In the journey towards health and well-being, your brain is perhaps the most important tool at your disposal.
The discovery of ‘neuroplasticity’ – the idea that the brain can be trained towards a healthier way of being – has driven a sea change in how we look at mental health.
As neuroscience continues to advance, there is more awareness of the ways in which individuals can use the power of their brains to manage and overcome common mind-body challenges, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, lack of focus, and much more.
One of those ways is neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback in which brain activity is tracked and displayed in real time, enabling the individual to practice techniques that create healthier cognitive patterns. Neurofeedback is non-invasive and requires no medications, so it is a popular tool for those seeking an alternative approach.
Over the past decade, a wide range of neurofeedback at-home devices have hit the market, enabling people to practice neurofeedback independently and take control of their progress in the comfort and convenience of home.
In this article, we’ll explore the options to help you find the best home neurofeedback device for your needs.
Reflect Orb
What it’s for: Reflect is an at-home biofeedback and neurofeedback device that is equally effective and easy to use.
The device is designed as a soft, comfortable orb built with advanced sensors that track physiological markers via the skin, presenting physiological changes in real time via a light display. The Reflect experience is ideal for reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep difficulties and insomnia, and boosting mental focus and concentration.
Reflect can be easily incorporated in your daily meditation practice, helping you to track sessions and get instant feedback about your meditation performance. Thanks to its simple, user-friendly design, Reflect is an excellent tool for children as well as adults.
How it works: The Reflect Orb features six sensor panels – three for fingers of the right hand and three for the left – tracking heart rate and skin conductance. Simply hold the orb with fingers in place while practicing meditation or breathing techniques. The light display at the top of the orb provides real-time visual feedback about changes in your physiological and mental state.
The device connects to the Reflect app, which offers a selection of meditation and relaxation sessions with different themes and sounds to support your goals. It also tracks your session data so you can monitor your progress over time and fine-tune your biofeedback journey as you advance towards a calmer, more balanced state.
What we like:
- For ease of use, just place your hands on the orb
- The sleek device, fits in at home or workplace
- Proven results: 71% of users report a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression
Mendi
What it’s for: Blood is the source of life, and good blood flow is essential for health and well-being. Mendi is an at-home neurofeedback device that tracks blood circulation to the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, and trains the individual to increase blood flow to the brain at will, helping to boost focus, attention, and mental resilience.
The Mendi device includes a headband that sits on the forehead, and an app that connects to the headband. The headband incorporates optical sensors based on fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) technology that monitors brain activity and detects changes in blood flow. Simple, harmless and non-invasive, the Mendi neurofeedback device is suitable for people of all ages.
Mendi is touted as the world’s most powerful brain training device, based on NASA research and funded by the EU.
How it works: Most at-home neurofeedback devices are based on EEG (electroencephalography) or brain wave tracking. Mendi is different. It uses fNIRS neurofeedback to specifically track blood flow to the brain.
The user fits the headband comfortably on the head, where the advanced sensors detect the level of blood flow to the pre-frontal cortex. Via the app, the user engages in a Mendi session on their smartphone. The level of blood flow is indicated by movement of a ball up a steep curve. The higher the ball, the higher the blood flow. The goal of the user is to focus on making the ball rise. It is recommended to train at least three times a week for 10 minutes to see results.
What we like:
- Simple, fun, and effective
- Results are direct and easy to track
- Unique approach to neurofeedback with promising results
Sens.ai
What it’s for: Sens.ai is designed for brain training that is much faster and cost-effective than traditional neurofeedback treatment. The device includes 4 different techniques in one system: neurofeedback training, heart coherence training, transcranial light simulation, and the Genius Pulse controller, which measures ERPs (Event Related Potentials) to help evaluate the brain’s processing speed.
Sens.ai is ideal for those wanting to use neurofeedback for improving focus, enhancing relaxation and calm, and boosting creativity and imagination.
How it works: The Sens.ai headset incorporates various technologies, including brainwave sensors that can detect beta, alpha, theta and gamma waves with high fidelity. It also uses transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), in which infra-red light waves of varying frequencies are delivered to different parts of the brain to enhance cognition and performance.
To get started, place the headset comfortably on the head, making sure it is not too far back or forward.
The headset pairs to the Sens.ai app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. The app offers a selection of 12 programs, each designed towards a different goal, such as Clarity, Focus, Brightening, Relax, Deep Calm, Snooze, and more. The app converts the brainwaves detected via the headset into audio and visual cues.
These will adapt and change based on the changes in brain activity to guide you toward your desired mental state. After the session, check the tracking data to see your performance, and how long you were able to maintain the mental flow. The app also provides an overall score based on the power and synchronicity of the brain during the session.
Track your score over time to gain a thorough picture of your current brain state and your journey on the path to wellness.
What we like:
- The product packs a punch, with 4 different neurofeedback approaches in one device
- A range of program tracks for different training goals
- Immersive combinations of sound and visuals help achieve goals faster
PlayAttention
What it’s for: PlayAttention is designed to help people of all ages with ADHD to improve their functioning and performance in a range of areas, including executive functioning, self-regulation, attention, memory, and more.
PlayAttention is based on gamification – the use of computer games to achieve a desired result. The program offers a wide range of games, designed to ‘train’ the brain in specific ways to overcome areas of difficulty that are common among those with ADHD.
The PlayAttention program is inspired by NASA technology and results are proven in several peer-reviewed research studies, including research funded by the US Department of Education.
The device relies on EEG (electroencephalogram) technology to measure brain waves in real-time and provide instant feedback on neuro-performance during gaming.
How it works: The journey with PlayAttention begins with a consultation in which the individual’s specific issues and needs are discussed. Based on this evaluation, the user is provided with a customized program designed to help them reach their goals.
During PlayAttention sessions, the individual wears the BodyWave armband, which uses brain-monitoring technology that enables them to control the game with the attention of their mind. As the user advances through the program, the games help to improve cognitive functioning, matching the challenge level to their progress.
With PlayAttention, users have access to a personal executive function coach, who provides ongoing support and guidance for as long as they are a customers.
What we like:
- Highly customized program for each individual
- Covers a wide range of ADHD-related issues
- Lifetime support from your own personal executive function coach
FocusCalm
What it’s for: FocusCalm is a neurofeedback device and app designed to help people reduce stress and anxiety, achieve a sense of calm, and enhance concentration and performance. Via a comfortable headband, the device uses EEG (electroencephalogram) technology to measure and track brain activity while the individual plays games, practices meditation, and completes other specially designed exercises.
FocusCalm is popular among athletes, professionals, and organizations who want to support their employee performance. However it is ideal for anybody looking to improve their equilibrium and become more balanced mentally and emotionally. And it gets results. Studies have shown that FocusCalm reduces burnout among educators and employees by 20%, as well as a 33% reduction in anxiety among college athletes, and 22% decrease in emotional exhaustion among nurses and doctors.
How it works: FocusCalm is a wearable headband that incorporates EEG to monitor the brain’s electrical activity. The software uses algorithms to compare your brain activity to predefined models, and assigns a “FocusCalm” score, ranging from 0 to 100, to help you understand your current brain state. A lower score means your brain is highly active, and the number increases as you relax. Above 65 is the desired range for optimal focus and calm.
To get started, the user chooses the “Assessment” tool to create benchmarks for their progress. Then, the user practices with games, meditations and other relaxation exercises on the app every day to try to raise the FocusCalm score. The neurofeedback provided in real time during use of FocusCalm helps to retrain the brain away from the stress loop and to a place of concentration and calm. Do the assessment every month to monitor your improvement.
What we like:
- Easy to get started, intuitive to use
- One FocusCalm score is a smart, simple way to follow the progress
- The headband is comfortable and convenient
Hapbee
What it’s for: Hapbee is a wearable neurofeedback device designed to enhance well-being by allowing users to experience different mood-altering signals through magnetic field technology. The device claims to use ultra-low radio frequency energy technology (ulRFE®) to replicate the sensations associated with various feelings, such as focus, relaxation, or happiness.
Users can choose from a range of "feeling signals" designed to encourage specific mental states, such as calmness or alertness. It mimics the effects of substances such as caffeine, CBD, or nicotine, so you can simulate the effects on performance and mood without needing to consume anything. Hapbee’s sleep feature helps reduce insomnia and improve sleep with specially devised low-frequency electromagnetic signal streaming that have a similar effect on the brain as sleeping pills.
How it works: Hapbee leverages the natural phenomenon of magnetic energy via “signal biostreams”, digital recordings of the magnetic properties of single molecules purported to influence cognitive functioning in a variety of ways.
The core signal biostreams include Sleep, Alert, Focus, and Relax. The Sleep recordings are recorded from melatonin, the Alert recordings from caffeine, Focus recordings from nicotine, and Relax from CBD.
Users can purchase the sleep pad and/or the wearable headband, which broadcasts the silent biostreams. Signal biostreams are controlled via the Hapbee app. The user can choose from a wide range of biostreams depending on their goals.
What we like:
- Noninvasive approach – no sound, no sensations
- For night and day: switch between the sleep pad and headband as needed
- Explore the available signals and find which ones work best for you
NeuroSky
What it’s for: NeuroSky specializes in developing bio-sensor technologies, including at-home neurofeedback devices. One of their products is the MindWave Mobile headset, designed to provide individuals with real-time brainwave data for neurofeedback training.
The MindWave Mobile headset is based on EEG technology to measure brainwave activity. Users can engage in various neurofeedback activities and games designed to improve focus, relaxation, and cognitive performance. NeuroSky's MindWave Mobile is accessible and user-friendly, suitable for both beginners and experienced users interested in neurofeedback.
How it works: The MindWave device includes a headset, sensor arm, and ear clip. These monitor the brain’s activity via the EEG electrode that sits in the sensor arm, and the ground electrodes and headset’s reference are located in the ear clip. This data is transferable to an app designed for the specific neurofeedback exercise or activity.
NeuroSky products are popular among developers of neurofeedback apps for improving concentration, memory, focus, emotional regulation, stress, and a host of other cognitive issues.
What we like:
- Comfortable headset
- AAA-battery powered, lasts for 8 hours
- Connects to smartphones, tablets, or computers via Bluetooth
Muse
What it’s for: Muse is a popular at-home neurofeedback device that combines EEG technology with meditation to help users achieve their wellness goals. The device helps people feel calmer, improve focus and concentration, enhance emotional regulation, and boost sleep quality. The Muse headband measures brainwave activity in real-time, providing users with feedback during meditation sessions.
Muse has been extensively studied at some of the leading universities and research institutions, and it has a high trust profile in the market for at-home neurofeedback devices.
How it works: The user puts on the wearable Muse headband and connects to the app. Via EEG sensors, the headband tracks brain and body activity, and ‘translates’ it into sounds, such as the wind, a stormy beach, or birdsong. When the mind is calm, the audio feedback reflects this state, reinforcing the sensation so the individual can train the mind to become more focused.
The Muse app offers mind meditations, heart meditations, and breathing meditations, as well as a sleep function that tracks sleep activity overnight. The app provides user-friendly data and insights of meditation activity, allowing users to track their progress over time.
Muse meditation can be done sitting up or lying down, and the headband is suitable for use overnight to track and improve sleep.
What we like:
- Highly engaging and immersive experience
- The headband is extremely soft and comfortable
- Good results: 78% of users report feeling more calm and relaxed
BrainTap
What it’s for: BrainTap is one of the earliest neurofeedback devices for smartphone use, developed by Dr. Patrick Porter, a renowned psychologist and mind-based therapist. BrainTap uses a combination of light, sound, and guided meditations to train the mind to become more relaxed, focused, and regulated.
BrainTap includes an advanced headset and companion app with a library of 2000+ guided audio and visualization sessions. BrainTap headphones are equipped with an LED visor, creating a multisensory experience.
Users can choose sessions based on their goals, such as creativity, concentration, clarity, focus, relaxation, reduced stress, or improved sleep.
How it works: The BrainTap headphones use auricular therapy to deliver synchronized sounds and frequencies to the brain. Combined with light pulses via the LED visor, BrainTap is a complete audiovisual experience that guides the brain into specific states based on the neurofeedback goal, such as relaxation or focus.
The BrainTap app offers a wide range of meditations and visualization sessions to choose from. The synchronized light patterns aim to facilitate a state of deep relaxation, promoting a more receptive mindset for the guided content.
The headset connects to the app via Bluetooth, and is fully portable, so you can BrainTap whenever and wherever you are.
What we like:
- Comfortable headset with rechargeable battery
- A vast library of guided audio sessions led by founder Dr Patrick Porter
- Customizable program based on individual preferences and goals
Myneurva
What it’s for: Myneurva is a remote neurofeedback device that offers the best of both worlds: neurofeedback sessions in the comfort of home, operated remotely by renowned neurofeedback specialists, Dr Fred Starr and Dr Adrian Gaitan, and their team.
Myneruva is designed to help in the treatment of a wide range of issues, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, OCD, headaches, sleep disorders, and more.
Mynuerva is like doing neurofeedback with world-leading practitioners, without ever leaving the house. Easy to use and non disruptive to your daily routine, Myneurva is suitable for adults and children alike.
How it works: The process begins with a 30-minute consultation to discover whether neurofeedback is right for you. Once you decide to sign up to Myneurva, you will receive your own Myneurva Brain Station, an EEG device for home use, delivered to your doorstep. An initial QEEG (brain scan) is taken, operated remotely by the Myneurva team, so you are completely supported, comfortable, and relaxed.
The data from the EEG sessions is analyzed by your Myneurva NeuroPractor, and you are provided the results in a professional BEAM (Brain Electrical Analysis & Mapping) report. Based on the data, a neurofeedback training program is devised just for you.
Programs typically include around 20 sessions of neurofeedback, all completed at home with your Brain Station. Results are analyzed remotely by your NeuroPractor, and you can see your progress over time. Users typically begin to see results by the seventh session.
If more sessions are required, this will be determined together with your NeuroPractor.
What we like:
- Neurofeedback with world-leading specialists in your own home
- The program is customized for you and presented up front – no surprises
- Comfortable, supportive, and professional experience
Conclusion
In the past, neurofeedback could only be done in a highly specialized clinic with professional assistance. This demanded a lot of resources, both time and money. Today, with the launch of so many advanced neurofeedback devices for at-home use, the picture has completely changed.
Neurofeedback at home devices come in all shapes and sizes, so you can experience the benefits of neurofeedback in your own time and at a budget that suits you. Choose from the best neurofeedback devices listed above to start your journey towards better brain performance and regulation even today.
