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Interest in neurofeedback training has peaked in recent years, particularly after the pandemic, which turned our lives upside down and shifted our focus toward mental and physical health. Given that neurofeedback has shown promising results in improving cognitive performance and promoting overall well-being, it's unsurprising that it caught people's attention. Even more so, you can now practice neurofeedback at home thanks to the innovative, cutting-edge devices available on the market.

So, how can you choose the best neurofeedback device? While we can't make this decision for you by stating that a particular device is the best - because, ultimately, it all depends on your preferences, budget, and goals - we can help you understand what exactly to consider when assessing these devices. Let's get started!

Key Takeaways

• Neurofeedback is a non-invasive type of biofeedback using operant conditioning and real-time feedback to help regulate brain activity and behaviors.
• At-home neurofeedback devices rely mostly on EEG (Electroencephalography) neurofeedback technology. Mendi is one of the few devices using a different technology - fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy). Some neurofeedback machines combine EEG with tPBM (Transcranial Photobiomodulation) or VR (Virtual Reality).
• When looking for the right neurofeedback device for you, consider its technology, design, price, subscription fees, user-friendliness, feedback type, and compatibility with your phone or tablet. These should align with your mental health goals.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Before sharing more tips on how to choose the best neurofeedback device for you, let's clarify what neurofeedback is. Learning the basics will help you understand how these devices work.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback in which brain activity is monitored. At the same time, a visual, auditory, or another types of feedback is presented to the user in real-time to enable brain regulation and behavior. This non-invasive method takes advantage of the brain’s neuroplasticity and trains it to respond differently to various stimuli. How exactly does it work? Through operant conditioning, which is basically our ability to modify our behavior based on the feedback we receive from the environment.

For example, when children are praised for completing their school tasks, they receive positive reinforcement. They associate this experience with a pleasant outcome and are more likely to repeat it. This method of learning is called operant conditioning.

As such, during a neurofeedback training session, you engage in a particular activity. At the same time, you're wearing a neurofeedback system and receive real-time feedback through visual or auditory elements. In other words, you're basically observing how your brain reacts to the activity you're engaged in.

Let's say your neurofeedback goal is to improve your focus. In this case, you'll receive positive feedback when you focus on your activity. The next minute, your mind starts wandering and you're not engaged in the current activity anymore. You immediately receive feedback indicating you've lost your focus. This makes you more aware of what's happening in your mind. Over time, this process helps your brain learn to reproduce and maintain desired states more easily. This can lead to cognitive enhancement, improved emotion regulation, and overall well-being.

What Technologies Do Neurofeedback Systems Use?

Neurofeedback is conventionally done through Electroencephalography (EEG). And, conventionally, it is done at a clinic. Today, however, numerous neurofeedback devices can be used at home, and above that, not all rely on EEG. There are other technologies implemented in neurofeedback systems, including fNIRS, tPBM, and Virtual Reality (VR), so let's see what they measure and how.

EEG

EEG measures brain waves, which are rhythmic patterns of electrical signals in our central nervous system. Our brains produce five types of brain waves: gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta. Each of these brain waves is associated with different cognitive functions like attention, executive functions, and memory.

For example, beta and gamma waves are linked to alertness and agitation. When you’re extremely focused on solving a math problem, you’re either in a beta or gamma state. When you’re relaxed, you’re in an alpha state, slowly progressing into theta and delta when meditating or falling asleep.

Some people have an excess of a certain wave and an insufficiency of another wave, which can be corrected and balanced out through neurofeedback. As such, EEG technology is widely used in neurofeedback training to monitor these brainwave patterns and provide real-time feedback.

Today, most neurofeedback systems are built on EEG technology, or they combine EEG with a different technology. They are generally effective, safe, and easy to use. One of the downsides is that these devices are sensitive to movement and noise. In other words, you'll have to sit completely still, preferably in a quiet room, during your cognitive training exercises. Otherwise, the results may be inaccurate.

fNIRS

fNIRS, or functional near-infrared spectroscopy, is a brain monitoring technique that uses near-infrared light to measure local blood flow and oxygenation.

To be precise, it measures the levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in different parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is responsible for our emotion regulation, decision-making, and other important cognitive abilities. The more active the PFC is, the more blood and oxygen it receives. And fNIRS catches this. fNIRS is less restrictive in terms of movement and sounds, so you can move and speak during neurofeedback sessions. However, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight.

fNIRS is mostly used in the research industry, as it's quite an advanced technology. But there is indeed one at-home neurofeedback device that has brought it to the general public, and that is Mendi.

tPBM

tPBM, or transcranial photobiomodulation, uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain activity and promote cognitive enhancement. It is particularly effective in neurofeedback training for improving emotional function, focus, memory, and other cognitive skills.

This therapy works differently than EEG and fNIRS, so it's not typically used in neurofeedback equipment. However, there are some systems out there that use tPBM, and they are usually coupled with EEG. Why are they both needed? Because tPBM actually alters brain function. For example, it can increase blood flow and stimulate mitochondria function. So even if you use a tPBM device, you would still need either an EEG or fNIRS device that observes brain activity and provides a glimpse into what's happening there.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Another way to practice neurofeedback is through Virtual Reality (VR). This is not a neurofeedback technology per se, but VR equipment can be used alongside neurofeedback equipment. So, instead of looking at a screen and playing a game on an app, you're using your VR equipment to do your neurofeedback session.

The use of VR in neurofeedback offers several advantages, including a more interactive experience and the ability to visualize brain activity in a dynamic way. However, training your brain this way is more expensive, and you'll require specialized equipment.

Neurofeedback Equipment: Design

Another thing to consider when choosing the best neurofeedback system for you is design. While this doesn't sound important at first, the design of the neurofeedback device matters so much! You need to be comfortable while wearing it. Therefore, you need a lightweight, user-friendly system that can be adjusted for your size. In the long run, this can really make a difference in your neurofeedback sessions and motivation.

Most devices on the market are headbands that are relatively easy to use. However, not everyone feels comfortable with a headband, which is why there are other options on the market - glasses or headphones, for example. They use different algorithms and sensors to monitor brain activity, but, essentially, they function based on the same principles as headbands - neuroplasticity and operant conditioning.

How to Choose the Right Neurofeedback Device for You

 

Let's sum things up. Here's what you need to consider when looking for a neurofeedback device:

• Price and subscription fees
• Technology and mechanism of action
• Gamification, app type, and training programs
• Feedback format (some devices offer auditory signals, others offer visual signals)
• Number of persons who can use the same device
• Device design and user-friendliness
• Compatibility with your phone/tablet
• Quality of materials
• Battery life
• Warranty and return policy
• Training duration (if you don't have too much free time, this aspect can be decisive)

Another extremely important thing to add to your to-research list is the company's scientific background. Look for studies done for the neurofeedback device of your choice. Check if the product has been reviewed by neuroscientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other field-related specialists.

Last but not least, go through some user reviews. This is an excellent method to understand if a device suits your needs and preferences.

Best Neurofeedback Devices on the Market

The market for at-home neurofeedback systems is rapidly growing, so there are plenty of options you can choose from. Here are some of the best neurofeedback devices available today and their main functionalities: 

	Mendi	Muse	Narbis	Sens.ai	FocusCalm
Price	$299	$245-$495	$690	$1,700	$249.99
Technology	fNIRS	EEG	EEG	EEG, tPBM, HRV	EEG
Measures blood flow	✔	✘	✘	✘	✘
Measures brain waves	✘	✔	✔	✔	✔
Gamified experience	✔	✔	Unspecified	✔	✔
Primary goal	Focus, stress resilience, overall wellbeing	Relaxation, meditation, better sleep	Focus, improving attention span, relaxation	Mood regulation, stress management, better sleep	Relaxation, focus, overall wellbeing
Training duration	3-15 min/session	Unspecified	30 min/session	15-20 min/session	10-20 min/session
Subscription fees	$0	$12.99-$49.99 monthly/yearly	Unspecified	60 days included; $239.99 yearly	$149.99 for lifetime membership
Number of users	Unlimited	Unlimited; 1 app account/user	Unspecified	5 users; 1 app account/user	Unlimited; 1 app account/user
Battery life	~ 5 hours or 60 sessions	~ 5-10 hours	~ 3 hours	Unspecified	~ 8 hours
Warranty	1-year warranty, 30-day money back guarantee	1-year warranty, 30-day money back guarantee	1-year warranty, 30-day money back guarantee	1-year warranty, 30-day money back guarantee	30-day money back guarantee

Mendi

The Mendi headband is one of the few consumer-grade devices that uses fNIRS to measure oxygenated blood flow. This is an advanced technology now made available for anyone to use at home. The Mendi system consists of a headband and a mobile app for effective brain training.

It can help you improve focus, regulate your emotions more efficiently, become more resilient to stress, sleep better, and enjoy overall well-being.

Muse

Muse headbands use EEG technology to monitor brainwave activity. They also measure heart rate, breathing, and body movements.

Muse S includes programs specifically aimed at enhancing sleep quality, but it can be used only with your eyes closed. Also, it offers auditory feedback only. Over time, the Muse headband has been shown to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and strengthen stress response.

Narbis Smart Glasses

Narbis Smart Glasses use sensors to measure brain activity. The glasses tint if you're distracted and clear up immediately if you restore your attention. You can use them while watching a movie, reading a book, or doing anything else that requires you to stay focused.

The Narbis glasses are an excellent alternative to headbands if you think you won't feel comfortable with them. They can help you improve your attention span and promote relaxation.

Sens.ai

Sens.ai’s headset uses a combination of EEG, tPBM, and HRV biofeedback. It also has a heart rate sensor. As you've probably guessed, given its complex technology, the headset is bigger and heavier than others, so you may not find it comfortable.

The Sens.ai app has various programs, each aimed at enhancing different cognitive states. Most sessions last approximately 20 minutes.

Given that Sens.ai uses several technologies to improve cognitive function, it is also rather expensive but worth it if you want a more comprehensive picture of your brain activity.

FocusCalm

The FocusCalm headband uses EEG technology to help you feel more relaxed and improve your stress management skills.

Their app has numerous cognitive training exercises, games, and meditations, but you'll need a subscription to access all of them. The headband itself is rather inexpensive and has a user-friendly design.

Is At-Home Neurofeedback Safe?

Non-medical application of neurofeedback, meaning training your brain by yourself at home, primarily serves as a wellness practice. It can help you relax and improve your attention, focus, and self-awareness. In this case, it is safe and rarely has any side effects, except maybe for a light headache after training sessions, especially in the beginning.

However, if your goal is to alleviate symptoms of a certain  condition, you should not use neurofeedback at home without the guidance of a doctor. This is particularly important if you've been diagnosed with:

• Severe anxiety or depression
• ADHD/ADD
• PTSD
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Seizure disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Head injuries
• Cognitive impairment
• Addiction

For some of the above, neurofeedback may not even be effective, which is why talking to your doctor is of utmost importance.

If neurofeedback is a possibility, your doctor will guide you through the process, establish a protocol that's fully tailored to your needs and pre-existing conditions, and follow your progress. This is the best way to ensure that your neurofeedback training is safe and, if needed, adjusted according to your needs.

Tips on Starting Neurofeedback At Home

Here are some tips that will make home neurofeedback more enjoyable and efficient:

• Set clear goals.
• Don't overdo it during your first sessions. Start slowly.
• Ideally, choose a quiet environment for your sessions where you can focus on the game or meditation. Also, start your sessions when you're relaxed and your mind is clear.
• Set up a schedule. Consistency is extremely important in neurofeedback.
• Stay motivated - at first, you may find that you can't focus for too long; it's normal. Don't give up! You'll notice a difference after a few sessions.
• Track your progress. This will help you stay motivated and understand if you need to adjust your training length and frequency.

Get Your Mendi Today and Take Control of Your Mind!

If, upon considering all the details, you think Mendi is the best neurofeedback device for your needs and preferences, our experts are available to clarify any uncertainties you may have about our headband!

Our product has been tested and reviewed by neuroscientists, the technology we use is backed by cutting-edge neuroscience research, and we're excited to bring it straight to your home!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are home neurofeedback devices worth it?

Neurofeedback devices that can be used at home are worth it if you want to improve focus and relaxation and increase stress resilience. They can help you control your mind, enhance cognitive performance, and feel better overall.

Can you do neurofeedback on your own?

Anyone can do neurofeedback on their own as long as they don't have any pre-existing mental health conditions that may require a doctor's supervision. Using a neurofeedback device on your own to improve cognitive performance is generally considered safe. It is also more convenient, flexible, and cheaper than in-clinic neurofeedback.

How can I choose the right neurofeedback device for me?

To choose the right neurofeedback device, evaluate its technology, user-friendliness, design, compatibility, type of feedback it offers, and user reviews. Ensure that its mechanism of action aligns with your specific training goals.

Disclaimer: Mendi products and services are not medical devices, and are not intended to mitigate, prevent, treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your doctor.