I tried using Sens.ai for 30 days to boost my focus – here’s what I found
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Brain training and neurofeedback tools are no longer limited to clinics or specialized labs. These devices are becoming more mainstream and ambitious. According to Mordor Intelligence, the neurofeedback systems market is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2029. That's a big leap, and it's no surprise that new contenders are racing to stand out.
One of those contenders is Sens.ai, a headset that promises to help you focus better, sleep deeper, and stay calm under pressure. The Sens.ai device is designed for home use and blends neurofeedback with other wellness technologies like heart coherence training and light therapy.
But do those promises hold up? In this Sens.ai review, I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to take a closer look. I evaluated Sens.ai's design, tech, user experience, and whether it's actually worth the premium price tag.
Overview of Sens.ai
Sens.ai is a wearable neurofeedback headset designed to help users improve focus, manage stress, and optimize cognitive performance, all from home. Before diving into the details, below is a quick look at what Sens.ai offers.
💸 Price: | From $1,500 (plus subscription: $240/year) |
🏷️ Claimed benefits: | Improved focus, sleep quality, emotional regulation, and cognitive sharpness |
💻 Technology: | EEG-based neurofeedback, transcranial photobiomodulation, heart coherence biofeedback |
📲 Mobile app integration: | Yes (available on iOS and Android) |
🌍 Country of origin: | Canada |
📜 Certifications: | IEC, EN, RoHS |
Pros and cons of Sens.ai
About the Sens.ai tester
Before I get into how Sens.ai performed, it might help to know a bit about who’s behind this review.
I’m in my early 30s, and lately, staying focused has been more of a challenge than I’d like to admit. That was really the main reason I wanted to try Sens.ai, to see if it could help sharpen my attention without adding another cup of coffee to my day.
My lifestyle is fairly active. I work out a few times a week, try to get good sleep (though that's a work in progress), and usually meditate 3 to 4 times a week. I also cut back on caffeine recently, hoping brain fog would ease up a bit.
I used Sens.ai for just over 4 weeks, mostly in the mornings when my mind felt freshest. I didn't skip days but didn't force perfect consistency either. I wanted the experience to feel realistic, not clinical.
Of course, everyone's routine and goals are different, so my results might not exactly reflect yours. But hopefully, this gives you a helpful frame of reference.
- Age: Early 30s
- Primary objective: Improve focus and mental clarity during work
- Testing period: 4 weeks of consistent use, with most sessions done in the morning or early afternoon
- Lifestyle: Active; I work out a few times a week, prioritize quality sleep, meditate regularly, and limit caffeine




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How does Sens.ai headset work?
The Sens.ai brain training device looks similar to a pair of headphones. However, instead of playing music, Sens.ai uses sensors that may measure your brainwave activity and provide you with real-time feedback through audio and visual cues (a process known as “neurofeedback”).
Sens.ai uses your data to provide personalized brain training sessions called programs and missions. It looks at the fluctuation of electrical activity in your brain, which happens when the brain processes light, sound, or thoughts. These electric signals are called event-related potentials (ERPs).

Sens.ai also monitors your heart rate variability (HRV), which is a proxy measure of stress resilience. It aims to provide heart rate coherence biofeedback, which, together with breathing techniques, may be used for stress management.
To deliver feedback to your brain, Sens.ai uses transcranial photobiomodulation (tPMB), a process that involves stimulating different areas of the brain with non-invasive near-infrared light. Studies cited by Sens.ai suggest that tPMB may improve cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity.
Claimed benefits of Sens.ai
Sens.ai claims that it can improve cognitive function while also supporting motor control, inhibition, mood regulation, and stress management through regular use. Its app comes with different programs and missions, with goals like enhancing your focus, concentration, or calmness.
Below, I look at the benefits that may be observed by using this neurofeedback device.
Outcomes of using Sens.ai will vary from person to person. Consulting a healthcare professional is highly advised before using any neurofeedback devices.
Improved cognitive function
In fast-paced work environments, staying alert and present may prove to be challenging. Sens.ai has programs that can improve several brain functions.
Sens.ai cites several studies to show that neurofeedback improves cognitive functions, such as recall performance, semantic working memory, and attentional processing. There’s also a 2016 study suggesting that quicker reaction times were observed in research subjects who received neurofeedback training focused on the enhancement of the sensorimotor rhythm.
Improved motor and inhibition control
Need to let go of bad habits? Neurofeedback training suggested improved inhibition control in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as shown in a 2018 study.
Sens.ai also has programs that can help improve presence of mind and concentration. This claim may be supported by the study that suggests a 20% reduction in motor skill errors after neurofeedback training.
Better mood regulation and stress management
Looking for a meditation companion? Sens.ai uses biofeedback to achieve heart rate coherence. A 2018 paper concluded that biofeedback is an effective intervention tool for reducing stress. Another study suggested that breathing at resonance frequency may help with more positive moods and lower systolic blood pressure.
How to use neurofeedback system
I found Sens.ai to be fairly easy to use. Although you have to connect the device twice through Bluetooth, every other step in the setup process is straightforward.
Here’s how to set up and use the Sens.ai device and app:
- Download and open the Sens.ai app. Go on the App Store or Google Play Store to download Sens.ai’s official app.
- Connect the Sens.ai device to the app. The Sens.ai app will guide you through the connection process, which involves connecting to Bluetooth twice (first for data and the second for audio).
- Prepare the Sens.ai headset. Take the included water brush and fill it with drinkable water. Next, apply a few drops of water to the sensors. The sensors should be damp to the touch before wearing. Make sure you remove earrings and other jewelry before proceeding to the next step. Hair should also be parted in the middle and tucked behind your ears before wearing the headset.
- Wear the Sens.ai headset. Raise the Sens.ai headset above your head and slowly bring it down until the sensors cover your ears. The headset should nestle your head comfortably. While wearing the device, avoid blinking, swallowing, jaw clenching, and other movements, as they might weaken signal quality.
- Complete your first Sens.ai session. The first session you can access on the Sens.ai app is “Calm Heart,” which aims to train heart rate coherence. In total, the app has three modes: train, boost, and assess.
- Complete your first assessment. Sens.ai recommends getting a GeniusPulse™ assessment (which takes around 15-20 minutes). In this process, Sens.ai will combine its data on you with your responses to a short series of questions. Afterward, it will recommend your first mission.
- Track your progress. You can monitor your progress on the Sens.ai app, which collects biometrics like your brainwave signals and heart rate variability. Tracking your progress over time can show you which areas you want to improve and will help you decide which Sens.ai programs to try.
While you can share your Sens.ai headset among a total of five users, I don’t recommend doing so as it may affect program personalization. This can prevent you from making full use of the device’s benefits.
Sens.ai neurofeedback device cost
Sens.ai costs a considerable amount upfront and only comes with a 1 year warranty. You also have to pay for an on-going subscription to keep using all of the device’s features.
Here’s a breakdown of Sens.ai’s upfront pricing and what comes with the purchase:
Product | Sens.ai headset, 60-day free membership, GeniusPulse™ controller, hard-shell travel case, charger with regional adaptors |
Price | $1,500 |
Return policy | 30 days |
Warranty | 1 year |
Sens.ai offers a 30-day refund if you’re not happy with the device. You also get free shipping in the US and Canada and a 1-year warranty.
However, once your 60-day free membership is up, you’ll need to subscribe to Sens.ai’s membership program to continue using the device’s full functionality. Here are the different Sens.ai membership plans available:
- One month: $75/month
- One year: $25/month (Billed at $300 annually)
You can keep using Sens.ai without a subscription, but you’ll lose some valuable features. Here’s a comparison of Sens.ai’s functionality with and without a subscription:
Members | Free Accounts | |
Boosts | ✅ | ✅ |
Train - Heart Coherence Biofeedback | ✅ | ✅ |
Assessments | ✅ | |
Train - Neurofeedback | ✅ | |
Meditations | ✅ | |
Guided Missions | ✅ |
My experience with Sens.ai
Generally, it is a delicate task to separate actual results from the placebo effect when testing a product like Sens.ai. Still, after spending four weeks with it, I can say the experience was interesting, and at times, even a little surprising.
For this Sens.ai review, I tested the headset to see how well it lives up to its promises. I was curious, of course, but more importantly, I was genuinely interested in whether it could help improve my focus, something I had been struggling with lately. The idea of a sleek headset designed to support mental clarity and reduce stress seemed, at the very least, worth a try.

The unboxing was straightforward, and the hardware itself looked and felt well-made. Setup took a few steps, including dampening the sensors and syncing the device via Bluetooth. The app provided clear instructions. Once everything was connected, I started my first session, not entirely sure what to expect.

At first, I found it a little hard to tell what was happening. There were lights, sounds, and a calm voice guiding me through breathing exercises. I wasn’t sure whether I was doing it right, but I kept at it. I used the device about 5 times a week, usually before starting work, hoping to feel more focused during the day's activities.
Over time, I started to get into a rhythm. The sessions became something of a mental reset, part meditation, part data-driven feedback. Whether the benefits I felt were due to the Sens.ai device or just the act of finding time to pause and breathe, that’s hard to say. I did feel more aware of my mental state, and sometimes, more focused after a session. But I also know that mind expectations can play a role in achieving such results.
Looking back, my four-week trial with Sens.ai didn’t produce dramatic changes, but it did leave an impression. It made me curious about how far neurofeedback can really go, and whether longer-term use of this device could bring more benefits. It’s not a magic switch, but it might be a useful tool if you're willing to stick with it.
Does using Sens.ai have any drawbacks?
Using the Sens.ai neurofeedback headset may be safe, considering that the biofeedback techniques used in this device are generally regarded as safe. However, if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any emotional vulnerability, consider consulting with a mental health professional first to ensure the device doesn’t cause you any harm.
It should also be noted that Sens.ai’s headset and app do not have FDA clearance or approval. Sens.ai is not a medical device and was not designed to treat, prevent, or cure any conditions on its own.
Additionally, research about neurofeedback training remains inconclusive and ongoing. Although neurofeedback devices may be effective for certain patients, these are not yet considered a mainstream treatment within the mental health industry.
Another drawback of the Sens.ai device is its pricing. Its upfront cost of $1500 only includes a 60-day membership with your headset. If you want to make full use of Sens.ai’s features for longer than 60 days, you need to subscribe to its membership program ($75/month or $300/year).
Sens.ai compared to other neurofeedback devices
How does Sens.ai compare to other popular neurofeedback devices? Check out this comparison table:
Devices | Sens.ai | Mendi | Muse | BrainTap |
Price | $1500 | $299 | $494.98 | $907 |
What’s included | Sens.ai headset, 60-day free membership, GeniusPulse™ controller, hard-shell travel case, charger with regional adaptors | Mendi headband, charging cable | Muse S headband, 1 year free subscription | BrainTap headset, 1-year free subscription |
Main technology | EEG and tPBM | fNIRS | EEG and audio feedback | Audio-visual brain entrainment |
Battery life | Unspecified | 60 sessions | 10 hours | 5 hours |
Warranty | 1 year | Unspecified | 1 year | 1 year |
Key: EEG – electroencephalogram, tPBM – transcranial photobiomodulation, fNIRS — functional near-infrared spectroscopy
BrainTap is not a neurofeedback device but a “brain fitness” device that, according to the brand, uses audio and visual stimuli to influence your brain activity.
Sens.ai customer reviews
Sens.ai has mixed reviews on Reddit forums dedicated to neurofeedback and biohacking. Many users applaud its ease of use, battery life, and build quality. Users have also reported feeling more focused and present after regular, continuous use of the device.
On the other hand, some users noticed the lack of raw EEG data visualization, which can be valuable information to have when determining which of Sens.ai’s programs to use. Some users report occasional software bugs when using the app. A user also pointed out that they found no clear way of unlocking all of Sens.ai’s modes aside from progressing through missions.
Overall, however, users are enthusiastic about the device and are willing to keep trying Sens.ai despite its negatives. Reviewers consider it a comprehensive system, offering multiple brain training technologies in one device.
Sens.ai review: conclusion
After spending a solid month with Sens.ai, I can say it's one of the more ambitious brain training devices I've encountered. It combines neurofeedback, heart coherence training, and light therapy into a single system that feels thoughtfully designed and well-built. The sessions are structured, the app is intuitive, and the programs have enough variety to keep most users engaged for a while.
Still, the experience isn't without its frustrations. Some key features, including the deeper neurofeedback programs, are locked behind a subscription. That's a tough sell when you've already spent a significant amount on the hardware itself. And while the device feels polished, there are small usability gaps that might confuse first-time users, especially when trying to interpret results or access more advanced modes.
Did it transform my ability to focus or manage stress? Not quite. At least, not in a way I could clearly measure. But it did help me carve out time to pause, breathe, and check in with my feelings. And that, on its own, has value.
If you're curious about neurofeedback and looking for a structured way to explore it at home, Sens.ai is a strong contender. Just go in with realistic expectations, and understand that any real benefits may take time, consistency, and a bit of patience to show up.
Other guides you may also be interested in:
Mendi review: does it improve brain function?
Muse S review: your personal sleep assistant
FAQ
How much does Sens.ai cost?
Sens.ai has an upfront cost of $1500, which includes the Sens.ai headset, a 60-day free membership, a GeniusPulse™ controller, a hard-shell travel case, and a charger. You also get free shipping if you’re from the US or Canada. Note, however, that to keep using all of Sens.ai’s features after 60 days, you need to subscribe to its membership program ($75/month or $300/year).
Can you do neurofeedback on your own?
Yes. With Sens.ai, you can benefit from neurofeedback technology from the comfort of your own home and without any assistance. All you need to do is connect the Sens.ai headset to the official app.
What are the benefits of Sens.ai?
Sens.ai claims to be able to improve your sleep health, focus, presence of mind, concentration, and more (with regular, continuous use of the device).
How does neurofeedback change the brain?
There are studies that suggest improved cognitive function after the use of neurofeedback. However, there is no FDA-approved medical use of Sens.ai, and it should not be treated as a means to cure, prevent, or treat any mental health conditions.
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Narrative Review on Clinical Applications of fNIRS
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Mendi overview on Medium
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Improving Emotion Regulation Through Real-Time Neurofeedback Training on the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: Evidence From Behavioral and Brain Network Analyses
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Application of NIRS as a non-invasive and supportive tool for Autism spectrum disorders
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Improving Attention through Individualized fNIRS Neurofeedback Training: A Pilot Study