BrainBit Headband Gen 1 vs Gen 2: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between two generations of the BrainBit Headband doesn't necessarily mean choosing between "old" and "new."

The better question is: which BrainBit Headband is better suited to the way you plan to use it?

Both generations are wireless 4-channel EEG headbands designed to record brain activity from O1, O2, T3, and T4. They use dry electrodes and Bluetooth connectivity, making EEG acquisition possible without conductive gel and lengthy preparation.

The main differences between BrainBit Headband Gen 1 and Gen 2 are electrode design, user experience, hardware generation, and SDK support.

And depending on your hair type, workflow, and development plans, Gen 1 may still be exactly what you need.

The Biggest Difference: Short Pins vs Long Pins

The most noticeable difference between the two Headband generations is the electrode design.

BrainBit Headband Gen 1: Short-Pin Electrodes

Gen 1 uses short-pin dry electrodes.

For people with short or thin hair or very little hair the shorter pins can provide comfortable contact without pressing as deeply against the scalp.

With longer or thicker hair, however, establishing good electrode-to-scalp contact may require more careful adjustment and positioning.

BrainBit Headband Gen 2: Long-Pin Electrodes

Gen 2 uses long-pin dry electrodes designed to make it easier to establish contact through different hair types.

This makes Gen 2 particularly versatile for people with longer or thicker hair, or in professional environments where the same Headband may be used by multiple people.

There is a trade-off: because the pins reach further toward the scalp, some users may notice more pressure during longer sessions.

So there isn't a universally “better” electrode design. The right choice depends on who will be wearing the Headband and how it will be used.

Gen 1 vs Gen 2 for Software Development

For most end users, electrode design and comfort may be the biggest considerations.

For developers and companies, however, there is another important difference: SDK support.

BrainBit Headband Gen 1 works with the first-generation BrainBit SDK. It remains a suitable option for existing projects and integrations built around the original Headband, but it is no longer the current development platform.

BrainBit Headband Gen 2 works with the current BrainBit SDK platform and is the recommended option for companies and developers starting new software or product-development projects.

If you're building a new BrainBit application or integration today, we recommend Gen 2.

But that doesn't mean Gen 1 is no longer useful.

When Should You Choose BrainBit Headband Gen 1 with Short-Pin Electrodes?

Consider Gen 1 if you:

• Have short or thin hair.
• Plan to use existing compatible BrainBit software or an existing Gen 1 integration.
• Need EEG for neurofeedback, research, observation, or personal use.
• Don't need the current SDK for new software development.
• Want a proven BrainBit Headband at a lower current price.

Gen 1 is not an obsolete product.

For many professional and personal EEG applications, it can still provide everything you need. If your workflow doesn't require the current SDK and short-pin electrodes work well for you, moving to Gen 2 simply because it is newer may not provide a meaningful advantage.

And right now, there is another reason to consider Gen 1.

Special Offer: BrainBit Headband Gen 1 Is Now $399

BrainBit Headband Gen 1 with short-pin electrodes is currently available for:

$399 instead of $499 - 20% off

The offer is available while supplies last.

For practitioners, researchers, existing BrainBit users, and individual users who don't require the current development platform, this makes Gen 1 an especially attractive way to access 4-channel BrainBit EEG.

Shop BrainBit Headband Gen 1 with Short Pin-Electrodes

When Should You Choose BrainBit Headband Gen 2?

Consider Gen 2 if you:

• Have long or thick hair, or need a Headband suitable for a wider range of users.
• Are starting a new software or product-development project.
• Need the current BrainBit SDK platform.
• Want the current BrainBit Headband hardware generation.
• Plan to use a solution that specifically requires Gen 2.

For developers and companies building new applications, Gen 2 is our recommended choice.

Explore BrainBit Headband Gen 2

BrainBit Headband Gen 1 vs Gen 2 at a Glance

The takeaway is simple:

You don't always need the newest generation. You need the right one.

Prefer a Visual Comparison?

Want to see the two BrainBit Headbands side by side?

Our interactive guide compares electrode design, comfort, use cases, SDK support, software compatibility, and pricing in a quick visual format.

Software for Your BrainBit Headband

The BrainBit Headband is part of a broader software ecosystem, so you don't necessarily need to build your own application to start working with EEG.

Depending on your workflow, BrainBit software includes:

NeuroFit PRO - professional neurofeedback software designed for practitioners, psychotherapists, and specialists.

NeuroRec - EEG recording, visualization, and analysis software for professionals, researchers, and users who want to observe and work with EEG signals.

EEG Waves - an application for viewing EEG rhythms and exploring brain activity in real time.

BrainBit Neurofeedback App - mobile neurofeedback training for professional and personal use.

Before choosing a Headband for a specific third-party or partner solution, we recommend checking its generation compatibility.

Need More EEG Channels? Meet BrainBit Headband Pro

Gen 1 and Gen 2 aren't the only options in the BrainBit hardware ecosystem.

If your application requires more EEG channels and broader scalp coverage, consider BrainBit Headband Pro.

Headband Pro provides 8 EEG channels with flexible 10–20 electrode positioning and is designed for more advanced applications, including research, BCI prototyping, neurofeedback, and education.

For most people choosing between the standard BrainBit Headbands, however, the decision remains straightforward:

Gen 1 → established 4-channel workflows, short-pin electrodes, and the best current price.

Gen 2 → current 4-channel platform, long-pin electrodes, and the recommended choice for new development.

Headband Pro → 8-channel applications requiring broader EEG coverage.

Which BrainBit Headband Is Right for You?

If you're an existing BrainBit user, practitioner, researcher, or individual user and Gen 1 already covers your needs, the short-pin Headband remains a strong choice especially at its current promotional price of $399.

If you need better contact through longer or thicker hair, are developing a new application, or want the current BrainBit SDK platform, choose Gen 2.

And if your work requires more EEG channels and broader coverage, Headband Pro may be the better fit.

Still not sure?
Tell us how you plan to use your BrainBit Headband, and our team will help you choose the right version.

Get in touch: info@brainbit.com