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Pulsetto review: can this wearable really help you stress less?

Q: Can I use Pulsetto daily?

Yes, Pulsetto recommends using their device daily , preferably while relaxing, before or during meditation, or before bed, for optimal results. However, they warn against using it while driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other activities that can put you at risk of injury. Yes, Pulsetto recommends using their device daily , preferably while relaxing, before or during meditation, or before bed, for optimal results. However, they warn against using it while driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other activities that can put you at risk of injury.

Q: Does Pulsetto replace medication or therapy?

No, Pulsetto isn’t a medical device , so it should not be used to prevent, treat, or cure any health conditions. If you are unsure whether it’s the right fit for you, you should consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision.No, Pulsetto isn’t a medical device , so it should not be used to prevent, treat, or cure any health conditions. If you are unsure whether it’s the right fit for you, you should consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision.

Q: What happens if I stop using Pulsetto?

I’ve found no reports on adverse effects from stopping Pulsetto use. The only related feedback comes from past users who mentioned that the benefits this tool offered tend to fade once they stop using the device .I’ve found no reports on adverse effects from stopping Pulsetto use. The only related feedback comes from past users who mentioned that the benefits this tool offered tend to fade once they stop using the device .

by Emilja Carević

03 July 2025

Wellness tech, especially relaxation and stress-reducing devices, has taken off in the last few years. Studies show that 2 in 5 participants report owning and regularly using some sort of wellness tool. While smartwatches and fitness trackers still lead the pack, vagus nerve stimulation devices, like Pulsetto, are quickly gaining attention.

Pulsetto is designed to produce low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve and induce relaxation. But does it deliver? To answer this question, the following Pulsetto review will look at how this device works, who can benefit from it, how much it costs, and what you should know before trying it. Let’s break it down.

Quick overview of Pulsetto

Rating:	4.8
Description:	A device that produces low-level electrical impulses to stimulate the cervical branch of the vagus nerve
App integration:	Yes
Potential benefits:	Better sleep, reduced anxiety, less stress, help with burnout, pain, and digestion
Pricing:	$278

Visit Pulsetto

Pros and Cons of Pulsetto

Things I like:

Compact, easily portable design
Easy-to-use, hands-free device
Dedicated app with five programs
FCC certification
Solid battery life
30-day money-back guarantee
2-year warranty

Things I don’t like:

Requires paid membership for full functionality
Customer support could be improved
Inflexible neck band

What is Pulsetto and how does it work?

Pulsetto is a wellness wearable that uses non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to support stress relief and sleep management. It’s a plastic device that looks a lot like a pair of headphones, with a round frame and clamps at each end. However, it wraps around your neck instead of your head, so that the clamps rest where you can feel your carotid pulse.

When activated through the app, the Pulsetto clamps send mild electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve in this area. This aims to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate heart rate, mood, digestion, and other involuntary functions, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

The Pulsetto device comes with a native app that helps users control their sessions. It features five built-in programs with varying pulse frequencies, each tailored to meet different needs. It may also feature a sound library, breathing exercises, affirmations, meditations, and more, depending on whether you’re using the free or premium (paid) version.

Pulsetto isn’t the only brand to offer a Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TVNS) device. However, its additional features, ease of use, decent price, and warranty make it more enticing for many users than competitors like Apollo or Truvaga.

Benefits of vagus nerve stimulation

Researchers and clinicians have long studied vagus nerve stimulation for its potential benefits. Here are the ones most commonly reported:

Reduced stress and anxiety. Studies show that a TNVS device can have positive effects on stress, tracked through brain imaging, blood inflammation markers, and wearable tech. Scientists believe this approach holds potential for preventing and treating psychiatric disorders linked to chronic stress.
Improved sleep quality. Researchers have investigated the impact of non-invasive VNS on sleep quality and found that it reduced symptoms of chronic insomnia and sleep deprivation.
Better focus and cognitive clarity. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation has also been explored in the context of cognitive therapy studies. Participants showed enhanced executive function and scored higher on visuospatial reasoning and memory recall tasks.
Mood regulation. Clinical researchers have tested devices like the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator on participants after they have undergone physical and mental challenges. The results indicated improved mood after stress and potential benefits for behavioural therapy.
Physical relaxation and steadier heart rate patterns. VNS has shown promise in reducing symptoms related to PTSD, improving cardiorespiratory metrics, and stabilizing heart rate variability.

Who is Pulsetto for and not for?

Pulsetto is better suited for certain user groups than others because VNS can interfere with other devices in your body or have adverse effects in combination with some health conditions.

Pulsetto is for:

Individuals with hectic lifestyles. When used regularly, the device may help with stress relief and alleviate tension.
Those who struggle with sleep deprivation and anxiety. Pulsetto recommends its Sleep program for 30 to 60 minutes every evening before bed for better sleep quality.
Wellness and meditation enthusiasts. A pulse device review or two we’ve come across praise Pulsetto as a great meditation and yoga companion.

Pulsetto isn’t recommended for:

Users with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices (advice from the brand)
Pregnant individuals (unless cleared by your doctor)
People suffering from specific neurological conditions (in consultation with your doctor)

Price of Pulsetto

Pulsetto currently goes for $278 through the official website. For this price, you get the device, a 60g tube of conductivity gel, and a USB-C charging cable. The brand also throws in a 30-day free trial for the Premium version of the app (normally $129 per year), which includes guided meditation, affirmations, and additional stimulation programs.

Pulsetto also sells a gel pack ($50.99) and a travel bag ($20), but there are no discount bundles available at this time. With a year's Premium app subscription, these bring your total Pulsetto costs at the end of the year to $400-$500. While that’s not cheap, it’s still more affordable than many alternatives.

When comparing Pulsetto vs Apollo, another popular TVNS gadget, Pulsetto comes out on top as a cheaper option upfront, despite offering a warranty that is a year longer. On the other hand, Truvaga 350, which is about $80 cheaper than Pulsetto and offers a pay-over-time plan, doesn’t include an app or warranty.

How to use your Pulsetto: step-by-step

You can use the Pulsetto in five simple steps, which makes it one of the best vagus nerve stimulation device options on the market.

Get the Pulsetto app. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Launch it, and create an account following the on-page instructions.
Link your device. Turn on your vagus stimulator by pressing the Start button and use your phone's Bluetooth to connect. Wait for the device to light up green to confirm it’s ready for pairing.
Get ready for a VNS session. Put conductivity gel on your finger and dab it on the pulse zones on your neck. A pea-sized amount is recommended, but users have reported that using less is still effective. Place the Pulsetto around your neck and adjust it so that the clamps sit directly on the area where you applied the gel.
Start a VNS session. Open the Pulsetto app, choose a program depending on your needs, and find a comfortable position to sit or lie in. Start the program and try to relax. Begin with a lower intensity setting to become accustomed to the sensation, which should feel like a gentle tingle.
Store the device properly. Remove the vagus tracker from your neck and use a cotton pad to clean the gel from it and your neck. Store it in the original box to prevent damage.

Is Pulsetto safe?

Pulsetto claims its VNS device meets safety standards, including certification by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). According to June 2022 reports, this regulatory agency tested the device’s electronic emissions and concluded they’re well within the allowed range for its device class.

In general, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (TVNS) is considered safe. It uses ultra-low radiofrequency energy (ULRE), which typically passes through the skin without harm. One of the latest studies that found it “well-tolerated and safe” was conducted by Sheffield University’s Department of Neuroscience in 2018.

Still, Pulsetto highlights that their TVNS product isn’t a medical device and should not be expected to prevent, treat, or cure any medical conditions. It’s also important to note that this device produces slightly higher frequency impulses than commonly tested VMS protocols, so it may come with additional side effects.

The most common side effects research has flagged in TVNS devices include headaches, nausea, skin reactions, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, vertigo, and voice alterations, among other symptoms.

Pulsetto user reviews

Pulsetto reviews on popular forums and community pages are generally positive. Most users report that this device helped them improve heart rate variability and feel more relaxed, without requiring a complex setup or configuration.

Several users also claim that Pulsetto has extended their sleep by 3 hours or more, without causing bouts of drowsiness during the day. Others note it helped them contain their anxiety and maintain a more balanced mood.

However, we’ve also seen testimonials from users with mixed feelings about this VNS device. Besides a few who voiced concerns about the band size not fitting them, most issues were related to customer support, rather than the device itself. Some describe problems with delayed shipping, some with AI support-based misunderstandings, and others with app upgrades.

The good news is that the Pulsetto review ratio still leans positive, and the brand appears to address negative feedback and complaints in a timely and well-thought-out manner.

Final word on Pulsetto

Pulsetto is a wellness wearable designed to support relaxation, sleep, and mood regulation. Its user-friendly design, multi-program app, and 2-year warranty make it an excellent fit for wellness-focused users seeking to manage stress or improve their sleep.

Now, the price can add up when you include accessories and the Premium app, and you might run into a Pulsetto review complaining about its inflexible band or slow customer support. Still, with a 30-day return policy, it’s easy to give it a risk-free test run.

So if you’re on the fence about using Pulsetto, it might be wise to let firsthand experience be the deciding factor.

FAQ

How long does it take to see results with Pulsetto?

How long you’ll wait to see results with Pulsetto depends on your individual physiology and symptoms. The brand claims that most healthy individuals need up to 30 days, while older people with multiple body imbalances may need no more than 3 days to feel the effects.

Can I use Pulsetto daily?

Yes, Pulsetto recommends using their device daily, preferably while relaxing, before or during meditation, or before bed, for optimal results. However, they warn against using it while driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other activities that can put you at risk of injury.

Does Pulsetto replace medication or therapy?

No, Pulsetto isn’t a medical device, so it should not be used to prevent, treat, or cure any health conditions. If you are unsure whether it’s the right fit for you, you should consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision.

Is Pulsetto backed by clinical research?

No, the only scientific research that backs Pulsetto specifically, rather than vagus nerve stimulation in general, comes from thesis candidates who’ve received funding from this brand. There are still no independent studies that validate VNS protocols that use Pulsetto’s exact frequency (between 4,500Hz and 5,000Hz).

What happens if I stop using Pulsetto?

I’ve found no reports on adverse effects from stopping Pulsetto use. The only related feedback comes from past users who mentioned that the benefits this tool offered tend to fade once they stop using the device.