Choosing the best tDCS device can be tricky. With so many choices now available, it is important to know what features to look for. After receiving feedback from our customers and speaking with leaders in the field, we have put together the list below highlighting the essential features
- Build Quality — Is the device you are using Medical Grade? Is it FDA Cleared? tDCS is currently not FDA cleared but some devices such as the Activadose do have an FDA clearance for iontophoresis and they are recommended by physicians and researchers for tDCS use.
- Accurate Current Delivery — Does the device have enough power (minimum 20 volts max output) to provide an accurate current delivery with varying skin resistances?
- Automatic Current Ramp Up / Down — Does the device gradually increase and decrease the current automatically to allow your skin to accommodate to the sensation of stimulation?
- Built-in Timer — Does the device automatically ramp down and shut off after your pre-set amount of time?
- Low Battery Indicator — Does the device let you know when the battery is too low to complete a session?
By using the above list as a reference, it is possible to narrow down your choice to a handful of devices. It is then important to consider your budget. There remain a few more budget friendly devices available such as the Focus Go Flow and the BrainDriver tDCS device. However, if you want the best device available, physicians and researchers alike recommend the Activadose tDCS device.
To help make the decision easier for you, Caputron has put together both a device comparison table, as well as a list of the best selling tDCS devices.
Most people who want to use tDCS for research, treatment or performance enhancement want to reproduce a tDCS protocol that has been studied and published in a scientific paper. These include several popular approaches such as bi-frontal stimulation (for mood and attention), motor stimulation (for motor learning and pain control) and the so-called DARPA montage (for learning and vigilance). Though there are many variations in “dosage” used (how much current, time, number of sessions), the idea is always reproducibility; reproducing what was done before not only from the perspective of efficacy (outcomes) but also tolerability (safety, how things feel). The right device, along with the correct electrodes and headgear, are critical for reproducibility. It is a mistake to assume that any device that provides stimulation is acceptable. With this in mind, the following publication on tDCS Device Guidelines is an excellent source of information and helps provide clarity to consumers interested in home tDCS.
