Hoolest VeRelief Prime Review: Stress Relief in 10 Seconds?

Perhaps you experience debilitating stress, anxiety, panic, low performance, or impaired sleep.

You’re not alone. These common issues plague:

• First responders
• Executives
• Athletes
• Doctors
• Military personnel
• High stress professionals

Many of these folks rely on a little-known but safe technology to help.

This technology starts to work in just 10 seconds.

They’re called vagus nerve stimulators.

I’ve tested several devices options, and in this post, I’m going to share my experience with one in particular.

So if you’re looking for the best vagus nerve stimulation device, this review will help you determine if this is the VNS tech you need.

Understanding The Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is an information superhighway transmitting vital signals from your brain, all the way down to your gut.

It’s the longest nerve in your body and controls essential automatic processes like your heartbeat, digestion, breathing, and stress response.

It sends signals from your brain to your heart, lungs, and stomach to tell them what to do, and it also sends information back to your brain about how these organs are doing.

Sometimes, the vagus nerve gets “stuck” and causes symptoms negatively affecting:

• Digestion
• Swallowing
• Voice
• Shallow breathing
• Mood
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Headaches & migraines
• Immunity
• Heartbeat rhythm

You have many ways to activate the vagus nerve naturally. Most of them, however, take a very long time and require consistency.

Devices make “resetting” the vagus nerve easier and more efficient. That’s why they’re considered one of the best biohacking trends today.

How does VNS work?

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) technology delivers gentle electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin.

There are two primary types of vagus nerve stimulator devices:

• Auricular
• Cervical

Auricular devices target the information going to the brainstem, making it better for mental health and performance

While cervical stimulators target information going down to the gut—producing better results for functions that occur below the neck.

Hoolest VeRelief devices use a transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) approach, targeting the auricular region and primarily affecting the brain.

Stimulating the vagus nerve non-invasively promotes a calming effect on the body.

By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, this helps mitigate stress responses and enhances your emotional well-being.

Benefits of vagus nerve stimulation

Medically, most VNS devices are implanted to help prevent seizures and epilepsy.

External devices like VeRelief allow you to non-invasively stimulate the auricular vagus nerve, tapping into the body’s natural ability to promote relaxation.

These are more often used to calm anxiety, “nerves”, and high stress levels.

Because the vagus nerve connects the brain to just about every other organ, the benefits of stimulation are extensive

Some of the many health benefits of VNS technology include improved:

1. Headache relief
2. Pain modulation
3. Concussion recovery
4. Mood
5. Depression
6. Anxiety
7. Stress levels
8. Brain coherence
9. Digestion
10. Relaxation
11. Exercise recovery
12. Cognition
13. Language learning
14. Inflammation

Plus, research suggests non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is portable, convenient, and quite safe [R, R]. That’s why the top biohacking experts recommend using VNS.

As long as you use a high-quality system.

The Hoolest VeRelief Devices

Hoolest VeRelief is one of the premier VNS brands. They actually conduct research and take an evidence-based approach to engineering their systems.

For two years straight, their lab tested many different frequencies on themselves to find the best ones.

In fact, the Founder of the company, Dr. Nick Hoolest, did his Ph.D. on VNS waveforms.

VeRelief devices have some unique advantages and features compared to the alternatives:

• Portable & convenient: easily fits in the palm of my hand
• Strength: they claim to be 8X stronger than any auricular vagus nerve stimulator
• Science-backed: built on credible research
• Quality build: durable and engineered to last
• No app required: most VNS tech is controlled via a smartphone
• Cost: no required subscription and a new affordable “Reset” model

Already decided to buy? Get the Hoolest VeRelief Prime here:

Now, let’s compare and contrast these models.

VeRelief Prime vs Reset vs Pro

Currently, Hoolest offers three VeRelief models.

The Hoolest VeRelief Prime is their flagship. It contains five different modes and a higher max power, but costs $100 more.

VeRelief Reset Mini+ is their newest and among the best affordable devices on the market. This model contains only their most popular mode—making it even easier to use but not as versatile as the Prime.

Hoolest’s VeRelief Pro is a premium VNS in the form of headphones that stimulates both sides of the vagus nerve simultaneously.

It has three modes and synchronizes with music. You can also use it hands-free.

The Pro model isn’t nearly as portable, and combined with the large price increase, makes it a solid consideration for wellness clinics.

How to Use Hoolest VeRelief Devices

Using the Hoolest VeRelief models is quite straightforward.

When I got the Prime model, I had little experience with VNS, and I figured it out without instructions. Changing modes, however, required a little learning.

To begin, you take the cap off the device and insert the gel electrodes (which, sadly, you must change out occasionally). If you’re using the Prime or Pro models, select your desired mode.

Then, place the device on your neck, slightly below your ear (the auricular area).

Make sure the electrodes maintain contact with your skin. The stimulation process automatically begins and creates a buzzing sensation.

Slightly move the device around to find the area which feels most comfortable.

You want to use the highest power that’s still comfortable to get the maximum benefits. You’ll get used to the sensation after a few sessions.

If you’re feeling bold or have different challenges, you can stimulate other areas.

Two other places to try applying the VeRelief (do your own research first) include:

• Top of the hand
• Forehead

Certain symptoms respond better to these applications.

My Experience Using Hoolest VeRelief Prime

Upon unboxing the VeRelief Prime, I was pleased that it shipped with a partial charge.

I quickly figured out that I needed to insert the gel electrodes into the device prior to use.

As expected, the raised “+” and “-” physical buttons on the device let me change the power level.

The power level it shipped with, I found slightly underwhelming. Blue LED bars clearly illuminate the current setting. A couple taps and. I found the right strength stimulation.

With VNS tech, more is better; you want the strongest comfortable power level for maximum benefits.

After holding both plus and minus buttons for a second, the bar begins to flash, allowing you to toggle into one of the five modes.

The modes include:

1. Anxiety
2. Sleep
3. Stress
4. Performance (HRV booster)
5. Panic

The pulsation rhythm of each mode feels significantly different. I’ve learned that “Panic” mode is the strongest.

Depending on the mode, even on weak settings, I feel a difference within seconds of use.

I especially like Performance mode as it significantly boosts my HRV by 10-30%. You’re meant to pair it with deliberate breathing for the best effects

When I do, I notice that my LF/HF ratio typically decreases, indicating a shift towards greater parasympathetic dominance.

I don’t have state anxiety or panic attacks, so I can’t comment on the efficacy to address those specific states.

Still, I foresee this as a great tool when learning new skills to more holistically manage nerves running high.

Like every technology, it has its share of pros and cons.

What I like about VeRelief

Hoolest’s VeRelief has several standout features.

It’s easy to learn and use. The battery lasts up to seven days on a charge. The FDA’s General Wellness Policy has classified it as a safe and low-risk device.

Hoolest customer service is great, and I took Dr. Nick Hool up on his free consultation (which was quite helpful to address my concerns and questions).

The device itself has all five modes printed on the back, so you don’t need the instruction manual to switch. It’s well-built, and the magnetic cap is a nice touch.

Unlike other biohacking devices, there’s no required app (or subscription), and the minimal controls make everything simple.

You can use this on your wrist or forehead for other use cases too.

Perhaps most importantly, it actually works and delivers on its promises. Portable, convenient, and substance-free relaxation.

What I dislike about VeRelief

Applying electricity to the body can be scary, and the instructions could use more guidance. Especially regarding power level and how to choose the right mode.

Then there’s the slight inconvenience of actually holding the device to your neck for several minutes at a time.

Some of the alternative devices allow hands-free usage.

My other gripes aren’t unique to this device, rather the underlying technology. First, VNS doesn’t actually address the root cause of the problem.

So it acts more like a digital bandaid than a true health optimization tool.

Also, most of the research shows that getting the maximum benefits requires consistency.

Where to Get VeRelief Devices

Contrary to some of the information on the internet, you cannot purchase the Hoolest VeRelief models through online platforms like Amazon or other health and wellness shops.

You can only get these devices through the official website.

That way, you also avoid counterfeits, get the warranty and money-back guarantee, and can enjoy special promos.

Hoolest VeRelief Pricing & Discount

Quality and safe vagus nerve stimulators generally run between $200-$800.

Some brands also require you to purchase a subscription to unlock all the device’s features.

Hoolest leads the pack, with several different models for every budget and use case.

Keep in mind that you’ll likely need new gel electrodes at some point. They suggest every three months, but that’s up to you.

All models come with a 60-Day Money-Back guarantee, a 1-Year warranty, and multiple payment options.

Paying with HSA/FSA saves you an average of 30%. Or, you can pay in interest-free installments with ShopPay.

You can use my code to save an extra 10% on top of the other discounts.

Plus, for a limited time, all orders come with a free consultation with the Founder, Dr. Nicholas Hool.

Is Hoolest’s VeRelief the Best VNS System in 2025?

Biohacker and longevity enthusiast Bryan Johnson popularized vagus nerve stimulation devices as they earned a spot in his Blueprint protocol.

He used Pulsetto, and I have that wearable too.

I also wanted transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) technology to capitalize on a different set of benefits and use cases.

After hours of research, I came across the Hoolest VeRelief Prime. A leading option for mood and mental health optimization.

Its innovative design, multi-faceted use cases, and user-friendly interface set it apart from competitors.

Earning it a spot among the best vagus nerve stimulation devices available on the market today.

You can certainly use all kinds of other biohacks, therapies, technologies, and ancient practices to optimize your vagus nerve. I certainly do.

These systems can amplify the effects of your other modalities. Plus, this tech works fast, powerfully, and safely.

I plan to save mine for big events, to avoid second-guessing myself while learning new skills, and as a safer substance-free way to reset my nervous system.

If you’ve tried the Hoolest VeRelief devices, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let me know your experience.

Hoolest VeRelief Prime

One of the premiere vagus nerve stimulation brands, Hoolest delivers well-researched, evidence-based technology for their VNS devices. The VeRelief Prime in particular features five modes you can use depending on your goals or desired frequency. Add to that, it's size makes portable and extremely convenient to have.

Editor's Rating:
4.1

Pros

• Easy to use
• Well-built
• Powerful
• Portable & convenient
• Discreet & multiple use cases
• Application to neck, wrist, & forehead available
• Substance-free relaxation
• Great customer service
• Free 1:1 call with Founder
• No app or subscription required
• FSA/HSA eligible

Cons

• Less details on choosing the right mode
• No hands-free usage with Prime & Reset models
• Gel tips need occasional replacements