Apollo TMS is a newer entrant in the US TMS market. NeuroStar has been the dominant system since its 2008 FDA clearance. Comparing them means weighing market maturity against fresh competition — and what that means for availability and insurance coverage.
What You’ll Learn
- How the two platforms compare technically
- Protocol support and clinical evidence
- US availability differences
- Insurance landscape and what to expect
Technical Platforms
Apollo TMS is built around a figure-8 coil design, purpose-built for the US market. As a newer company, Apollo focused on building a modern system that meets current clinical standards. The platform supports standard protocols and theta burst stimulation.
NeuroStar uses a figure-8 coil design through the Neuronetics platform, with extensive clinical trial data supporting its use for depression, OCD, and smoking cessation. The system has been iterated over years and supports theta burst and accelerated protocols.
For pure clinical functionality, both are capable of delivering evidence-based TMS treatment. The coil design is the same and the protocols are equivalent. The difference is in commercial maturity.
Clinical Evidence
Apollo TMS is building its clinical evidence base. The system is FDA-cleared and meets current clinical standards, but the published data and real-world treatment history is far smaller than NeuroStar’s.
NeuroStar has an enormous clinical trial database. Neuronetics sponsored the original 2008 trials, has run extensive post-market studies, and contributed the theta burst data to the THREE-D trial. The depth of evidence is unmatched by any newer entrant.
For patients, this matters less than it sounds — TMS protocols are well-established enough that a new system can deliver equivalent care. But insurance companies tend to be more familiar with NeuroStar, which affects coverage.
US Availability and Insurance
Apollo TMS is growing its US footprint but starts from a much smaller base. Finding an Apollo provider may require more targeted searching.
NeuroStar is installed at over 1,000 US locations. Finding a NeuroStar provider near you is relatively easy in most metropolitan areas.
Insurance relationships are where NeuroStar has its biggest practical advantage. Most major insurers have processed thousands of NeuroStar claims and have well-established policies. Apollo’s insurance relationships are developing, which can mean more paperwork in the prior authorization process.
The Bottom Line
NeuroStar is the practical choice for most patients: widely available, well-covered, and backed by more clinical data than any competitor.
Apollo TMS is a legitimate option if an Apollo-equipped clinic is near you and your insurance covers it. As the company grows, the comparison may shift — but for 2026, NeuroStar’s commercial maturity gives it the edge.
Search for TMS providers in your area or explore other device comparisons.
Key Takeaways
- NeuroStar is the most widely-installed TMS system in the US
- Apollo TMS is a newer entrant with a growing US presence
- Both support equivalent clinical protocols (theta burst, standard rTMS)
- NeuroStar has deeper insurance relationships and easier coverage
- Apollo is a valid option if available and covered by your plan
Find a TMS Clinic
Browse TMS providers by device, location, and insurance coverage.
Explore TMS List
Treatments & Conditions
Insurance & Cost
TMS Specialists
- Khaled Bowarshi — Wesley Chapel, FL
- Jeffrey Shenfeld — Englewood, NJ
- Dr. David Sikowitz — Tinton Falls, NJ
- Gregory Hutton — Tallahassee, FL
