep states.
It’s completely normal to lose track of time. NuCalm dynamically brings your mind back to normal waking function towards the end of the session, and then plays a soft chime to indicate the end of each track.
With the exception of some Ignite mode tracks, there are no words during NuCalm sessions.
Step 4: Notice post-session effects
Depending on your neurochemistry and chosen mode, you should notice particular effects from each session.
Some people feel more restored from pure alpha frequencies, while others prefer modes that combine alpha and theta frequencies.
I suggest keeping track of your sessions. Which mode you used, and how you felt before and after each. Until you get the hang of it.
Regardless of the mode you choose, the effects persist. You’ll continue to enjoy the benefits for hours after use. If you have wearable biohacking devices, I suggest using them to quantify your NuCalm experience. Although I was skeptical, I see big improvements on my brain quantification devices.
Or, you can take the NuCalm Stress Assessment voice analysis to compare before and after.
Ultimately, all this will help you determine if NuCalm is worth it for you.
My Real Experience Using NuClam
I’ve been testing all the neuroaudio technologies I can find, so I gladly accepted when the NuCalm team offered to send me a system for an unbiased review.
I told some friends about the upcoming trial, and they asked some variation of, “well, is NuCalm a hoax”? From my own testing and talking to other regular users, no.
NuCalm Ignite mode, for example, feels stronger than most of the supplements & nootropics I take (including caffeine).
Anyway…
The NuCalm envelope arrived in the mail, surprisingly small and lightweight. Inside, I found an eye mask, a carrying case, and written instructions. I also received some BioSignal processing discs, which I don’t really use.
Before glancing at the instructions, I immediately downloaded the NuCalm app and created an account. The app icon and UI certainly look outdated, but I had no issue finding my way around. I remained hopeful about the technology.
My main complaint is that the audio player only has stop and restart buttons! No option to ‘play’ or ‘resume’. So it’s vital that you don’t accidentally do something on your phone that will hijack the phone’s audio (even momentarily).
Their support team told me that this is because of the physics of the program. NuCalm doesn’t work if it’s interrupted. In fact…
The most restorative part of NuCalm tracks takes place in the middle. Share on XThis is because the technology must slowly guide your brain into the ideal state to begin. Then, towards the end of the session, gradually bring your brain back to normal waking consciousness brainwaves.
Overall, these are minor complaints.
What NuCalm feels like
All NuCalm modes result in increased well-being and performance.
When I finish restorative sessions, I generally feel lighter but also slightly groggy for a few minutes. As I get back into the day, my physical and mental energy lift. More than the energy boost is the increased stamina. I can go for longer, with deeper focus and making fewer mistakes. My motivation stays higher. Ultimately, I am more effective.
Recharge 20 mode. As previously instructed by other users, I began here. This is the regenerative mode with the highest return on time (R.O.T).
I used it first thing in the morning, so I capitalized on my natural alpha and theta dominant brain state.
I did my normal self-guided meditation while the app pumped out relaxing and semi-familiar yet distinct audio.
I shifted my focus from the nuances of the music to my body to both simultaneously. The session itself felt dream-like. I didn’t feel fully conscious, nor did I feel asleep. Almost like the delirious state in the middle of the night when something wakes you from a dream.
The session fades between what I can best describe as multiple different audio scenes, likely one for each energy center.
Rescue mode felt similar, but progressed slower and with a deeper sound. It felt more restorative, a bodily regenerative state. Recharge, on the other hand, also improved creativity, abstract thinking, and pattern recognition.
I emerged from both modes feeling slightly drowsy until I stood up. Then I’d best describe my state as crisp. Completely recharged and ready to take on the day, without any overt stimulation (which can also result in jitters and anxiety).
I now use Rescue every night I sleep <7 hours, and fairly consistently duck away for a quick mid-day Recharge 20.
DEEP SLEEP mode surprised me. This is the only mode that doesn’t require headphones or earphones. A speaker suffices. There are a bunch of different options, and I used their rain track as a replacement during my wind-down routine. I also used this on the occasions I woke up with my mind racing and couldn’t get back to sleep.
Reliably, regardless of what I was doing, in as little as 4 minutes, DEEP SLEEP shifts my mind into drowsiness and relaxation. Sometimes, I fell asleep long before I planned to, without any of my usual sleep supplement stack.
Ignite mode. As predicted, this is by far my favorite. It’s the ultimate digital pre-workout and nootropic. In less than three minutes, my body feels switched ON. Way stronger than a cup or two of coffee. This one surprised me the most. The first time I used it, I felt a major urge to go on a run. And I hate running. Ignite is my go-to performance enhancer now. I highly recommend the explicit Certainty motivational audio track.
Gamma is an incredible brain state. It’s addicting and can be depleting if not balanced with parasympathetic recovery. I only allow myself to use it after a recharge session.
Focus mode. Although nowhere near as profound as Ignite, Focus is sustainable and good for the workday. I didn’t even test this mode for the first week or so. I’d say it favorably rivals the other neuromusic company which I reviewed called Brain.fm. Focus definitely improves my productivity.
The performance modes, however, start kicking in instantly.
NuCalm effects quantified
With audio, you never know how it’s actually influencing your electromagnetobiochemistry above baseline.
That’s why I turn to self-quantification devices to compare my response against Spotify or a productivity playlist.
I notice that NuCalming dramatically impacts multiple biomarkers:
- Normalizing heart rate
- Increasing heart rate variability
- Decreased Garmin “stress” scores
- Slight improvements in continuous blood glucose
Performance modes increase my heart rate and blood glucose (likely due to the sympathetic nervous system activation). But unlike stimulants, they also increase HRV.
Both the recovery and performance modes significantly boost HRV.
I pre-ordered a Sens.ai neurofeedback system, so I will report back on the real-time brain wave shifts I see from using this.
How Much Does NuCalm Cost With Discounts?
Depending on the plan you choose, NuCalm generally costs about $150-$500 per year.
The biggest flaw with NuCalm is its price.
While accessible to the world’s elite performers willing to spend on the tools that will give them an advantage, NuCalm is expensive.
It’s not some run-of-the-mill software or Amazon neurohacking product.
For consumers, there are only a few plans, both discounted when purchased annually.
| Feature / Modes | Rescue | SleepSuite | Performance Priming | Edge (All Modes) | Mastermind 2.0 | PRO (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access duration | Monthly / Annual | Monthly / Annual | Monthly / Annual | Monthly / Annual | 5-year membership | 2-year license |
| Rescue (recovery & restoration) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| DeepSleep (deep sleep & rest) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PowerNap (22–30 min nap) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ignite (peak mental state) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Focus (clarity & concentration) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FlowState (creativity & calm) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mastermind Vault (exclusive tracks) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Included gear | • Fancy eye mask • Case | • Eye mask • Case • Eddie Bauer bag | ❌ | ❌ | • 200 discs • 2 eye masks • Case • Travel bag | • Clinic kit (brochures, masks, case) |
| Best price (code URBAN) | $13.49/mo or $145.79/yr | $26.99/mo or $291.59/yr | $26.99/mo or $291.59/yr | $44.99/mo or $485.99/yr | $3,145.50 total | $1,795.50 init + $134.99/mo |
| Best for | Stress relief starters | Sleep optimization | Performance days | All-around users | Power users & families | Clinics & teams |
International customers only have the above annual options.
No matter what you choose, NuCalm isn’t cheap.
To make it more accessible to Outliyrs like you, they’re offering my audience a 7-day free trial and exclusive 10% discount when you use the code URBAN.
Then if it doesn’t exceed your expectations, capitalize on their 30-day full money-back guarantee.
NuCalm vs Alternatives
After the sticker shock of the price of NuCalm, you may be curious about how it compares to others.
There are only two systems I’d consider NuCalm alternatives. One of software, and the other is both hardware and software.
Brain.fm (read my review). This web app (and mobile app) contains a vast library of audio scientifically proven to help you enter desired states on command. Before NuCalm, I used this service all day, every day. Deep Work throughout the day, and Sleep mode before bed. An entire year of Brainfm is about the same price as a month of NuCalm, the catch being it’s about 1/4 – 1/3 as powerful.
Brain.fm is ideal for those on a tight budget and who don’t mind weaker effects.
BrainTap. One of the hottest new all-in-one systems on the market, BrainTap combines multiple modalities to effectively entrain desired brain states. They’ve scientifically engineered audio with precision lighting. You wear a futuristic helmet, choose from one of many presets, and move into your ideal mentality. BrainTap is regularly used in clinical research, works awesome, and is one of the most commonly recommended systems these days. The main problem is the helmet itself costs about $550 and requires a monthly subscription that’s about half the price of NuCalm.
BrainTap is best over the long-term, as the monthly fee is much cheaper and the system itself is quite powerful.
I’m sure there are a lot of other NuCalm substitutes, but these are the two I found most similar.
NuCalm Questions & Answers
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about NuCalm, and here are a few of the most common.
Does NuCalm actually work?
Although I was skeptical, after 100+ uses and countless hours, I’ve determined that NuCalm works and is quite powerful. I’ve found the effects from performance modes feel stronger than caffeine and DEEP SLEEP mode works between than pills.
Is NuCalm anti-aging?
NuCalm helps slow the aging process by shifting the brain into stress-free “repair” mode. Activating regenerative pathways throughout the body and mind. It’s a useful tool for increasing healthspan in minimal time.
Is NuCalm FDA-approved?
NuCalm is FDA-approved. It’s approved for combatting stress and as an effective drug-free approach to handling pain.
Are NuCalm’s BioSignal Processing Discs a scam?
NuCalm used to sell special discs that they claimed could mimic the effects of supplements (like GABA) to put the body into a relaxed parasympathetic state. Major publications like The Guardian “debunked” NuCalm by casting doubt on the efficacy of these discs.
While still available on the NuCalm store, most users (myself included) don’t use the discs any more. They’re optional; intended to compliment the effects.
Is NuCalm safe?
Yes, NuCalm uses brainwave entrainment technology to gently “suggest” the brain entrain to certain frequency bands. Unlike physical substances, these tracks do not force incompatible states.
How long until NuCalm benefits show?
The benefits of NuCalm take effect halfway through most sessions and become more pronounced with repeated use. I felt better by the end of my first time, and after 2 weeks of daily use, my perceived stress levels dropped dramatically.
Is it worth the price?
NuCalm is expensive but worth the price for individuals under a heavy stress load or having troubles sleeping. For high-achievers looking to naturally enhance performance, it’s also worth it.
For anyone on a tight budget, I recommend cheap alternatives like Brain.fm or waiting for NuCalm’s special sales instead.
NuCalm Review: Final Verdict
Theoretically, the NuCalm system is quite simple.
You use the system to disable your sympathetic stress response.
Solving stress improves:
- Sleep
- Sports performance
- Biological aging
- Mood issues
- Trauma and PTSD
Then through modern technology, you rapidly drop into the deepest possible restorative state. Unlike binaural beats which only work the first few times you use them, NuCalm tech has benefitted from millions of dollars of reach and several patents. The NuCalm algorithm continues to be just as effective on day 100 as it was on day one.
Sessions accomplish the equivalent of 2-3 hours of deep sleep in just 20-30 minutes. Dramatically reducing stress and anxiety while also improving sleep, emotional resiliency, cognition, and performance.
The peak performance modes are newer but equally as powerful (and my personal favorites).
The more often you use it, the faster your brain can reach those same states on its own. This is “neurohacking” at its finest.
My primary complaint with NuCalm is the price. It’s simply too expensive for most. Mostly, the elite are the ones who can afford high-tech performance-enhancing technologies. And they already have options. Luckily, there are other decent options too.
If it fits your budget though, I’m thoroughly impressed with NuCalm. The system works far better than the others I’ve tested, and I’ve used a LOT. The app’s UI could use an overhaul, but it works as expected.
If you’d like to give it a shot for yourself, click the button below and make sure to use the exclusive discount code.
Should you have any issues, take advantage of their full 30-day money-back guarantee.
Have you tried NuCalm? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments below!
NuCalm
NuCalm is the world's first & only patented neuroscience technology clinically proven to lower stress & improve sleep quality, and dramatically improve physical and mental performance.
Product Brand: NuCalm
4.4
Pros
- Responsive support
- Portable & convenient
- Clinically proven
- Powerful
- Safe
- Downloadable tracks for offline mode
- Stacks nicely with other therapies
- Modes to fit any goal
- Continuing to release new tracks
- Voice-powered stress assessment quantifies session benefit
Cons
- Expensive
- Outdated app UI
- Missing controls
- Limited number of tracks
- No photobiomodulation modality
