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Best Light Therapy Lamps

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Verilux HappyLight VT22 Bright White Therapy Light
Verilux
HappyLight VT22 Bright White Therapy Light
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Industry Leader
Bottom Line

This model from a trusted brand provides light that's highly effective yet less pricey than some high-end competitors.

Pros

Delivers therapeutic white light with customizable settings in a 72-LED model. Size is fairly compact, but light is bright. Sleek design with a spacious light surface. Can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Exceeds safety standards for electrical devices.

Cons

Rare faulty units have been reported.

Best Bang for the Buck
Verilux HappyLight V10 Compact Light Therapy Lamp
Verilux
HappyLight V10 Compact Light Therapy Lamp
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Portable and Effective
Bottom Line

The portable version of one of the top brands in light therapy for a surprisingly low price.

Pros

An inexpensive model in a durable, small design that's built for travel or use anywhere a full-sized model won't fit. Emits bright light despite its compact size. Highly conducive to prolonged use. Incredibly well-made and durable.

Cons

Gets a bit hot, especially with extended use. Rare incidents of broken bulbs upon arrival.

Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp
Circadian Optics
Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp
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Best for Personal Use
Bottom Line

If you're looking for a reasonably priced light therapy lamp that's small, discreet, and effective, this model is worth considering.

Pros

Designed specifically to address the light therapy needs of individuals who live in regions with long, dark winter climates. Has a trim design but emits bright, full-spectrum light. Easy to adjust. Decent price.

Cons

Power cord isn't very long. Light occasionally flickers and turns off unexpectedly. A few lemons reported.

Pure Guardian SPA Portable Tabletop Energy Light
Pure Guardian
SPA Portable Tabletop Energy Light
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User-Friendly Features
Bottom Line

Enjoy blue or white light therapy in six light intensity levels.

Pros

Full-spectrum light exposure for up to 10,000 lux with UV-free light. Compact design is portable enough for travel. Plugs into AC outlets. Light is easy to tilt and adjust.

Cons

Some users found the white light settings to be a bit too bright.

Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Carex Health Brands
Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
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Superior Quality
Bottom Line

This well-made, clinical-strength light has been widely praised for its effectiveness.

Pros

Provides the recommended 10,000 lux of glare-free white light from a safe LED screen. Flexible angle stand enables you to direct the light exactly where you need it. Safely blocks over 99% of harmful UV so that you get all the benefits of sunlight safely. Designed by experts for maximum effectiveness.

Cons

Larger and less discreet than many alternatives.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
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70
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for light therapy lamps

Not getting enough sunlight can be devastating to your overall well-being. Whether your mood is just a little lower than usual or you fall deep into depression, a light therapy lamp may be able to help. Light therapy lamps affect the chemicals in your brain that are linked to mood and sleep and can reduce symptoms of seasonal depression.

When considering a light therapy lamp, intensity is your primary concern. The brighter a light is, the shorter your sessions will need to be. It is also important that your lightbox filters out harmful UV rays, which can damage your skin and eyes. The ideal light for you will be large enough to be effective, but not too big for your environment.

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A variety of ancient cultures, including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome, practiced some form of light therapy, also known as heliotherapy.

Who needs a light therapy lamp?

Light therapy lamps are often recommended for individuals who experience some type of seasonal depression. The main type is SAD, or, Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of clinical depression with symptoms that typically start sometime between September and January, and diminish when the days become longer in April or May. Symptoms typically include sadness, moodiness, fatigue, weight gain, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Nearly 10.8 million people in North America suffer from SAD. If you experience a milder form of seasonal depression, it’s informally known as the “winter blues.” The symptoms are similar to SAD but less severe. Up to 25% of people in northern latitudes suffer from some type of winter blues.

Approximately 75% of people who experience SAD or the winter blues are women. SAD usually starts when you’re in your early 20s, but it can begin as soon as puberty. It’s also believed to be a genetic condition, so if your family members experience the condition, you’re likely to as well.

In addition to SAD and the winter blues, light therapy lamps can also help treat jet lag, sleep disorders, non-seasonal depression, and even dementia.

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EXPERT CONSULTANT
Dr. Lauren Tessier is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, specializing in functional and integrative medicine. She takes great joy in helping motivated patients find their path to health through education and empowerment. Dr. Tessier is also the founder of Life After Mold, a clinic specializing in the treatment of mold and other biotoxin illnesses.
Dr. Tessier
Naturopathic Physician

How does light therapy work?

Light therapy usually involves a box or lamp with fluorescent lights that simulate natural outdoor light. The light typically has a minimum intensity of 2,500 lux, which is the same intensity as a somewhat overcast day.

To use the light, you place the lamp on a surface near where you are sitting, making sure to aim it at your eyes. You shouldn’t stare directly into the light, though; it’s best to position the lamp so it shines down at your eyes from a slightly elevated angle.

The light from the lamp hits your retina, and nerve impulses are transmitted to the pineal gland to enhance the effectiveness of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which can help boost your mood. You should sit near the light for anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours to see results. Users often experience results from light therapy in 2 to 4 days, though you usually need up to 3 weeks of treatment for the full benefits.

Light therapy lamp feature considerations

Size

Light therapy lamps come in a variety of sizes, which range from small, tabletop models to larger, box style lamps.

Choosing the right size is mostly a matter of preference. Some users don’t like big, bulky box styles, but those with larger surface areas usually mean better exposure for your eyes.

If you choose a light therapy lamp that’s too small, it may not be as effective.

Intensity

A light therapy lamp’s intensity is the main factor in predicting effectiveness. The intensity of the light measured in a unit called lux, which describes how brightly the light is perceived by the human eye.

Light therapy lights usually fall within a range of 2,500 to 10,000 lux.

For reference, the average rating of home lighting is 50 lux.

When it comes to light therapy lamps, the most common mistake is buying a light that isn’t intense enough. Our expert Lauren mentions, “I see people buying lights that are not powerful enough. 10,000 lux is suggested for the quickest treatment.”

More intense lights usually have a higher price tag, but your treatment sessions will be shorter.

With a 10,000 lux lamp, you usually only need a 15 to 30 minute session daily.

With an 8000 lux lamp, try for a 45 to 60 minute session every day.

With a 2500 lux lamp, your daily sessions should be 1 to 2 hours.

Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum

Some light therapy lamps utilize full-spectrum light, while others feature broad-spectrum light.

Full-spectrum light features wavelengths ranging from infrared to near-ultra violet, so they tend to have a bluish light. Broad-spectrum light doesn’t contain UV rays and is whitish in color.

Either type of light can work in a therapy lamp, but as our expert Lauren cautions, “If a full spectrum bulb is used, make sure that UV light is being filtered out.” That’s because UV rays can burn and damage the skin, which is a side effect no one wants from their therapy lamp.

Timer

It isn’t an essential feature, but a built-in timer on your light therapy lamp can come in handy.

The timer can keep track of how long your sessions are, so you don’t necessarily have to time it yourself.

If your doctor wants precise numbers tracking the time you spend with the light, the timer also makes it easier to provide accurate records.

 

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Did you know?
The first artificial light source used for therapeutic reasons was developed by Dr. Niels Finsen, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1903.
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Light therapy lamp prices

Light therapy lamps vary in price based on their intensity and size, but you can usually expect to pay between $30 and $200.

For a small, 2,500 lux lamp, you can typically expect to spend between $30 and $40.

For a small, 7,500 to 8,000 lux lamp, expect to pay between $45 and $65. For a larger lamp with 7,500 to 8,000 lux, you’ll usually pay between $70 and $90.

Small, 10,000 lux lamps cost between $75 and $100, while larger 10,000 lux lamps run between $100 and $200.

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For your safety
If you’re considering using a light therapy lamp, it’s best to talk with your doctor first about whether it’s a good option for you. Your doctor can also help you plan an effective treatment schedule.
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Light therapy lamp tips and tricks

  • If you’re considering using a light therapy lamp, talk with your doctor first to confirm it’s a good option for you.

  • It’s best to use a light therapy lamp in the morning. Start with 20 to 30 minutes to see if it improves your mood. If you don’t feel the effects, increase your time to up to an hour each morning.

  • You should place your light therapy lamp so it’s approximately two feet from your eyes. If your lamp is weaker, such as a 2,500 lux model, you may need to sit closer to it.

  • To see the effects of light therapy, consistency is most important. Use your lamp daily from the beginning of fall through winter to ensure that it’s as effective as possible.

  • You shouldn’t use a light therapy lamp if you’re taking medication that makes you more sensitive to the sun, such as lithium, melatonin, acne medications like isotretinoin, and certain antibiotics.

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For most people, light therapy works best if it’s done first thing in the morning, right after you wake up.

FAQ

Q. Are there side effects to using a light therapy lamp?

A. Side effects from using a light therapy lamp are usually minor. However, some users can experience headaches, anxiety, and jitters when first using the lamp. The side effects usually go away after a few days, but you can reduce the chance of experiencing them by starting with shorter sessions. If you have an eye disease or other vision issues, you should consult with an eye doctor before using the lamp.

Q. Can you get a similar effect with brighter light bulbs in your home as you would with a light therapy lamp?

A. Using bright light bulbs in lamps and other fixtures around your house won’t provide the same effect as a light therapy lamp. That’s because you must be positioned at the proper distance and orientation from the light to experience the therapeutic benefits, and it’s usually not possible to stay in front of non-therapy fixtures in the proper position for the necessary amount of time.

Q. Do you stare into the light therapy lamp to receive the benefits?

A. No. In fact, you shouldn’t stare directly into the lamp’s light, because it may cause cornea or retina damage. The lamp should actually be positioned so it shines down at you from a slightly elevated spot.

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