You don't need the most expensive box to start. You need one that's well made, easy to control and easy to turn down. Here's what to look for.

The things that matter most#

Fine level control#

This is the big one. The gap between "can't feel it" and "too much" can be small, so you want a level control with many small steps, or a smooth dial. Units that jump in a few big steps are hard to live with.

A quick way to stop#

Look for a control that drops the output quickly: a dial you can spin to zero, or a clear off button. Check you can work it without looking.

Battery power#

A unit that runs on batteries has no route back to the mains, which removes the most serious electrical risk. Many rechargeable units are designed not to work while charging, for the same reason. Batteries, Chargers and Mains Power explains why this matters.

Two channels#

Most units have two outputs, each with its own level control. One channel is enough to start with, but two gives you room to grow.

Standard connectors#

Units with common sockets let you use leads and electrodes from other makers. A unit with its own special plug ties you to one brand. See Cables and Connectors.

A proper manual and a real maker#

A named manufacturer, clear instructions in good English, a warranty, and safety markings (UKCA or CE in the UK and Europe) are all good signs. A unit with no maker's name and a one-page leaflet is not.

Nice to have#

  • Separate control of pulse rate and pulse length, so you can shape the feel as well as the strength.
  • A good range of patterns. Steady pulses fade quickly as your nerves get used to them.
  • A display that shows the level on each channel.
  • A soft start, where the output ramps up gently when you change mode.
  • Audio input, if that interests you. See Audio-Driven E-Stim.

Don't forget the rest of the kit#

Budget for:

  • a pack of good self-adhesive pads
  • a spare set of leads (they're the part that wears out first)
  • conductive gel, if you plan to use anything other than sticky pads
  • spare batteries

Things to avoid#

  • Unbranded bargains with no safety markings or instructions.
  • Units that reset to the last level, or to anything other than zero, when you switch on or change mode.
  • Second-hand units with damage: a cracked case, signs of liquid inside, a swollen battery or frayed leads.
  • Anything that needs the mains to run, unless it's a recognised product with a proper isolating power supply and the maker says it's designed to be used that way.
  • Home-made boxes from sellers who can't tell you how the output is limited and isolated.

A sensible way to start#

  1. Read E-Stim Safety first, so you know what you're buying for.
  2. Start with a decent TENS unit or an entry-level purpose-made unit and a pack of pads.
  3. Learn what the settings do at low levels.
  4. Only then decide what, if anything, you want from a bigger unit.

When it arrives: Your First E-Stim Session.