Red light therapy, an innovative treatment gaining popularity in recent years, offers numerous health and wellness benefits, such as improved skin health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall well-being. Also known as photobiomodulation, this therapy uses specific light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity.
The growing interest in red light therapy has led to the development of various at-home devices, making them more accessible and convenient than ever. This article will delve into the best red light therapy devices available on the market, examining different sizes, features, and price points to help you find the ideal device for your needs.
The best red light therapy devices in 2023
Here’s our list of the best red light therapy devices, complete with insightful mini-reviews for your consideration. After going through the list, look at our recommendations below to find the ideal device for your unique requirements.
LifePro LumiCure
The LumiCure is a highly portable, torch-style red light therapy device designed to target specific areas of pain. With two types of light therapy and three different wavelengths, the LumiCure offers a versatile treatment option.
Red light therapy is available at two wavelengths: 630 nm for healing skin and wounds, and 660 nm for improved blood circulation and skin health. Infrared light therapy, offered at a single wavelength, is designed to alleviate aches and pain in the body.
The lightweight LumiCure is easy to grip and allows you to reach virtually any part of your body. As part of the kit, the device comes with two special rechargeable batteries, a charger, protective sunglasses, and a convenient carry case.
This flashlight-style device is a great choice for those looking to focus on specific trouble spots, such as tennis elbow or rotator cuff injuries. However, for those with multiple target areas, a device covering a larger surface area may be more suitable.
LOVTRAVEL Wearable Wrap for Pain
The LOVTRAVEL Wrap is a versatile red light therapy device designed to easily target muscles and joints throughout your body. It features a large 15″ x 7″ treatment area, with 120 red LED lights and 240 invisible infrared lights, embedded in a flexible pad that can be conveniently wrapped around various body parts for optimal treatment.
Unlike handheld LED torches, the LOVTRAVEL Wrap frees up your hands, allowing you to work or relax while receiving the benefits of red light therapy. It comes with a USB cable and wall plug adaptor, giving you the flexibility to use it at your computer desk or next to a wall outlet.
The device offers separate treatment modes for red and infrared lights, making it adaptable to different therapeutic needs. Additionally, it supports a pulse mode, which can enhance treatment effectiveness. This wrap is particularly useful for relieving joint and muscle pain in areas like the back, neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, leg, knee, and foot, and it may also help with muscle fatigue and soreness.
While the LOVTRAVEL Wrap does require a power source to be plugged in during use, limiting users’ mobility, it is still an excellent choice for those seeking pain relief. Customers have reported significant pain relief in various areas, making it a versatile product that appeals to people with joint and muscle pain issues. Additionally, the 60-day refund policy and 1-year full warranty give customers confidence in the product and offer a risk-free trial, further enhancing its appeal.
Wolezek Red Light Therapy Bulb
The Wolezek Red Light Bulb provides a convenient, hands-free red light therapy experience, offering coverage for larger areas of the body, such as the upper back, lower back, face, neck, and chest. The bulb features 18 high-power LEDs, with a balanced mix of 9pcs 660nm deep red LEDs and 9pcs 850nm near-infrared LEDs, making it an ideal wavelength combination for effective light therapy.
Designed with a 60-degree glass lens and an additional super large optical lens, the Wolezek Red Light Bulb improves irradiance to over 141mW/cm2. This allows for targeted treatment of various body parts, with 20-minute sessions recommended for optimal results. The bulb promotes drug-free, non-invasive pain relief by delivering infrared heat to the body, enhancing blood flow and circulation to facilitate muscle and tissue healing.
It is built with a qualified heat sink for better heat dissipation, ensuring durability. However, bear in mind that you will need to purchase a lamp to use with the bulb, as it is not included. Due to its larger and heavier build compared to standard bulbs, it is recommended to use a floor lamp rather than a clamp lamp with a gooseneck arm.
If you already have a compatible lamp and want to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy on larger areas of your body without mounting a panel on the wall, the Wolezek Red Light Bulb is a solid choice.
Beuer Infrared Light Heat Lamp
The Beurer Infrared Light Heat Lamp not only utilises red light therapy but also combines the power of heat to improve circulation, alleviate stiffness, and promote healing within the body. This compact, portable device can be effortlessly transported and positioned as needed, ensuring ease of use. The lamp’s adjustable tilt angle allows for direct heating where required most, and its XXL treatment surface of 11.8″ x 15.7″ makes it suitable for treating larger body areas.
With effective deep penetration, the Beurer lamp’s infrared light therapy can reach even the deepest layers of the skin, promoting cell repair and improving cardiovascular health by treating inflammation and boosting blood flow. Safety features such as 100% UV-free emissions, a built-in timer with 1-15 minute options, and overheat protection provide added peace of mind.
One drawback is that, for larger coverage, you may need to sit up rather than lie down and relax. Nonetheless, the Beurer lamp is attractively priced and provides excellent value for money, as it incorporates a bulb, timer, and an adjustable stand in an all-in-one unit. If you’re seeking a straightforward, easy-to-use device with all the necessary features, the Beurer Red Light Device is an outstanding choice.
Quantum Rejuvenation™ Red Light Therapy Device
The Quantum Rejuvenation Red Light Therapy Device is a handheld, flashlight-shaped device designed to offer pain relief and reduce inflammation. Made from stainless steel, this durable and lightweight gadget is cord-free, powered by a lithium-ion battery (included), allowing for easy and convenient use.
Customers have praised the device’s efficacy in alleviating joint pain, and its higher treatment strength, which outputs more red light waves, enables users to experience relief within 1 to 3 minutes of treatment per spot. Endorsed by renowned experts such as Dr Michael Hamblin at Harvard and Dr Joseph Mercola, this FDA-registered red light therapy device can safely be used alongside existing medications and provides deep penetration into joints for targeted relief.
However, some buyers have expressed concerns about broken parts or the device malfunctioning, and the product is considered somewhat expensive. On the bright side, it does come with a warranty, providing coverage for replacements within the specified time frame.
Red LED Light Therapy Panel
The Deep Red and Near Infrared Therapy Panel offers an effective combination of deep red 660nm and near infrared 850nm wavelengths, ideal for improving skin problems, boosting metabolism, and relieving joint pain. This reasonably priced product covers a large area and is environmentally friendly, boasting natural light with no hazardous substances or side effects.
This lightweight, portable therapy panel is easy to use and can be hung or placed independently. It features an advanced LED with robustness and high reliability, ensuring a long service life of up to 50,000 hours.
However, as it is simply a panel, it may be less convenient than a lamp for targeting specific areas of the body. This therapy panel may be more appealing to those who wish to mount it on a wall.
Overall, this therapy panel is reasonably priced and a good option for someone who wants something easy to set up and get started right away. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a larger-sized red therapy device to cover a large area.
Hooga Red Light Therapy Device
The Hooga HG300 Red and Near Infrared Light Therapy Device is an entry-level, targeted device perfect for those new to red and near infrared light therapy. With its 60 high-powered 5W LEDs emitting red and near infrared light at a 1:1 ratio, this compact device measures 12.2″ x 8.2″ x 2.5″ and delivers an irradiance of over 100mW/cm2 at the surface, ensuring effective and efficient treatment. It’s highly versatile and can be stood up, mounted on a wall, or hung using the pins on the top, making it an ideal addition to your home therapy routine.
This user-friendly device features two buttons on the top for easy control of red and near infrared light settings. It also comes with an instruction manual, hanging kit, and eye protection.
Although the HG300 is a solid, high-quality unit, it is priced on the higher end. However, the device is backed by a 30-day full refund policy, a 2-year warranty, and friendly customer service. Designed and headquartered in Wisconsin, USA, Hooga focuses on providing high-quality, affordable products for optimal health and wellbeing.
The AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt
The AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt is a professional-grade LED therapy device that offers numerous benefits such as joint and muscle pain relief, skin rejuvenation, fat cell breakdown, and improved circulation. This innovative product stands out due to its larger size, covering a greater area than other belts on the market, making it ideal for those who prefer a wearable solution rather than sitting under a light.
Featuring both red and near-infrared modes, the AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt provides four intensity levels, allowing users to customise their treatment according to their needs. The belt is lightweight at just 1.1 lbs and compact, making it suitable for use on various body parts, not just the lower back, and even pets can benefit from its therapeutic effects.
The comfortable, hands-free design ensures that the belt sits securely on the body while sitting, lying down, or walking around, allowing users to multitask during therapy sessions. At the same time, the belt’s convenient battery pack means you can take it on the go and use it wherever you are.
Although the AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt needs to be plugged in to use, its portability is enhanced by its compatibility with USB ports on computers and laptops or 5V-1A charging adapters in wall outlets. This versatile product makes an excellent gift idea for various occasions, and each purchase is backed by a lifetime warranty, attentive customer service, and community support.
Despite being on the more expensive side, the AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt offers exceptional value for money, thanks to its effectiveness and the numerous benefits it provides.
LifePro Biolux Red Light Therapy Wand
The LifePro Biolux Red Light Therapy Device Wand is a versatile, handheld therapy light designed to target specific areas of the body in need of attention. Compact and lightweight, this portable device is easy to use and can even be applied directly onto the skin.
The Biolux features a stand for hands-free use, although it may feel a bit flimsy, it still serves its purpose. This value-for-money device is rechargeable via USB and comes with a handy case for easy storage and transportation.
Using a combination of 650nm red light and 808nm near-infrared light frequencies, the Biolux effectively alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing in tissues, organs, and joints. The red light also helps improve skin appearance by stimulating collagen and elastin production, as well as enhancing blood circulation.
Ideal for athletes and those recovering from injuries, the Biolux’s dual frequencies aid in scar tissue recovery and pain relief. Additionally, this therapy device can even improve your pets’ quality of life by reducing pain and skin issues.
Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD Device
The RejuvaliteMD from Trophy Skin is a red light therapy device specifically designed for those seeking cosmetic improvements, such as reversing sun damage, age spots, and other signs of ageing in the skin. This lamp features a panel of red LED lights that shine downwards onto your face while you lie beneath it. A mere 5 minutes of use at least 5 times per week is all that is needed to achieve visible results, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD offers both infrared and red light therapy, and includes protective goggles for your eyes. It utilises a 120 LED bulb panel, emitting a combination of red, yellow, and amber light and infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. These various light frequencies work together to produce collagen and elastin, reduce redness, calm irritated skin, and repair damaged cells, promoting a radiant and youthful complexion.
Although primarily a beauty device targeted at facial treatment, the RejuvaliteMD is an excellent option for those who want to focus on smaller areas of the body. However, it is worth noting that the panel does not cover a large area, making it less suitable for full-body treatment. In such cases, a wall panel would be more appropriate.
In conclusion, the Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD is a premium choice for those seeking a red light therapy device specifically designed for facial beauty treatments. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, its effectiveness and targeted approach make it a valuable investment for those focused on enhancing their facial appearance.
The best red light therapy device: recommendations
The Beurer IL50 is the best overall choice for red light therapy devices due to its combination of effectiveness, versatility, affordability, and fair price. With its 300W halogen lamp and adjustable treatment area, this device provides targeted red light therapy for various needs.
The Beurer IL50 is also user-friendly, featuring a built-in timer and a digital display for easy operation. Its durable construction and safety features, such as the overheat protection and ceramic glass plate, ensure long-lasting performance and peace of mind for users.
Other recommendations based on different criteria are:
- Best Portable Choice: LumiCure. This handheld device is perfect for users who need a portable option for red light therapy on-the-go, with its lightweight design, rechargeable battery, and ease of use.
- Best for Large Areas: Hooga HG300. This red light therapy panel offers great value for money, as it provides a perfect balance of affordability, quality, and effectiveness for covering large areas.
- Best All-in-One Kit: Biolux Flex. The Biolux Flex is a comprehensive solution for red light therapy, featuring an adjustable wrap, red and infrared lights, multiple intensity levels, and a convenient battery pack.
- Best Bulb for Users with an Existing Lamp: Wolezek 36W. This powerful LED bulb is an excellent choice for users who already have a lamp they want to use, as it provides targeted red light therapy with its 18 red and 18 infrared LEDs.
- Best for Facial Treatments: Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD. Specifically designed for addressing skin concerns on the face, this device is a great choice for those looking to target sun damage, age spots, and other signs of ageing in the facial area.
- Best Wearable Option: AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt. Ideal for users who prefer a wearable solution, this belt is lightweight, compact, and can be used comfortably on various body parts, allowing for hands-free therapy sessions.
FAQs
Here are some frquently asked questions by first time buyers and users of red light therapy devices.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity, promoting various health benefits.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy has been shown to improve skin health, promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, enhance muscle recovery, and boost overall well-being.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light into the skin, which stimulates cellular activity and increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule responsible for cellular energy. This boosts cellular function, leading to various therapeutic effects [1].
What is the difference between red light therapy and infrared therapy?
Red light therapy uses visible red light wavelengths, typically ranging from 630nm to 660nm, while infrared therapy uses near-infrared light wavelengths, usually between 800nm and 900nm. Both therapies have similar benefits, but near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, making it more effective for muscle recovery and pain relief.
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes, red light therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, use protective goggles when needed, and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy [2].
How often should I use red light therapy?
The frequency of use depends on the specific device and treatment goals. Typically, most devices recommend using red light therapy for 10-20 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal results.
How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?
The time it takes to see results varies depending on the individual and treatment goals. Some people may notice improvements within a few days, while others may take several weeks to experience noticeable changes. Consistency is key for achieving lasting results.
Can I use red light therapy at home?
Yes, many red light therapy devices are designed for at-home use, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the treatment in the comfort of your own home. Just make sure to follow the device’s guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Do I need a prescription for red light therapy?
In most cases, a prescription is not required for at-home red light therapy devices. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your needs and to address any potential concerns.
Are there any side effects of red light therapy?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience mild skin redness or irritation after treatment, but this usually subsides within a few hours. If you have any concerns or experience persistent side effects, consult a healthcare professional.
Summary
As we’ve explored, red light therapy offers a wide array of benefits for your health and wellbeing. With the numerous devices available on the market, finding the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle can be a daunting task. We hope that our comprehensive guide and reviews have provided you with valuable insights into the top red light therapy devices, allowing you to make an informed choice.
Before we conclude, it’s important to note that red light therapy is generally considered safe, but it’s essential to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using these devices. If you’re a first-time user, start with the recommended treatment times and gradually increase them as needed.
Additionally, always protect your eyes with the appropriate goggles provided by the manufacturer, and consult with your doctor before beginning red light therapy if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns.
