BrainsWay and CloudTMS represent two different visions for TMS systems. BrainsWay built its reputation on the H-coil and a specific OCD indication that no other system holds. CloudTMS built a modern, cloud-native platform that’s popular in European markets but still building US presence. The comparison comes down to what your clinical needs are and what’s available where you live.
What You’ll Learn
- How BrainsWay’s deep TMS differs from CloudTMS’s figure-8 coil approach
- OCD treatment advantages for BrainsWay
- Protocol capabilities on both platforms
- US availability and insurance considerations
Technical Design: H-Coil vs Figure-8
BrainsWay’s defining technology is the H-coil, a proprietary design that allows deeper brain stimulation without proportionally increasing surface stimulation. The H-coil’s geometry directs the magnetic field along a different path than figure-8 coils, reaching subcortical structures like the anterior cingulate more effectively.
CloudTMS uses a conventional figure-8 coil design. The platform differentiates itself through its cloud management software rather than coil innovation. For standard prefrontal cortex targeting — which is where treatment for depression happens — the figure-8 coil is well-suited.
The depth advantage is most clinically relevant for OCD, where the anterior cingulate is a primary treatment target. For pure depression treatment, both coil designs work.
OCD: Where BrainsWay Has a Decisive Edge
BrainsWay is the only TMS device with FDA clearance for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This clearance was earned through dedicated multicenter trials specifically targeting OCD patients — something no other manufacturer has matched.
CloudTMS does not hold an OCD-specific clearance. The system can be used for OCD off-label, and some clinics do treat OCD with it, but insurance coverage for OCD is more straightforward with BrainsWay’s specific indication.
If OCD is your primary or secondary diagnosis, BrainsWay has a meaningful practical advantage: clearer insurance authorization, labeled treatment protocols, and the clinical trial data to support those protocols.
Protocol Support
BrainsWay supports:
- Deep TMS (dTMS) with the H-coil system
- Standard high-frequency protocols
- Theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
- OCD-specific deep TMS protocols
CloudTMS supports:
- Standard rTMS protocols
- Theta burst stimulation
- Paired associative stimulation
Both systems handle the evidence-backed protocols well. BrainsWay has the edge in OCD-specific protocols and deep stimulation modes.
US Availability
BrainsWay has established a significant US commercial presence, particularly in private TMS clinics and psychiatric practices that treat OCD. The OCD indication made BrainsWay attractive for a broader patient population than traditional depression-only TMS.
CloudTMS is more common in European markets. US adoption has grown but the installed base is smaller. Finding a CloudTMS provider near you may require more specific searching.
Use our provider directory to filter by device and find what’s available in your area.
The Bottom Line
For OCD patients, BrainsWay is the clear choice — the only choice, really, from an indication standpoint.
For depression-only treatment, both systems are capable and comparable in clinical outcomes. The deciding factors are availability and insurance relationships, where BrainsWay has the stronger position.
Search for BrainsWay TMS providers or explore other device comparisons in our index.
Key Takeaways
- BrainsWay is the only TMS system with FDA clearance for OCD
- BrainsWay's H-coil can reach deeper brain structures than figure-8 coils
- CloudTMS uses a standard figure-8 coil with cloud-based management
- For depression-only treatment, both systems are clinically comparable
- BrainsWay has stronger US commercial presence and insurance relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Which system should I choose for OCD treatment?
BrainsWay. It is the only TMS device with dedicated FDA clearance for OCD, which means clearer insurance coverage, labeled protocols, and clinical trial data specifically for OCD patients.
Does CloudTMS work for depression?
Yes, CloudTMS is FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and supports the same theta burst and standard protocols used by other systems.
What is deep TMS and why does it matter?
Deep TMS uses the H-coil design to reach subcortical structures like the anterior cingulate more effectively than standard figure-8 coils. This matters most for OCD, where those deeper structures are key targets. For depression, standard prefrontal targeting works well with both coil types.
Will my insurance cover BrainsWay or CloudTMS?
Both are covered for major depressive disorder by most major insurers. For OCD specifically, BrainsWay has a clearer coverage path because of its dedicated indication. Your clinic's billing department can verify coverage before treatment.
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