In this article, we provide reviews of the 12 red light therapy devices, including the following:
Full Body Panels (best for full-body treatment)
- PlatinumLED BIOMAX 900 (1st, best in class)
- MitoPRO 1500+ (2nd place)
- Joovv Solo 3.0 (3rd place)
- RedRush 840 Pulse (4th place)
- Red Light Rising: The Full Stack 3.0 (5th place)
Small Panels (good for travel)
- PlatinumLED BIOMAX 300
- Joovv Go 2.0
- MitoPRO 300
Small Devices (generally not effective or recommended)
- reVive dpl® IIa
- Dr. Dennis Gross DRx FaceWare Pro
- MZ Skin
- LightStim wand
Criteria for comparison includes the following: wavelengths, intensity, coverage, cost, certifications, and warranty length.
Read on to discover which RLT devices we argue offer the best results overall.
Best Full-Body Light Therapy Panels to Use at Home
1. PlatinumLED BIOMAX 900
This is the biggest and most powerful device PatinumLED offers.
It features R+, NIR+, and traces of blue.
It includes six different wavelengths of red and NIR light. These are 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm, and 1060nm. It also has traces of 480nm blue light.
At the industry-standard measurement distance of 6", the BIOMAX 900 produces 185mW/cm(2) irradiance. And even from two feet away from the panel, you'll still receive about 100 mW/cm2.
All lights in the BIOMAX series are modular. Users can build their array to suit their therapeutic needs. This full-body panel costs $1,299.
Learn more about the BIOMAX 900.
Pros: powerful, many wavelengths, high-quality device international certification for medical devices: IEC 60601
Cons: slightly more costly than competitors for those on a very tight budget.
Specifications
| Wavelengths | 7; (480, 630, 660, 810, 830, 850, 1060) |
| Intensity (Irradiance) | 185mW/cm(2) |
| Coverage | Full body, with multipanel setups available |
| Price | $1,299 |
| Certifications | FDA Class II Medical Device, IEC 60601 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
2. MitoPRO 1500+
Mitoredlight has a series of full-body panels in the running as well. Included in the MitoPro Series is the MitoPro 1500+, which is roughly comparable to other panels in the running.
This panel features four red light wavelengths. Its irradiance is not listed on the website, but this has been tested by independent sources.
Pros: Medically certified as not dangerous and has a three year warranty
Cons: Fewer wavelengths, less powerful than alterantives, roughly the same price as the BIOMAX Series 900
Specifications:
| Wavelengths | 4; (630, 660, 830 & 850) |
| Intensity (Irradiance) | 68 mW/cm2 |
| Coverage | Full body |
| Price | $1,169 |
| Certifications | Class II FDA Medical Device |
| Warranty | 3 years |
3. Joovv Solo 3.0
The Joovv Solo delivers two therapeutic wavelengths: 660nm and 850nm.
The device has roughly the same dimensions as the BIOMAX 900. However, the Joovv Solo has a third of the number of LED bulbs. This partially explains why it's a lighter device.
Joov lists the device's optical irradiance at >100 mW/cm2. However, Joovv does not specify how far from the device that intensity is.
That said, Joovv has a solid history in the red light therapy space. You'll likely receive a quality device, even if it is less robust than PlatinumLED Therapy Lights' full-body panels.
Pros: Device is government certified, which means that it is not dangerous.
Cons: Only has two wavelengths. Instensity is low. Price is high for the value, and the warranty is short.
Specifications:
| Wavelengths | 2; 660 & 850 |
| Intensity (Irradiance) | >100 mW/cm2 |
| Coverage | Full body |
| Price | $1,599 |
| Certifications | FDA Class II Medical Device, IEC 60601 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
4. RedRush 840 Pulse
RedRush is a relative newcomer to the red light device market. This full-body treatment panel features the two popular wavelengths of 660nm and 850nm. These can be used in tandem or interchangeably.
For its size, the 840 Pulse is fairly dense. It has 280 LED lights split between the two wavelengths. This is more than other Joovv or similar devices, though fewer than a PlatinumLED device. The website says its peak irradiance is >250 mW/cm2, which is pretty high. Independent reviewers comparatively measuring panels have come up with much lower numbers, including Alex Furgus.
Pros: Good coverage.
Cons: Expensive for the limited wavelengths provided
Specifications:
| Wavelengths | 2; (660 & 850) |
| Intensity (Irradiance) | 76 mw/cm2 |
| Coverage | Full Body |
| Price | $1,295 |
| Certifications | FDA Class II Registered Medical Device |
| Warranty | 2 years |
5. Red Light Rising: The Full Stack 3.0
Red Light Rising is a relatively new company in the red light therapy products space. It was formed in 2017 by health and wellness enthusiasts in the U.K.
Its Full Stack 2.0 is a full-body panel that includes 660nm and 850nm wavelengths. It has 200 LED bulbs and basic wall-hanging accessories. It operates at 600w. This is significantly less than the BIOMAX's 900w.
Red Light Rising says this device offers a maximum irradiance of >250 mW/cm2. Users need to be too close to the device to achieve this level.
The Full Stack is taller and thinner than some of the other full-body treatment panels we've looked at. The treatment area is slightly different. It has more up-and-down coverage than side-to-side. And at about 14 lbs., it's also pretty light. Converted from British pounds, this device is currently priced at $1,060 This is not a bad deal at first glance, but it does not include shipping and handling from the U.K. It also does not include import taxes or customs duties.
Pros: Full body coverage
Cons: Fewer wavelengths, shipping from the UK, limited power, price is relatively high for the value
Specifications:
| Wavelengths | 4; (630, 660, 810, 850) |
| Intensity (Irradiance) | 55mw/cm2 |
| Coverage | full body |
| Price | $1,060 (before shipping from the UK) |
| Certifications | None listed |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Best Small Red Light Therapy Devices
PlatinumLED BIOMAX Series
PlatinumLED therapy lights are the most powerful, advanced lights you can use at home or in a medical setting.
Compared to other lights on the market, the BIOMAX Series offers the following:
- More power output leads to better results in less time. The BIOMAX Series emits 185 mW/cm(2), compared to the industry average of 60-100 mW/m2.
- Five therapeutic wavelengths provide a more comprehensive array of health benefits compared to the industry-standard two wavelengths. The BIOMAX lights offer five wavelengths.
- An industry-leading 3-year warranty.
- It has USA-based customer service via phone and email rather than email-only support.
We'll discuss the tech details and their importance later. In short, our lights are the most powerful and advanced therapy lights you can buy today.
If you're looking for a handheld device, we recommend the BIOMAX 300 series. The BIOMAX series offers more advanced technology and functionality at a slightly higher price. Users can use both at home.
They have the same warranty and customer support.
Learn more about PlatinumLED BIO and BIOMAX therapy lights.
Joovv Go 2.0
The Joovv Go 2.0 is a handy red light therapy device that delivers two wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. At just under 2 lbs., this is a very small, lightweight panel. It is the smallest red light therapy panel available, even smaller than an iPad mini.
The treatment area is tiny, so users must keep it close to the body to receive its full benefits. At $599, it's pricier than the more powerful Platinum Therapy Lights BIOMAX 300. You're paying for portability, but as the name implies, this may be your product of choice if you need to travel with an RLT panel.
MitoPRO 300
Are you looking for something powerful and small? The MitoPRO 300, by Mito Red Light, could be a reasonable compromise. It's fairly light and iPad-sized, yet it's packed with four therapeutic wavelengths. These include red light and NIR light wavelengths. These are 630nm, 660nm, 830nm, and 850nm. It currently costs $369.
The maximum treatment area of the MitoPRO 300 is slightly smaller than that of the BIO 300 simply because the device itself is smaller. But this is another option for targeting specific areas of the body with a little more power than, say, the Joovv Go 2.0.
reVive dpl® IIa—Professional Anti-Aging Light Therapy
This device can treat a specific body area, such as the face and neck, décolleté, chest, hands, and probably a small section of your back if you can maneuver the device correctly. The company is not specific about which wavelength(s) the dpl® IIa uses, though it does have positive reviews.
The manufacturer's website also needs to indicate how powerful the device is. Based on the website's images, it is small and lightweight. Although $359 seems a little expensive for a low-irradiance device, it is portable, lightweight, and fairly flexible. For an extra $40, you can get the reVive model with additional acne-fighting blue lights.
Red Light Therapy Face Masks and Wands
PlatinumLED would not hesitate to develop RLT masks or wands if we believed they were an optimal delivery method. However, specialized devices have too many shortcomings. This is given their lack of coverage and limited wavelengths.
Nonetheless, they may still have limited benefits as supplementary devices to panels. This section provides some information about some of the more promising wands and face masks. Let's check out these red light therapy devices.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx FaceWare Pro
The DRx FaceWare Pro is the best-known and most popular red light therapy device in the Dr. Dennis Gross line. It consistently appears among the top five recommended LED masks and wands.
Unfortunately, the website does not provide information on which wavelengths are used in the device. Its irradiance and overall power are low. At $435, it may not be worth it.
MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
The MZ Skin Light mask has practically every color light imaginable, which the manufacturer describes as follows. It has red light (630nm) to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and improve scarring. It has blue light (430nm) to clarify skin and treat acne. It has green light (520 nm) to calm skin and reduce pigmentation and other sun-related blemishes. It has yellow light (570-590nm) to reduce redness, boost circulation, and boost lymphatic flow. It also has white light (450-460nm) to promote wound healing and skin repair.
But many of these wavelengths are not proven to have therapeutic benefits. Combined with a price tag of $500 and a low power output, this device becomes a bit of a hard sell.
LightStim: LightStim for Wrinkles
The smallest on our list, this device has a total of 72 LEDs that emit four different kinds of light. These are amber, light red, dark red, and infrared. The wavelengths are not specified. This red light therapy device be directed anywhere the user prefers. This is unlike the red and infrared light masks, which are for the face only. The treatment area is quite small. At $249, it's only slightly less expensive than a quality RLT panel.
Specifications for Red Light Therapy at Home
Many factors should be considered when choosing a red light therapy device for the home. Here are some of the most important ones.
RLT Irradiance/Power
Harvard Associate Dr. Michael Hamblin is one of the field's leading researchers. He once said that "total energy is the most important thing" in a red light therapy device. This arguably makes irradiance the most essential quality in an LED device.
In the red light therapy industry, power is typically measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2). We've mentioned irradiance in many of the reviews. It's important because it indicates how strong the device is. Results come down to how much energy your cells' mitochondria absorb. Higher-output panels energize the cells more quickly and thoroughly. This leads to great results with less time spent in front of a panel.
RLT Wavelengths
The most popular red and near-infrared light wavelengths are 660nm and 850nm. It's perfectly fine to use these separately or together.
However, adding red or NIR light waFvelengths is never bad. Research shows that there are five ideal wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that cover a range of treatment areas. These are aforementioned two, along with 630nm, 810nm, and 830nm. Only PlatinumLED offers all five red and NIR wavelengths. The BIOMAX series features these.
RLT Device Size
The size of a red light therapy device dictates the surface area of treatment. Full body treatment is optimal, because it stimulates the mitochondria throughout the body. This is what causes the numerous specific instances of healing and wellbeing.
Misleading Product Claims in The Red Light Therapy Industry
As with any groundbreaking technology, rumors circulate in the industry. Some manufacturers make false claims. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Pulsed light is not a beneficial feature. RLT devices aren't supposed to pulsate. There is no benefit to their pulsating. Lasers that use red light sometimes pulse to offset heat. Read more about this in our longform article about the poinlessness of pulsating RLT devices.
- Irradiance matters, not wattage. As discussed, irradiance is an important measurement when comparing red light devices. It reveals the intensity of the power being emitted. This determines how far users should be standing from the device. Wattage, however, is the power the device consumes. This is only relevant in terms of your energy bill. Some companies talk up the wattage of their bulbs, but it's a nonessential detail. Look for the irradiance number of the red light therapy device instead.
Using Red Light Therapy At Home: Commonly Asked Questions
Below, we'll address a few of the most commonly asked questions about red light therapy and how to use it at home.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
The term red light therapy refers to the application of a narrow spectrum of visible light. This treatment occurs within the "therapeutic window." In other words, it uses light that's benefits the body. This does not include harmful UV rays. It can be administered in a dermatologist's office but also in the comfort of your own home.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work In the Body?
Light stimulates the human body. Wavelengths penetrate the skin to varying depths where light stimulates natural biological processes. Sunlight is a therapy for chronic skin conditions and other health problems.
However, prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is harmful. Red light therapy is also called photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy. It uses light-emitting diode (LED) devices to expose the skin to specific wavelengths of light. These are known to have innumerable therapeutic benefits.
How Do Red Light Therapy Devices Work?
Red light therapy works on the human body in a way similar to photosynthesis in plants. LED devices radiate red and near-infrared light particles into the skin. These are absorbed by mitochondria, which are the energy centers of cells. There, the photons convert into energy.
This boost of additional energy allows cells to regenerate successfully and build new proteins, including collagen and elastin. Energized, optimally functioning cells directly affect the body's health and proper functioning. All bodily systems are interrelated and interdependent. In short, increasing cellular energy improves the functionality of the body's systems. This leads to an improvement in overall health.
Can Red Light Therapy Devices Be Used at Home?
Yes, some of the best red light therapy devices are intended for home use.
Because treatment for chronic conditions often takes place over a period of weeks or months, many people choose to purchase devices for home use.
For example, treating eczema with red light typically involves three to five visits per week over the course of months.
Following that, an ongoing maintenance program typically involves one to two treatments per week indefinitely. This same protocol, administered at home, is far more convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective. And when used as directed, red light is safe and has no known side effects. Infrared light therapy at home can work well as long as these criteria are met. First, we recommend committing to a regular and consistent treatment program. Since red light therapy works at a cellular level, many conditions will require several weeks or months of treatment. Some may require maintenance sessions to prevent the condition from flaring up again.
Second, we recommend using a high-quality, high-output red light therapy device. This would irradiate the skin using an optimal combination of red and near-infrared light. Many devices built for home use are weak and ineffective. Investing in a high-quality device from a reputable manufacturer is worth it.
Instructions for Using Red Light Therapy at Home
Once you've purchased a red light therapy device, simply choose a convenient place to hang it or place it. Users can find a comfortable spot for treatment. It's important to be facing the panel.
The area of your body you are treating must be fully exposed to the light. Fabric or clothing should not cover the body.
We recommend eye protection if you're treating facial wrinkles or other skin conditions on the face. If you are treating other areas of the body, protective goggles are not necessary. There is no point in looking directly at the lights.
What Will I Feel During Treatment?
Expect to feel soothing, gentle warmth during and after your treatment. Some people experience a temporary tightness of the skin. This should disappear shortly after you've been treated. If you experience any discomfort or feel you're getting too much exposure, you can decrease the therapy time or increase your distance from the light. The body may heat up. If it's too hot, reduce treatment time.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
Targeted treatments can be repeated three to five times per week. Treatment can continue indefinitely on this basis. It can be to treat current issues and preventative ones.
How Long Should I Use Red Light Therapy?
We recommend starting slowly with shorter therapy times and gradually working up to the maximum recommended time.
For targeted treatment, such as on the face, start with a 10-minute session and gradually work up to 20 minutes. The device generally be 6 to 12 inches away. The skin on the face is particularly sensitive. Be sure not to overdo the duration or try to accelerate results by moving closer than the recommended distance. You won't get burned by red light or NIR light. Nonetheless, more is not necessarily better. Treat a maximum of two or three areas per day.
Read more about specific targeted treatments:
When Will I See Results?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some conditions respond very quickly. Muscle recovery is one of them. Chronic skin disorders typically require several months. Red light works on a cellular level. The body requires time to generate new cells and new capillaries. This generates positive effects in the skin, muscles, and other tissue.
LED light therapy is not a cure. You can experience significant relief from chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. However, maintenance sessions will be required indefinitely to prevent these conditions from flaring up. Dermatologists recommend one to two sessions per week.
We recommend you download the PlatinumLED Therapy Companion app. This which will guide you through setting up your device for maximum effect.
What’s the Best Time to Do Red Light Therapy?
Consistency is the most important aspect of red light therapy. Here are some suggested times that work well for specific conditions:
- Athletes wanting to accelerate muscle recovery, grow muscle mass, and enhance performance can use red light therapy just before exercise. This primes the muscles for activity and again afterward to promote recovery.
- If you are treating a chronic skin condition, use red light therapy before your nightly wet-wrap or dry-wrap routine. You can also use red light therapy early in the morning after cleansing the skin and before applying therapeutic creams.
- For chronic pain, experiment with morning sessions to prime achy joints for the day's activities or in the evening to fall asleep pain-free.
- For insomnia, try a relaxing session just before bed.
- For wound healing, treat the area before reapplying bandages and dressings.
Are There Any Dangers to Red Light Therapy?
Unlike UVA and UVB light, red light and NIR cannot burn the skin. When used as directed, there are no known side effects to red light therapy. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience temporary redness and tightness.
One commonly asked question is whether these devices generate harmful electromagnetic emissions. All electrical devices generate some type of electromagnetic frequency. This is a normal byproduct of electrical consumption. However, PlatinumLED devices use shielded components to eliminate EMF emissions. They have zero detectable EMF emissions as measured at the minimum usage distance (4 to 6 inches). See this testing for yourself here. EMF Blog + Verification Video.
RLT with the BIOMAX Series
Check out the gold standard in at-home red light therapy devices: PlatinumLED Therapy Lights.
The BIOMAX Series are the most advanced consumer red light therapy devices on the market.
Meanwhile, the SaunaMAX Pro has all the features of the BIOMAX Series but can be used for in-sauna treatment. It's the ideal panel for red light therapy users who also have a home sauna.
Learn more about the most powerful therapy lights on the planet in the PlatinumLED store. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team.
Start enjoying the far-reaching wellness benefits of red light today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between LED light therapy and red light therapy?
LED stands for light-emitting diodes. Red light therapy entails using LEDs. 'LED light therapy and 'red light therapy' essentially refer to the same treatment. However, red light therapy is sometimes confused with direct laser treatment. This is a different type of treatment, often only administered in clinics.
Q: How much do red light therapy devices cost?
Buyers can find red light therapy devices very cheaply. It depends on the device and the wavelengths provided. Wands, for instance, may be much cheaper than panels.
Q: Which red light therapy devices are FDA-approved?
The BIOMAX Series RLT panels are FDA approved.