How to choose a red light therapy panel: sizes, wavelengths and power explained
Buying a red light therapy panel can feel like comparing spec sheets in a foreign language: LED counts, wattages, nanometres, milliwatts per square centimetre. The good news is that only a few things really matter. This guide walks you through them and matches each size of panel to the people it suits best.
1. Start with coverage
The single most useful question is: how much of your body do you want to cover in one session? Light only works where it lands, so a small panel can treat the whole body, but only one area at a time. A bigger panel saves time.
| What you want to cover | Good options |
|---|---|
| One area: face, knee, shoulder | Aura Mini, Aura Pro 300W, A60, Auracell belt |
| Chest, back or shoulders | A80, A160 |
| Half body | A160, S1000 |
| Three-quarter body | A240, S1500 |
| Full body in one session | A320, A400, S2000 and larger |
2. Understand the wavelengths
Red light (around 630 to 660nm) and near-infrared light (around 810 to 850nm) are the two bands used in most research and home devices. Near-infrared travels deeper into tissue than red light. A good panel tells you exactly which wavelengths it uses.
- Dual-wavelength panels such as the S Series and Aura Pro use 660nm red and 850nm near-infrared, which you can run separately or together.
- Five-wavelength panels in the A Series combine 630, 660, 810, 830 and 850nm in every cluster, giving a broader spread across both bands.
There's no single proven 'best' wavelength for everyone. Dual-wavelength panels cover the essentials; five-wavelength panels are a good choice if you want more of the spectrum in one device.
3. Irradiance: how strong is the light?
Irradiance, measured in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²), tells you how much light reaches your skin at a given distance. Higher irradiance means you reach a dose more quickly. Always check the distance quoted: a number measured at 15cm is not comparable with one measured right against the LEDs. ThermoLab quotes over 180 mW/cm² for the A Series and over 100 mW/cm² for the S Series at the distances stated on each product page.
4. Rated watts vs actual power
Panel names often include a wattage, such as 'A160 800W'. That's the rated LED capacity, not what it draws from the wall. The A160, for example, draws around 288W in use. When comparing panels, look at the LED count, coverage and irradiance rather than the headline wattage.
5. Controls and features
- Timers make it easy to stick to a consistent session length.
- Separate red and near-infrared modes let you choose one or both.
- Dimmers, pulse mode and app control (A Series) add flexibility for different routines.
- Low EMF and flicker-free LEDs make sessions more comfortable.
6. Where will it live?
Think about mounting before you buy. Small panels sit on a desk or table. Mid-sized panels can hang from a door with the included kit or mount on a wall. Large panels are best on a floor stand or hung securely. Measure the space and check the panel's weight on the product page.
7. Set a sensible budget
If you're new to red light therapy, a compact panel or the Aura Mini is a lower-cost way to build the habit. If you already know you'll use it most days and want full-body sessions, a larger panel saves time and usually works out better value per session. Klarna lets you spread the cost over three interest-free payments.
Our quick recommendations
- Total beginner: Aura Pro 300W
- Gym bag and travel: Aura Mini
- Back and knees, hands free: Auracell belt
- Best all-rounder for the home: A160
- Full-body, whole household: A320 or S2000
New to the subject? Start with our beginner's guide to red light therapy, or tell us about your goals and we'll recommend a panel.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a heart condition, a medical device or any health concerns, speak to your GP before using heat or light therapy.
