I've been testing red light therapy devices since 2017, and since 2023 I've published my results here on Light Therapy Insiders and on my YouTube channel. This page explains exactly how I test, what I measure, how the scores are worked out and how this site makes money, so you can judge every review for yourself.
🏆 The Short Version
- Panels: 11 popular panels were measured by LightLab International, an independent photometric lab, using the same tests for every panel. I then scored them over nine rounds, out of 100 points. See the results.
- Masks and small devices: I measure wavelengths and power with a calibrated spectroradiometer, wear each mask for several sessions and check coverage across 10 facial zones.
- Scores: every score is published with the measurements behind it, and the scoring rules are on this page.
- Money: I earn commissions through affiliate links and discount codes. Brands usually send products free, and in the 2026 panel test each brand paid the lab's fee for its own panel's tests. Full disclosure.
Who Tests the Devices
Alex Fergus (me): I'm the founder and head reviewer of Light Therapy Insiders. I've tested and reviewed red light therapy devices since 2017 and share my testing with more than 90,000 subscribers on YouTube. I'm also an ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist and certified Superhuman Coach, and I worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade.
Bart Wolbers: our head researcher. Bart holds degrees in Physical Therapy, Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Technology (MS, with distinction) and Clinical Health Science (MS). He writes most of our science articles, which link to the studies behind them.
You can read more about the team on our About page.
How I Test Red Light Therapy Panels
Independent Lab Testing
For my 2026 panel test, 11 panels went to LightLab International in Allentown, Pennsylvania, an independent photometric laboratory. Testing took place in September and October 2026, and every panel went through the same tests:
- Total light output and spectrum: each panel was measured in a 2 m Labsphere integrating sphere with a spectroradiometer, following the applicable sections of the LM-79-24 standard. That gives its total light output in watts, its efficiency and its full spectrum.
- Output over 20 minutes: spectral irradiance meters 12 inches from the centre of each panel recorded its output every minute for 20 minutes, split into red (600–780 nm) and near-infrared (780–1100 nm).
- Heat map: once each panel had stabilised, the lab measured its irradiance (570–1100 nm) at 403 points, every 2 inches over a 24 × 60 in grid, 12 inches away. Coverage, average irradiance and uniformity come from the 24 × 30 in area in the middle, roughly the size of an adult torso.
Each panel has its own lab report with a reference number. The reports list the brand under "Prepared For" because each brand paid the lab's fee for its own panel's testing.
You can compare all of the lab data in my interactive panel comparison or download it as a spreadsheet.
Why I Test at 12 Inches
For years I measured panels at 6 inches, like most brands and reviewers. Independent lab data convinced me that 12 inches (30 cm) better reflects how people actually use a panel, because it shows how evenly light reaches your whole body instead of rewarding one bright hotspot. Here's why I changed.
How Panels Are Scored
Each panel is scored over nine rounds, for a total of 100 points:
| Round | Points | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Coverage | 35 | Share of a 24 × 30 in area that gets at least 30 mW/cm² at 12 inches |
| 2. Average irradiance | 5 | Average power density over the same area |
| 3. Uniformity | 10 | How evenly the light is spread across that area |
| 4. Optical stability | 5 | How much the output changes over a 20-minute session |
| 5. Wavelengths | 5 | How many core wavelengths (630, 660, 810, 830 and 850 nm) reach at least 0.5 W/nm, plus a bonus for 590 and 1064 nm |
| 6. Red vs. near-infrared balance | 5 | How the output splits between red and near-infrared light |
| 7. Ease of use | 15 | App and smart features, manual controls, customisation, support, remote, stands and standout features |
| 8. Extras | 10 | Expandability, certifications, warranty, returns and noise |
| 9. Price | 10 | Delivered price to Austin, Texas, after my discount codes, including shipping and tax |
| Total | 100 |
For wavelengths, 2 core wavelengths earn 1 point, 3 earn 2, 4 earn 3 and all 5 earn 4. The bonus wavelengths add 0.5 points each.
Hands-On Testing
Lab numbers don't tell you what a panel is like to live with, so I set up and use every panel myself. I look at the controls and app, timers, stands and mounting, noise, heat and build quality. Those findings feed the ease of use and extras rounds.
How I Test Red Light Therapy Masks
I've compared 25 LED masks using the same method, scoring each one out of 100 across four areas:
- Comfort and ease of use: I wear each mask for several sessions to judge the fit, straps, weight and controls.
- Therapeutic power: I measure the wavelengths and power density with my spectroradiometer, then work out the dose your skin gets in a session (J/cm²).
- Coverage: I check how well light reaches 10 facial zones, including the forehead, temples, eyes, nose, cheeks, lips and jaw.
- Price and peace of mind: the price, warranty, returns and the brand's track record.
See the results in my tested LED mask rankings and my mask dosing guide.
Handhelds, Wraps and Other Devices
For handhelds, wraps, torches and other small devices, I use the same spectroradiometer to check their wavelengths and power, and I've added an integrating sphere to measure their total light output. Here's why I bought it.
My Testing Equipment
- Hopoocolor OHSP-350-IRF spectroradiometer: my main tool for wavelengths and irradiance. It reads out to 1,100 nm, so it can measure newer 1060–1070 nm devices. My review of it.
- Integrating sphere: for measuring the total light output of small devices.
- LightLab International: a 2 m Labsphere integrating sphere and spectral irradiance meters for the 2026 panel test.
I don't rely on solar power meters, which can give misleading readings for red and near-infrared light.
How This Site Makes Money
Light Therapy Insiders doesn't make or sell any products. We earn a commission when you buy through our affiliate links or use our discount codes, at no extra cost to you. Brands usually send us products to review free of charge, and in the 2026 panel test each brand also paid LightLab International's fee for its own panel's tests. Every review says this near the top. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Updates and Corrections
Products change, so I update reviews when a brand releases a new model, changes its specs or warranty, or when new test data comes in. If you spot a mistake, please let us know and we'll check it and correct it.
This Isn't Medical Advice
Our reviews and articles are for education only. Please talk to your doctor before using light therapy for a medical condition or if you have any health concerns. Read our full medical disclaimer.