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ZDNET's key takeaways
NextSense earbuds monitor brain activity using EEG.
The sleep earbuds claim to use EEG for restorative sleep.
They cost $399 and are available to preorder.
Brain-tracking technology is coming to your next pair of earbuds. Companies have figured out how to put EEG technology into consumer devices like earbuds and headphones -- and this capability could fundamentally change the features available in your next purchase.
Take the NextSense Smartbuds, for example. The EEG earbuds not only have soundscapes and audio that send you to sleep, but also claim to deliver more restorative sleep through their brainwave-sensing technology.
Also: Best of CES 2026
To take an EEG (or electroencephalogram) in a medical setting, individuals have 20 electrodes placed around their skull. These electrodes are adhered to the skull with sticky gel and measure brain electrical activity with the assistance of a medical professional. After the EEG-monitoring session is over, people often use multiple shampoos to remove the gel from their hair.
Now, NextSense is bringing that brainwave-sensing technology to its new earbuds; no sticky gel or vigorous shampooing required.
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