8.6

Design 9.0/10

Ease of use 8.0/10

Use of information 9.0/10

Value for money 8.5/10

Pros

• – Comprehensive health metrics
• – Vascular trends
• – Vibration feature has potential
• – 14-day battery life
• – No subscription required

Cons

• – Exercise heart rate still varies
• – Wake-up vibration alarm not available yet

Design and comfort

RingConn Gen 3 does not rewrite the company’s smart ring design, but it does move things on in a few ways. The overall shape is familiar, with the same squared-off outer profile and rounded inner surface that has become RingConn’s signature look. It is still very much a health-focused ring rather than a jewellery-first device, but this generation feels a little more polished in the hand.

The biggest design change is the new hand-brushed finish. RingConn Gen 2 had a cleaner glossy look, while Gen 3 adds more texture and a slightly more premium visual feel. It also helps reduce the appearance of fingerprints, which is useful on a ring that is constantly being touched, twisted and taken on or off.

There are five finishes this time around. Future Silver is the one I have. Beyond that, you can also get Royal Gold, Matte Black, Brushed Silver and Brushed Rose Gold.

What’s worth noting is that Gen 3 is slightly thicker than Gen 2, due to the addition of a vibration motor and larger battery. The new model measures 2.3mm thick and weighs between 2.5 and 3.5 grams, depending on size. By comparison, Gen 2 comes in at 2.0mm and weighs between 2 and 3 grams. On the finger, though, I did not find the difference noticeable.

Comfort is still very good. The inner surface is smooth, the edges do not dig into the skin and the ring is light enough to wear overnight without thinking about it. In fact, the edges feel a bit more rounded than on the previous generation, which makes the ring look more narrow.

As with any smart ring, fit is everything. Too loose and the sensors may shift around. Too tight and it becomes annoying during exercise, warmer weather or after a salty meal. Gen 3 uses a slightly different sizing system, so existing RingConn users should not assume their Gen 2 size will carry across. I chose the same size 11 for both Gen 2 and Gen 3. There is perhaps a fraction of a difference between them, with Gen 3 feeling a tad larger. But not so much that I cannot wear it on the same finger as Gen 2.

I prefer the index finger because it usually gives the most stable fit and tends to work well for sensor contact. If the fit feels slightly off during workouts, switching hands or fingers can help. That flexibility is useful, especially if your fingers change size during the day.

The orientation issue is still worth mentioning. RingConn relies on the shape and inner sensor placement to guide how the ring sits, but I would still like a clearer visual marker. In everyday use, I rarely found myself obsessing over it and it seemed to capture metrics perfectly well. But when exercising I did make sure the sensors were positioned correctly.

Water resistance remains strong. Gen 3 carries an IP68/ATM10 rating, so there is no need to remove it for hand washing, showers or swimming. That is important for a ring designed around continuous tracking. The less often you take it off, the fewer gaps you get in the data.

Overall, RingConn Gen 3 is still one of the more comfortable smart rings I have worn. It is not quite as thin as Gen 2, but the added features feel like a fair trade-off.

Hardware and battery life

RingConn Gen 3 adds a few useful hardware upgrades, but the basic idea stays the same. This is still a smart ring you put on and mostly forget about, rather than another gadget that needs constant attention.

The main hardware changes are a larger battery, a new vibration motor, new optical heart rate sensors, an upgraded temperature sensor and an upgraded 3-axis accelerometer. I’ll get into vibration, Vascular Trend and tracking performance later, but from a hardware point of view, RingConn has added more without making the ring feel overbuilt.

RingConn Gen 3*

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Offline data storage has also improved. Gen 3 can store up to 10 days of data, compared with 7 days on Gen 2. It is not the most exciting spec on the sheet, but it is useful if the ring does not sync with the phone every day.

Battery life is still one of the best things about RingConn. Gen 3 is rated for 11 to 14 days with vibration switched off, or 10.5 to 13 days with vibration switched on. That is exactly the kind of range you want from a device that is meant to stay on your finger day and night.

In practice, these figures do feel realistic. I charged the ring only once in these two weeks, so you won’t be constantly thinking about when to refuel it. That is the whole point of a smart ring. It works best when it fades into the background.

The charging case helps too. Gen 3 now uses a universal wireless charging case, so you no longer have the slightly awkward size-specific setup from Gen 2. Charge it, throw it in a bag and you are good for days.

Technical specs: RingConn Gen 3 vs Gen 2

Gen 3 is the most complete RingConn model. It adds vibration alerts, newer sensors, longer battery life and a universal wireless charging case. Gen 2 remains the slimmer titanium option, while Gen 2 Air is the cheaper entry point with stainless steel, shorter battery life and no sleep apnea pattern feature.

The trade-off is simple. Gen 3 gives you the most features, Gen 2 keeps things slimmer and Gen 2 Air keeps the price lower.

Health, alerts and tracking

RingConn is built around passive tracking, so most of the useful stuff happens quietly in the background while you sleep, work and go about your day. That is exactly what you want from a smart ring.

The core tracking mix includes sleep, heart rate, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, respiratory rate, stress, activity, cycle tracking and sleep apnea pattern insights. That gives you a broad daily picture without needing to start and stop things constantly. It is not trying to be a sports watch, but as an always-on wellness tracker it covers everything you’d want – and more.

The app has had a recent redesign, and it feels cleaner now. There is still a lot tucked away inside, so you do need to poke around a bit. Some people might find the amount of data a little much at first, but the layout has a sensible top-down feel to it. You get the big-picture insights first, then you can dig as deep as you want.

Sleep remains one of the stronger parts of the experience. The app gives you the usual breakdown of sleep duration, stages, resting heart rate, HRV, SpO2 and breathing data, then rolls that into broader recovery-style insights. As before, the real value is not one night of data. It is seeing how your sleep and recovery shift over time.

In the morning, you could literally spend a half an hour just digging through all the different sleep data. Light exposure, circadian rhythm alignment and lots of other really interesting stuff.

Then there are the daily stress and readiness-style metrics. RingConn is best when you treat it as a trend device. If your sleep drops, resting heart rate rises or stress stays elevated, the app gives you a way to spot that pattern. It is simple enough to understand without making everything feel too crowded. I even got a headache alert which coincided with a late night out.

I like that RingConn keeps a lot of this passive. You are not constantly being asked to log how you feel or manually start every little thing. The ring collects data in the background, and the app turns it into something readable.

Of course, there is still room for polish. Some of the app language can feel a little busy, and not every insight feels equally useful.

Vascular Trend

Vascular Trend is a new feature on RingConn Gen 3, and it is the one that gives the ring a different angle from Gen 2. What’s worth noting – it is not trying to replace a cuff or act like a medical device. Think of it more as a long-term wellness feature that looks at patterns over time. The value is in seeing whether the trend changes over days, weeks and months.

RingConn Gen 3*

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Setup takes a little effort at the start. Before it starts working properly, you need to complete a short survey and enter a few cuff-based baseline values during the first 24 hours. It is not difficult, but it is not completely automatic from the first minute either.

Once set up, Gen 3 can collect automatic vascular trend samples when you are in a relaxed state, with sampling happening roughly every 15 to 20 minutes during day and night use. The app keeps historical records so you can look back at overnight and daytime trends.

The overnight side is probably where this gets most interesting. A ring is easier to sleep with than most watches, and RingConn’s long battery life means you are less likely to take it off and miss data. The app also separates daytime and night-time averages, which makes the data easier to understand at a glance.

In my testing, I was always in the stable green section. That is also where I expected to be, and the few comparisons I made with a traditional cuff gave me no reason to question the trend shown in the app. So in my case, Vascular Trend did not reveal anything surprising, but it did behave in a way that matched what I was seeing elsewhere.

You can also start an on-demand insight from the app. When you do that, it asks you to sit still and then takes about 30 seconds to complete. The app is quite sensitive during this process, so you need to stay still and keep the hand relaxed. If your finger is cold, you may need to warm it up first before trying again.

I also like that RingConn has not put this behind a subscription. Like everything else, Vascular Trend is part of the Gen 3 package, which helps the ring stand apart in a category where ongoing fees are becoming harder to avoid.

Vibration alerts

As mentioned, vibration feedback is the other new headline feature. Smart rings do not have screens, so a short buzz on the finger actually makes a lot of sense. It gives the ring a way to get your attention without turning it into a tiny smartwatch.

In the app, vibration can be switched on or off for Battery Reminder, Sedentary Reminder and Wellness Notifications. As long as you don’t close the app – and keep it minimised, it will work. The buzz itself is subtle and short. You feel it, but it does not nag you in the way a watch can.

In my testing, this still feels like a work in progress. I did get vibration alerts, but they were not always consistent across the supported reminder types I had enabled. Still, the alerts that did come through worked really well. The buzz is discreet, clear and useful, giving you a small nudge without sending you back to a screen.

The main missing piece is alarms. Gen 3 does not currently support a vibration alarm for waking up in the morning, or custom vibration reminders at specific times of day. So you cannot yet use it for a silent wake-up alarm, a breathing reminder or a timed nudge to pause during work.

That is where I can see the most potential. If RingConn lets Gen 3 buzz as a wake-up alarm, the vibration motor becomes far more useful. A silent alarm on a ring makes more sense than the same feature on a watch, especially for people who do not want to wake someone else or sleep with a screen on their wrist.

RingConn has indicated that vibration alarm features are planned through OTA updates in Q3 to Q4 2026. The exact timing still depends on the official rollout. For now, vibration is promising rather than fully finished, but it already gives Gen 3 a more interactive feel than previous RingConn models.

Accuracy of activity metrics

Accuracy has always been a strong point of RingConn devices. And Gen 3 is no different. As with the previous model, I found the step count to be consistently within a 3-4% margin of error when compared against manual counting and other reliable devices.

Exercise tracking also looks better than it did on Gen 2, although there are still limits. I compared RingConn Gen 3 against a high-end Garmin Forerunner on two outdoor runs in central London, using Garmin as the reference point.

The distance numbers were very close. RingConn came in 1.6% lower than Garmin on one run and 1.0% higher on the other, which is a good result for a smart ring. This is not a running watch, so I would not expect it to replace a Garmin, but the basic distance tracking held up well in these tests.

Heart rate tracking was more mixed. On the May 28 run, RingConn averaged 136 bpm compared to 135 bpm on Garmin, which is excellent. On the May 25 run, RingConn averaged 141 bpm compared to 134 bpm on Garmin, so it was clearly higher.

Maximum heart rate still seems to run hot. RingConn reported 156 bpm and 167 bpm across the two runs, compared to Garmin’s 147 bpm and 156 bpm. That points to the same broad limitation most smart rings face during exercise, especially when movement, grip, temperature and blood flow can interfere with finger-based optical readings.

Still, this feels like progress compared to Gen 2. RingConn Gen 3 looks dependable for daily activity and it can also give usable workout data for casual runs. But I would still reach for a dedicated sports watch or chest strap if heart rate accuracy during harder sessions is the priority.

Accuracy of recovery stats

To assess recovery accuracy, I compared 14 days of nightly resting heart rate, heart rate variability and sleep duration with data from Whoop and a Garmin Forerunner.

The results are interesting because they do not simply repeat what I found with RingConn Gen 2. In that earlier review, RingConn tracked much closer to Whoop than Garmin for resting heart rate and HRV. With Gen 3, the picture is more mixed.

Here’s the recovery data correlation.

For resting heart rate, RingConn Gen 3 correlated more strongly with Garmin than Whoop. Heart rate variability was much closer between the two comparisons, with RingConn sitting slightly nearer to Whoop by correlation, but not by enough to make a big claim.

RingConn Gen 3*

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Sleep duration was the most consistent metric. RingConn and Whoop showed the strongest correlation at 94%, while RingConn and Garmin were also close at 91%. In real use, all three landed in broadly the same place for total sleep time.

The averages back this up. RingConn measured resting heart rate at 48 bpm, sitting very close to Garmin’s 47 bpm and lower than Whoop’s 51 bpm. For HRV, RingConn averaged 36 ms, placing it between Whoop at 33 ms and Garmin at 38 ms.

So the takeaway is that RingConn Gen 3 lines up more closely with Garmin for resting heart rate, sits between Garmin and Whoop for HRV and remains very close to both for sleep duration. As always with recovery metrics, the trends are more useful than comparing absolute numbers too literally across different ecosystems.

Q&A

Is RingConn Gen 3 better than RingConn Gen 2?

Yes, but it depends on what you want from it. Gen 3 adds Vascular Trend, vibration alerts, newer sensors, longer battery life and a universal wireless charging case. Gen 2 is still thinner and remains a solid smart ring, but Gen 3 feels like the more complete device.

Does RingConn Gen 3 need a subscription?

No. RingConn Gen 3 does not need a subscription, which remains one of its biggest advantages. You buy the ring and get access to the main features without adding a monthly fee on top.

How long does the RingConn Gen 3 battery last?

RingConn Gen 3 is rated for up to 14 days with vibration switched off, or around 10.5 to 13 days with vibration switched on. That makes it one of the easier smart rings to live with, because charging is not something you need to think about every few days. 

Can RingConn Gen 3 be used as a silent alarm?

Not yet. Gen 3 has a vibration motor, but it does not currently support wake-up alarms or custom timed vibration reminders. RingConn has indicated that vibration alarm features are planned through OTA updates in Q3 to Q4 2026, so this may change later.

What is Vascular Trend on RingConn Gen 3?

Vascular Trend is RingConn’s new long-term wellness feature for Gen 3. It looks at vascular patterns over time rather than acting as a one-off reading or a replacement for a cuff. The idea is to give you another layer of context about how your body is trending across days, weeks and months.

Is RingConn Gen 3 accurate?

For passive tracking, RingConn Gen 3 performed well in my testing. Sleep, resting heart rate and longer-term wellness trends are where the ring makes the most sense. As with all smart rings, I would not treat it as a replacement for a sports watch during workouts or for dedicated medical equipment.

Who is RingConn Gen 3 for?

This smart ring is best suited to people who want long battery life, passive health tracking and full app access without a subscription, rather than those looking for a workout-first wearable.

Should Oura users switch to RingConn Gen 3?

RingConn Gen 3 makes a strong case for Oura users. You get long battery life, vibration alerts, Vascular Trend and full access to the main features without a monthly fee. Oura still has a polished app and a mature ecosystem, but RingConn is now the more tempting option if you want a capable smart ring without ongoing costs.

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8.6

Design 8.5/10

Ease of use 8.5/10

Performance and ride quality 8.5/10

Value for money 9.0/10

Pros

• – Affordable price
• – Easy to fold and store
• – Simple to use
• – Decent motor for city riding
• – Low barrier for first-time riders

Cons

• – On the heavy side
• – Ride can feel bumpy on rough roads
• – Limited for longer rides

isinwheel U4 Ebike review: Design and build

Living in London, I am surrounded by bikes. There are rental bikes on what feels like every other street corner, but the costs add up surprisingly quickly, and in many cases it is actually cheaper to just take the bus or jump on the Tube. I already have a regular bicycle, but I have never owned an e-bike before, so coming into the isinwheel U4 I was curious to see whether having one of my own would make life easier.

Right out of the box, it is clear the U4 is beautiful in a minimalistic sort of way. It goes for a clean, understated look that really works, a simple design that suits its urban character perfectly.

Putting the bike together is pretty straightforward. That said, it still took me the best part of an hour. I started off following the instruction booklet, but there were a couple of points where I got a bit stuck, so I switched to a YouTube video, which made things much clearer. If I had to do it again, I could probably get it done in under half an hour. Live and learn.

Once I had everything put together and ready to ride, the first thing that stood out was just how solid the bike felt. There is some weight here, more than I expected, but on the plus side that weight gives the bike a reassuring sturdiness when you ride it. Once everything is locked in place, the structure feels stable with very little flex, and nothing feels poorly put together.

I would say the build quality is excellent, especially when you take the price into consideration. On isinwheel’s website it typically retails for around £600, but it often drops closer to £400, so it is definitely worth keeping an eye on sales.

In London, that price starts to look even more reasonable when you compare it to rental e-bikes. A typical hire ride can easily cost around £3 to £4 for a short journey, so if you use one regularly for commuting, the cost adds up surprisingly quickly. Over time, owning something like the U4 can work out far more economical. In fact, I was stopped at traffic lights by someone asking about the bike, and they genuinely did not believe me when I told them the price. Most e-bikes are far more expensive.

The components follow the same basic essentials theme. There is a front light powered by the e-bike battery and handlebar reflector, along with a rear light that runs on its own small third-party battery. You also get a bell to attach to the handlebar, while the display panel comes pre-installed. There is even an optional throttle that you can add to the handlebar in under a minute, just connect the cables and tighten the clamp.

Nothing feels overly premium, but nothing feels cheap either. The brakes, drivetrain and controls all feel in line with what you would expect at this level. Cable routing is exposed and a bit messy in places, which adds to the utilitarian look. It is not a dealbreaker, but it does remind you this is a budget build.

Worth noting is that both the handlebar height and seat height are adjustable, which helps the bike fit a wider range of riders than the specs might suggest. Officially, it is said to be designed for people up to 5ft 7in, but I am 5ft 9in and felt perfectly comfortable riding it. I have also watched a few YouTube reviews from people over 6 feet tall who seemed to get on with it just fine.

Overall, the design of the U4 leans heavily towards usability. It feels like a bike that is meant to be used daily without fuss. For the price, the balance between sturdiness and simplicity is about right, exactly what you want from an urban bike.

Folding and portability

Folding and portability is a big part of the appeal, and the U4 mostly gets it right. The folding process is simple and does not take long once you have done it a couple of times. There are no complicated steps or awkward sequences to figure out, which makes a difference if you are doing this regularly.

The bike folds down into a fairly compact shape and the process is very straightforward. You simply flip two latches. One folds the handlebars down roughly halfway, while the other lets the main frame fold in the middle.

isinwheel U4 folding e-bike*

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Once folded, it ends up at about half its original size. It is not tiny, but it is compact enough to fit in a car boot, under a desk or in the corner of a flat without much hassle. That alone makes it far more practical than a full-size e-bike.

Where things get a bit more mixed is the weight. At around the mid 50 pounds mark, this is not something you will want to carry for long. Lifting it up stairs or onto public transport is doable, but it is not effortless. You feel the weight straight away.

Because of that, portability here is more about storage than carrying. It works well if you need to fold it and tuck it away, less so if you plan to carry it around often. But it is doable.

Overall, the folding aspect adds real convenience, as long as your expectations are in the right place. It is practical, not ultra portable.

Tech specs

isinwheel U4 Ebike review: Ride experience

On the road is where the isinwheel U4 really comes into its own. Once you start riding it, the whole simple and practical approach comes through quite clearly, and for urban trips it feels very easy to get along with.

The motor has enough power for everyday use. It is not punchy or aggressive, but it pulls you along smoothly and takes the effort out of getting up to speed. In stop-start traffic, that works particularly well. You are not fighting the bike, and it feels predictable rather than jumpy.

You can ride it without any motor assistance, or choose from one of the three assist levels. The first is barely noticeable and takes you up to around 10 km/h. The second is more useful when moving through busy streets, lifting you to around 15 km/h. The third is where the e-bike really shines, taking you up to 25 km/h, or 30 km/h if you tweak the settings. In the UK, the default is 25 km/h as that is the legal limit. This was the level I found myself using the most.

Hills are manageable, but you do notice the limits. On moderate inclines, the assist helps a lot and keeps things moving without too much strain. On steeper climbs, you will need to put in a bit more effort. It gets the job done, just do not expect it to breeze up everything.

Handling is quite nimble, especially at lower speeds. The smaller wheels make it easy to move around tight spaces, which is useful in city environments. At higher speeds, it feels a bit less planted than a full-size bike, but still stable enough for everyday riding.

Comfort depends a lot on the road surface. On smoother streets, it rides just fine and feels controlled. Once you hit rougher patches, you start to feel the bumps more than you would on a bigger bike. It is not harsh, but it is noticeable and reminds you of the smaller wheels and basic setup.

Braking is decent and does what you need it to do. It feels reliable in normal conditions, which is really what matters for a bike like this.

As mentioned, the bike also comes with an optional thumb throttle. It is genuinely useful in stop-start traffic, when pulling away from lights or if you just want a quick boost without pedalling. But UK riders should note that full throttle-only riding on public roads is only legal if the bike has the required manufacturer approval. Otherwise, it should be treated as a walk-assist feature only.

Battery and real world range

On paper, the isinwheel U4 is rated for up to around 88 km on a single charge. That number looks great, but it is very much a best case scenario based on ideal conditions and lighter use. How far the 36V 10.4Ah gets you depends heavily on how you use the bike.

In everyday riding, the range is more grounded. If you stick mostly to pedal assist on flatter routes, you can get somewhere in the region of 40 to 60 km without too much trouble. That feels realistic for commuting and general city use.

Push things a bit harder and the numbers drop. Using higher assist levels, tackling hills or relying more on the throttle will bring the range closer to 30 to 40 km. That is still usable, but it is worth keeping expectations in check.

The battery itself feels well matched to what this bike is designed for. It handles short trips, daily commutes and quick errands without any stress. You are not constantly thinking about charging, as long as you are not trying to stretch it too far. And hey, if you do run out of battery – you can always pedal your way back home.

Charging is straightforward and fits easily into a routine. It can take up to four few hours, but that is when the battery is entirely empty. Typically it will take you less, do just do a top up.

Display and controls

The bike comes with a preinstalled LCD screen. It shows the essentials, speed, battery level and assist mode, without trying to do anything more than that.

isinwheel U4 folding e-bike*

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The display is clear enough for quick glances while riding. It is not particularly detailed, but it gives you the information you need without distraction. There is no menu diving to deal with. But if you click to +/- buttons at the same time, you can tweak some of the settings.

Controls are also straightforward. A basic button layout lets you switch assist levels and power the bike on or off. It is easy to get used to, and after a short time you are not really thinking about it.

You do not get any smart features here. There is no app, no ride tracking and no deeper data. Everything is kept at a very basic level. Which I like as I have too many apps on my smartphone as it is.

isinwheel U4 Ebike review: Who it is for

The isinwheel U4 is really aimed at people who just want an easy way into e-bikes without overthinking it. If this is your first e-bike, it makes a lot of sense. You get the basics, it is simple to use and you do not need to spend a lot to get started.

It works best for urban commutes. Maybe up to 10 or slightly more kilometres to work and back, quick trips to the shops or just getting around the city without relying on public transport. In that kind of use, it feels right at home.

It is also a good fit if you are tight on space. Flats, small homes or shared spaces all benefit from something that folds down and stays out of the way. You are not dealing with a full size bike taking over your hallway.

Casual riders will probably enjoy it too. If you are not chasing performance and just want something that makes riding easier, this ticks that box. The motor takes the edge off hills and longer rides, which makes it more approachable.

Where it starts to make less sense is if you already have experience with higher end bikes. If you care about lighter weight, smoother ride quality or longer range, you will notice the limits fairly quickly. So it really comes down to expectations. If you want something simple, practical and easy to live with, the U4 fits nicely into that role.

isinwheel U4 Ebike review: What could be better

The isinwheel U4 does a lot right for the price, but there are a few areas where the compromises are clear.

The first thing you notice is the weight. For a miniature folding bike, it is fairly heavy. You can carry it when needed, but it is not something you will want to lift regularly. That limits how “portable” it really feels in day to day use.

Ride comfort is another point to consider. The smaller wheels and basic setup mean you feel bumps more than you would on a larger or more refined bike. It is fine on smoother roads, but rougher surfaces highlight the limitations.

The components are also quite basic. Everything works, but it lacks that sharper, more precise feel you get from higher-end bikes. Braking, shifting and general responsiveness are all just average.

Range is decent, but the advertised figures are optimistic. In real use, especially with higher assist levels or hills, you will see it drop quite a bit. It is not a problem, but it is something to be aware of.

Put together, these are the trade-offs that come with the price. The U4 keeps things simple and affordable, but you do give up some refinement along the way.

View on isinwheel (8% off site wide – coupon code ISW8% – ends July 31st).

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Pongbot PACE S PRO

8.5

Design8.0/10

Ease of use9.5/10

Usefulness9.0/10

Value for money7.5/10

PROS

• Tracks player position for smarter ball delivery
• Covers the full court with fast spin and pace changes
• More than 500 built-in drills and custom options
• AI modes adapt to skill level and shot patterns
• Responsive and easy-to-use app

CONS

• Expensive
• Hopper and wheels feel somewhat fragile

Pongbot PACE S PRO review: Design and how it holds up

• Sturdy and quiet during use, with good on-court stability
• Easy to roll around, though less convenient on stairs or in tight spaces
• Minimal on-device controls, with functions handled through smartphone app or remote

The PACE S PRO feels like something built for people who actually train. It’s not trying to be stylish or compact. Visually, it’s low-profile but sturdy, giving off the impression of a system that’s meant to be forgotten once it’s working. Having said that, I’ve had players from nearby courts come over mid-session to ask what it is and watch it in action.

The hopper is fixed into the top half of the unit and loads easily, but removing it takes more effort than I expected. It fits tightly, which helps keep it in place, but I’ve caught myself worrying about breaking it.

The machine weighs around 19 kilos, so it’s not exactly something you’d call lightweight. That said, it’s lighter than a lot of the other ball machines on the market. Compared to the Slinger Bag, which I used for a few years, this one takes up noticeably less space. It’s about half the height, so it’s easier to store.

There are wheels and a telescopic handle, so moving the PACE S PRO across flat ground is pretty straightforward. Stairs are more of a hassle because of the slightly awkward weight distribution. Getting it in and out of a car on your own takes a bit of juggling. I haven’t had any issues with the wheels, even on a few 20-minute walks to the court. But I’ve seen some users mention that the rubber on the wheels might wear down faster on rough or uneven surfaces.

Once the machine is in place, it stays put. The wide base and locking mechanism hold it steady even when firing at high speeds or with heavy spin. That makes a big difference when running more intense drills. I never had to stop and reposition it mid-session.

What I particularly like is how quiet it is during use. You can barely hear the motor running and that’s a good thing. I for one, do not want to disturb players on nearby courts with a loud piece of gear. This one is practically silent.

There’s a sound alert before each ball is launched, probably a safety feature, but that can be turned off in the app. I prefer it off. One thing I noticed is that the internal wheels keep spinning even when it’s in standby. You can stop that by switching it into Eco mode, which is easy enough to do in the settings.

On the unit itself, you can find a small control interface. The LED indicators in front are clear and easy to read, and the whole system powers on without any weird delays or boot-up issues. I usually have it ready in a couple of minutes.

Nearly all interaction with the machine happens through the app or remote, which works well. The Bluetooth connection has been totally reliable, and I can adjust drills or settings straight from my phone without needing to touch the machine once it’s powered on. The only real job is loading on the balls to the hopper.

The system also comes with a player-tracking sensor you can wear, plus two net sensors for positional feedback. But you can train just fine without using any of them. They do allow, however, for some more advanced drills. More about that later.

The design doesn’t try to stand out, but once you’ve used it, it feels solid and well put together. Everything is laid out logically, and build quality has been good so far. Still, parts like the hopper and wheels may show wear over time, so that’s something I’ll be keeping an eye on. I’ve been using it for about a month – and so far I’ve had no issues.

Technical specs

• Fast, consistent feed with up to 80 mph speed and 60 RPS spin
• Smooth motorised angle and sweep adjustments
• 8 hours of battery life on a single charge

As far as the hardware, the PACE S PRO runs on a dual‑wheel drive system that feeds balls through direct contact with the wheels. It’s capable of delivering a wide range of shots, including topspin, backspin and flat balls.

Spin intensity can be adjusted across 21 levels, with a maximum of 60 revolutions per second, which covers everything from slow looping topspin to heavier drives. The response time when switching spin types is short, so drills can simulate real rally conditions without delay or mechanical lag.

Speed can be set anywhere up to around 75–80 miles per hour. That’s more than enough to replicate real match pace. Ball frequency is adjustable from 1.5 to 12 seconds, depending on the type of session you’re after. The ball feed has been consistent in my use, and the delivery feels smooth even when pushing the higher settings.

Elevation and horizontal movement are fully motorized. You can shift the launch angle from 10 to 50 degrees for anything from low skimming shots to high lobs. Side‑to‑side movement spans roughly 50 degrees across the court, which enough to simulate both singles and doubles coverage. Transitions are fluid, and the machine keeps its aim stable between sequences.

The outer shell is reinforced plastic with internal framing that supports the motor assemblies and protects the tracking hardware. Vents are cut into the side panels for cooling. There are no exposed belts, cables or high-friction parts prone to failure. In use I did not notice any overheating or noise from cooling fans, which suggests the PACE S PRO handles heat well.

I’ve also found the ball feed reliable. After a month of use, there was only one session where there was a ball jam. And this was easily rectified by opening the side door. Problem solved in a few seconds.

As mentioned, the machine supports player tracking. It does this through a 100 Hz motion‑sensing system, which can detect position. The feature is there if you want to add reactive drills or recovery‑based training.

Battery life

Everything runs off a removable battery stored beneath the motor housing. It’s got enough capacity for multiple sessions without needing a recharge. I’ve done a couple of long workouts back to back and never had to worry about it running out. The company says you get over eight hours on a full charge, and that seems accurate. After a two-hour session, I usually drop just one of the four battery bars, so the estimate checks out.

Charging is straightforward. You just plug it in and let it do its thing. Since the battery is removable, it’s easy to handle and doesn’t get in the way. I’ve never felt limited by battery life, even when running high-speed or heavy-spin drills.

One nice touch is that you can charge the sensors directly from the machine via USB. That is handy if you’ve forgotten to refuel them at home. 

Pongbot PACE S PRO review: How to use

• App setup is quick with presets and deep custom options for advanced drills
• Smart features like AI Recovery add match-like realism
• Building long custom drills takes time, but the control over each shot is impressive

Initial setup is quick. The smartphone app pairs to the machine without fuss, and it walks you through the basics the first time you connect. Even if you’re not especially tech-savvy, you’ll be fine after a bit of poking around.

Once it’s charged, you wheel it onto the court, position the hopper and dump in the tennis balls, power it on, and control everything from your phone or the included remote. There an on-unit LED indicator lets you know when Bluetooth is active.

The app is the main control hub. You can pick from a large set of preloaded drills or start building your own. The preset drills are handy for quick sessions, and probably enough for the majority of average tennis players out there.

You can choose varying levels of difficulty, hand preference, combo interval, sequential/random sequence and more. That gives some room to tweak without going into full custom mode.

Custom drills are where this machine really stands out. You can tweak every single ball in the sequence -speed, spin, depth, placement.

It does take time to build a drill from scratch, especially if you’re setting up a 30 or 40-ball sequence. The app supports up to 45 shots per drill, and you can combine different shot types in any order. Once created, drills can be saved to your library and edited later.

You can also download drills shared by other players, and some of them are actually great. It’s a simple way to keep things fresh. The drill-sharing feature is built into the app, and you can favorite or copy any public drill into your own library.

The thing to note is that there’s a bit of a learning curve. Not because it’s hard, but because there are so many options. Especially with drills.

It took me a few sessions to figure out which features and drills were actually useful and which ones I could ignore. But once you get used to it, the basics feel straightforward. You can also simplify things by adjusting court positioning and feed delay globally, which helps match the machine’s output to your timing.

Some of the smarter modes (referred to as Smart Pace in the app), such as Recovery Trigger, are where the PACE S PRO really stands out. These are features that make the machine feel less like a ball launcher and more like a training partner.

Recovery Trigger, for example, is especially useful for footwork drills. It tracks when you’ve moved back to the centre back-end of the court and only then fires the next ball. That changes the rhythm entirely. Instead of feeding on a fixed timer, the machine reacts to your recovery, simulating real match flow. And if you’re not fully fit, you can slow the tempo down to keep the session under control.

To get this working properly, you’ll need to clip the third sensor onto yourself and set up the two net sensors that come with the system. Once everything is paired, which usually takes only a few seconds, the tracking is surprisingly accurate.

There can be a bit of a lag now and then, but overall the experience adds a strong element of realism to solo practice. It forces you to reset quickly, stay balanced and not cut corners between shots. That alone gives these drills more value than anything you’d get from a fixed feed interval.

Ramp up the difficulty level to challenge yourself even more. The thing about this is – instead of a predictable rhythm, you get a more varied pace that mimics what happens in an actual rally. It’s sometimes quicker, sometimes slower, depending on the previous ball. The whole thing keeps you alert and removes the tendency to fall into a drill pattern. It’s like training with a partner who never misses!

Together, these modes make the training feel alive. If you want sessions that prepare you for how points actually play out, these features are the ones to lean on.

View PACE S PRO on Pongbot’s website (For $75 off, at checkout add coupon code: gadgetsandwearables).

Is this right for you?

Buy if

• You train solo and want full-court feeds with real spin and pace
• You want drills that adjust based on your movement, not just timers
• You need detailed control over shot type, speed and placement
• You value long battery life and app control for quick setup
• You can store or transport a 19 kg machine without hassle

Don’t buy if

• You only play casually and don’t need advanced drills
• You want something ultra-light to carry between locations
• You’re looking for a basic ball launcher

The post Pongbot PACE S PRO review: tracks your footwork, feeds like a pro, drills without mercy appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Muse S Athena

8.5

Design8.0/10

Features9.5/10

Ease of use8.5/10

Value for money8.0/10

PROS

• Well-built, soft headband
• Adds fNIRS for tracking mental effort
• Cognitive and recovery scoring after sessions
• Accurate EEG-based sleep-stage tracking
• Brainwave and blood-flow visualisation

CONS

• Requires the open app for sleep tracking
• Acoustic feedback can sometimes be distracting
• Some features require a subscription

Jump to

Design & hardware
How to use for daytime meditation
How to use to enhance sleep

Muse S Athena review: Design & hardware

• Breathable stretch fabric offers a secure and comfortable fit, day or night
• Redesigned sensor pod with low-profile button and hidden LED indicators
• Includes, for the first time, fNIRS sensors
• Enhanced internal electronics deliver faster, more accurate feedback

Look & feel

At first glance, Muse S Athena looks almost identical to Muse S. The soft, fabric headband design is still here. That familiar, wraparound style remains unchanged, and if you’ve used Muse S before, Athena will feel instantly familiar.

There are a few subtle changes worth pointing out. The pod that holds the sensors has a slightly different shape, though it still snaps into the middle of the band using strong magnets. The enclosure has also been tweaked a bit.

Another tweak are to do with the multi-coloured LED lights, which are now located on the front of the pod. You’ll notice the indicators stay hidden when inactive and light up to show battery status and other basics when active. A single physical button at the bottom of the pod powers the device on or off. The main lights will turn off during sleep, but there are a two tiny LED lights on the underside that helps you confirm whether the device is running.

The strap system is still there and there was no need to change that as it works well. Clip at the back, elastic section for adjustability, soft fabric all the way around. For me it is pretty easy to get a good fit, and the strap stays in place—something that matters if you plan to use the device to track sleep through the night. With Muse devices, signal quality is import and it largely depends on proper contact with the skin.

For care, you can hand-wash the fabric band using mild, unscented detergent. Wipe the pod with a dry cloth only—avoid any chemicals or moisture. So make sure to remove the pod if you are planning any spring cleaning.

All in all, the design doesn’t stray too far from Muse S. And that’s probably a good thing. That device was already well-designed, and Athena keeps that same comfortable feel.

Under the hood

Athena takes everything Muse S did and builds on it. It keeps the same headband format and core idea of helping you train your mind and sleep better, but pushes the tech inside forward in a few important ways. This makes it feel more grown up.

The biggest new addition is a sensor called fNIRS. It tracks how oxygen flows through the front part of your brain using near-infrared light. That might sound a bit sci-fi, but the idea is simple.

EEG shows what your brain is doing and how efficiently it processes tasks through changes in brainwave activity. fNIRS, on the other hand, shows how hard your brain is working, i.e how much energy it is using. Whether you’re trying to stay focused or mentally winding down, Athena can now measure the effort behind those states, not just the end result.

With fNIRS, the idea is that with regular practice, you can train your brain to work harder and recover more quickly. A bit like lifting weights and cooling down after a workout.

The company says they’ve also improved EEG performance. The signal is now sharper and more detailed thanks to higher resolution readings and upgraded internal referencing. If you’ve used Muse before, you’ll probably notice faster signal lock and fewer hiccups during sessions.

Heart rate tracking got an upgrade too. The PPG sensor now uses three wavelengths: infrared, near-infrared, and red. This helps with more accurate heart and sleep data. On top of that, Athena uses silver-thread sensors that should hold up better over time and deliver a cleaner signal. 

Finally, they’ve also updated the wireless chip. Bluetooth LE 5.3 is faster and more stable than the older version.

As far as battery life – it is unchanged from before. You can expect around 10 hours between charges which, depending on use, is enough to get you through a few days of meditation. This sort of battery life is also good for a single night of tracking sleep. So if you intend to use the device for that purpose – you will need to charge every day.

Muse S Athena vs Muse S: the differences

Here’s a summary of the improvements Muse S Athena brings over its predecessors.

Muse S Athena review: How to use for daytime meditation

• Easy app-based setup with multiple meditation modes
• Strength session trains focus like a mental workout
• Cognitive scores offer insight into sharpness and recovery

Muse S Athena can be used for daytime meditation in much the same way as earlier models. The setup process is straightforward. Download the Muse app for iOS or Android, pair the device, and you’re good to go. Everything is controlled through the app, which is cleanly designed and easy to navigate. The default “Meditate” tab takes you straight into the available sessions.

I found the pairing process to be quick and easy. Also, I had no problems switching between my iPhone and iPad, as at times I preferred to view the results on a larger display

You’ll find the familiar options still there: Mind Meditation, Heart Meditation, Body Meditation, Breath Meditation, and Timer. Each one uses different sensors depending on the focus—whether that’s your brain, heart, breath, or stillness. They let you choose the session length and soundscape, and in some cases, you’ll get guided instructions.

The classic Mind Meditation is still my favourite. You calm your mind and the app reflects that with fewer environmental sounds. The calmer you are, the quieter it gets. Bird sounds let you know when you’re on track. You can earn badges and track progress over time. It still feels strange and a bit magical to control something with your mind alone.

The upside is that the acoustic feedback makes it really easy to catch when my mind starts to wander, and it helps snap me back to the breath pretty fast. The downside is that sometimes the sounds can be distracting on their own, pulling my attention outward when I’m trying to go inward. That said, the biofeedback does its job. It works.

Plus, if you find you would like silence while meditating – there is an option for that as well. Choose external audio sessions – without actually listening to external audio. What I like to do is, in this setting, I opt to hear the birds. They are never distracting and allow me to know when I am in deep focus.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to the types of meditations available. In fact, the variety can feel a bit overwhelming at first. It takes a few days to explore the options and figure out which ones suit you best. It’s definitely a learning experience.

And if that is not enough – you can opt for the Premium Subscription. It unlocks 500+ sessions, allows for sync with external apps and spits out some more advanced data. The good news? You don’t really need it as there’s plenty on offer without it.

What I also like are the simple explanations and tips that are sprinkled throughout the app. There really is a lot to take in and this helps to keep the learning curve manageable.

But what’s really new in Athena is how it pushes all of this further.

A new kind of feedback

As mentioned earlier – Muse S Athena introduces a new kind of feedback experience through its fNIRS sensors. These track oxygenated blood flow in your prefrontal cortex, giving you a read on how much mental effort you’re actually exerting. Alongside the standard EEG feedback, this opens the door to a new type of training: cognitive endurance.

One example is a new session type called Strength. In it, you’re asked to generate as much mental effort as possible by concentrating on the horizon in the image. Your focus propels an owl forward. The harder you push mentally, the quicker it flies.

It’s an interesting shift. Instead of just calming the mind, you’re now training it to perform—similar to how physical workouts build muscle. Your brain, like any other part of your body, needs oxygen to function. The harder you think, the more oxygen your prefrontal cortex demands. Athena measures this in real time and uses that data to assess your cognitive endurance.

It’s definitely an interesting addition. In practice, I found it works well. Having said that, I did have one session where I could not get the owl to move no matter how hard I focused. I am still not sure if that was to do with me or incorrect headband positioning.

Real-time brainwave visualisation is now part of the package

Last year, the company added a new brainwave visualization feature to its app. Which means can now see your brain activity during and after sessions, broken down into gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta waves. Each of these relates to a different mental state, so it gives you a clearer picture of what your brain is doing while you are meditating.

You get detailed reports after each session with this type of data, and there’s a mode where you can watch your brainwaves in real time. With Muse S Athena you can even view a livestream of your brain blood oxygenation.

All of this is definitely interesting to look at, but I haven’t found much practical use for the data yet. Maybe with more time, it’ll become more useful.

Cognitive Performance and Brain Recharge score

Worth a special mention are the Cognitive Performance and Brain Recharge scores, available exclusively on Muse S Athena. You’ll find them in the post-session reports, and they’re designed to give you a quick snapshot of how your brain is functioning that day.

Cognitive Performance uses something called alpha peak frequency, which links to focus, processing speed, and overall mental sharpness. A higher score generally means you’re more alert and better prepared for mentally demanding tasks. The system sets a baseline after a few sessions and tracks future scores against it. So this is a score that you can aim to increase over time.

Brain Recharge, on the other hand, is based on alpha power. It gives you a sense of how well-rested or mentally recovered you are—basically, your brain’s version of recovery status after a workout.

These scores are still pretty new, but I’m already finding them useful. They also signal a shift in direction: Muse is starting to move beyond just meditation and into the space of cognitive fitness. Which makes the device more useful.

On the flip side, it seems you will need a premium subscription to access these metrics. I do wish the company reconsiders and includes them as part of the free subscription – as they are very useful.

Muse S Athena review: How to use to enhance sleep

• Tracks brainwaves, heart rate, breath, and movement for accurate sleep stage detection
• Go-to-Sleep Journeys use real-time biofeedback to ease you into sleep
• Digital Sleep Pill restarts audio if you wake up, helping you drift back off

Muse S Athena isn’t just for meditation, it also tracks your sleep. You can wear it overnight or for naps, and the data it captures goes beyond what you’d get from a typical smartwatch. While I wouldn’t personally use it every night, it’s great for checking in on your sleep quality from time to time. That’s actually what InteraXon recommends.

The advantage here is that Athena S tracks brainwaves directly using EEG, along with heart rate, breathing, movement and brain oxygenation. This combination gives it an edge in identifying sleep stages accurately. The app presents everything in a clean, easy-to-read format, along with a Sleep Score after each session. It’s useful if you want more insight than what you’d get from a wrist-based device.

You’ll also find a feature called Go-to-Sleep Journeys. These are responsive audio experiences designed to help ease you into sleep. They use real-time biofeedback—your brain activity, heart rate, breath, and movement—to adjust the soundscapes and voice guidance. Think of it like a smart bedtime story that knows when you’re drifting off. You can set how long it plays, and the app fades out automatically once you’re asleep.

Comfort is better than earlier models, though it still takes a bit of adjusting to get the fit just right for overnight use. If you tend to toss and turn, the pod can shift slightly, which might end a session early. But once it’s in place, it generally stays put. For anyone curious about their sleep patterns—or dealing with sleep issues—it’s a solid tool to have on hand.

Out of curiosity, I compared sleep stats from the Muse S Athena with those from the Garmin Forerunner 955 on my wrist. The results were actually quite close. In the example above, Muse recorded a total time in bed of 8 hours and 22 minutes—just 6 minutes more than Garmin.

What really caught my attention was how closely the REM and deep sleep figures matched up, with only a few minutes difference between them. I did not expect that. The larger difference came in the light sleep and awake time categories. Muse seemed more sensitive here and did a much better job pinpointing when I was actually awake versus just in light sleep. I listen to podcasts at night and tend to have a low heart rate, which can throw off wrist-based trackers. But Muse handled this much better and felt more accurate in detecting true sleep.

Digital Sleep Pill uses smart fade technology

The Digital Sleep Pill is still here. It builds on the Go-to-Sleep Journeys with a more intelligent system that uses smart fade technology. The idea is that it not only fades out sound once you fall asleep, but it can also detect if you’ve woken up during the night. When that happens, it gently fades the audio back in—whether that’s a sleep story, ambient soundscape, or guided meditation, depending on your settings.

You can customise how long the fade lasts, the volume, and other small details. In practice, it’s a strange but interesting experience. If you’re a light sleeper or taking a nap, the audio can feel like it’s blending with your dreams. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re awake or still drifting. It’s the kind of feature that could be genuinely useful for people who struggle with falling—or staying—asleep.

A final word on safety

Safety deserves a quick mention. It’s good to be cautious with any tech that involves sensors on the head.

Muse S Athena uses passive sensors—EEG and fNIRS. That means it’s not sending any electrical current into your brain. EEG just reads the tiny voltages naturally produced by your brain’s activity. fNIRS uses low-intensity infrared light, which is non-ionizing, to measure blood oxygenation in your prefrontal cortex. Neither of these technologies is inherently dangerous. They’re also used in clinical and research settings with tight safety regulations.

So there’s no obvious reason to expect harm. Still, it’s worth being mindful of any physical discomfort, avoiding overuse, and taking breaks if you notice skin irritation or sensitivity.

Those ready to dive in can pick up the Muse S Athena for $474.99 from the choosemuse.com website. To save 15%, use code “gadgetsandwearables” at check-out.

The post Muse S Athena review: Tracking brain states, sleep and now effort appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

7.8

Design8.0/10

Functionality7.5/10

Ease of use8.0/10

Value for money7.5/10

Pros

• Helps you fall asleep quickly
• Helps with anxiety
• Easy to use, offers many settings
• Clean, intuitive smartphone app
• 30-day free trial period

Cons

• Didn’t see a change in HRV
• The sensations take some getting used

There are various devices out there that promise to help manage stress and anxiety. Among these, Pulsetto stands out as a vagus nerve stimulator designed to biohack your parasympathetic nervous system, offering an intriguing approach to achieving calm and balance in our increasingly hectic lives.

This compact, wearable gadget claims to deliver significant benefits with just a few minutes of daily use. By stimulating the vagus nerve, Pulsetto aims to activate the body’s natural “rest and digest” response, potentially reducing stress, lowering anxiety, and promoting better sleep. 

In the past, this would not have been the type of device I would review, as I typically stick to more straightforward wearable gadgets such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. I have tried yoga and meditation to manage stress occasionally, but never quite stuck with either practice.

Pulsetto piqued my interest because well-known entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bryan Johnson uses it. He has made himself a guinea pig for pioneering longevity research. Amongst other things, Johnson recommends vagus nerve stimulation for lowering stress, improving mood, enhancing digestion, and reducing body inflammation. What also had me excited were Reddit posts from users claiming large increases in heart rate variability by using Pulsetto.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Sounds pretty good, right? Who wouldn’t want a quick fix for our modern-day woes? Can a small gadget really make such a big difference in our daily lives? Well, that’s exactly what I set out to find out. So, let’s dive in and see what Pulsetto is all about.

View Pulsetto on Pulsetto.tech / view on Amazon.

Jump to 

What does it do?
Design
How to use
The bottom line

Pulsetto review: What does it do?

Put simply, Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that aims to activate the body’s natural relaxation response. For those not in the know, the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It consists of a vast network of nerve fibers connecting the brain to various organs including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been studied for decades, with FDA-approved devices being used to treat epilepsy and depression since the 1990s. Pulsetto brings this technology into a more accessible and budget-friendly format, leveraging similar principles to clinical VNS treatments. The device works by sending gentle, non-invasive electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve for just a few minutes each day.

Stimulating the vagus nerve has been shown to have a range of potential benefits. These include reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, enhancing digestive function, regulating heart rate, and potentially alleviating symptoms of certain medical conditions. Studies generally show that vagus nerve stimulation is safe, with potential side effects being temporary and including hoarseness, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Traditional methods of achieving vagus nerve stimulation include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. However, these can be challenging to maintain consistently.

Pulsetto offers a potentially more convenient alternative for daily use, making it an attractive tool for biohackers and those seeking to improve their overall well-being. The device is FCC certified, ensuring its safety for well-being use. It employs ultra-low radiofrequency energy (ULRE) via Bluetooth, designed to safely interact with the body.

By influencing various body functions through daily stimulation, Pulsetto aims to provide a natural way to manage stress and promote health. There are alternative form factors such as ear devices you can buy for this sort of thing. But neck versions are said to be more effective.

Pulsetto review: Design

With the science lesson out of the way, let’s move on to the review. Out of the box Pulsetto loosely resembles a pair of oversized headphones. But the device is not meant to be worn like headphones. Instead it goes around your neck.

The whole thing is compact and lightweight, measuring just a few inches in length and weighing only a few ounces. It has a sleek, minimalist design is reminiscent of modern tech accessories, featuring a smooth, finish that feels comfortable in the hand.

The main body of the Pulsetto houses the electrical components and battery, with two round metal electrodes protruding from each end. These electrodes are designed to make contact with the skin on your neck, where they deliver the gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve.

The device features a single button for operation, keeping the user interface simple and intuitive. A small LED indicator provides visual feedback on the device’s status.

Pulsetto comes with a charging cable and a compact carrying case, making it easy to transport and use on-the-go. The charger is a standard USB-C cable which I prefer to proprietary ones. I you lose it, just use any other standard USB-C cable. With regular daily use, you should be able to get about a week between charges. When the indicator turns blinking green, you need to recharge. The app will also notify you.

All things considered, Pulsetto is a well designed gadget. I would say, it’s even discreet enough to be used in public without drawing attention to yourself. Its ergonomic shape and small size allow for comfortable handling and positioning during use. And battery life is pretty decent.

Pulsetto: How to use

Using the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator has become an integral part of my daily routine, particularly in the evening. You are meant to start by applying an electrode gel to both sides of your neck. The gel is included in the box.

While this step can be a bit messy, I’ve found it’s essential for optimal performance. I usually just use a small dab on each side and wipe it off after use. So it’s not a big deal. I don’t think you can use Pulsetto without the gel as the sensation would be uncomfortable.

Next, you are meant to place the device around your neck where the vagus nerve is accessible – while you are in a sitting position. Adjust the size so that it fits snuggly. Make sure Pulsetto is switched on and pair it with the accompanying app on your smartphone.

Once connected, you need to choose a program. There are various options available, including stress reduction, anxiety relief, burnout and sleep improvement. Some premium programs are also available with a subscription. But you have all the basics even without that.

The connection to the smartphone is pretty seamless. In the nearly month of use, I only encountered a problem once. Restarting the phone resolved it.

Once the program starts you will feel a gentle tingling sensation on your neck. It is actually difficult to describe – a bit like a low level current of electricity against your skin.

I’ve used intensities up to level 8, but I’ve noticed that the sensation can vary from day to day. What is a 5 one day may feel different the next day. So I always adjust as needed. Anything above 8, I feel, would be too much. What I like is that you can increase or decrease the intensity while you are in the middle of a programme.

Most sessions last between 4 to 10 minutes, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. It certainly takes less time than a meditation or yoga session!

And you should follow the instructions the app spits out. For example, if you’ve done a sleep program, you need to allow a certain amount of time to pass before you can use the device again. It is a safety precaution. You should not use Pulsetto too often, too long or too close together.

There’s also the option to switch on soundscapes during a programme. The Pulsetto smartphone app has a variety that can be found in the sound library. I was perfectly fine without them as the sessions are fairly short.

You are meant to use it regularly for best results

For best results you should find time to use the device twice daily. I did some days, but was not religious about it.

For me, Pulsetto is most useful when used before bedtime. It helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. The effect is actually quite noticeable. I know myself and the sleep quality improvement is not random. It is clear and consistent. Not only that, but my Garmin watch started telling me I had good sleep sessions – a rarity in my world. So I had empirical data demonstrating the device actually works.

I believe it calms down my nervous system and racing mind. After using the device, you feel a sense of calm and relaxation, similar to the effects of intense exercise combined with meditation.

Having said that, I haven’t personally observed changes in my heart rate variability as reported by my Whoop and Garmin watch. Perhaps if I use it more consistently, the effect on HRV will come.

As mentioned, there are Reddit posts on users experiencing large spikes in HRV after using the device. So the effectiveness of Pulsetto does vary among users. The company says results can take anywhere up to a month to show. Those with severe symptoms or elderly individuals with significant imbalances may notice benefits sooner. Healthier individuals might take longer to experience the effects. For me, the improvement in sleep occurred after first use.

What I was careful not to do, though, is use the device before driving. It does make you feel a bit groggy and very chilled. The same is the case for exercise. I tended to avoid using it before heading out for runs. If you are in a calm and meditative state – it is unlikely you are going to go faster and longer.

Breathing exercises

Beyond this, the app also helps you relax with breathing exercises. There’s a few different ones to choose from such as Unwind Your Thoughts, Stress Dissolve and Panic Deflector. Think of this as a guided meditation or breathing session.

Choose the duration and you will be guided when and how to inhale, exhale and for how long to hold your breath. It’s a nice add-on to the primary functionality. The app also allows you to combine this with vagus nerve stimulation – so you can do both at the same time.

Pulsetto review: The Verdict

Pulsetto offers an intriguing and effective approach to managing stress and improving sleep quality through vagus nerve stimulation. While it may not be a magic solution for everyone, my personal experience with the device has been positive, particularly in terms of enhanced sleep quality and overall stress reduction.

The device boasts a compact, lightweight design with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that’s user-friendly and easy to operate. The app interface is straightforward, though applying the electrode gel can be seen as a slight negative. Pulsetto offers various programs for different needs, including stress reduction and anxiety relief, with short 4-10 minute sessions that are very easy to incorporate into daily routines.

In terms of effectiveness, I had immediate improvements in sleep quality. While I didn’t observe the changes in HRV that some users have reported, the positive impact on sleep and stress levels was clear and consistent. It’s worth noting that results may vary among users, and it may take up to a month to experience full benefits.

Pulsetto isn’t a replacement for traditional stress-management techniques like meditation or yoga, but it offers a quick, convenient alternative for those struggling to maintain consistent practice. Its effectiveness, combined with its ease of use, makes it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to improve their stress management and overall well-being.

View Pulsetto on Pulsetto.tech / view on Amazon.

The post Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator review: Does it calm the storm? appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

With its advanced physiological metrics and real-time ECG tracking and heart health alerts, the Frontier X offers a unique blend of sports and medical wearable technology. But unlike traditional ECG devices, which are often bulky and cumbersome, this bit of kit is practical for daily wear and exercise.

Frontier X2 Use code FFGNW25 at checkout for a 30% discount

Recently, Fourth Frontier has introduced the second generation of the device. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the Frontier X2 aims to provide even more in-depth insights into heart health and athletic performance, but with a price tag that may not be for everyone.

What follows is my experience with the Frontier X2 after a few weeks of testing. I will also compare it to the original model and explore who this device is designed for. The aim is to shed light on what the Frontier X2 offers and whether it’s the right tool for you.

Frontier X2 can be purchased on the company’s website. Use code FFGNW25 at checkout for a 30% discount.

Jump to

Design & hardware
Functionality – how to use
Pros & Cons
The bottom line – is Frontier X2 worth it?

Frontier X2 review: Design & hardware

At first glance, the Frontier X2 appears identical to its predecessor. The core unit, which houses the device’s electronics, maintains the same (73 x 24 x 13 mm) dimensions and weight (25 grams), ensuring a comfortable and familiar feel. Elastic chest straps, one blue and one black, are also included, allowing you to swap them out as needed.

A closer inspection reveals a subtle change: the physical button on the core unit, previously red, now sports a vibrant blue hue. This minor alteration serves as a visual cue to differentiate the second-generation device, while maintaining a consistent design language. Beyond that I didn’t spot anything different in the looks department.

The sleek packaging also contains a Micro USB charging cable and a quick start guide. Next to them you’ll find a one-year warranty and 14-day risk-free trial, giving you a bit of time to test out the device.

If you’ve ever worn a heart rate chest strap, Frontier X2 is no different. Attaching the core unit to the strap is a simple process: position the unit onto the pins in the strap and press firmly until it clicks into place. The adjustable strap mechanism allows you to easily achieve a comfortable fit just below the centre of your ribcage. The strap holds everything firmly in place, even during vigorous activity. 

The Frontier X2 core unit may not have the most modern design, but don’t let this fool you. There is some very advanced tech inside. Plus everything feels very robust, like it could easily survive a few accidental drops.

As far as water-resistance, the device is good for submersion up to 1.5 meters. So yes, you can even use it when swimming.

A simple interface with a questionable screen

The device’s operation is streamlined with a single physical button located on the underside. This button powers everything on/off, starts/stops activity tracking, and logs event markers. Additionally, a strip of LEDs on the opposite end provides status updates through different colors, indicating pairing status, power on/off, and more. The overall control scheme is intuitive and user-friendly.

One big difference between Frontier X2 and standard chest straps is the addition of a small screen on the core unit. Like on the first generation, the screen is primarily used to display battery life, mode status, and a post-workout summary of your activity. 

Not this might seem like a strange addition, and it is. I personally can’t see the point. Don’t get me wrong – this is more of an observation than a negative.

The screen’s positioning across the front of your chest makes it extremely difficult to read during exercise. Plus the strap will likely be sitting below a shirt or other garment. Even if you were looking at yourself in the mirror, it would not be easy to make out what the screen is displaying. If Frontier releases a third generation device, it may be an idea to do away with the screen altogether – as this may improve further the already excellent battery life.

Enhanced connectivity

The Frontier X2 offers a few different connectivity options for tracking your workouts:

1. Smartphone app: The method involves pairing the Frontier X2 with the accompanying iOS or Android app. This allows you to start, stop, and monitor your workouts directly from your smartphone. The device utilises Bluetooth for communication. You can also get a live feed of your ECG, as a separate function.
2. Standalone mode: Alternatively, you can use the Frontier X2 independently during your exercise session and sync the data to your smartphone afterward. This option is ideal for those who prefer to minimize distractions during their workouts. Or when its not practical to carry your phone with you.
3. External heart rate monitor: This one is my favourite. The Frontier X2 can also function as an external heart rate monitor, transmitting your heart rate data to compatible third-party devices, including Garmin, Polar, Wahoo, Zwift, and Peloton products. In parallel, it also captures all the same data as in standalone mode and saves it to the on-board memory.

Notably, the Frontier X2 can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, supporting up to two third-party devices in addition to the smartphone app. Although most users may not require this level of connectivity, it’s a valuable option for those who utilize multiple fitness trackers or platforms.

It’s important to note that the device, like its predecessor, does not support ANT+ connectivity. But it now has Bluetooth 5.0. Which is an improvement over the original as it allows for 3 times the speed and greater range. There are also faster updates for heart rate on connected devices.

Battery that won’t miss a beat

Battery life is excellent. On a single charge there is enough juice for continuously recording for up to 24 hours. So a bit of an improvement over the first generation. If you exercise every day for one hour with the chest strap, you’d only need to charge it once every two weeks. A full charge can be achieved in just 45 minutes.

During my testing, I found that topping up the device every 4-5 days for about 20-30 minutes was more than sufficient to keep it at 100%. Charging is done via a standard Micro USB cable, which is convenient for replacing if lost or damaged. This familiar charging method adds to the overall user-friendliness of the Frontier X2, ensuring you can easily keep it powered up and ready for your next workout.

Frontier X2 Use code FFGNW25 at checkout for a 30% discount

Frontier X2 review: Functionality

Setup & use

Setting up the Frontier X2 is a breeze. Simply download the Fourth Frontier app and create an account. Then pair your device. Your login credentials will also grant you access to the web dashboard, which offers a more comprehensive view of your data. For your initial workout, try tracking it directly through the app.

Attach the strap to your chest, turn it on, and the screen will display the time, a summary of your last workout, and battery and memory levels. Remember to dampen the sensors on the strap and your skin before each workout to ensure accurate data collection from the start. It is not absolutely necessary, but it does help. This practice is actually beneficial for most heart rate chest straps.

The smartphone app is very easy to use. Along the bottom are a few tabs. One is Home, which takes you to a screen with an overview of your stats, recommendations and selected forum posts. Next to that there is a tab that takes you to a feed of your workouts, a small plus sign which you need to click on in order to start manually activity tracking, a Community tab and a Settings tab.

Activity tracking – customising heart health alerts

Using your phone as a display is not very practical for certain types of exercise – such as running. But it can be a good option for those cycling, rowing and engaging in other types of activities. For runners, I suggest they use another option. Simply start and end the session by double-pressing the button on the device itself. As mentioned, everything will be stored on the onboard memory and you can leave your phone behind. Then simply sync Frontier X2 with your smartphone later on.

Those that want to initiate a workout via the app can do so via the small plus sign. After choosing your activity type (from the long list that includes run, cycle, walk, strength, etc.), you can customize alerts for Cardiac Strain and Breathing Rate by setting upper and lower limits. Or leave the default values. Exceeding these thresholds during your workout triggers a double buzz notification. 

Fourth Frontier emphasizes breathing rate, considering it equally important as heart rate during exercise, a claim open to debate. But the undeniable value of heart information is where Cardiac Strain enters the picture.

This proprietary metric, medically known as ST depression, measures oxygen deprivation in heart muscles. Consistently high values can damage heart cells and should be avoided, as they may lead to fibrosis or arrhythmias over time. Frontier X’s real-time buzz alerts warn users when they cross into this unhealthy territory.

Additionally, the Cardiac Rhythm feature uses ECG data to detect deviations, displaying a post-exercise pie chart of time spent in Blue (Normal Sinus Rhythm), Yellow (Other Rhythm), or Gray (Not Interpretable) zones. More detail is available in 20-second interval charts, flagging any suspicious changes.

This is the type of data that you will not get from any other heart rate chest strap. At least not in this easy to understand fashion.

There’s also an optional Share link. Click on that and you’ll get a link you can send to someone that will allow them to keep an eye on your stats in real time.

Once you’ve saved your preferences, click start and allow a few seconds for the first readings to appear.

For running or walking, the Frontier X2 smartphone app displays metrics such as Effort, Strain, Heart Rate, HRV, Training Load, Cadence, Distance, and Pace. The other sports are slightly tweaked versions of the same. I don’t think there’s much of a difference.

I put the Frontier X2 head-to-head with a Polar OH1 chest strap and the results were pretty impressive. The heart rate stats matched perfectly, so I’m confident that the Frontier X2 is the real deal when it comes to heart rate accuracy.

A useful feature is that a single press of the device’s physical button allows you to mark significant events during your workout. This could be anything from a sudden strain or difficulty breathing to simply starting a new lap. So that a feature to be aware of as it might be useful to you.

Post-workout stats

After your workout, give Frontier X2 a few moments to sync its treasure trove of data to your smartphone app. Then get ready to dive into a world of stats and graphs that go way beyond what you’d see with a typical heart rate monitor.

Training Load

To start off you get a weekly Training Load based on the time spent in different Breathing Rate zones. Its like a points system and you can view a chart of your progress. Fourth Frontier claims this method of calculating training load is more precise than using heart rate or power zones, citing research to back it up. For example, Breathing Rate is not effected by factors such as caffeine, lack of sleep, temperature, humidity and stress. All of these can cause distortions with heart rate based training.

Heart health and more

Click on the History tab for a list of all your individual workouts. Tap on any workout to get more detailed metrics. This is where it gets more exciting.

Sure, you’ll get the usual stuff like heart rate and calories burned, but it’s the unique metrics like ECG trace, Cardiac Strain, Cardiac Rhythm, and Body Shock that really set Frontier X2 apart. These are the type of insights you won’t find on “traditional” heart rate chest straps.

Things such as Cardiac Strain and Cardiac Rhythm give you an assessment of your heart health during exercise. For me, there were only a few irregularities that were flagged up – nothing to worry about.

The ECG trace, on the other hand, presents your activity in 20-second segments. Zoom in to pinpoint any flagged irregularities in your heart rhythm, or to examine the markers you set during your workout, which appear as vertical black lines on the graph.

Body Shock, in particular, deserves a shoutout. It measures the impact of each foot strike and letting you know if your form is putting undue stress on your knees or other joints. You’ll see how this impact changes throughout your workout, so you can catch any deterioration in your technique before it leads to injury.

The app itself is a data lover’s dream, with detailed charts and tables. You can even compare different workouts side-by-side to track your progress over time. And if you triggered any alerts during your workout, they’ll be waiting for you in the app, along with a plain-English summary of your overall performance and personalised recommendations for your next session.

Using the website dashboard

If you’re a data geek, the Frontier X2’s website dashboard is your playground. It takes everything great about the smartphone app and supercharges it, giving you a bigger, bolder view of your fitness journey. With its larger screen, you can dive deep into the wealth of stats and zoom in on details.

IBut the dashboard doesn’t stop there. It also throws in the Health Trends section, a feature that tracks your progress over time and uncovers hidden patterns you might have missed on the smaller screen.

Initially, the Health Trends section might seem a bit bare, but stick with it. After a couple of weeks of training, it’ll start to paint a picture of your fitness trajectory. Having said that, I do feel its more of a nice to have than a must have as it didn’t really help me with any groundbreaking realisations. But I am keeping an eye on it.

Using Frontier X2 with a 3rd party device

Pairing the Frontier X2 with a third-party device via Bluetooth, like my Garmin Forerunner 955, is another option. It works just like any other heart rate chest strap. But remember, data flows one way: from the Frontier X2 to your Garmin, not the other way around.

Since my original review was published Fourth Frontier have introduced functionality which allows users to connect their Garmin account directly with the Frontier X2 smartphone app. This is useful as it allows for syncing of GPS maps of your exercise from your Garmin account to the Frontier app and web dashboard.

Turning on the Frontier X2 doesn’t automatically start tracking, though. You’ll need to double-click the physical button to kick things off. So, with my Garmin, I switch on the Frontier X2 and wait for the connection to Garmin confirmation, get a GPS signal on the watch, and then double-click the Frontier X2 to start heart rate tracking. After a few seconds, I’ll start seeing the data on my Garmin, and then I start the workout. It might seem like a few extra steps, but it quickly becomes routine.

Beyond that there is nothing to do. When you finish your workout, you’ll need to end the activity both on your Garmin watch and on the chest strap (another double-click). Garmin has the heart rate data saved, while Frontier X2 has heart rate and all the other tracking data in its memory. So you can sync that afterwards to the Fourth Frontier smartphone app for detailed insights.

Apple Watch users get a special treat: a dedicated Frontier X2 app for choosing activities and controlling the device, plus real-time display of multiple Frontier X2 metrics right on the watch. It’s a feature I’m hoping to see on Garmin and other platforms soon.

Continuous 24 hour ECG recording

Beyond tracking workouts, you can also use Frontier X2 as an ECG recorder. The special mode is triggered from the smartphone app. It is where the device crosses into purely a health wearable.

Current ECG devices, primarily watches and handheld units, are not ideal for exercise as they require the user to be stationary and provide lower quality data due to recording from the finger or wrist instead of the chest. Additionally, they typically only capture short ECG segments, unlike the Frontier X2, which allows for longer continuous recordings.

Frontier X2 is a single lead ECG. But it more closely resembles the output from the V5 lead of a medical 12-lead ECG measurement. The ECG signal is sampled at 125Hz intervals which equates to once every 8 milliseconds, which is quite good. That’s particularly important considering this is the metric that is used to evaluate your heart health.

When you finish the recording, you can tap into a detailed evaluation of the readings.

There is no way for me to confirm the actual accuracy of ECG recordings. But I do have a few devices in my arsenal that can capture ECG – and the waveforms look very similar.

“In studies comparing the Frontier X2 to a Holter Device and 12 Lead ECG, the Frontier X2 picked up all abnormal heart rhythm changes (arrhythmias) found by Holter and 12-Lead ECG, and adequately measured heart rate and QTc changes.” states Fourth Frontier on its website.

For those that want to share their recording with a doctor or a loved on, Frontier X2 comes with an option to send remote readings. You’ll get a link which you email to the other person – once they click on it they’ll be able to follow your ECG in real-time. By the way, you get this same option when starting a workout via the smartphone app.

Frontier X2 review: Pros & Cons

Frontier X2 has a lot going for it. But it also has a few cons. Let’s list them.

Pros:

• In-depth data: The Frontier X2 dives deep into physiological metrics, offering far more than a standard heart rate monitor. ECG, Cardiac Strain, Cardiac Rhythm, and Body Shock are just a few of the unique insights you’ll gain. They add a whole new element to your activity tracking.
• Versatile use: Whether you’re using it independently, with the smartphone app, or paired with a third-party device like a Garmin watch, the Frontier X2 adapts to your preferences.
• Accurate tracking: Heart rate data is comparable to trusted brands like Polar, ensuring reliable tracking for your workouts.
• Workout insights: Body Shock analysis helps you identify potential injury risks in your form, while post-workout summaries and personalized recommendations guide your training.
• Real-time alerts: The device buzzes to warn you of excessive strain or unusual heart rhythms, allowing you to adjust your workout intensity as needed. You might be suffering from heart rate issues that you might not be aware of. The idea of this wearable is to warn you if this is, indeed, the case. It also warns if your breathing rate goes up to much during exercise, as this can be damaging to your lungs.
• Long battery life: A single charge lasts up to 24 hours of continuous recording, ensuring you won’t run out of juice during extended activities.
• User-friendly app and dashboard: Both platforms offer easy navigation and in-depth analysis, with the web dashboard providing even more powerful tools for data exploration.
• 24-hour ECG monitoring: Unlike other ECG devices, the Frontier X2 allows for continuous recording, giving you a comprehensive view of your heart health throughout the day.

Cons:

• Price: The Frontier X2 is a premium device with a price tag to match – particularly if you compare it to a standard chest strap. This makes it a significant investment for most users.
• Screen usability: The screen on the core unit is difficult to read during exercise and may not be necessary for all users.
• Learning curve: While generally user-friendly, the device’s advanced features and data may require some time to fully understand and utilize effectively.
• Limited third-party integration: Although the Frontier X2 can connect to multiple devices, some features, like real-time display of metrics, are only available on Apple Watch.
• No ANT+ connectivity: The device relies solely on Bluetooth for communication, which may be a drawback for users who prefer ANT+ compatible devices.

While the Frontier X2 delivers on its promises, I’m holding out hope that Fourth Frontier will release an armband version in the future, offering a more convenient alternative to the chest strap. And does away from the display – I feel there’s no need for it.

To help you understand how the Frontier X2 stacks up against other heart rate monitors and ECG devices, check out this handy comparison chart created by Fourth Frontier. It clearly outlines the key differences between each type of device,giving you a clear picture of what the Frontier X2 brings to the table.

Frontier X2 review: The bottom line, is it worth it?

Frontier X2 isn’t for everyone. Its premium price might be a dealbreaker for casual users or those interested only in basic heart rate tracking. However, if you’re serious about understanding your body, training smarter, and potentially identifying underlying health issues, the Frontier X2 is a worthy investment. Its wealth of data, unique insights, and real-time alerts provide a level of detail that few other wearables can match.

While older individuals may find particular value in its features, the device’s appeal isn’t limited by age. Anyone curious about their heart’s performance during workouts can benefit from the detailed data and real-time feedback it provides. This includes athletes seeking to optimize their training, individuals recovering from cardiac events or injuries, or simply those who want a more comprehensive understanding of their overall health.

Frontier X2 Use code FFGNW25 at checkout for a 30% discount

You’ll get answers to questions such as: Am I overexerting my heart and lungs? Can I push harder? The thing even tracks the impact on your joints with each foot-strike, potentially preventing injuries. For those who push their limits during workouts, the reassurance of staying within safe zones is invaluable.

Then there’s the live ECG function. It adds another dimension, valuable for those recovering from heart issues or simply curious about their heart health. 

Ultimately, it boils down to what you’re after.

If heart rate tracking is all you need, a regular chest strap will do the job just fine, and at a fraction of the cost. But if you’re curious about other aspects of your health during exercise, the Frontier X2 goes above and beyond a simple heart rate monitor. It’s not a medical device, but it packs a punch when it comes to information and insights.

Price, where to buy

Frontier X2 can be purchased on the company’s website. Use code FFGNW25 at checkout for a 30% discount.

If the Frontier X2’s price tag gives you pause, the original Frontier X is a worthy alternative. The difference in features between the two is not big. It boils down to 3x faster wireless data sync on X2, along with faster updates for heart rate on connected devices, 30 hours vs 24 hours data storage memory and improvements in battery life.

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The post Frontier X2 review: The heart rate monitor for data-driven athletes appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.