Mendi Review: fNIRS Neurofeedback vs SereniBrain EEG

These devices measure different signals. SereniBrain uses EEG electrical activity for meditation and focus feedback; Mendi uses fNIRS blood-oxygen changes for game-based prefrontal training.

Compare the details
SereniBrain EEG neurofeedback headband

SereniBrain

EEG meditation + focus

Mendi neurofeedback product

Mendi

fNIRS training

Disclosure: SereniBrain makes a competing EEG headband. This review uses publicly available product information and compares the products by sensing method, feedback, app experience and data access.

What matters before choosing Mendi

Mendi is a consumer neurofeedback headband, but it does not measure EEG brainwaves. It uses fNIRS to track changes in blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex and turns those changes into visual feedback in the app.

SignalfNIRS blood-flow and oxygenation sensing
FeedbackVisual, game-based neurofeedback
Best fitPeople who want simple eyes-open prefrontal training

Mendi strengths

  • A simple visual training loop that does not require interpreting brainwave bands.
  • Non-invasive optical sensing focused on prefrontal activity.
  • Clear separation between setup, training and progress review in the app.

Things to consider

  • Mendi is fNIRS, not EEG, so it does not show electrical brainwave activity.
  • The core experience is eyes-open visual training rather than eyes-closed meditation with audio feedback.
  • Comparisons with EEG devices should be treated as different sensing approaches, not as the same measurement with different branding.

Source check: Mendi Help — sensing method and Mendi Help — how it works. Checked September 2026.

Compare what changes the experience.

Seven practical differences, shown without a winner column.

Feature
SereniBrain headband
SereniBrain
Mendi
Mendi

Technology

SereniBrainForehead EEG
MendifNIRS blood-oxygen sensing

Best for

SereniBrainGuided meditation, focus practice and detailed EEG review
MendiVisual, game-based prefrontal training

Real-time feedback

SereniBrainAudio and visual neurofeedback
MendiVisual neurofeedback game

Session detail

SereniBrainScore, state curve, raw EEG and six supported bands
MendiTraining performance and progress trends

App content

SereniBrainGuided, free and eyes-open focus practice
MendiShort game-based training sessions

Data export

SereniBrainSupported CSV export included
MendiNot presented as a standard user-facing CSV export

Ongoing app cost

SereniBrainCore app included; no required subscription
MendiCurrent app described as subscription-free

Competitor details were checked against official product information in September 2026. Features and plans can change.

Electrical activity and blood oxygen tell different stories.

SereniBrain responds to EEG activity during meditation or focus practice and provides a detailed session report. Mendi uses a visual game to train changes in oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex.

Neither sensing method makes the other obsolete. The useful choice is whether you want EEG-guided meditation and data review, or fNIRS game-based prefrontal training.

Using SereniBrain in an everyday practice
SereniBrain app session information

Questions about SereniBrain and Mendi.

Short answers to the questions people ask before choosing.

Is EEG the same as fNIRS?

No. EEG records small electrical changes at the scalp. fNIRS estimates changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated blood near the surface of the brain. They are different signals.

Is SereniBrain better than Mendi?

They are built for different experiences. SereniBrain is the better fit for EEG-guided meditation, focus practice and detailed session review. Mendi is the better fit for visual, game-based fNIRS training.

Which device provides audio feedback?

SereniBrain supports audio feedback for eyes-closed meditation and audio or visual feedback for eyes-open practice. Mendi centers its experience on a visual neurofeedback game.

Do SereniBrain and Mendi require subscriptions?

SereniBrain includes its core app without a required subscription. Mendi currently describes its app as subscription-free. Confirm current terms before purchasing.

SereniBrain EEG Neurofeedback Headband

Start training with real-time EEG feedback.

A guided meditation and focus-training headband designed to help you notice distraction, return your attention, and understand each session.

SereniBrain EEG Neurofeedback Headband
$199.99
No mandatory subscription 30-day returns iOS & Android