Is the Kala Red Light Therapy Mask worth the money? According to Kala’s website, this is the best red light therapy mask on the market. That’s a bold claim — and one that deserves to be adequately tested.
So I did precisely that, using my detailed and scientifically grounded 100-point red light therapy scoring system. I evaluate every mask across four key categories: Comfort & Ease of Use, Therapeutic Power, Coverage, and Price & Peace of Mind. Each section is weighted, giving a total possible score of 100 points.
I can tell you now, based on those scores, the Kala mask isn’t the best. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad either.
Want Help Choosing a Red Light Mask? I built my Red Light Mask Guide — an interactive tool that compares the top masks side by side.
There are some strong points. It’s comfortable to wear, breathable, and secure enough that you can talk or move around without it shifting. The wavelengths used are suitable for skin and beauty purposes, and they even include some blue light, which may appeal to those dealing with acne or eczema. The power output is also quite strong, and the price is very reasonable, especially with the discount code I provide.
But it’s not without issues. Coverage is one of the weakest points, with noticeable gaps around the jaw, top of the head, and especially under the eyes. It also lacks some useful wavelengths, such as green, amber, and deeper-penetrating near-infrared. Although the operation is simple once you learn it, the device still requires a wired connection to the controller, which somewhat limits its mobility.
So, no — it's not perfect. But whether it's worth it depends on your priorities. Let’s walk through the four rounds of testing and break it all down.
Comfort & Ease of Use – 19/25
If a mask isn’t comfortable, you won’t use it. That’s why comfort and usability are the first things I test.
The Kala mask does quite well here. I wore the Kala mask for multiple sessions over a few days and found that it stays in place nicely. It doesn’t slide around, there’s no pinching or pressure points, and I can breathe and talk easily while wearing it. That last part matters more than you’d think — being able to talk and breathe comfortably means longer, more frequent sessions.
The strap system is easy to use and fully adjustable. There’s no annoying sweat buildup either, which is a problem I’ve seen with some cheaper silicone masks.
But it’s not perfect. It’s a little awkward to get on, especially over the nose area, and contact with the skin is inconsistent. Some areas — like the cheeks — sit flush, while other parts, like the jaw and the sides of the face, float above the skin. That uneven contact could impact the effectiveness of the therapy in those regions.
Score: 13 out of 15
As for operating the mask, it’s straightforward once you figure it out — just one button on the controller. However, the first time I used it, I had to refer to the manual to understand how to switch between modes and adjust the timer.
Also, it’s not cordless. The mask connects via a wired controller, so a bit of cable is visible during use. For some, that might be a dealbreaker. For me, it’s more of a mild annoyance.
The plus side: it’s USB rechargeable, folds up compactly for travel, and has two built-in timers — 10 and 20 minutes. Unfortunately, there’s no option for custom session lengths.
Score: 6 out of 10
Add it all up, and Kala scores 19 out of 25 in this round.
Therapeutic Power – 16/25
Next, we dive into what matters when it comes to results: light quality and intensity.
Kala is using three wavelengths in this mask:
- 630nm red light — great for surface skin and collagen production.
- 830nm near-infrared — deeper penetration, good for circulation and elasticity.
- 460nm blue light — helpful for acne and eczema, but no anti-aging benefits.
This is a solid mix, especially for a general-purpose skincare mask. The red and near-infrared wavelengths are what most people seek for beauty and skin rejuvenation, and I appreciate that you can run red and NIR together or switch to blue light on its own.
Still, I wish Kala had gone a bit further. More variation in red light wavelengths, maybe some green or amber, and even deeper NIR options would’ve rounded this out. So I gave it a 7 out of 10 for wavelength selection.
When it comes to fluence (also known as light intensity), the Kala mask impressed me. Using my spectrometer, I measured 26 mW/cm² directly over the red and near-infrared LEDs. That’s solid — better than many masks in this price range.
A 10-minute session at that power level yields approximately 15.6 J/cm², which falls slightly above the optimal window for skin health. That’s not harmful, but it could lead to diminishing returns if used excessively.
Ideally, you’d stop a session a little early — maybe around the 8-minute mark — to stay in the sweet spot. However, for most users, manually timing a session isn’t ideal. You want to hit a button and be done with it.
For power, I give Kala 9 out of 15, bringing the total for this round to 16 out of 25.
Coverage – 11/25
Here’s where things start to unravel.
While Kala has packed 66 triple-chip LEDs into the mask (which sounds impressive), the actual coverage across the face is pretty poor. All the LEDs emit either red, near-infrared, or blue — and that’s good. But it’s not just about having LEDs. It’s about where they’re placed.
Let’s break it down:
- Forehead coverage is okay, but it doesn’t reach the hairline.
- Cheeks are well covered.
- The nose features two LEDs at the bridge and two more at the base. Decent.
- Eyes — almost nothing. One LED sits high up near the crow’s feet. There’s zero light coverage under the eyes.
- Lips & Chin — only 2 LEDs near the top of the chin. Not much is happening here.
- Jawline — totally neglected.
- Temples — minimal.
For the number of LEDs, Kala gets a 4 out of 10. For zone coverage, it gets a 7 out of 15.
Total score for coverage: 11 out of 25.
This is a huge letdown, especially when you consider that even some lower-cost masks manage better distribution.
Price & Peace of Mind – 18/25
Now for the area where Kala redeems itself a little: value.
The Retail price is just over USD 300, but with my 15% discount link, https://aferg.co/Kala, you can grab this mask for $289 USD, including free shipping to the U.S. and Canada.
That’s a competitive price point — especially given how high some premium masks are going these days. I gave it a 16 out of 20 for pricing.
Unfortunately, the peace of mind score drags it down. Kala only offers a 1-year warranty, and there is no return policy for this product. That means if you buy it and don’t love it — tough luck.
That’s a risky proposition for buyers on the fence. Kala is a well-established brand, having been around for some time. I’ve reviewed several of their products before. But a mask with no return window is not ideal.
Peace of mind score: 2 out of 5. Total for this round: 18 out of 25.
Final Score – 63/100
The Kala Red Light Therapy Mask earns a total score of 63 out of 100. That’s a disappointing result, especially considering how long Kala has been in the red light therapy game.
Here’s the thing — the mask does a few things right. You’re getting essential wavelengths, strong power output, solid comfort, and a great price point. These are all pros.
However, poor facial coverage, a corded design, and the absence of a return policy significantly detract from its overall value, especially when compared to other top masks I’ve tested.
Other Options:
If you're looking for better-performing alternatives, the Therabody mask is a strong contender. It offers far more LEDs and significantly better facial coverage. It's also cordless, which improves ease of use. (review coming soon)
The JOVS mask is another great option with a better design, more wavelengths, and superior coverage. Like the Therabody mask, it comes at a higher price point.
If you're working within a budget, keep an eye out for my upcoming Budget Red Light Mask Comparison, where I’ll cover top performers under $300.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you don’t care about treating areas like the jawline, the top of the forehead, or around the eyes — and you just want something affordable and effective for general face use — this could still work for you.
But for most users? You’ll want more comprehensive coverage, a cordless design, and ideally a better warranty and return policy.
If you can obtain this at a significant discount and are fully aware of its limitations, then you’ll still likely see benefits. However, in my opinion, there are better options available.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
🔥 Kala Red Light Face Mask, click link for 15% off (auto-applied): https://aferg.co/Kala
🔥 JOVS 4D Red Light Mask, use code ALEX for 10% off: https://aferg.co/JovsMist
🔥 The Therabody mask: https://aferg.co/therabody
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Alex's Bio
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.
