When it comes to red light therapy, we often focus on power, coverage, and results, but what about portability?
Whether you’re heading away for a week or living out of a suitcase, finding a device that actually makes sense for travel is no easy task. So in this article, I’m ranking thirteen different types of red light therapy devices — from full-size panels to pocket-sized torches — on a tier list from S for Super down to F for Fail.
Each device type is scored across four key metrics: Portability, Therapeutic Performance, Ease of Use, and Value — specifically for travel purposes.
So let’s unpack which devices make the cut for travelers and which should probably stay home.
Full-Size Wall Panels (D Tier)
First up — the big boys. Think of the Biomax 600 or the Rojo Therapy Refine 900 — full-size wall panels with two to three hundred LEDs. There’s no question these are powerful, high-performing devices that deliver excellent therapeutic light intensity and coverage. But when it comes to travel, practicality goes out the window.
They’re heavy, bulky, and take up a lot of space — especially once boxed up and padded for protection. If you’re heading away for a month and have a generous luggage allowance, you might get away with bringing one. But for anyone flying, these are simply not travel-friendly. Despite their fantastic value and light performance, they land firmly in D Tier due to size and impracticality.
Chroma Iron Forge (B Tier)
The Chroma IronForge is a high-powered handheld device that plugs directly into the mains. It’s robust, powerful, and versatile enough to treat the entire body if you move it around during a 30-minute session.
However, it’s still quite bulky and heavy. While I’ve personally traveled with this unit several times, it’s definitely not light luggage. It also comes with a premium price tag. Still, given its performance and durability, it earns a solid B Tier for travel — not ultra-portable, but reliable and powerful enough to justify packing if space allows.
Weber Medical Endolite (B Tier)
Now for something completely different — the Weber Medical Endolite. I’m actually wearing it as I write this. This laser-based device works by irradiating blood at the wrist, delivering photons directly into the bloodstream.
It's excellent from a portability standpoint. It fits neatly into a small carry case, and you can easily walk around while using it. It even emits multiple wavelengths — red, amber, green, and blue light — which gives it a strong therapeutic profile.
Another win here is the ease of use; it’s comfortable, discreet, and effective. The only real downside is the price. It’s an expensive piece of kit, and you can achieve similar results with other, more affordable devices. That said, this one comfortably lands in the B Tier for frequent travelers who want a scientifically backed, pocket-sized therapy solution.
Red Light Therapy Torches (A Tier)
Now we’re getting practical. Devices like the Block Blue Light Torch or Lightpath LED Torch are compact, durable, and truly made for travel. You can slip them into a carry-on bag — or even your pocket — without a second thought.
They’re battery-powered, surprisingly powerful for their size, and generally affordable. The only real drawback is their limited coverage area. But for spot treatments — sore shoulders, joints, or facial therapy — they’re excellent. You can even use them on your wrist to irradiate the blood, just like the Weber device.
These torches score highly for convenience, portability, and reliability, and easily earn a spot in the A Tier.
Full Body Panels (F Tier)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have full-body red light panels such as the Block Blue Light Ultimate or Rojo Refine 3600. These are incredible for home setups — unmatched coverage and power.
But travel? Not a chance. They’re massive, fragile, and space-demanding. Even if you’re living the van life, they’ll dominate your storage. For that reason, these full-body panels go straight into the F Tier — incredible at home, impossible on the road.
Red Light Therapy Masks (S Tier)
Here’s where things get interesting. Most people think red light masks are for the face only, but that’s not entirely true. There are two main types — hard shell and soft shell. The soft silicone designs are flexible, rugged, and incredibly portable, making them ideal for travel.
They’re battery powered, simple to use, and can double as small red light pads for treating other areas — shoulders, chest, wrists, even knees.
Some masks, like the Maysama Prana, put out over 70 mW/cm² — an impressive amount for such a compact device. With multiple wavelengths (red, near-infrared, and blue), they provide real depth and versatility.
Best of all, they’re affordable. A high-quality mask costs $300–$400, which is an excellent value for both travel and home use.
For performance, convenience, and adaptability, soft-shell red light therapy masks easily take the S Tier crown as the best overall red light therapy device for travel.
Small Tabletop Panels (B Tier)
Smaller tabletop panels like the Hooga HG300, Mito Red 300x, or Infraredi Flex Mini units offer a nice middle ground. They're reasonably portable and often affordable, with around 50–100 LEDs, built-in stands, and a compact footprint.
They deliver solid light power and coverage, but their fragility makes them risky for travel. Internal components can be delicate, so you’ll need to package them carefully.
If you’ve got room in your suitcase, they’re a strong contender — powerful, versatile, and effective — but not quite durable enough for constant movement. So these sit comfortably in the B Tier.
Handheld Mini Panels (A Tier)
Now we’re talking. The Mito Red Mobile is a perfect example — small, battery-powered, and highly durable. I’ve used one for years at home and while traveling, and it’s been a staple in my setup.
It emits a substantial amount of red and near-infrared light, and its compact design makes it ideal for targeting specific areas. It’s not as large as a mask, but it’s still incredibly effective for localized therapy.
Affordable, practical, and robust — the mini panels earn a confident A Tier rating.
Handheld Laser Devices (C Tier)
Laser-based devices are powerful and great for deep tissue or targeted therapy — joints, muscles, or even the brain. I’ve traveled with one of these before, and while it’s portable and battery powered, it’s not designed for general red light therapy.
Because the beam is so concentrated, it’s best suited for specific medical or recovery uses rather than daily wellness. It's fantastic for targeted healing but overkill for most people. That’s why C Tier feels right here.
Kineon Move+ Pro (B Tier)
The Kineon Move+ Pro is another travel-friendly favorite. It’s portable, battery powered, and surprisingly rugged. The pods output the right wavelengths at impressive intensities, and they’re great for small-area treatments — knees, joints, or facial use.
The downside is size and coverage. They’re fantastic for small targets, but you’ll struggle to treat large areas like your back. Still, as an easy throw-in-your-bag solution, the Move+ Pro earns its B Tier spot.
Red Light Therapy Body Mats (C Tier)
Body mats like the Hooga Mat are becoming popular for at-home full-body treatments. They offer solid power and great coverage, but lack portability.
They’re bulky, heavy, and take up considerable luggage space. If you’re driving, you might make it work, but it's not practical for flying. Because of their size and cost, they land in C Tier.
Red Light Therapy Beds (F Tier)
Then we have the ultimate luxury — red light therapy beds like the NovaThor Red Light Bed or Mito Red's Red Light bed. These are incredible for full-body sessions and recovery, but unless you’re a millionaire with a holiday home, there’s no scenario where traveling with one makes sense.
I’ve heard of people installing them in vacation houses, but realistically, they’re stationary devices. As dream-worthy as they are, they get an F Tier for travel practicality.
Lumaflex Pad (A Tier)
Finally, we have the Lumaflex Pad — a truly unique, waterproof, battery-powered red light therapy pad. It’s rugged, dust-resistant, and built for the outdoors.
You can use it at the beach, on a hike, or in your hotel room without worrying about damage. While it’s not as powerful or large as a mask, it ticks many boxes for travel readiness and durability.
Although it’s pricier than some smaller devices, its build quality and versatility make it a strong A-tier contender.
Final Thoughts
After ranking thirteen different device types, one thing is clear — the best red light therapy devices for travel balance power, portability, and ease of use.
Full-size panels and beds may dominate in performance, but for life on the move, soft-shell red light masks, mini panels, torches, and durable pads are the true heroes.
If you’re building a travel-ready setup, a good red light therapy mask remains the gold standard — compact, powerful, affordable, and endlessly versatile.
Items Mentioned in this Article:
🔥 For a Rojo Refine product: Use this link: https://aferg.co/rojo-rlt, and code ALEX
🔥 Get a Chroma Ironforge here: https://aferg.co/chroma-ironforge - discount code ALEX
🔥 If you want a Weber Endolight, use discount code ALEX and the following link: https://aferg.co/weber
🔥 For a LightPathLED torch or any other product - https://aferg.co/lightpathled, use discount code - ALEX
🔥 For a Block Blue Light product, click the link https://aferg.co/BlockBlueLight. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout
🔥 Maysama PRANA Mask, code ALEX, and this link:https://aferg.co/maysama
🔥 If you want a Hooga panel, use the following link: https://aferg.co/hooga-rlt. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout if you use the provided link.
🔥 For a Mito Red panel, use the following link: https://aferg.co/7d221. A unique discount code is generated after you click the link
🔥 For a Move+ Pro from Kineon, use discount code AFERGUSMOVE for 10% off and the following link: https://aferg.co/kineon -
🔥 For the THOR Lasers website, check: https://aferg.co/thor. Mention ALEX
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Alex Fergus wrote this blog post. Alex is an ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional, and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people worldwide with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
