These sleep earbuds monitor brain waves, and have a most unusual subscription plan
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Earbuds designed for sleep are an interesting niche, and the latest entry comes from newcomer NextSense.
In addition to some unique functionality, the NextSense Smartbuds have an optional subscription which is one of the strangest we’ve seen.
NextSense Smartbuds features
Inside the earbuds are six clinical-grade electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors. These monitor your brain waves while you sleep, and the data is used for the earbuds to play special tuned pink noise to help the brain maintain its most restorative deep sleep state.
Sleep tracking is also provided using an accelerometer, and data is presented in the Smartbuds app. The battery inside the earbuds is expected to last for nine hours, and the case provides four full charges.
If you don’t want to listen to NextSense’s pink noise, the Bluetooth earbuds can also be used to stream audio from a connected device. The earbud shape is reminiscent of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, but the website does not include any dimensions to compare them to other sleep earbuds.
Fit and comfort is really the most critical aspect of any sleep earbud, especially if you’re a side sleeper, where an oversize earbud can quickly become uncomfortable, and even lead to bruising.
Price and subscription
Wearables with EEGs aren’t new, but this is the first time we’ve seen them in earbuds designed for sleep. Previously, products like the Muse incorporated the sensors into a headband, and sold on possible benefits around improving focus, learning, and athletic performance.
The NextSense Smartbuds normally cost $300, but are currently on offer for $249, but it’s not clear how long this will last.
NextSense states the Smartbuds are designed to be purchased with a monthly subscription package, which instead of being related to the data or functionality, provides a monthly refresh of the ear tips and special conductive wings.
This costs $15 per month, and is apparently required to ensure the best fit and an uninterrupted connection for the EEG, plus to make sure everyone is wearing the cleanest earbuds possible overnight. It joins other health and fitness subscriptions tied to wearables, including Fitbit Premium at $10 per month, and the Oura Ring 4’s $6 per month subscription.
Important details
The NextSense Smartbuds are available to purchase now, but careful examination of the company’s website shows the NextSense app is currently only available for iOS. Android Police has contacted the company to establish when, or if, an Android app is in development and when it may arrive.
We will update here when Nextsense responds.