Mendi vs Muse Comparison

Introduction

There are dozens of neurofeedback devices for home use available today — all with slightly different features, benefits, and use of technology.

On this page, we take a closer look at the main differences betweenMendi, a neurofeedback headset that uses fNIRS technology to measure blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (thePFC), andMuse, a neurofeedback headset that uses EEG technology to measure electrical activity in your brain from the surface of your scalp.


Neurofeedback device
Measures brain activity
Safe and natural
Tracks heart rate
Focused view of prefrontal cortex brain activity
Measures blood flow to the cerebral cortex
Optimized for improving your ability to focus
Lab-grade measurement accuracy
Visual feedback of neurofeedback progress during sessions
Interactive focus game
All app content is free (no premium subscription fees)
Requires wetting sensors for best signal

Muse and EEG

EEG stands for electroencephalography and it's a technique for recording “brain waves,” or more technically the electrical activity produced by the brain.

EEG and the Muse headband is good at giving "averages" of brain activity, but one of its major disadvantages is its inability to show exactly where in the brain the electrical activity is coming from.

Abstract image with text overlay saying "fNIRS"

Mendi and fNIRS

fNIRS stands for Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy. This technology was previously only available at medical clinics and outrageously expensive. Mendi has improved upon it and made it affordable and accessible.

By measuring blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex, Mendi's use of fNIRS gives a fantastically accurate indicator of brain activity in the very area of the brain we want to measure, control and enhance.

10 minutes a day. A lifetime of sharper mental clarity.

Mendi's brain-training technology is built on decades of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) research used in neuroscience labs at KU Leuven, the University of Nottingham, and the Aerospace Corporation.

Improvement in sustained focus

42%

Reduction in perceived stress

31%

Improved mood and emotional balance

16%

Better general wellbeing

51%

Results are based on aggregated in-app data and self-reported outcomes from thousands of users who completed eight weeks of Mendi neurofeedback training. Improvements were measured using validated scales (ACS, WHO-5, PSS-10, GAD-7, PHQ-9). Individual results may vary.

What scientists say about Mendi

Mendi is bringing historically expensive brain imaging equipment directly to the public, allowing for at-home neurofeedback training. This is a company that adheres closely to the science, and I respect that tremendously.

Some people may be skeptical now, but in 5-10 years no one will be.

What we know about the brain is that 'if you do not use it, you will lose it'. Brain training for astronauts will be a key factor for future space travel, which is why NASA is sponsoring the research with Mendi.