MagVenture and BrainsWay represent two fundamentally different approaches to transcranial magnetic stimulation. One uses the established figure-8 coil design that pioneered modern TMS. The other introduced the H-coil to reach deeper brain structures — a difference that sounds small but affects everything from treatment depth to FDA indications.
What You’ll Learn
- How MagVenture’s figure-8 coil and BrainsWay’s H-coil differ technically
- Which FDA clearances each system holds
- How outcomes compare for depression and OCD specifically
- Where each system is available in the US
- Insurance coverage differences between the two platforms
The Technical Difference: Coil Design
MagVenture uses the standard figure-8 coil design — two wing-shaped elements delivering magnetic pulses where the wings overlap. This creates a focused magnetic field that penetrates the prefrontal cortex effectively for standard depression treatment.
BrainsWay developed the H-coil, a proprietary design where the coil elements are arranged to direct the magnetic field deeper into the brain without increasing surface stimulation. The H-coil can stimulate the anterior cingulate and other subcortical structures that figure-8 coils reach less efficiently.
The practical implication: BrainsWay’s deep TMS covers a larger brain volume per pulse. This matters most for OCD, where the cingulate cortex — a deeper structure — is a key treatment target.
FDA Clearances
MagVenture holds FDA clearance for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (treatment-resistant)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (via MagVenture’s own protocol)
- Smoking cessation
BrainsWay holds FDA clearance for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (treatment-resistant)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — the only TMS device with dedicated OCD clearance
- Anxiety with comorbid depression
BrainsWay’s OCD clearance is significant. The indication came from large multicenter trials specifically targeting the condition. MagVenture’s OCD coverage typically relies on off-label protocols or clinical evidence from the BrainsWay trials.
Clinical Outcomes: Depression
For depression specifically, head-to-head data is limited. Both systems produce roughly equivalent response and remission rates in treatment-resistant populations — roughly 50-60% response and 30-35% remission for standard courses.
The key differentiator in depression treatment is logistics and clinic preference, not efficacy. If your psychiatrist recommends one system over the other, the choice usually reflects their clinical experience and which device their practice uses, not a meaningful outcome difference.
Clinical Outcomes: OCD
BrainsWay has a clear advantage for OCD patients. The OCD-specific clearance came from rigorous trials showing response rates around 40-50% in treatment-resistant OCD cases. The deeper H-coil targeting reaches the anterior cingulate more effectively.
MagVenture can treat OCD off-label, and some clinics use it successfully. But without the dedicated OCD indication, insurance coverage for OCD is more consistent with BrainsWay.
If you have comorbid depression and OCD, BrainsWay covers both under its clearances. That eliminates the need for separate treatment planning.
US Availability
MagVenture has stronger presence in academic medical centers, research hospitals, and European clinic networks. In the US, it’s more common at university-affiliated TMS centers and specialty psychiatric hospitals.
BrainsWay has broader commercial availability in private TMS clinics across the US. The device’s commercial footprint expanded significantly after the OCD clearance made it attractive for a wider patient population.
Use our provider directory to filter by device type and find clinics using either system in your area.
Insurance Considerations
Most major insurers cover both systems for major depressive disorder when criteria are met. The coverage landscape for OCD is where the devices diverge.
BrainsWay’s OCD clearance means insurers have a specific code to work with. MagVenture’s off-label OCD use requires more documentation and often triggers more scrutiny in the prior authorization process.
The Bottom Line
If OCD is part of your clinical picture, BrainsWay is the more practical choice. The dedicated clearance means fewer insurance fights and targeted protocols built specifically for that condition.
For depression alone, the decision comes down to what’s available at your clinic and your psychiatrist’s experience with each system. The clinical evidence doesn’t favor one over the other for standard MDD treatment.
Find a TMS clinic offering the system that’s right for your condition, or use our device comparison index to explore other options.
Key Takeaways
- BrainsWay is the only TMS device with FDA clearance for OCD
- MagVenture has stronger presence in academic and research settings
- Depression outcomes are comparable between both platforms
- BrainsWay's H-coil penetrates deeper brain structures
- Insurance coverage for OCD is more straightforward with BrainsWay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BrainsWay's deep TMS more effective than MagVenture's figure-8 for depression?
For depression specifically, no meaningful difference in response or remission rates has been established in head-to-head trials. Both are FDA-cleared and equally supported by evidence for treatment-resistant MDD.
Which device should I choose for OCD?
BrainsWay is the stronger choice for OCD because it has the only TMS-specific FDA clearance for the condition. That clearance streamlines insurance authorization and reflects dedicated clinical trial data for OCD patients.
Does my insurance cover BrainsWay or MagVenture TMS?
Most major insurers cover both for major depressive disorder when you meet treatment-resistant criteria. For OCD specifically, BrainsWay has a clearer path to coverage. Your clinic's billing department handles prior authorization and can verify coverage before treatment begins.
Can I request a specific TMS device at a clinic?
You can ask, but most clinics are equipped with one primary system and may not have both available. If the specific device matters to you, search providers by device type in our [clinic directory](/us/).
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