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Pulsetto VS Truvaga
Pulsetto vs Truvaga (2025): Which Vagus Nerve Stimulator is Right for You?
With Pulsetto, you don’t have to set aside a special time or pause your life to use the device — it fits smoothly into your routine. Sessions have flexible duration (potentially longer than the fixed 2-minute manual sessions), and being hands-free, you can use it while reading, working, or even just relaxing on the couch. On Truvaga Plus, each session requires you to stop what you’re doing, manually hold the device and pay attention — limiting ease and practicality for daily use.
| Pulsetto | Truvaga Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $466 (See Latest Sale Price) | $499 on Amazon |
| Design | Collar-style, hands-free | Handheld, manual placement |
| Stimulation method | Dual-sided (both branches) | Single-sided (alternate sides) |
| Session length | 4–15 minutes | 2 minutes |
| Battery life | Up to 1 week depending on usage | Several days |
| Programs | 5 programs (Sleep, Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Pain) | General wellness programs |
| Premium features | $15/mo optional subscription | All features included |
| HSA/FSA Eligible | ☑ Yes | ☑ Yes |
| Guarantee | 30-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
| Warranty | 2 Years | Limited Warranty |
If you’re dealing with chronic stress that interferes with your daily routine, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can be a supportive tool for nervous system balance. Devices like Pulsetto are commonly chosen by people facing anxiety, racing thoughts and mental tension, especially those who want something hands-free and simple to use. Truvaga Plus can also support this purpose, but requires manual placement and shorter sessions.
Many users also turn to VNS for sleep support. If you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake feeling unrested, a device like Pulsetto may help regulate vagal activity over time, which contributes to deeper rest and calmer nighttime breathing.
Beyond mental wellness, some individuals notice a reduction in neck and shoulder tension during consistent use. There are also reports of gradual improvements in digestion and overall relaxation of the jaw and upper body.
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Pulsetto is often described as having a gentle tingling sensation at lower intensity levels (1–3). Because it stimulates both sides of the neck simultaneously, users frequently report a more balanced and natural feeling of vagus nerve activation. At higher levels (4–7), muscle engagement becomes more noticeable — still comfortable for most people.
Most users find their ideal comfort zone within 3–5 days of consistent use, gradually adjusting as tolerance builds. The hands-free design makes the experience especially convenient, allowing you to read, meditate, work, or unwind without needing to hold the device in place.
Many Truvaga Plus users report feeling stronger stimulation even at lower intensity levels due to its single-sided activation. For some, this can feel more direct and immediate — though often more noticeable than Pulsetto’s smoother, dual-sided response.
To avoid discomfort, new users are usually encouraged to begin with 30-second sessions. Most gradually reach the full 2-minute cycle after several days of acclimation, which can require some adjustment compared to hands-free devices like Pulsetto.
For people who want a quick, more intense jolt of stimulation during high-stress moments, Truvaga Plus may offer that sharper sensation. However, many users who prefer a calmer, more balanced vagus stimulation throughout the day tend to lean toward Pulsetto, especially for regular use, relaxation routines, sleep support, and anxiety management over time.
Start Slowly for Best Results
Both devices work best when approached gradually, beginning with the lowest intensity setting and increasing over several days. This helps the nervous system adapt without discomfort.
Individuals with anxiety, PTSD, or highly sensitive nervous systems should take things slowly. Sudden relaxation can feel unusual at first, and a smoother adjustment tends to produce better long-term results. For this reason, many users prefer starting with Pulsetto, as its dual-sided stimulation is generally reported as gentler and more balanced for beginners — especially those who are easily overstimulated.
Proper gel application is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness – insufficient gel can cause skin irritation or reduce the quality of stimulation you receive.
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Some users notice mild dizziness, tingling, or small muscle twitches during the first sessions — this is generally temporary and tends to fade as the nervous system adapts to stimulation. Skin irritation may occur if gel is applied incorrectly or on very sensitive skin, so it’s best to clean the device after each use and test a small area first.
Over-stimulation usually happens when users jump to higher levels too quickly. This is why slow progression matters — and why many beginners prefer Pulsetto’s smoother, dual-sided signal, as it tends to feel more tolerable and easier to adapt to during the adjustment phase compared to sharper, single-point stimulation.
Pulsetto’s collar-style design is the defining difference in this comparison — it sits on your neck and works without requiring your hands at all. This means you can continue your day normally: reading, typing, watching TV, winding down before sleep — no awkward positioning, no holding pressure points, no pausing life just to use the device.
Yes, Pulsetto weighs slightly more at 12.31 oz, but because the weight is distributed across the shoulders instead of concentrated in one spot, most users say it’s barely noticeable — even during full 15-minute sessions. In real-world use, comfort and freedom matter far more than grams on a scale.
The adjustable strap fits most neck sizes, and with a quick adjustment, the device locks in securely. People with very slim or larger neck structures may need minor repositioning, but once fitted, it stays in place — no hands required, no constant holding, no fatigue.
This is where Truvaga Plus hits its limitation: being handheld means your arm, hand, and attention are always involved. You’re locked into a 2-minute session with a device you must physically hold against your neck — not ideal if you want to relax, multitask, or use the device consistently.
For people who want stimulation integrated into daily life — not interrupting it — Pulsetto is objectively the more practical and modern design.
At just 8 ounces, Truvaga Plus is lightweight and portable, making it a convenient option for travel or work environments. Its handheld format also allows more direct control over electrode placement, which some users may appreciate for targeted stimulation.
However, because it must be held in place for the entire session, it doesn’t support complete relaxation — especially when compared to hands-free devices like Pulsetto. For many people, the need to stay physically engaged during use limits bedtime routines or long, passive sessions.
Its compact size is discreet enough for office use or travel, and may suit users who prefer short, manual sessions on the go rather than extended relaxation.
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See how Pulsetto wins against other devices
| Feature | Pulsetto | Nurosym | Apollo Neuro | Sensate | Truvaga Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless / Hands-Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (handheld) |
| Price (USD) | 🟩 $278 | ❌ $750 | ❌ $349 | ❌ $349 | ❌ $499 |
| Electrical Stimulation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (only vibrates) | ❌ No (only vibrates) | ✅ Yes |
|
Hassle Free Sessions Hands-Free + Comfort |
✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ Must hold manually |
| Unlimited Sessions | 🟩 Yes | ❌ No | 🟩 Yes | 🟩 Yes | 🟩 Yes |
| Bilateral Stimulation | 🟩 Yes | ❌ One Side | ❌ Vibrations Only | ❌ Vibrations Only | ❌ Single-Side |
| Insight Tracking (HRV + Sleep) | 🟩 Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | 🟩 Yes | ❌ No |
| Pairs With Oura + Apple Watch | 🟩 Yes | ❌ No | 🟩 Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Rechargeable |
🟩 Yes USB-C |
🟩 Yes | 🟩 Yes | 🟩 Yes | 🟩 Yes |
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Vagus nerve stimulation provides benefits for full-body balance — digestion, stress, heart rate, immune response and overall health support.
VNS stimulation has been shown to support mental clarity, improve focus, memory retention and mood balance — even for individuals under chronic stress.
Studies suggest vagus stimulation may reduce inflammation responses — including digestive, gut-related irritation and systemic inflammation caused by stress overload.
Pulsetto uses clinically proven vagus nerve stimulation to calm your body and mind naturally. It feels like a gentle, pleasant vibration on your neck that helps you relax FAST.
100,000+ people already trust Pulsetto for long-lasting calm, stress relief, and mental clarity.
Order Pulsetto Now →
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Pulsetto features two targeted programs—Stress at 4500 Hz and Anxiety at 4750 Hz—each designed to stimulate the vagus nerve in a specific therapeutic pattern. Users consistently report increased calm during sessions, and with regular use, many experience cumulative improvements in mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall stress recovery.
This makes Pulsetto especially popular among professionals in high-demand environments who need a mental reset without stepping away from productivity. A short session mid-day often helps reduce pressure, refocus thought patterns, and quiet overactive stress responses.
Parents share similar feedback. The hands-free design means Pulsetto can be used during evening routines, meal prep, or downtime with kids—no need to hold anything or stop life to relax. For people who need calm but can’t pause responsibilities, Pulsetto fits life instead of interrupting it.
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The Pulsetto app includes five specialized programs right out of the box: Sleep, Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, and Pain. Each program uses research-based frequencies for optimal results.
Setup is straightforward with guided instructions for proper placement and gel application. The app tracks your sessions and allows intensity adjustments during use.
Premium features are available for $15/month but aren’t necessary for core functionality. The basic programs provide comprehensive wellness support.
Setup and Learning Curve: The Pulsetto app is generally reliable, though occasional crashes on some Android devices have been reported. This isn’t unusual—many apps experience this, especially across different phone models. Keeping your device updated with the latest OS usually helps things run smoothly.
Most users complete setup within 5 minutes following the guided instructions.
Pulsetto stands out with a solid, long-lasting design built for daily stimulation without performance decline over time. Users consistently describe it as sturdy, premium-feeling, and reliable even after months of continued use.
The adjustable neck strap may require gentle handling if resized often, but with proper care it maintains durability well. Charging ports and electrodes also preserve strong conductivity with regular cleaning. Wiping the surface after sessions is usually enough to keep performance high over time.
Battery performance is one of Pulsetto's strongest advantages. A full charge typically lasts up to one week of daily sessions, allowing consistent nervous system support without constant recharging. Charging through USB-C completes in about two hours, making the device easy to maintain even with active daily use.
Routine cleaning helps preserve electrode quality and stimulation efficiency. Truvaga Plus offers reasonable battery life as well, but typically requires more frequent charging due to shorter session cycles.
| Feature | Pulsetto | Truvaga Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Duration | Up to 7 days per charge | Around 5 days average |
| Charging Method | USB-C, full charge ~2 hours | USB cable, charge ~90 minutes |
| Maintenance | Clean electrodes after use | More frequent gel cleanup needed |
Pulsetto is widely recognized for its long-range nervous system benefits. Many users report noticeable changes in sleep quality, mood balance and stress response within two to four weeks of consistent daily use. With continued application, the effects tend to accumulate over time.
After eight to twelve weeks of ongoing use, common reports include deeper sleep, reduced emotional reactivity, clearer focus, greater mental stability and less physical tension throughout the day. Pulsetto works not only as a rapid calming device but also as long-term nervous system training, encouraging the body to regulate stress more efficiently on its own.
Truvaga Plus may provide fast relaxation relief in short sessions, but long-term change is generally more gradual and less progressive compared to results reported over extended Pulsetto use.
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| Pulsetto | Truvaga | |
|---|---|---|
| Price & Value | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design & Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| App Experience | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Sleep Improvement | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stress Relief | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Pain Management | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Battery & Maintenance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall (100 points) | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Both Pulsetto and Truvaga Plus offer true vagus nerve stimulation with a range of reported benefits. That said, we believe Pulsetto delivers greater overall value and flexibility, especially for those focused on improving sleep and supporting long-term nervous system balance through targeted wellness programs.
Truvaga Plus is a solid option for quick, on-the-go stress relief and portability. However, its shorter sessions and higher price point may make it less ideal for those seeking deeper relaxation or structured routines.
When choosing between the two, think about your daily lifestyle, wellness goals, and budget. What works best for one person may not suit another.
And as always, if you’re managing a medical condition or taking medications that affect the nervous system, it’s smart to check in with your healthcare provider first.
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Pulsetto is better for most people due to its hands-free design, specialized programs, and lower cost. Truvaga Plus works well for those wanting quick 2-minute sessions and maximum portability.
Pulsetto stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its hands-free collar design, five specialized programs, and budget-friendly pricing with frequent discounts.
Yes, Truvaga Plus has worked for many for stress relief and relaxation. Users report quick calming effects from 2-minute sessions, though benefits may be more short-term compared to longer VNS sessions.
Yes, Bryan Johnson uses the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulation device as part of his longevity and wellness routine.
Bryan Johnson uses multiple HRV (heart rate variability) tracking tools, including the Oura Ring and other medical-grade monitoring devices, as part of his detailed health optimization protocol. He also uses vagus nerve stimulation devices like Pulsetto to actively support improved HRV and nervous system regulation.
Pulsetto’s dedicated Anxiety program (4750 Hz) makes it superior for anxiety relief, especially combined with its hands-free design for deeper relaxation.
Yes, Pulsetto works without subscription. The free app includes five core programs. The optional $15/month premium adds extras but isn’t required.
Yes, clinical studies confirm vagus nerve stimulation improves sleep quality by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Many users report immediate relaxation during sessions, sleep improvements within 3-7 days, and cumulative benefits over 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Individual results may vary.
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