As a wellness columnist, I have been exposed to a wide range of health tech. If pressed to reveal my favorites, red light therapy would rank high on my list. It is no surprise to me that this technology is gaining popularity, especially since we now have so many products to choose from.
In this article, I will review some of the best red light therapy mats to help you find your perfect match.
Best red light therapy mats: shortlist
- Novaa Light Pad XL: overall best red light therapy mat
- Hooga Red Light Therapy Acupressure Mat: Best red light therapy device for pain
- Novaa Deep Healing Pad: Best small red light therapy mat
- HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat: Best full-body red light therapy mat
- MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt: Best red light therapy mat for targeted sessions
Why do I think Novaa Light Pad XL is the best red light therapy mat?
Novaa Light Pad XL is my top pick because this product can accommodate a wide range of needs and preferences.
Due to its size, it is suitable for larger areas such as the back or legs, while still practical enough for more localized use. Moreover, it is relatively light, weighing 1.9 lbs, making it a portable option.
When it comes to quality, Novaa stands as a solid brand, with FDA clearance and CE and RoHS certifications.
This, of course, does not mean that Novaa Light Pad XL is the only option you should be considering. For this article, I have also reviewed other similar products and highlighted their potential advantages, as the best red light therapy mat will depend on your needs and preferences.
Best red light therapy mats: overview
In this section, I will take a closer look at each product so you can find all the details in one place.
1. Novaa Light Pad XL — overall best red light therapy mat
Looking for a versatile product that meets all the criteria? Look no further than Novaa Light Pad XL.
Combining clinically studied wavelengths, Light Pad XL features 1,200 LEDs, covering large areas of the body in a single session. Moreover, weighing 1.9 lbs, it is still a portable choice.
Key features
- Red light (660 nm) and near-infrared light (850 nm)
- 1.9 lbs, 19.7" x 23.6"
- 1,200 LEDs in total
Novaa also prioritizes safety and quality standards. The product meets FDA clearance requirements and is CE- and RoHS-certified.
If you decide to go with Novaa Light Pad XL, this product is currently priced at $279.92 and is covered with a 60-day refund guarantee. The standard warranty you will receive covers one year, but for an additional fee, you can extend it to three years in total.
2. Hooga Red Light Therapy Acupressure Mat — best red light therapy mat for pain
If you are considering a red light therapy mat for pain management, Hooga combines two therapeutic approaches: traditional acupuncture and modern red light therapy.
As explained by the brand, acupressure spikes may target pressure points to reduce pain and support recovery processes. This is further supported by the addition of red light therapy with clinically studied wavelengths of red (660 nm) and infrared (850 nm).
Key features
- Red light (660 nm) and near-infrared light (850 nm)
- 26" x 18"
- 144 dual-chip LEDs
The major drawback of this product is its certification status, as the brand does not disclose any information regarding this on its official website.
If you opt for this Hooga product, it will cost you $179.10. This mat is covered by a 3-year warranty and includes a 60-day refund guarantee.
3. Novaa Deep Healing Pad — best small red light therapy mat
If you find other products on this list too large, whether you’re looking for portability or a more targeted treatment, the Novaa Deep Healing Pad is a solid choice.
While not ideal if you are considering broader coverage, this Novaa product weighs only 0.6 lbs, which may make it a go-to choice for frequent travelers as well.
Key features
- Red light (660 nm) and near-infrared light (850 nm)
- 0.6 lbs, 16.3" x 7.9"
- 450 LEDs in total
Novaa also doesn’t fall short on quality standards. Deep Healing Pad is compliant with FDA clearance requirements and certified to CE and RoHS standards.
Deep Healing Pad from Novaa is priced at $279.92 Buyers can also change their minds within a 60-day period, which is covered by Novaa’s refund policy. The product is covered by a 1-year warranty, with the option to extend the coverage to a full 3 years for an extra charge.
4. HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat — best full-body red light therapy mat
For full body coverage in one session, opt for HigherDOSE. Although the biggest mat on the list, it is also flexible and rollable, and can be used as a regular yoga mat, suitable for users who want to integrate red light therapy into meditation or stretching.
Being the most expensive option, it is also the most versatile, as it can be used close to one’s skin or be hung for ambient lighting.
Key features
- Red light (660 nm) and near-infrared light (850 nm)
- 15 lbs, 78.7” x 41.37”
- 1,000 LEDs in total
On the official website, the brand does not specify the certifications for this product. Some HigherDOSE products, however, are FDA-cleared.
Being full-body size, HigherDOSE also comes with a higher price tag: $1 019.15 The brand offers a 120-day refund period and a 1-year limited warranty.
5. MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt — best for targeted sessions
Can be used hands-free, the MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt is a suitable choice for targeted treatment.
The product features an ultra-dense LED layout that includes 405 diodes. Utilizing unique TriChip™ technology, the MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt contains a total of 1,215 LEDs, the highest among all the products mentioned in this article.
Key features
- Red light (630 nm, 660 nm) and near-infrared light (810 nm, 850 nm)
- 1.2 lbs, 50" x 7", with the treatment area being 22" x 5"
- 1,215 LEDs
The product was made following medical-grade safety standards, particularly the IEC 60601 series.
Right now, you can purchase the MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt for $349.00 This product is covered by a 1-year warranty and a 60-day refund policy.
Comparing top red light therapy mats
| Product | Novaa Light Pad XL | Hooga Red Light Therapy Acupressure Mat | Novaa Deep Healing Pad | HigherDOSE Full Body Red Light Mat | MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt |
| Size | 19.7" x 23.6" | 26" x 18" | 16.3" x 7.9" | 78.7” x 41.37” | 50" x 7" |
| Wavelength(s) | Red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) | Red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) | Red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) | Red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) | Red (630 nm, 660 nm) and near-infrared (810 nm, 850 nm) |
| Certifications | FDA-cleared, CE, and RoHS certifications | Does not specify | FDA-cleared, CE, and RoHS certifications | Does not specify | Medical-grade safety standards (IEC 60601 series) |
| Amounts of LEDs | 1,200 LEDs | 144 dual-chip LEDs | 450 LEDs | 1,000 LEDs | 1,215 LEDs |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs | Does not specify | 0.6 lbs | 15 lbs | 1.2 lbs |
| Price | $279.92 | $179.10 | $279.92 | $1 019.15 | $349.00 |
| Refund policy | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 60 days |
How did I choose the best red light therapy mats?
Choosing a red light therapy mat is not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance. After all, these days we are spoiled with choices, with more and more wellness brands releasing their red light therapy devices.
After reviewing a bunch of red light therapy mats, I have picked my top five based on these criteria:
- Light wavelengths. I focused on mats that provide a combination of red and near-infrared light, meaning you would be getting a broader spectrum of potential benefits.
- Pricing. While price is usually tied to size, I looked for a sweet spot in terms of value for what you spend.
- Certifications. Certifications serve as clear indicators of quality standards. While red light therapy devices may have a wide range of them, FDA clearance is particularly significant.
- Customer reviews. A fair part of my reviewing process was dedicated to reading real-life customer reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot and Reddit. This helped me gauge the durability of these products and see potential drawbacks that could arise in the long run.
What is red light therapy?
During red light therapy, users are exposed to low-level light, usually red, near-infrared, and infrared. This light is proposed to stimulate several biological processes, including ATP production and collagen synthesis.
Due to these cellular effects, using red light therapy may have these benefits:
- Skin health support. Acknowledged by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), red light therapy is widely applied in skincare. For instance, red light therapy is proposed to have potential anti-aging effects by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hair growth support. Some early findings suggest that red light may be used to treat conditions such as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss.
- Pain management. Supported by some research, red light therapy devices may be a valuable tool for musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain.
As of now, the benefits of red light therapy are still being studied, with more potential applications arising. However, there is no data on the long-term safety; thus, further research is needed.
Is red light therapy safe?
Generally, red light therapy is considered safe. However, some side effects may also happen, including:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Photosensitivity
Additionally, you may also need to speak with your healthcare provider before using red light therapy if you are pregnant, have a history of cancer, epilepsy, or any thyroid issues.
Since more pigmented skin absorbs more light, it can be beneficial to consult a professional if you have darker skin.
Bottom line
While it's quite an investment, a red light therapy mat is one of the best ways to target larger areas, such as the legs, torso, and back. While Novaa Light Pad XL ticks all the boxes and stands as my top choice, other products could be valuable options as well.
For instance, Hooga’s red light mat also comes with acupuncture spikes, combining two types of at-home therapies in one.
Frequent travelers might be looking into smaller products, such as Novaa’s Deep Healing Pad, weighing only 0.6 lbs. On the other hand, if you are looking for a full-size product, HigherDOSE could be the one for you.
Lastly, MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt may be preferred for those seeking more targeted light therapy, as it provides close contact with the skin.
Ultimately, the best red light therapy mat will depend on your individual preferences, requirements, and expectations.
4 resources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Is red light therapy right for your skin?
- Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase.
- Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
- European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions.
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