Beyond the lab: real-world benchmarking of wearable EEGs for passive brain-computer interfaces

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PurposeWearable EEG systems are increasingly used for brain–computer interface (BCI) applications beyond controlled laboratory environments. However, there is still limited evidence on their reliability in real-world cognitive monitoring, especially for deriving robust mental-state indicators. This study investigates the signal quality, computational stability, and neurometric consistency of two widely used consumer-grade EEG devices (Emotiv EPOC X and Muse S) compared to a validated research-grade system (Mindtooth Touch) during naturalistic tasks relevant to passive BCIs and brain-machine intelligence.MethodTwenty-four participants completed a multimodal protocol including video observation, multitasking under varying cognitive loads, and a simulated driving task. Each participant used all three EEG systems in a counterbalanced order to avoid any bias induced by the order. Signal quality was assessed through artefact analysis and Power Spectral Density (PSD) stability. Neurometrics, i.e., metrics related to specific mental and emotional states that can be extracted from EEG signal processing (workload, attention, vigilance, and approach–withdrawal) were extracted and compared across devices, conditions, and subjective reports of effort and comfort.FindingThe research grade system demonstrated higher signal stability, fewer artefacts, and more consistent neurometric responses to cognitive variations, with high significant correlation with subjective measures. Post-processing improved data continuity in consumer devices, but neurometrics remained less sensitive to task demands and less aligned with subjective ratings. Each device reflected different trade-offs between data quality, usability, and cost.ConclusionResearch-grade systems remain more reliable for passive BCI applications requiring high-resolution cognitive state monitoring. Nevertheless, consumer-grade headsets may still be appropriate for exploratory studies or non-critical applications. This work highlights key trade-offs between signal quality, usability, and application goals, contributing to the broader integration of wearable neurotechnologies into brain–machine intelligence frameworks.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40708-025-00290-x.