Red Light Therapy at Home: Comparing Wirecutter's Featured Brands
Red light therapy has moved from professional clinics to home use, and Wirecutter has been tracking the best devices for at-home recovery, pain relief, and skin rejuvenation. Three brands stand out in their coverage: HigherDOSE, NovaaLab, and Kineon. Each offers different approaches to red and infrared light therapy, and each excels in specific use cases.
Here's your complete guide to choosing the right red light therapy device for your needs.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) uses specific wavelengths of light—typically 630-850nm—to penetrate skin and tissue, triggering cellular responses that:
- Reduce inflammation
- Accelerate tissue repair and wound healing
- Stimulate collagen production
- Improve circulation
- Reduce pain and muscle soreness
- Support skin rejuvenation
The science is solid: NASA originally developed RLT for plant growth in space, then discovered its healing benefits for astronauts. Today, it's used for everything from sports recovery to anti-aging skincare.
HigherDOSE: Premium Full-Body & Facial Devices
Wirecutter's Take
Wirecutter features HigherDOSE as a top choice in their "Best LED Face Masks" guide and mentions their infrared sauna blanket in recovery tool roundups. They note HigherDOSE as a premium, durable option compared to budget competitors.
Product Lineup
- Wavelengths: 630nm (red) + 850nm (near-infrared)
- Coverage: Full face including forehead, cheeks, jawline
- Best for: Anti-aging, collagen production, skin tone, acne reduction
- Session time: 10-20 minutes
- Price: Premium tier
Why it stands out: Hands-free design, medical-grade LEDs, comfortable fit, proven wavelengths for skin benefits.
2. Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Wavelengths: Far infrared (5-15 microns)
- Coverage: Full body
- Best for: Detox, relaxation, circulation, muscle recovery, calorie burn
- Session time: 30-45 minutes
Why it stands out: Combines heat therapy with infrared benefits, easy to store, spa-quality at home.
Who Should Choose HigherDOSE
- Skincare enthusiasts wanting professional-grade facial treatments
- People who value design and premium build quality
- Those seeking full-body infrared therapy (sauna blanket)
- Anyone willing to invest in long-term wellness tools
- People who want hands-free, relaxing sessions
NovaaLab: Clinical-Grade Targeted Healing
Wirecutter's Take
NovaaLab appears in Wirecutter's research on red light therapy and targeted laser healing for joint pain and recovery. They note NovaaLab's clinical-grade approach and focused treatment capabilities.
Product Lineup
1. Extra-Strength Healing Laser
- Wavelengths: 650nm (red) + 808nm (near-infrared)
- Coverage: Targeted spot treatment
- Best for: Joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis, acute injuries, deep tissue healing
- Session time: 5-15 minutes per area
- Power: High-intensity laser (not just LED)
2. Deep Healing Pad & Light Pad
- Coverage: Larger treatment areas (back, shoulders, knees)
- Best for: Chronic pain, muscle recovery, inflammation
- Design: Flexible pads that conform to body
3. Glow Therapy Mask
- Coverage: Facial skin rejuvenation
- Best for: Anti-aging, skin tone, wrinkle reduction
What Makes NovaaLab Different
Clinical-grade power: NovaaLab uses actual lasers (not just LEDs) in some devices, delivering deeper penetration and faster results for pain relief.
Targeted treatment: Designed for specific problem areas rather than general wellness. Think physical therapy at home.
FDA-cleared devices: Several NovaaLab products have FDA clearance for pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Who Should Choose NovaaLab
- People with chronic joint pain or arthritis
- Athletes recovering from specific injuries
- Those who need targeted, high-intensity treatment
- People seeking clinical-grade results at home
- Anyone with a specific pain point (knee, shoulder, back, etc.)
Kineon: Wearable, Hands-Free Recovery
Wirecutter's Take
The Kineon MOVE+ Pro is a frequent inclusion in Wirecutter's specialized fitness recovery and "biohacking" gear reviews. They highlight its unique wearable design and dual-wavelength approach.
The MOVE+ Pro System
- Wavelengths: 660nm (red) + 850nm (near-infrared)
- Coverage: Targeted areas with wearable straps
- Best for: Knees, shoulders, elbows, back, ankles—any joint or muscle
- Session time: 10-20 minutes
- Design: Hands-free, wearable with adjustable straps
What Makes Kineon Unique
1. Wearable Design
Unlike handheld devices or masks, Kineon straps onto your body, letting you:
- Move around during treatment
- Work, read, or watch TV while treating
- Target hard-to-reach areas (back of knee, shoulder blade)
- Treat multiple areas in one session with extender straps
2. Dual-Wavelength Technology
- 660nm (red): Penetrates 8-10mm for surface tissue, skin, and shallow muscles
- 850nm (near-infrared): Penetrates 30-40mm for deep tissue, joints, and bones
Using both simultaneously maximizes benefits for both surface and deep healing.
3. Portable & Travel-Friendly
Compact, rechargeable, and easy to pack—perfect for athletes, travelers, or anyone on the go.
Who Should Choose Kineon
- Active people and athletes needing regular recovery
- Those with multiple problem areas (knee + shoulder, etc.)
- People who want hands-free treatment
- Travelers who need portable therapy
- Anyone who won't sit still for 20 minutes of treatment
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | HigherDOSE | NovaaLab | Kineon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Skincare + full-body wellness | Pain relief + injury recovery | Joint/muscle recovery |
| Design | Hands-free mask + blanket | Handheld laser + pads | Wearable straps |
| Portability | Mask: Yes, Blanket: No | Laser: Yes, Pads: Moderate | Highly portable |
| Treatment Type | LED panels | Laser + LED | LED panels |
| Best For | Anti-aging, relaxation | Chronic pain, injuries | Active recovery |
| Hands-Free? | Yes (mask + blanket) | Pads: Yes, Laser: No | Yes (wearable) |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid to Premium | Premium |
| Ideal User | Skincare + wellness focus | Pain management focus | Athletes + active lifestyle |
How to Choose the Right Device
Choose HigherDOSE if:
- Your primary goal is skincare and anti-aging
- You want a relaxing, spa-like experience
- You value premium design and aesthetics
- You want full-body infrared therapy (sauna blanket)
- You're willing to invest in long-term wellness tools
Choose NovaaLab if:
- You have chronic pain or a specific injury
- You need clinical-grade, high-intensity treatment
- You want FDA-cleared devices for pain relief
- You're treating deep tissue or joint issues
- You prefer targeted, focused therapy
Choose Kineon if:
- You're an athlete or very active person
- You need hands-free, wearable treatment
- You have multiple problem areas (knees, shoulders, etc.)
- You want portable therapy for travel
- You won't sit still for stationary treatments
Can You Use Multiple Devices?
Absolutely! Many people combine devices for comprehensive coverage:
Common combinations:
- HigherDOSE Face Mask + Kineon MOVE+: Skincare + athletic recovery
- NovaaLab Laser + HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket: Targeted pain relief + full-body relaxation
- Kineon MOVE+ + NovaaLab Pad: Wearable daily use + intensive treatment for flare-ups
Red Light Therapy Best Practices
For all devices:
- Consistency matters: Use 3-5x per week for best results
- Skin contact: Remove clothing/jewelry from treatment area
- Distance: Follow manufacturer guidelines (usually 6-12 inches)
- Session length: More isn't always better—stick to recommended times
- Patience: Results typically appear after 4-8 weeks of consistent use
Safety notes:
- Avoid direct eye exposure (especially with lasers)
- Don't use on cancerous lesions without doctor approval
- Consult your doctor if pregnant or on photosensitive medications
- Start with shorter sessions and build up
What to Expect: Timeline of Results
Weeks 1-2: Improved circulation, slight reduction in inflammation
Weeks 3-4: Noticeable pain relief, better skin texture (for facial devices)
Weeks 5-8: Significant improvement in target areas, visible skin changes
Weeks 8+: Continued improvement, maintenance phase begins
Investment in Recovery & Wellness
Red light therapy devices aren't cheap, but consider the alternative costs:
- Professional RLT sessions: $50-150 per session, 2-3x/week = $400-1,800/month
- Physical therapy: $75-200 per session
- Spa facial treatments: $100-300 per session
- Pain medications: Ongoing costs + potential side effects
A quality at-home device pays for itself in 2-6 months of professional treatments, then continues delivering benefits for years.
Start Your Red Light Therapy Journey
Whether you choose HigherDOSE for skincare and relaxation, NovaaLab for clinical-grade pain relief, or Kineon for wearable athletic recovery, you're investing in science-backed technology that supports healing, reduces inflammation, and improves overall wellness.
Shop All Wirecutter-Featured Recovery Tools →
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