Best Red Light Therapy Devices 2026: 9 Solutions for Better Recovery, Skin Health, and More

Looking to relieve some specific aches and pains? The MOVE+ Pro from Kineon uses small modules to pinpoint targeted areas. The near-infrared light therapy can penetrate 5 to 6 centimeters, which should get deep enough into muscles and joints for worthwhile recovery.

Our Experience With the Kineon MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser

GGR expert product tester Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 has used the MOVE+ Pro on a nagging ankle injury. Likewise, GGR contributor Jacob Penner, NCSA, USAW-L2, CF-L1 used it to treat an elbow injury from weightlifting. Kate says it helped both of them get over the pain. As such, it tops our list as the best red light therapy device overall.

“We are obsessed with this,” Kate told me. “It really seems to have made a difference with my ankle. I started using the laser, and within a week, I no longer had pain walking.” 

Meanwhile, Jacob was dealing with small ligament tears in his elbow that sidelined him from weightlifting. But after wearing the MOVE+ Pro daily, he was able to get back to training with barbells within a few weeks. 

What We Didn’t Like About the Kineon MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser

The main downside is the price, which is about $500 to $700 (depending on if it’s on sale or not). Still, Kate says the MOVE+ Pro is worth it, but it’s not cheap.

“Jacob and I saw benefits and we continue to use this every week,” she told me. “It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one.”

We’d also be remiss not to call  out the lackluster one-year warranty. When you’re spending that type of money on a red light therapy device, we’d like to see multiple years of coverage, at least. 

Who It’s Best For

Still not sure? Here’s who we think should and shouldn’t consider the Kineon MOVE+ Pro.

Choose the Kineon MOVE+ Pro If:

• You’re dealing with joint aches and pains
• You want a compact device
• You want a powerful irradiance

Avoid the Kineon MOVE+ Pro If:

• You’re shopping on a budget
• You need to treat larger areas
• You want a long warranty

To see our detailed scoring for this device, head to the testing results section below.

For those who want the benefits of red light therapy without having to deal with a large, bulky panel, the Helio Cure Helio Spark may be just what you need. It’s light and portable, making it a great choice for both home use and on-the-go therapy.

Our Experience With the Helio Cure Helio Spark

While we’ve covered devices that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, we appreciate the compact panel size of the Helio Cure, which is easy to transport and move around your home, and Helio Spark offers larger panels if you need something with a bit more coverage. Despite the compact size, our expert tester also noted that it works quite well when used regularly, noting that she saw great results when using it on a daily basis.

The Helio Spark emits four wavelengths for skin, inflammation, weight loss, brain health, and hair health. It also offers both full spectrum and custom modes, allowing you tailor the experience to your preferences

What We Didn’t Like About the Helio Cure Helio Spark

Even though it’s small, our tester found the initial setup process to be somewhat difficult.

“The device was somewhat difficult to set up, and the instructions were not very easy to follow,” she explains. “The remote did not come with batteries, which was an inconvenience. Once I got everything working, it appeared that the lights were not changing with each mode. There is an on/off switch on the back of the device, and I eventually found the touchscreen options on the side of the device, which made changing the modes much easier.”

The value is good, but not great. It costs about $549, which seems fair for what you’re getting, but there are more affordable options on the market if you want to save some money.

Who It’s Best For

If you’re considering this compact panel, here are our recommendations. 

Choose the Helio Cure Helio Spark If:

• You want a small, portable device that’s easy to transport
• You’re treating a small area
• You want to treat skin, hair, and inflammation

Avoid the Helio Cure Helio Spark If:

• You’re working with a tighter budget
• You prefer a larger panel
• You want something specifically designed for your face

To see how we rated this device, be sure to read our testing results for each category.

The LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt is a 49-inch-long red light therapy wrap capable of treating large areas such as your back, legs, and arms. Using a combination of red and near-infrared light, this wrap can be great for deep tissue pain relief. While it’s not a full-body treatment, it can be pretty close.

Our Experience With the LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt

GGR expert product tester Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, says the wrap is great for her back. “It’s big, thick, and easy to apply with massive coverage,” she notes. Whether you’re looking to treat your back pain, legs, or arms, this wrap should be able to fit most users. 

Although LifePro doesn’t disclose the irradiance of this red light therapy belt, another good indicator of the power output is the device’s wattage. A unique feature of this belt is that it has five levels of intensity, maxing out at 16 watts from each LED light.

What We Didn’t Like About the LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt

Kate had one major callout that you should be aware of, particularly if you value portability. 

“One thing I don’t love about this is that it has to be plugged in to work, so you’re basically tied to an outlet while you have it on,” she told me. “The remote also isn’t super intuitive to use—I had to read the instructions to figure out how to activate it. And once you turn it on, you don’t really know that it’s on unless you undo the belt to see if the lights are illuminated, or wait a minute for the time to tick down.” 

Another issue is that while it’s well-sized for large areas, this wrap isn’t as easy to use on smaller body parts. Kate said, “It’s great for your back, core, and legs, but it’s harder to laser a small area like a wrist or an ankle.” 

Who It’s Best For

Before you add this belt to your cart, here’s who we think should and shouldn’t consider buying it. 

Choose the LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt If:

• You’re dealing with an achy back
• You want to focus primarily on larger body parts
• You want something with a lifetime warranty

Avoid the LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt If:

• You plan on treating smaller body parts
• You need something portable
• You want something that can help with skincare

To see how this red light therapy belt stacked up against the competition, be sure to check out our detailed testing results. 

Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Of all the at-home devices you can rely on, red light therapy masks like the Novaa Glow Therapy Mask from Novaalab can offer some of the best solutions with potential benefits for issues such as acne, fine lines, inflammation, and more. This can be a potentially safer alternative to chemical-based solutions, too, though there are certainly risks of red light therapy to consider. 

Our Experience With the Novaalab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask

While wands, wraps, and other handheld LED red light therapy devices can work well for targeted pain relief and muscle recovery, masks are the superior choice for skin rejuvenation. (We also recommend adding a collagen supplement to your stack.) For example, a 2023 clinical study² on 20 healthy caucasian women showed that LED photobiomodulation helped reverse visible signs of aging and led to an overall improvement in skin quality. 

The Novaa Glow Therapy Mask includes 108 medical-grade LED lights that emit several types of wavelengths, including red, blue, yellow, and infrared light. The company claims these light treatments can assist with issues such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne and breakouts, skin redness and irritation, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, dull and tired skin, and aging and sun damage. 

What We Didn’t Like About the Novaalab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask

By its very nature, the Novaa Glow Therapy Mask is less versatile than other devices on this list. You won’t be able to use this for muscle recovery, pain relief, or other non-skin-related problems due to the lower irradiance. As such, you may not be comfortable spending roughly $250 on a device that’s fairly limited in scope. 

In addition, while we appreciate the generous 60-day return policy, we’d like to see a lengthier warranty beyond just one year. Luckily, Novaa Lab offers the option to extend your coverage for a total of three years, though there’s no specific information available on the cost. 

Who It’s Best For

Here’s our take on who this mask is a great fit for, as well as who may want to choose something else. 

Choose the Novaalab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask If:

• You’re looking for medical-grade LED therapy
• You’re only interested in treating your face
• Your primary concern is skin treatment

Avoid the Novaalab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask If:

• You want a versatile device for multiple body parts
• You’re shopping on a budget
• You need to treat deeper soft tissues or painful conditions

Check out our testing results breakdown to see how this mask scored with our testing criteria.

Based on our experience with the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket, we fully expect the company’s Full Body Red Light Mat to deliver excellent results. While we’re still waiting to get our hands on this so we can lie down and test out its capabilities, we’re impressed by the specs thus far. 

Our Experience With the HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat

The HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat can be a useful tool in your arsenal since it’s designed to enhance your mood and energy levels, support recovery and pain relief, promote healthier skin, and encourage circadian rhythm balance. That last part is particularly important if you’re trying to improve your sleep quality. 

“A healthy circadian rhythm promotes a steady sleep routine, helping a person feel awake during daylight hours and sleepy at night,” explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “When a person’s actual sleep schedule is not synchronized with their circadian rhythm, it can cause sleep disruptions, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems.”

What We Didn’t Like About the HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat

Unfortunately, this is by far the most expensive red light therapy device on this list (we’re putting the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna in its own category). At a list price of $1,199, this is a premium recovery product that certainly won’t be a fit for everyone. 

Based on our experience with some of the brand’s other products, though, we’re confident in its build quality and durability. However, spending north of $1,000 on a red light mat may be too expensive of a pill to swallow for some folks. Plus, HigherDOSE only provides one year of warranty coverage, which is disappointing given the high price tag. 

Who It’s Best For

Here’s this red light mat is a great fit for, and who may want to consider something else. 

Choose the HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat If:

• You want full-body treatment
• You need a portable device
• You want something with powerful irradiance

Avoid the HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat If:

• You’re shopping on a budget
• You prefer targeted treatment for smaller areas
• You want a panel, not direct contact with your body

See our detailed scoring notes for this full-body red light mat in our testing results breakdown.

The Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel has a total of 60 LED lights, alternating between red and infrared lights in a 1:1 ratio. This can provide a combination of red and near-infrared light, allowing you to potentially experience surface-level skin benefits and deeper tissue support. 

Our Experience With the Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body

At just over 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide, the compact Hooga panel proved to be quite versatile, according to expert product tester Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET. 

“Being a panel, it’s easy to use for any area of the body,” she says. “It also has three different settings for treatment times, as well as the ability to use just the red light or the infrared light, independently or together.” 

The panel also has a hanger for easy storage and added versatility. For example, you can hang it at a specific height to target areas such as your shoulders or lower back. Hanging it also allows you to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy at home hands-free, which can be particularly useful for longer sessions.

What We Didn’t Like About the Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body

As with all red light therapy devices, the irradiance varies depending on your distance from the light-emitting diodes. On the panel’s surface, the brand says there is much more than 100 milliwatts per square centimeter, although it drops to 73 milliwatts per square centimeter from about 6 inches away. That level of irradiance isn’t ideal for deep tissue relief.

Another minor callout is that this panel doesn’t have nearly as many LEDs as some of the other options on this list. The Hooga has 60—a little more than half of the average red light therapy device we test. Fewer LEDs aren’t inherently bad, but it does mean there’s less overall light energy being delivered to your body compared to devices with more.  

Who It’s Best For

Here’s who we think this device is a good fit for, and who should avoid it.

Choose the Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body If:

• You want a compact device
• You want to choose from a variety of frequencies
• You’re looking for pain relief

Avoid the Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body If:

• You want full-body coverage
• You prefer a hands-free option
• You want deep-tissue relief

Head to the testing results section to see our detailed scoring notes for this product.

In many ways, the RLT Total Spectrum COMPACT is in a class of its own. Equipped with 216 LEDs and spanning seven wavelengths, this premium red light therapy panel targets medium-sized areas of the body—think back, shoulders, and legs—to address everything from surface-level issues like acne to deep-tissue pain and inflammation.

Our Experience With the RLT Home Total Spectrum COMPACT

To understand the Total Spectrum COMPACT, you have to truly appreciate what’s being offered. As we touched on earlier, the device works across seven wavelengths, ranging from blue light for surface-level concerns to infrared for deep-tissue healing and inflammation support.

In addition to the wide range of wave lengths, we appreciate its irradiance, which clocks in at 172 milliwatts per square centimeter at 8 inches and 99 milliwatts per square centimeter at 8 inches. This device is expensive, but powerful enough to treat just about anything. 

What We Didn’t Like About the RLT Home Total Spectrum COMPACT

The RLT Total Spectrum COMPACT really is a premium product. The wavelength range and irradiance are impressive, and the inclusion of preset programs makes it perfect for anyone new to red light therapy. All those positives come with one negative, though: the price. At nearly $1,300, the Total Spectrum COMPACT is an investment. And while you get a lot of high-end features here, it might not be worth the plunge for many users.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size. The Total Spectrum COMPACT is meant for medium-sized areas of the body and isn’t meant for smaller joints like ankles and elbows. You’ll also need to stand in front of the stationary device throughout each session. This is unlike the Kineon MOVE+ Pro or LifePro Belt, which allows for multitasking during treatment.

Who It’s Best For

Here’s who we think should consider this high-end red light device for their home. 

Choose the RLT Home Total Spectrum COMPACT If:

• You’re willing to invest in a premium project
• You want access to seven different wavelengths
• You want a high-power device with plenty of irradiance

Avoid the RLT Home Total Spectrum COMPACT If:

• You’re shopping on a budget
• You want to focus on smaller areas
• You need something that’s portable

For more on this device, head to our testing results breakdown.

For those searching for a convenient, relaxation option that doesn’t require you to sit in front of a stationary panel, the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo is a cordless, hands-free mask that’s easy to wear around the house. The sessions are quick and convenient, so you won’t need to spend too much time using this mask to see results.

Our Experience With the TheraFace Mask Glo

If you’re looking for a convenient, portable option that you can use anywhere, without having to sit in front of a panel or be tied to an outlet, the TheraFace Mask Glo is an excellent choice. The adjustable fit allows you to secure the mask in place for hands-free operation, and it’s battery powered, so you don’t need to be plugged into the wall while you’re using it.

We also love that it offers three LED modes: blue light therapy, red light therapy, and red and infrared light therapy, each with a different focus. The blue light focuses on acne-causing bacteria, the red light helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, while the red and infrared light setting is designed to promote collagen production from within.

What We Didn’t Like About the TheraFace Mask Glo

One of the features that’s unique to this mask is the built-in vibration therapy to promote relaxation, but our tester had mixed thoughts on this. She said, “The strap also includes a built-in head massager, which is a nice added feature, although the constant buzzing sensation on the head can make it feel more distracting than truly relaxing.”

It’s also worth noting that it only targets your face, as you may expect, but doesn’t do much for your neck, chest, or other areas of the body. This is to be expected with a mask, but it’s worth pointing out. 

Who It’s Best For

Before you buy this mask, here’s who we think should and shouldn’t consider buying it. 

Choose the TheraFace Mask Glo If:

• You want a hands-free device
• You’re interested in the built-in massager
• You want a variety of wavelengths

Avoid the TheraFace Mask Glo If:

• Cost is a concern
• You want to treat larger body parts
• You want to focus on deep tissue pain

Head to our testing results breakdown to see exactly how we scored the TheraFace Mask Glo.

If you want to experience the benefits of red light therapy without breaking the bank, the Renpho LED Light Therapy Mask is an excellent choice. It offers three types of light therapy powered by 324 LEDs, which is triple the amount of LEDs the average red light therapy device contains. It’s as effective as many of the higher-end options on the market, and only costs $199.99, making it our top pick for affordability. 

Our Experience With the Renpho LED Light Therapy Mask

While this mask isn’t cheap, it’s still very affordable compared to the average red light therapy device, but don’t let the lower cost fool you–it’s still delivering an effective treatment, with three types of light therapy. Our tester noted that while she didn’t notice effects after the first couple of uses, she felt rejuvenated, and we know it usually takes several weeks of consistent use to notice any visual changes. 

She also told me that while the mask looks intimidating, she was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was. Our tester told me, “At first I was intimidated by how to set this red light therapy mask up, and how to put it on, but it only took about 5 seconds to figure out and I was able to do it without consulting the manual.”

What We Didn’t Like About the Renpho LED Light Therapy Mask

The first thing to call out is the irradiance of this mask. This measures how much energy is delivered by the LED lights, and Renpho’s three light settings range from 6–12 mW/cm². The average device we tested offers irradiance 43.4 mW/cm², so this is a bit weaker than other options. 

We also wish the warranty coverage was a bit better. At 18 months, it’s not terrible, and some devices only offer a 1-year warranty, but we’ve also seen plenty of devices that offer more than three years, so the warranty could be longer. 

Who It’s Best For

If you’re considering this budget-friendly mask, here’s who we think it makes the most sense for.

Choose the Renpho LED Light Therapy Mask If:

• You prefer less LED intensity when dealing with your face
• You’re shopping on a budget
• You like the portability of this mask

Avoid the Renpho LED Light Therapy Mask If:

• You want a high-power red light device
• You’re looking to treat other areas of the body
• You’d prefer a device with an extended warranty

In this next section, we’ll show you exactly how we score each red light therapy device for the various categories based on our testing methodology, with detailed scoring breakdowns for each device.

Irradiance

Our irradiance score measures the amount of energy that’s output by a given device, measured in mW/cm2. This number can vary based on how close the device is to your skin, too, but we look at the manufacturer’s irradiance number. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the irradiance is between 25 and 120 mW/cm2 to allow for skin-surface treatment.

The RLT Home Total Spectrum COMPACT is the winner here, earning 5 out of 5 stars, while other devices, like those from Kineon, LifePro, and HigherDOSE also performed well, earning 4-out-of-5-star ratings.

Frequency

For this score, our tester evaluates the wavelengths of light a red light therapy device uses. We look for the research-backed deep red (around 630 to 660 nanometers) and near-infrared (around 850 nanometers) wavelengths that are commonly associated with skin health, recovery, and pain relief. For a 3-out-of-5-star rating, the device offers one type of red light at an optimal wavelength, but doesn’t include both deep red and near-infrared light.

Every device on our list scored extremely well, and only Novaalab failed to reach a 5-star rating—though 4 stars is still excellent for a home red light therapy device.

Coverage and Ease of Use

Our coverage and ease of use score measures how simple the device is to set up and operate, as well as whether it adequately covers the area it’s designed to treat. We also consider features like built-in timers and intuitive controls that make treatments more convenient. We award 3 out of 5 stars when the device is easy to use, but may not fully cover the intended treatment area, or feels slightly undersized for its intended purpose.

While smaller devices may have scored lower, like the Novaalab Glow Therapy Mask which only targets the face, nothing scored below 3 out of 5 stars, and quite a few received perfect ratings, like the Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body.

Effectiveness

For effectiveness, we ask our testers to note whether or not they noticed meaningful improvements after using the device consistently over time. While results can vary from person to person, we consider changes in areas like skin health, muscle soreness, joint discomfort, and overall recovery. A 3-star score is awarded when the device is pleasant to use but doesn’t produce any noticeable benefits during our testing period.

The notable callouts are the Novaalab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask and HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat, which we haven’t personally tested yet. As such, we’re waiting until our testing is complete before assigning an effectiveness score. 

Value

Our value score compares a device’s price to its features, build quality, performance, and intended use. Since red light therapy devices range from compact masks and wraps to large full-body panels, we evaluate whether the cost is justified for what you receive, especially when compared to similar devices on the market. For a 3 out of 5, the device is reasonably priced, but doesn’t offer standout features or performance that make it an exceptional value.

Most units scored quite well here, though the HigherDOSE Red Light Mat only scored 2.5 stars due to its expensive cost. The Kineon MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser scored the highest, as both testers had good results, despite the cost. 

Warranty, Returns, Financing

For warranty, returns, and financing, we consider the company’s post-purchase policies, including the warranty length, return window, and whether financing is available for higher-priced devices. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the device has at least one policy that falls short—such as a short warranty or limited return window—or all three policies are adequate but below average.

Nearly every brand we included scored very well here, and even the lowest-scoring products, like the TheraFace Mask Glo, are still excellent; they just have shorter warranties than other options. 

Customer Service

Our customer service rating measures how easy it is to contact the company and resolve questions or issues before and after your purchase. We also consider factors like responsiveness, ordering experience, and available support resources. For a 3-out-of-5-star rating, the company is generally responsive and helpful, but support options, response times, or overall service are only average.

Most of the companies we included received excellent customer service ratings, with brands like Kineon, Helio Cure, and Renpho receiving perfect 5-star ratings.

Customer Reviews

This number is taken directly from the manufacturer website, or from third-party retailers like Amazon, which helps keep our reviews as unbiased as possible. We take the average rating from all of the customer reviews and factor this into our rating. 

The winner here is HigherDOSE, which only has 5-star ratings, but it’s worth pointing out that there are only 27 reviews at the time of writing, and they’re only available on the HigherDOSE website. 

While it’s not a magical medicine that solves every problem, red light therapy has quite a few benefits; some of which are surprising. Adding it to other recovery methods—using a home sauna, for example—can prove to have several perks.

Reducing Inflammation

Fending off inflammation often requires a combination of strategies. You can pencil red light therapy in as one part of the equation. 

In particular, a study from 2017² showed that one of the most reproducible benefits of red light therapy is a reduction of inflammation. Not just inflamed muscles, either: The study particularly pointed out a reduction of inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds and injuries, spinal cord, and lungs, too.

Aiding Muscle Recovery

Red light therapy can prove to be an effective muscle recovery tool, repairing the micro-tears that occur from weightlifting. One review from 2017³ that analyzed several randomized control trials and case studies found that deep red and near-infrared light therapy can help heal and regenerate damaged muscle tissue. It went even further and showed that it could also increase the muscle mass gained after training, too.

Of course, as much as tools like red light therapy devices can help, it’s also important to listen to your body and know when it’s time to dial things back.

“Adequate rest between workouts is very important for muscle recovery and preventing overtraining, which can lead to injuries,” explains GGR expert contributor Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Each muscle group needs about 48 hours to recover, which is why scheduling days off or rotating between different muscle groups is a good idea.”

Providing Pain Relief

As a competitive weightlifter, I deal with chronic pain from overuse injuries, such as tendinitis. Red light therapy can help alleviate chronic joint and tendon pain, as seen in a 2022 study⁴ .

In the study, red light therapy treatments didn’t just help with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions; they also relieved other pain-related conditions like fibromyalgia, low back pain, and non-specific knee pain.

Speeding Up Wound Healing

Red light therapy—particularly deep red light—has been shown to speed up wound healing, as seen by NASA scientists in the 1990s. The wavelengths help stimulate cells called fibroblasts to form connective tissues. A study from 2023⁵ demonstrated that wound healing was sped up on an in vitro sample of tissue, showing that the same results could happen to an in vivo sample (a living organism).

Helping With Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While it’s not the legendary fountain of youth, red light therapy has been shown to help rejuvenate your skin with certain anti-aging effects, like lessening wrinkles. According to a study from 2020⁶, low-level laser light therapy can be an effective treatment for aging skin, as the fibroblasts stimulated during the treatment also aid in collagen production, a vital component to the elasticity and structural integrity of your skin…and nails, hair, and more.

Treating Skin Conditions

Phototherapy has been shown to be helpful in treating certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. In particular, a 2018 study⁷ had patients with plaque psoriasis clear up between 60% and 100% of their skin after two weekly red light therapy sessions for one month. 

Promoting Hair Growth

Photobiomodulation can be an effective tool for hair loss, too, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery⁸. The study found that red light therapy was able to stimulate hair growth in both men and women, meaning RLT may prove to be a safe, non-invasive treatment for those suffering from hair loss or androgenetic alopecia.

There’s a lot of different devices in the world of chromotherapy, and it can be a hassle to determine exactly what you want or need. To help you out in your search, here are some things to consider before making your red light therapy purchase.

Light Intensity

The irradiance (aka, light intensity) of a red light therapy device is a measurement of the light energy your body can receive from a certain distance of the LED lighting. This measurement is typically given in milliwatts per square centimeter. The larger the number, the more power and energy the light can bring, meaning it’ll be easier to penetrate the skin’s surface for deep tissue therapy.

An irradiance of 25 to 120 milliwatts per square centimeter is best for skin treatment, while an irradiance over 120 milliwatts can also penetrate to deeper muscle tissues and joints.

The distance of an irradiance reading is also important, as the irradiance dissipates the farther away from the light it goes. For a light therapy wrap, you’ll want to know the irradiance at 0 inches, since that’s how far the wrap will be while in use. Panels may have several measurements, since you may have it at different distances while in use, depending on the treatment area and purpose.

Finally, irradiance isn’t always disclosed by brands. In that case, wattage can be a good indicator of power output. While there aren’t exact numbers, the main thing is that a higher wattage is usually better.

Frequency

Deep red light and invisible near-infrared light are on specific wavelengths—around 660 and 850 nanometers, respectively. Red light doesn’t penetrate as deep as infrared light, so it’s typically used more for surface-level treatments, while infrared light is for deep tissue recovery.

Red light therapy devices can use red light, infrared light, or a combination of the two. We prefer devices that use both. Bonus points if a RLT device has extra features, like intensity levels or the option to use red light or infrared light only.

Red Light Coverage

During your comparison shopping process, you’ll want to think about where you’ll want to apply red light therapy and how well a device will cover your desired treatment area. The size and coverage can vary, from laser-like pinpoints to a full red light therapy bed, which surprisingly looks a lot like a tanning bed. While they can work for in-office use at the doctor’s, these larger options often aren’t a viable option for at-home setups.

Effectiveness

Before you buy, consider some of the benefits I listed in the section above (pain relief, skin treatment, wound healing, etc.). If a brand is claiming its RLT device can treat or cure diseases, I’d say that’s a red flag.

Value

Although red light therapy devices for home use can vary from a couple hundred bucks to $1,000 or more, the bottom line is that they can be pricey. We found that larger devices like full-length panels and light therapy beds can cost thousands of dollars.

Whichever device you choose to go with, make sure it can still fit within your budget. Also, make note of any financing options, or if devices are HSA- or FSA-eligible.