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Given that at-home neurofeedback training has been in the spotlight lately, you've probably already heard about the most popular devices, right? Mendi and Sens.ai are undoubtedly among them!

If you want to try neurofeedback training to improve your cognitive performance, you're likely researching all these at-home neurofeedback devices to find the best one. As such, in this article, we'll share all the differences between Mendi vs Sens.ai to help you decide!

Our comparison will cover technology, user experience, cost, portability, and scientific evidence, so read on!

Key Takeaways

• Mendi uses fNIRS technology, which measures blood flow and oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex. Sens.ai uses EEG neurofeedback, coupled with tPBM and HRV biofeedback.
• Sens.ai is more expensive than Mendi, priced at $1,700 + app subscription fees. Mendi costs only $299, and the Mendi app is completely free.
• The Mendi app offers a simpler gamified experience, while the Sens.ai app has multiple training sessions structured based on your goals.
• Both Mendi and Sens.ai can help promote brain health and cognitive performance by improving focus, emotion regulation abilities, and stress resilience, as well as promote relaxation.

Mendi vs Sens.ai: Key Differences

While both Mendi and Sens.ai aim to enhance cognitive function and mental well-being, they do so through different technologies. As such, the key differences we've listed below can guide you in choosing the device that best fits your needs and preferences.

Here’s an overview of the key differences between Mendi and Sens.ai, which we’ll discuss in detail below:

	Mendi	Sens.ai
Primary goal	Focus, stress resilience, overall wellbeing	Meditation, better sleep, cognitive performance
Price	$299	$1,700
Technology	fNIRS	tPBM, EEG, HRV Biofeedback
Measures blood flow	✔	✘
Measures brain waves	✘	✔
Measures heart rate	✔	✔
Gamified experience	✔	✔
Safety	✔	✔
Subscription fees	$0	$239.99/year; $60/month
Number of users	Unlimited	Up to 5 users; 1 app account per user
Training duration	3-15 min/3 times a week	15-20 min/session
Movement tolerance	High	Low
Noise tolerance	High	Low
Ease of use	Easy	Medium
Battery life	~ 5 hours/60 sessions	Unspecified
Warranty	1-year warranty; 30-day money-back guarantee	1-year warranty; 30-day money-back guarantee

 

1. Technology

The Mendi headband uses functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology. It's undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind device! Why? Because it's currently the only consumer-grade product to use fNIRS, which does not measure brain waves like EEG but blood flow and oxygenation.

More precisely, the Mendi headband measures the levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. Why the prefrontal cortex? Because it's the core of your decision-making, emotional regulation, and stress management abilities, to name a few. We'll discuss more about this under the Gamification part! Now, let's see how Sens.ai compares to Mendi in this regard.

Sens.ai uses three technologies to assess brain function: EEG, which measures brain wave patterns, transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), which stimulates certain brain areas using near-infrared light, and HRV biofeedback, which measures heart rate.

Combined, all these technologies provide meaningful insights into your brain activity, thus helping you improve your cognitive performance through feedback. The device can encourage your brain to enter the desired states, sometimes even increasing Gamma waves (which induce deep relaxation).

As such, Sens.ai is a more comprehensive device in this regard, but it may not be suitable for those who are just starting neurofeedback training. But we're not jumping to conclusions yet! Let's see other differences first!

2. Gamification and Engagement

The effectiveness of neurofeedback devices heavily depends on how exactly the training it's performed, and this takes us to gamification.

Mendi, for example, has an app that you'll use to play a game on while wearing the headband. All you have to do is relax for a few seconds so that your mind is clear, and then focus on the screen where you'll see a ball. You'll have to try - with the power of your mind! - to move it upwards. The higher the ball gets, the more engaged your prefrontal cortex is. This means that your brain training is going well - you're strengthening some abilities the prefrontal cortex is responsible for.

How does the headband get this information, and why does the ball go up? Well, the more engaged your prefrontal cortex is, the higher the oxygenated hemoglobin levels in your blood. And voila, the ball goes up when those levels go up as well! As simple as that. And you can use the headband for only five minutes three times a week. Additionally, in the Mendi app, you can track your mood and learn more about neurofeedback.

Sens.ai, on the other hand, works differently. It has a user-friendly interface that presents the Missions and the Programs. They are grouped based on the desired effect (focus, improved sleep quality, reduced brain fog, relaxation, etc). The app structures them so that you train your brain gradually.

Before starting a mission, you'll have to answer some questions. The app will then choose a Mission that aligns with your goals. Each Mission has different Programs, which last 15-20 minutes. You can finish a Mission within 5-12 weeks. This allows you to focus on different desired effects in a more structured way. However, this also means that you may not be able to unlock some programs unless you progress through missions just as the app intends you to.

3. Cost and Value Analysis

Without a doubt, the price is one of the most important things to consider when looking for an at-home neurofeedback machine, especially if you've never tried neurofeedback before. In this regard, there's a major difference between Mendi and Sens.ai - while Mendi costs just $299, being more budget-friendly, Sens.ai is priced at $1,700.

It goes without saying that the higher price of Sens.ai is justified given that the device is more complex and features more technologies. Many people prefer it because it offers a more comprehensive experience.

However, this can be quite an investment for those who are just starting neurofeedback training. If you just want to try it out for a while to see if there are any positive changes, we recommend starting with a simpler device like Mendi, which is just as effective at training your brain because it features the highly advanced fNIRS technology.

Naturally, this decision depends only on your budget and willingness to invest in a neurofeedback device.

4. App Subscription

Now, besides the neurofeedback system per se, you also need an app to reap the benefits of this training. Both Mendi and Sens.ai have dedicated apps filled with details about their products and training programs. The difference between them is that the Mendi app is completely free, while the Sens.ai app requires a membership.

As such, once you purchase the Mendi device, you get lifetime access to the app. Even more so, the device can be used by as many people as you want as long as each has their own app installed with a different profile.

When you purchase the Sens.ai device, you get 60 days of free app use. Then, you need to pay for a monthly ($60) or yearly subscription ($239.99). Otherwise, you won't have access to all the programs and won't be able to train your brain properly. In fact, accounts without a membership only have access to Boost sessions and HRV training. In addition, even though the product can be used by several people (up to 5 users), each needs their own app, which means they'll have to pay for the subscription separately.

5. Design and Ease of Use

According to Mendi users, our headband has an extremely user-friendly design. All you have to do is place it on your head and adjust it so it's tight. That's it! The sensors facing your forehead will do their job while you're playing the game. Not to mention that the headband is lightweight, so you won't even feel it on your head. Because of this, you can easily take your Mendi on vacation, as it doesn't take up a lot of space and doesn't weigh much.

The Sens.ai device, while sleek and durable, is less portable due to its configuration and weight. Given that it features several technologies, the machine is heavier and bulkier. Furthermore, you have to prepare a bit before using it. For example, you have to dampen the EEG sensors before each use. You also have to position the device correctly so that the sensors get accurate information. This can be a bit tricky initially while you're learning how to arrange your hair so that the sensors are as close to the scalp as possible.

Furthermore, Mendi isn't as sensitive as Sens.ai to movements and noises. Sens.ai can deliver inaccurate results if you're moving, for example - even if you're yawning. While using Mendi, on the other hand, you don't have to sit completely still to get accurate data.

6. Scientific Evidence

Another thing to consider before buying a neurofeedback device is scientific evidence. First things first, there are numerous studies that discuss the effects of neurofeedback on our brains. Both EEG and fNIRS have been the subject of multiple studies. The only difference between them is that fNIRS has been primarily used for research purposes, while EEG has also been used in clinics.

Many of these studies focus on cognitive performance, mental well-being, and even disease management (although neurofeedback for disease management should only be performed under a doctor's supervision).

Furthermore, both Mendi and Sens.ai have a published research paper focusing on their devices precisely:

• Validation of a consumer-grade functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy device for measurement of frontal pole brain oxygenation - an interim report - the Mendi study.
• Sens.ai's Sleep Nirvana Mission Protocol: Effectiveness of neurofeedback, HRV biofeedback and transcranial photobiomodulation on sleep - the Sens.ai study.

The Mendi device has been reviewed by multiple neuroscientists who have confirmed its adherence to science. For example, Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist from Stanford University, praised Mendi for making advanced brain imaging technology–conventionally accessible only in high-cost settings–available to the public. He noted, “This is a company that adheres closely to science, and I respect that tremendously.”

Similarly, the Sens.ai EEG device has been tested and reviewed by neuroscientists with extensive experience in the field. They have confirmed that this machine is a highly advanced personalized neuroadaptive system that can significantly improve users' cognitive performance!

7. Safety and Side Effects

Both Mendi and Sens.ai are considered safe to use at home. There may be some short-term side effects, like tiredness or headaches, after a training session, but they should go away within 24-48 hours.

It's important to note that Mendi and Sens.ai are not medical devices and do not substitute medical diagnosis and treatment. If your neurofeedback goal is to manage mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression, you should talk to your doctor before using any device.

Should You Choose Mendi or Sens.ai?

All in all, what neurofeedback device should you choose? It depends on your preferences and goals, as well as your experience with neurofeedback.

The Mendi headband is perfect for:

• Beginners in neurofeedback training
• People looking for an affordable device
• Users seeking a lightweight device with a straightforward app and user-friendly design
• People who want to improve focus, stress resilience, and emotion regulation

The Sens.ai system is perfect for:

• Experienced neurofeedback users
• People seeking structured brain training that focuses on improved sleep, relaxation, and meditation
• Users with a higher budget
• People who do not mind using a more complex system that implies dampening electrodes before the session and sitting still.

Ready to Give Mendi a Try?

All in all, Mendi and Sens.ai have a different neurofeedback approach. They rely on completely different technologies and training methods.

Mendi is generally better for those who've never tried neurofeedback and want to start slowly, with just 15 minutes of training a week, while Sens.ai is a more comprehensive system generally recommended for more advanced neurofeedback users. Furthermore, their prices differ significantly, which is also an important thing to consider.

If, upon assessing the differences between these two devices, you've decided that Mendi is better for your needs, now’s the perfect time to get your neurofeedback headband! Needless to say, our team is here to help with any questions you may have about our device!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Mendi and Sens.ai?

The primary difference between Mendi and Sens.ai is that Mendi uses fNIRS technology to track blood flow and oxygenation, whereas Sens.ai integrates EEG, tPBM, and HRV biofeedback.

Which device is more portable?

Mendi is more portable due to its lightweight design, making it easy to use on the go, while Sens.ai is heavier and less convenient for portability.

How much do Mendi and Sens.ai cost?

Mendi is priced at $299, while Sens.ai costs $1,700 due to its advanced features. Additionally, the Mendi app is completely free, while the Sens.ai app requires a yearly or monthly subscription.

Who are the target audiences for Mendi and Sens.ai?

Mendi targets users who prefer gamified and interactive training experiences, while Sens.ai appeals to individuals seeking a structured brain training regimen.