Athena vs. Muse S G2: The biggest brain tech upgrade yet

Advancements in neurotechnology continue to push the boundaries of brain training, and the launch of Muse S: Athena marks a significant step forward. With enhanced precision, expanded tracking capabilities, and the introduction of EEG + fNIRS, Athena builds upon the foundation of Muse S Gen 2 to offer more comprehensive insights into cognitive performance, focus, and stress management.

What makes Athena different? By combining electroencephalography (EEG) for brainwave tracking with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure mental effort, it provides a more detailed understanding of how the brain functions during concentration, relaxation, and cognitive load. Studies have demonstrated that integrating EEG and fNIRS offers deeper insights into cognitive processes and clinical conditions, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of brain function [1]. Here’s a closer look at the key advancements and how they improve brain training.

Sharper EEG precision for more accurate brain insights

Tracking brain activity is all about precision, and Athena is the most precise wearable on the market considering it is pioneering the way in consumer wearables with combining EEG and fNIRS. While combining the 2 forms of tracking delivers precision, Athena has our best EEG tracking yet. With 14-bit resolution (compared to the 12-bit system in Muse S G2), it captures even subtle shifts in brainwave activity. The EEG system has also expanded, now featuring four on-head EEG channels plus four auxiliary channels, up from the previous 4 + 2 setup.

This means more accurate real-time tracking of your focus, relaxation, and mental effort. Plus, with a new amplifier and FPC technology, noise interference has been significantly reduced, ensuring a stronger, cleaner signal during every session.

fNIRS—a new layer of brain tracking

One of the most exciting upgrades in Athena is the addition of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)—a game-changer for cognitive training.

Unlike EEG, which tracks electrical activity in the brain, fNIRS provides additional data on blood oxygenation in the frontal cortex, offering a different perspective on cognitive workload. By measuring changes in oxygenated blood levels, Athena helps capture patterns that may be associated with sustained focus and mental effort. A 5-optode sensor tracks blood oxygenation in the frontal cortex, offering a new way to assess cognitive workload. With a 64Hz sampling rate, Athena provides deeper insight into how the brain responds to different levels of mental demand, whether maintaining steady focus or shifting between tasks. Research has shown that combining EEG and fNIRS improves mental state decoding accuracy across various paradigms, highlighting the value of this integrated approach [2].​

This technology also unlocks a new interactive neurofeedback experience in the Muse App: guiding an owl’s flight using only your mental effort. As you wear the lightweight, sensor-equipped headband, the Owl responds in real time—soaring as cognitive effort increases and slowing as mental strain subsides, measured by your brain’s blood oxygenation levels. Unlike previous Muse models, Athena supports both eyes-open and eyes-closed training, making it ideal for strengthening focus, resilience, and cognitive endurance across both active and meditative states.

Smarter heart & sleep tracking with an upgraded PPG sensor

Athena goes beyond brain activity, offering enhanced tracking for heart rate, recovery, and sleep quality. With improved sensors, it provides more detailed insights into physiological patterns that can help you better understand stress levels, rest, and overall well-being.

The upgraded PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor now uses triple-wavelength technology (Infrared, Near-IR, and Red) to deliver even more precise readings. With a 20-bit resolution (up from 16-bit in Muse S G2), you get deeper insights into heart rate variability, stress response, and overall recovery.

Better accuracy means more reliable data. Whether you're tracking heart rate, fine-tuning your breathwork, or analyzing sleep patterns, Athena helps you build better recovery habits and maintain peak mental fitness.

Faster, more reliable connectivity with BLE 5.3

Neurofeedback works best when it’s seamless—and Athena ensures a smooth experience by upgrading from Bluetooth 4.2 to BLE 5.3.

This means:

• Faster data transmission with less lag.

• More stable connectivity, even in high-interference environments.

• Lower power consumption, extending battery life.

No more dropouts or delayed tracking—just real-time brain training at its best.

More comfort & durability with silver-thread EEG electrodes

Comfort is essential, especially for a device designed to be worn during sleep and extended brain training sessions. Athena’s updated design enhances both fit and functionality, ensuring consistent sensor contact for accurate readings without compromising ease of use. Athena replaces the conductive silver ink adhesive used in Muse S G2 with silver-thread fabric EEG electrodes, improving durability, flexibility, and signal quality for a more reliable and comfortable experience.

The result?

• A softer, more flexible fit that adapts to your head shape.

• Better conductivity, reducing interference and improving EEG signal clarity.

• Greater durability, meaning your headband lasts longer without losing effectiveness.

It’s a small change that makes a big difference in the overall experience.

USB-C charging to keep you connected 

The days of Micro-USB frustration are over. Athena finally makes the switch to USB-C, bringing faster, more reliable charging that aligns with today’s tech standards.

No more fumbling for outdated cables—just quick, universal charging that keeps your device ready when you need it.

Athena: The future of brain training is here

With advancements in EEG resolution, fNIRS tracking, heart rate and sleep monitoring, BLE 5.3 connectivity, and overall design, Athena redefines what’s possible in consumer neurotechnology. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a new standard for neurofeedback technology.

For those looking to improve focus, enhance mindfulness, or support better recovery, Athena offers a new level of insight into brain activity. With advanced technology designed for everyday use, it helps you train smarter, reduce stress, and build better mental fitness habits.

Order Muse S: Athena today and start your own era of mental fitness.

References:

 [1] Bitbrain. (2023). Fusion of fNIRS and EEG: A step further in brain research. Bitbrain Blog. Retrieved from https://www.bitbrain.com/blog/fusion-fnirs-eeg-brain-activity-research

[2] Aghajani, H., Zahedi, E., & Khalilzadeh, M. A. (2022). Multimodal integration of EEG-fNIRS for characterization of brain function: Advances and future directions. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.823435