tDCS Device Comparison

Consumer, Professional, and Research Grade tDCS Devices

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not medical or legal advice. It is not an endorsement of any device, application or use. It is based entirely on information in the listed publications and information from manufacturer websites.

What is consumer tDCS? Consumer tDCS devices are marketed directly towards users. They can be marketed simply as “tDCS” or for cognitive enhancement or for performance enhancement. They cannot be marketed for medical use, such as the treatment of a disease, since then they would be classified as medical devices. Once a consumer obtains a device, they can use their device for for any application. Consumer devices are cheaper then research grade devices. The FDA has provided letters to companies like Thync and Halo; allowing them to market tDCS for consumer purposes without making claims on medical therapy. The highest quality consumer devices are professional grade.

What is research grade tDCS? Research devices are those marketed for use in clinical trials. Research devices used in clinical trials must see the same design and manufacturing standards as professional devices. This means, according to regulations in the US, Europe and other countries, devices tested on people need to be built to professional devices standards, even when they are not yet approved for use. For this reason, professional and research grade devices are the same thing as far the devices themselves. The difference is simply how they are marketed. For example, the Soterix Medical 1x1 tDCS is marketed in the US for research but is approved and marketed in Europe for the treatment of depression, pain (migraine, fibromyalgia) and stroke rehabilitation.

What is HD-tDCS? HD-tDCS stands for High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Regular tDCS uses relatively large electrodes (about 5x5 cm) while HD-tDCS uses relatively small electrodes (about 1x1 cm) which are gel filled. HD-tDCS is found only on Research / Professional grade devices. HD-tDCS can be used with EEG to record brain activity.

*Exceptions: Devices not currently sold by Caputron

Disclaimer: Caputron provides this information as a service. Though we do our best to provide the most up to date specifications, information on this site should not be used as a substitute for researching the devices directly with the manufacturer. We do not guarantee the information provided. Caputron is not responsible and shall not be liable to you or others for any decision made or action taken by you in reliance on this information obtained from this database.