Moonbird Review: A Tactile Tool for Stress and Sleep
The Moonbird combines so many of the things I talk about on MindBodyDad: HRV tracking, breathwork, meditation, biofeedback, and making stress management more accessible.
I was intrigued by Moonbird because of its simplicity—you just hold it in your hand, and it guides your breath without a screen or timer. That tactile feedback makes it different from any other breathwork tool I’ve used. It’s not cheap, but it might be the best “hand-holding” tool (pun intended) for people who want to breathe better, sleep better, and feel more in control of their nervous system.
Moonbird Overall
Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Price: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The TLDR
Moonbird is a unique, physical approach to practicing controlled breathing. It has an ergonomic handheld design and built-in tactile input that expands and contracts to guide you through a variety of breathwork practices. It has an easy-to-use app with guided practices or you can create your default practice within the app, disconnect, and have it stored in the moonbrid device to use without the attachment. Plus, it tracks your heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and coherence for both real-time feedback and to store to see trends. While the device is effective, it’s not cheap at $199. Overall, this thing is a great tool for those looking to improve their breathwork practice for improved mental and physical health, improved sleep, and decreased stress.
What is Moonbird?
Moonbird is a handheld device designed to guide users through slow, rhythmic breathing exercises aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By gently expanding and contracting in your hand, Moonbird provides tactile cues that synchronize with your breath—inhale as it expands, exhale as it contracts—helping to make deep breathing exercises intuitive and effective. The device also provides real-time biofeedback, allowing users to monitor their heart rate and heart rate variability through a companion app
From The Manufacturer
A breathwork device to reduce stress in 5 minutes. No thinking or counting required.
The Moonbird device is designed and made by hand in Antwerp, Belgium. Moonbird is an easy and effective way to destress and relax at home. All-natural and screen-free Tactile Guidance™ technology guides you to breathe at a slow rate and activate the natural relaxation system of the body.
Experience a clear impact in 30 days: sleep better, feel less stressed or anxious, or get your money back. The Moonbird was awarded as the best breathing coach of 2024 by TheSkimm.
- All-natural & screen-free Tactile Guidance™
- Quick 2-3 minute up to 30-minute exercises
- Optical PPG-sensor to measure Heart Rate (HR) and derivatives
- Get real-time biofeedback and see the effect on HR and HRV
- Four different preset breathing exercises
- Option to set your own breathing rate
- Access to audio guides and educational content
- High-quality, ergonomic design
- Battery lifetime of two hours
- Rechargeable, no batteries required
- Magnetic, detachable power cable
- Biocompatible, medical-grade silicone skin
What’s included?
- 1x moonbird breathing coach
- 1x charging cable
- 1x protective pouch
- 1x physical instruction manual
- Lifetime access to the moonbird app included (no subscription)
Selling Points
Tactile Breathing Guidance: The bread and butter of the device is that it expands and contracts, providing a physical cue to synchronize your breathing. It’s comfortable, subtle, and customizable. But what this device primarily comes down to is this feature, which is so mind-bogglingly simple yet so effective.
Portable and Convenient: Since I have a personalized default breathing pattern synced up to it (7 second inhale/9 second exhale), I will often just grab it, shake it to activate it, and bring it with me on a ruck, a car ride, or to bed to help me fall asleep.
Variety of Guided Exercises: The app is simple but provides some good guides, including on the following topics:
Anxiety
HRV
Stress
Sleep
Children
& “Getting Started”
User-Friendly Design: The device is simple, the app is straightforward, the set-up is seamless, and it actually looks and feels nice to use.
Biofeedback Features: Provides real-time heart rate and heart rate variability data, allowing you to monitor physiological responses during exercises. I’ve used this strategy with chest straps in the past during meditation, but this provides a more simplistic way of doing it. Plus, all the info is recorded so you can track your progress.
No subscription! I thought that a $1,000/month subscription would be automatic for a device like this but that’s not the case. None required.
Warranty, Trial, & Return Period: Moonbird comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty. You get a full month to try it risk-free, and if it’s not a fit, you can return it for a 100% money-back guarantee.
Drawbacks
High Price Point: At $199, it’s not cheap. Fortunately, it has a 30-day trial period with a 100% money-back guarantee. (And use the links in this article for 10% off.)
Limited Battery Life: Requires regular charging, with a battery life of approximately six 20-minute sessions per charge.
App Dependency: While the device can function without the app, accessing full features requires downloading it.
Tips
Explore the App: The app offers a lot including guided practices for a variety of topics including anxiety, HRV, stress, sleep,
Start Slowly: If new to breathwork, begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration as you become more comfortable. Breathwork and meditation is surprisingly difficult so focus on consistency over duration.
Regular Charging: Keep an eye on the battery level to ensure the device is ready for use when needed.
My Experience
I’ve tried a bunch of breathwork apps and wearables over the years, and most of them ended up collecting dust after a few uses so I didn’t have a whole lot of hope for this one but, then again, I never tried one with tactile input that was portable. If this could clear the hurdle of my biggest barrier to meditating—my sustained attention—then I might be in it for the long haul.
I’ve been using it for a while now and I’m hooked. What Moonbird does really well is gently pull you back—without judgment or another screen. I actually use it in the car, during rucks, or in bed to help me wind down.
One of my favorite features is that it works without the app. You can program your own breathing pattern—inhale, hold, exhale, pause—and it remembers it. Mine is currently set to a 7-second inhale and a 9-second exhale. Just shake it to activate, and it starts the rhythm. That kind of accessibility matters to me.
There’s research supporting breathwork’s impact on sleep, and Moonbird promotes that pretty heavily. But to be fair, anyone who consistently does focused, slow breathing before bed is going to sleep better—the key is doing it. For people like me who need that extra nudge or reminder, Moonbird makes it easier to follow through.
I even tested it with my kids. At first they were giggly and distracted, but once they saw how their breathing changed their heart rate in real-time, they were interested. I can’t say it’s something they use regularly but it became a cool little science-meets-mindfulness moment for all of us.
Use the link above for 10% off.
FAQ
What is Moonbird?
Moonbird is a handheld device designed to guide users through calming breathing exercises by expanding and contracting in the palm of your hand. It aims to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality by synchronizing your breath with its gentle movements.
How does Moonbird work?
Moonbird expands as you inhale and contracts as you exhale, providing a tactile rhythm to follow. This physical guidance helps you maintain a consistent breathing pattern, promoting relaxation. It also features a heart rate sensor that offers real-time biofeedback through the accompanying app, allowing you to monitor your heart rate and heart rate variability during exercises.
Do I need a smartphone to use Moonbird?
No, Moonbird can be used independently without a smartphone. However, pairing it with the Moonbird app unlocks additional features, including guided breathing exercises, personalized routines, and detailed biofeedback analytics.
Is Moonbird suitable for children?
Yes, Moonbird is designed for both adults and children. Its intuitive design and gentle guidance make it accessible for users of all ages seeking to incorporate breathwork into their daily routines.
How much does Moonbird cost, and where can I purchase it?
Moonbird is priced at $199. It can be purchased directly from the official Moonbird website or through authorized retailers like Amazon.
What materials is Moonbird made from?
Moonbird is crafted from 100% biocompatible, medical-grade silicone, for a comfortable and safe user experience.
How do I clean and maintain Moonbird?
To clean Moonbird, gently wipe its surface with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging the device in water. Regular cleaning will help maintain its functionality and longevity.
Does Moonbird come with a warranty?
Yes, Moonbird offers a warranty for manufacturing defects. For detailed warranty information and terms, please refer to the warranty section on the official Moonbird website.
Is Moonbird a medical device?
No, Moonbird is not classified as a medical device. It's a consumer product designed to assist with stress reduction and relaxation. For any medical concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
Moonbird's battery life varies depending on usage. For optimal performance, it's recommended to charge the device regularly, especially if you use it multiple times a day.
Can I use Moonbird without the app?
Yes, Moonbird can function without the app, offering standalone breathing exercises. However, pairing it with the app enhances the experience by providing guided sessions, personalized settings, and detailed biofeedback tracking.
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