Choosing the right PEMF machine

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a non-invasive way to improve health, manage pain, and enhance recovery. These devices have been available to use in doctor’s offices and clinics for some time, but now, products are starting to be sold directly to consumers for them to use in the comfort of their own homes.

PEMF devices come in various forms, including mats, pads, handheld coils, and headbands. As you’d imagine, different devices are meant to do different things. Some PEMF devices are even sold as multifunctional consoles, with applicators you can buy for different indications. Whether you're looking for a full-body treatment with a PEMF mat or a wearable solution like a PEMF hat, there's a device to suit your lifestyle and health goals.

PEMF therapy devices for home use

There are tons of PEMF therapy devices you can buy online to use at home. The most popular type of PEMF machine is the PEMF mat. Similar products, like larger PEMF beds and smaller PEMF pads, follow closely behind. The size of these products tends to influence the cost. Small PEMF pads tend to be highly affordable, while the average PEMF mat or PEMF bed usually cost thousands of dollars.

StimuField PEMF Cap

Features: StimuField PEMF cap is a rechargeable, battery-operated PEMF hat that’s meant to be used for 30 minutes a day. As a wearable, it’s lightweight and comfortable. You shouldn’t get it soaking wet, but otherwise, it’s almost unrecognizable as a PEMF device and looks just like any other hat. 

Indications: StimuField PEMF cap is designed to improve scalp health to support natural hair growth. 

Cost: $649 (with pre-order discount and photo rebate)

Pros & Cons: StimuField PEMF cap is one of the only wearable PEMF machines on the market. While there are other PEMF devices, like PEMF pads or PEMF headbands, that you can apply to your head, the only one that provides full head coverage is StimuField PEMF cap. 

Popular PEMF mats

1. HigherDose Infrared PEMF Mats

Features: HigherDose sells two infrared heated PEMF mats, the Infrared PEMF Mat and Infrared PEMF Go Mat. The larger Higher Dose PEMF mat is 29 x 73 inches, while their smaller Infrared PEMF Go Mat is 19.5 x 39 inches. The manufacturer says that both of these mats have ​​far infrared therapy, negative ion therapy, and crystal therapy incorporated into them. Both mats have four PEMF settings.

Indications: The Higher Dose PEMF mat is meant for people with exercise-induced muscle tightness, stress, poor sleep, and minor muscle pain, joint pain, muscle spasms, and sprains.

Cost: $699 for the Infrared PEMF Go Mat and $1,295 for the Infrared PEMF Mat.

Pros & Cons: Both of the HigherDose PEMF mats provide infrared and PEMF, which are technologies that should work together synergistically. The HigherDose Infrared Go Mat is fairly lightweight and also one of the more affordable PEMF mats available. The Higher Dose Infrared PEMF Mat is very large and bulky, though, weighing in at 43 pounds and roughly twice the price. 

2. QRS PEMF Mat (QRS® 101 Home System)

Features: The QRS PEMF mat, also known as the QRS® 101 Home System, is a kit that comes with a control device, a PEMF mat that’s 67 inches long, and a PEMF pillow. You can also buy additional applicators to use with the system. It’s possible to use preset programs or with the purchase of an additional accessory, additional customizable treatments can be enabled onto the device. 

Indications: On the manufacturer’s website, the device is advertised for a number of indications, ranging from pain to psoriasis to cardiovascular problems, though it doesn’t seem to be FDA-approved for the treatment of any of these conditions.

Cost: The QRS PEMF mat is sold by several third party providers that charge different amounts for the product. The cost ranges between around $3,500 and $4,000.

Pros & Cons: The system itself is expensive – one of the priciest options on the market. There are also further accessories to purchase that drive the total price up even further. It is also possible to purchase a 10-year warranty, though this also comes at an additional cost.

‍3. OMI PEMF Full Body Mat

Features: Oxford Medical Instruments (OMI) sells many PEMF devices, one of which is their PEMF mat. The mat comes with three preset programs. Each OMI PEMF mat also comes with a PEMF medallion.

Indications: The manufacturer’s website says that the OMI PEMF mat can help improve mental clarity, focus, productivity, energy, vitality, mood, and sleep quality. 

Cost: $1,250

Pros & Cons: The OMI PEMF mat is lightweight, easy to use, and the second cheapest full body mat available. It comes with a 3-year warranty. The cost is still significant, especially if this is your first PEMF purchase. However, OMI also sells a mini PEMF mat (that’s closer to a pillow in size), a belt-like wrap (called the PEMF PowerBand), and a ring that are more affordable.

4. BioBalance PEMF System

Features: The BioBalance PEMF System is a full-body, 68 x 23 inch PEMF mat that comes with an additional 20 x 14 inch PEMF pillow pad. It comes with six programs, and has the capacity to function for as little as 10 minutes or as long as 12 hours. The BioBalance PEMF System can be battery operated or plugged into an outlet.

Indications: The device is designed to improve overall health, and the manufacturer states that it can help increase energy and focus, improve recovery time and sleep, decrease inflammation, and more.  

Cost: $2,590.00

Pros & Cons: The BioBalance PEMF System comes with a PEMF mat and pad, which means it can be used by two people at once. The company is also very transparent with their PEMF parameters, which is ideal if you’re an experienced user and know what you’re looking for. But even then, the price is pretty high. If you’re a first time PEMF device buyer, you’d have to be pretty committed to using the technology to make this purchase worth it. 

5. TheraPro Multi-Therapeutic Healing Pad

Features: The TheraPro Multi-Therapeutic Healing Pad (sometimes also referred to as a PEMF + Infrared + Red Light Pad), comes in two sizes: regular and large. The regular sized version is a 33.5 x 18.5 inch PEMF pad, while the larger version is closer to a PEMF mat, at 58.5 x 26 inches. Both of these products do far more than PEMF. They also have the capability to emit red light, full spectrum infrared light, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and gemstone technology.

Indications: The manufacturer indicates that their PEMF device can be used by all sorts of people, ranging from athletes to people who want to boost immunity to individuals with cold hands and feet.

Cost: $546 for the TheraPro Multi-Therapeutic Healing Pad Regular or $975 for the TheraPro Multi-Therapeutic Healing Pad Large.

Pros & Cons: This PEMF machine certainly has the capability to do a lot, and it’s one of the most affordable PEMF mat/pad devices available. However, it’s hard to know if it does everything it claims to. The device might also include features you don’t necessarily want or need. 

6. Bemer PEMF

Features: Bemer’s EVO line is sold in the form of their basic, classic, and premium sets. All of these sets include PEMF mats. The classic and premium sets come with a PEMF pad (which is more of a wearable wrap) and can come with a PEMF bed. If your set doesn’t come with the additional applicator or accessory you want, you can also choose to purchase it separately. 

Indications: BEMER’s website states that their devices stimulate healthy muscles to improve and facilitate muscle performance, temporarily improving local blood circulation. This indication  has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Cost: $4,599 for Bemer Evo $5,490 for the Bemer Evo Classic options, and $5,890 for Bemer Evo Premium

Pros & Cons: BEMER products are classified as FDA Class II Cleared medical devices, which is a testimonial to their safety and effectiveness. This is quite unique as few other popular PEMF products have been cleared as medical devices. Their devices are also meant to work quite quickly, producing positive effects with just 16 minutes of use a day. The biggest downside is that these kits are hugely expensive – they’re some of the most expensive PEMF devices you can buy.

7. Pure Wave PEMF

Features: PureWave has two products: the PEMI Portable PEMF mat that’s meant for consumers, and the VEMI Biosynchronizer Bed, which is intended for spas, clinics, and wellness centers. The VEMI is a PEMF bed with infrared heat and vibroacoustic features built in. Their PEMF mat comes with a small, pillow-sized PEMF pad. Both the mat and pad operate via a separate controller unit. Additional PureWave PEMF accessories like headphones, pens, and glasses are also available for purchase.

Indications: The manufacturer says that their products are meant to improve cellular health, relaxation, and vitality.

Cost: $5,000 plus shipping for the PEMI PEMF mat. $50,000 for the VEMI PEMF bed.

Pros & Cons: This company focuses on the cellular mechanism of action of PEMF, which means they don’t recommend their device for any particular indications. These devices are also extremely costly, considering that there are other products – including FDA-cleared medical devices – that do the same things for a fraction of the cost. 

Other popular PEMF therapy devices

If you’re not interested in sitting or reclining on your PEMF product, there are many other types of PEMF devices, including handheld coils, headbands, and rings.

1. Pulse PEMF

Features: Pulse PEMF sells multiple devices, which range from around 10 to 24 kilograms. These complex tools have tunable power settings and can be used with a wide range of applicators, including a PEMF bed, mat, pad, chair, rings, and paddles.

Indications: The manufacturer’s website states that PEMF can increase energy, improve athletic performance and recovery, and support relaxation.  

Cost: Pulse PEMF devices are consoles that start at a cost of $13,200. These consoles can cost as much up to $31,200. Applicators are sold separately and their individual costs range between $920 and $3,750.

Pros & Cons: These tools are primarily designed for professionals, with tunable settings that the average consumer doesn’t want or need, and are sold at a price point that makes them out of reach for most individuals. 

2. Haelo PEMF

Features: Haelo is a large, handheld PEMF coil with different programs that are delivered by mobile app. The Haelo PEMF coil requires a console to operate. The combined weight of the coil and console is 11 pounds.

Indications: The manufacturer’s website says that Haelo PEMF is meant to support mental acuity, endurance, immune function, physical recovery, sleep, stress resilience, and energy levels.

Cost: This device costs $3,297, with premium settings that are available for a monthly fee.

Pros & Cons: Haelo PEMF is a fairly costly device, considering that it doesn’t have the ability for full body application. It is the only PEMF machine that operates using the convenience of a mobile app – but in contrast, it also is the only device that charges a monthly subscription for premium features. 

3. Omni PEMF NeoRhythm Products

Features: Omni PEMF has three products that are part of their NeoRhythm line: a PEMF pad, PEMF headband, and PEMF tube. 

Indications: The manufacturer states that Omni PEMF devices are meant to improve pain relief, sleep, relaxation, focus, and meditation. Unlike most other PEMF products, their focus is on mental wellness.

Cost: All Omni PEMF devices cost between $265 and $279. Multiple devices can be purchased at a discount when purchased as part of a package.

Pros & Cons: Omni PEMF devices are very affordable, portable, and lightweight. They’re designed for comfortable daily use and can also be used while traveling and sleeping. However, they’re pretty much the opposite of the popular PEMF mat, since none of these small devices are suitable for full body treatment. 

Choosing the best PEMF device

Choosing the right PEMF device can be a challenge. The market is filled with options, ranging from affordable, portable solutions to costly, high-end, full-body systems. The ones mentioned in this article are just some of the most popular choices!  

While the upfront costs of PEMF devices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, the potential long-term benefits can make these investments worthwhile. However, it's important to match the device to your specific needs. Many PEMF machines have a wide range of features that increase their costs. Unless you’re a PEMF expert or in the medical field, chances are you won’t need such a wide range of functions. Spending on a high-end model with features you won't use might not be the best use of your hard earned cash.

Devices like the TheraPro, OMI, and HigherDose PEMF mats are solid options for individuals looking for a combination of PEMF with additional therapies. These mats are generally well-suited to improve overall wellness. At the other end of the spectrum, Bemer PEMF products are in a more premium tier, but offer advanced features and FDA clearance for individuals  seeking targeted, clinical-grade therapy.

On the other hand, portable devices like the Omni PEMF NeoRhythm headbands and StimuField PEMF hats offer a more affordable entry into PEMF therapy, though they lack the full-body application of mats. Their focus on specific health benefits also makes them unique.

Among the many PEMF devices available, StimuField PEMF cap stands out as the only one specifically designed to target hair and scalp health. While other devices offer general wellness benefits, StimuField’s unique focus on using PEMF to support hair growth provides a specialized solution that no other device currently offers. This makes it an invaluable tool for individuals dealing with hair loss, offering a targeted and innovative approach that justifies its place in the market.