Red light therapy devices vary widely in cost, style, quality, and effectiveness.
In this article, we compare the best qualities of some of the top red light therapy panels on the market to help set them apart.
When considering this, it’s important to go beyond the ‘look’ of a panel to see what’s really under the hood and to understand how this actually impacts the efficacy of therapeutic treatment.
Read on to learn more about some of the top red light therapy panels on the market to see which would be the best for you.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment modality that is growing in popularity for natural healing, in part because it treats the cause of bodily dysfunction rather than masking symptoms as is so often the case with pharmaceuticals today, unfortunately.
Numerous clinical studies suggest that this non-invasive, painless, and natural therapy stimulates the mitochondria, providing energy that helps heal tissues deeper in the body, which manifest themselves in visible, surface-level skin improvements.
During treatment, light in the visible red spectrum and the invisible near-infrared spectrum is delivered to bare skin using light emitting diodes (LEDs) calibrated to emit wavelengths of light that each have specific therapeutic value.
In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the main benefits of RLT.
Is Red Light Therapy Effective?
RLT has numerous therapeutic benefits. At its core, these come from stimulating the mitochondria, a mechanism of action that treats the body holistically.
Here are some of the widespread benefits of red light therapy:
- Accelerated tissue healing and wound healing, which results in faster workout recovery.
- Reduced systemic inflation, which has numerous other holistic health benefits.
- Reduced joint pain, which can help with arthritis.
- Restored nerve function for those with neuropathy.
- Improved skin health, and treatment for signs of aging.
- Reduced acne and skin redness.
In the following section, we look into this in more detail, starting with the question of delivery devices.
Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy Panels vs. Other RLT Devices
There are several factors that impact the therapeutic effectiveness of an RLT device.
Included in these are the following:
- The number of therapeutic wavelengths emitted by the device.
- The intensity of the wavelengths
- The distribution of light intensity among the wavelengths provided.
- The physical coverage of light provided.
The ideal red light therapy device would provide more rather than less therapeutic wavelengths at high intensity, with that intensity distributed in direct proportion to the body’s ability to absorb those wavelengths, and would entail ‘full-body’ coverage.
One common misunderstanding about RLT treatment is that devices that target specific areas of the body are optimal for treating those areas.
Conversely, the surface-level symptoms seen in specific areas on the surface of the body stem from core systemic issues that require full body treatment. Exposing the entire body to RLT treatment is what provides widespread mitochondrial stimulation that winds up resolving these numerous specific issues.
Thus, the idea of targeted treatment is inherently unsound. This is what brings us to question the efficacy of non-panel devices, including hand-held wands, masks, wraps, blankets, and other small devices. These also often have much weaker intensity and emit fewer therapeutic wavelengths.
The only other competing device that is left are red light therapy beds, which are not only extremely expensive, but may also fail in one important aspect.
Resting directly on the surface of light diodes prevents the light wavelengths from mixing, which is another significant advantage of getting treatment from a multi-wavelength panel while administering treatment at a distance, meaning physically being from six inches to a foot from the light diodes during treatment.
Panels also offer hands-free light therapy. They can be hung on a door, and you can purchase optional horizontal or vertical stands for some models. Some panels even come with stands that allow for placement over a bed, so you can take red light treatment while lying down comfortably.
Some panels are modular, meaning you can link several together. This will increase the treatment area and the light energy output. Even when looking at price, panels are often as expensive or sometimes even less expensive than many of the targeted treatment devices.
Our conclusion is that when considering the underlying principles of the mechanism of action for therapeutic effectiveness, it’s difficult to question that red light therapy panels are optimal for treatment.
Given this, in the following section, we take a look at some of the best red light therapy panels on the market.
Comparison of the Best Red Light Therapy Panels
When considering a red light therapy panel, it’s important to go beyond the aesthetic design. As mentioned above, panels have varying components that can significantly impact the efficacy of treatment.
Many panels share common features such as large coverage area (anywhere from 150 to 300 LEDs) and at the minimum, a combination of one red wavelength (typically 660nm) and one near infrared wavelength (typically 850nm).
We’ve compiled a list of five panels that are relatively similar in size and treatment coverage.
However, as you’re about to see, these panels differ widely in features, light energy output, and of course price.
|
Product |
Price |
Wavelengths |
Power Density/Irradiance |
Coverage |
Standout Feature |
|
1. Platinum LED BIOMAX 600 |
$1049 |
480nm, 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 850nm, 1060nm |
174 mW/cm2 |
Full body |
Power & Range of wavelengths |
|
2. Mito Red MitoPRO 750+ |
$1169 |
630nm, 660nm, 830nm, 850nm |
165 mW/cm2 |
Half body |
Power & Most widely studied red/NIR wavelengths |
|
3. Joovv Solo 3.0 |
$ 1599 |
660nm, 850nm |
100 mW/cm2 |
Half body |
Ambient light/red light alarm feature |
|
4. Infraredi Flex Mid |
$ 750 |
630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm |
158 mW/cm2 |
Half body |
Five wavelength array |
|
5. Bestqool Pro 200 |
$ 589 |
660nm, 850nm |
124 mW/cm2 (at 3”) |
Half body |
Basic budget panel |
In the following section, we discuss these RLT panels in greater detail.
Red Light Therapy Panel Reviews
Let’s look at the details of each of the five top panels we reviewed.
Device 1: PlatinumLED BIOMAX 600
Description: This is the ideal red light therapy panel, if you’re looking for the most comprehensive light therapy treatment on the market, including 480nm blue light to treat bacteria on the skin, five red and near infrared wavelengths, as well as 1060nm infrared light for joint pain and other deep-tissue concerns.
It also delivers more light energy to the skin than other panels meaning you can stand further from the panel to increase treatment coverage from half body to full body while still receiving enough light energy.
What’s included: BIOMAX 600, eye protection, remote control, patch cable, power cable, door hook, wrench, hanging bracket, screws x6, cable assembly & snap line, 2 hanging brackets
Wavelength(s): 480nm, 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm, 1060nm
Power density/irradiance: 174 mW/cm2
Coverage area: half body (200 LEDs)
Price $1049
Pros:
- Superior light energy output (irradiance)
- Six wavelengths for the greatest treatment flexibility
- 3 year warranty
- Modular
Cons:
- No option to use each wavelength individually
Device 2: MitoRed MitoPRO 750+
Description: A powerful red light therapy panel that delivers four of the most widely studied red and near infrared wavelengths. What’s included: MitoPRO 750+, remote control, power cable, detailed user manual, protective eyewear, MitoRed IR3 glasses, over-the-door hook, steel hanging cables, vinyl hanging straps.
Wavelength(s) 630nm, 660nm, 830nm, 850nm
Power density/irradiance: 165/mW2 at 6”
Coverage area: half body
Price $669
Pros:
- A mix of red and near infrared wavelengths provides the ability to treat skin as well as deep-tissue concerns.
- Option to use red and near infrared wavelengths alone or in combination
- 3 year warranty
- Modular
Cons:
- 150 LEDs limit your treatment to half body (the $1169 MitoPRO 1500+ is a full-body panel)
Device 3: Joovv Solo 3.0
Description: The price would suggest a leading-edge product, but the features, including only two wavelengths and low power, put it squarely in the ‘average’ category. For the price, this panel scores lowest in value.
What’s included: Joovv Solo 3.0, power cord, protective eyewear, user manual.
Wavelength(s): 660nm, 850nm
Power density/irradiance: 100mW/cm2
Coverage area: half body (150 LEDs)
Price $1599
Pros:
- Ambient mode to help you transition to a good night’s sleep
- Red light alarm clock
- Modular
Cons:
- The device features “pulsed” light, which is absolutely not necessary in LED devices and offers questionable benefits. Pulsing is only necessary with “hot” lasers to prevent thermal damage to tissues. These types of lasers aren’t available on consumer-grade light therapy devices. This can be considered a gimmicky feature.
- Highest cost of all compared panels
- Features only two wavelengths
- 2 year warranty
- Low power output
Device 4: Infraredi Flex Mid
Description: This mid-sized panel features five wavelengths, and a dimming mode that lets you adjust intensity if you’re using the device just before bedtime.
What’s included: Flex Mid, remote control, hanging cables, pulley system, door hook, protective eyewear, power cable, user manual.
Wavelength(s): 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm
Power density/irradiance: 158 mW/cm2
Coverage area: half body
Price $750
Pros:
- Dimming mode
- Five red/NIR wavelengths
Cons:
- The website is misleading when mentioning power output: most panel manufacturers measure power output at 6”, whereas Infraredi measures theirs at 3”: they do show the irradiance at 6” in a graphic, but this is lower than the top two contenders in this review.
- Pulsing in LED technology has not been shown to offer any benefits
- 5 watt LEDs sound mower powerful, but actually deliver less light energy
Device 5: Bestqool Pro 200
Description: A very basic budget red light therapy panel. Nothing outstanding in terms of features, but it does feature a lower price.
What’s included: Pro200, power cord; door hook, protective eyewear, adjustable rope, braided steel cable, splicing sheet, 2 screws, user manual.
Wavelength(s): 660nm, 850nm
Power density/irradiance: 124 mW/cm2 (see important note below)
Coverage area: half body (200 LEDs)
Price $589
Pros
- Solid 660nm/850nm wavelength options: a basic budget panel
Cons:
- Underpowered: Most panel manufacturers measure power output at 6”, whereas Bestqool shows the power output at 3” meaning the power output at 6” is significantly less than the already underpowered 124 mW/cm2 @ 3”
- Dual chip technology sounds cool, but actually delivers less light energy
- 2 year warranty
Who Should Use Red Light Therapy Panels?
Red light therapy panels are suitable for almost anyone: athletes, people with diabetic neuropathy, anyone suffering from chronic skin disorders, people seeking to regrow hair, or those suffering from osteoarthritis joint pain.
There are many other uses for red light therapy. We go into great detail regarding the many other benefits in our Learning Center.
New studies are constantly emerging about innovative ways to use this natural therapy!
Some may want to discuss red light therapy with a healthcare provider before using it. The treatment may not be suitable for pregnant women or people taking photosensitizing drugs.
How Long Does it Take to See Results from Red Light Therapy?
It’s hard to say exactly when a condition will clear up because it depends on the light output of the red light therapy device, frequency and consistency of use, the condition being treated, and the severity of the condition.
Some conditions can be relieved very quickly while others may take several months to resolve.
For example, chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis may take 1-4 months and you’ll want to continue with maintenance treatments to prevent the condition from recurring.
Tips for Using Red Light Panels Effectively
Being consistent with your treatment is the best way to achieve the results you want. Think of it as “feeding” your cells every day with nourishing light.
The light must be applied to bare skin free of sunscreens, oils, creams, or lotions that could block the light from absorbing into the skin.
While red light therapy is safe for the eyes, it’s recommended you wear light-blocking goggles to prevent eye strain. Note that near infrared light is invisible to the human eye, so it may appear that the device isn’t turned on if it’s in near-infrared mode.
Sit, stand, or lie 6-12 inches from the device for the most power. You can also move further from the device to increase the treatment area. To get the most power while treating a larger area, consider a modular system that lets you link several panels together.
It’s recommended to keep treatment sessions relatively short (3-20 minutes) and take at least 3-5 light treatments per week. You can use red light therapy every day if you like, but longer sessions won’t accelerate your results. Using red light for too long in one session leads to diminishing returns.
You may feel warmth during the treatment, and possibly temporary tightness or redness in the treatment area afterwards due to increased blood flow. This will pass quickly.
Red and near infrared light will not cause burns like UV light. This being said, panels are very powerful and panel components can heat up excessively if your skin is in direct contact with the panel.
The top contenders in this review stand above the rest in terms of value, efficacy, and features. Check out the industry-leading BIOMAX series to choose a panel size that’s just right for you.
