How to Choose a Red Light Therapy Panel
Choosing a red light therapy panel can feel surprisingly complicated.
Different sizes, wavelengths, irradiance figures and specifications can make it difficult to work out what actually matters - especially if you're buying your first panel.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need the biggest panel or the longest list of specifications. The right choice comes down to how you want to use it, how much coverage you want and which features matter to you.
Here's what to consider.
1. Start with how much coverage you want
Panel size is one of the easiest places to start.
A smaller red light therapy panel is ideal when you primarily want to use it for targeted areas, such as the face, neck or a particular area of the body.
Larger panels allow you to expose a greater area at once, which can make them more convenient if you want red light therapy to form part of a broader body routine.
Before comparing specifications, ask yourself:
What areas do I actually want to use my panel on?
That answer can quickly narrow down the size you need.
2. Look at the wavelengths
Not all red light therapy devices use the same wavelengths.
You'll commonly see wavelengths expressed in nanometres (nm).
Red light wavelengths are visible to the human eye, while near-infrared wavelengths sit beyond the visible spectrum.
RENOVO panels combine five wavelengths:
630nm + 660nm red light
810nm + 830nm + 850nm near-infrared light
If you'd like to understand what these wavelengths mean, read our guide to red light vs near-infrared light.
Rather than choosing a panel based purely on the number of wavelengths advertised, look at which wavelengths the device actually uses.
3. Understand irradiance
If you've been comparing red light therapy panels, you've probably encountered the term irradiance.
Irradiance is a measurement of the amount of light power reaching a given area and is commonly expressed as mW/cm².
It's a useful specification, but it shouldn't be viewed in isolation.
The measured output can vary depending on the distance from the panel, and an extremely high number doesn't automatically make one device the best choice for everyone.
Consider irradiance alongside the panel's wavelengths, coverage, recommended distance and session time.
4. Think about where you'll actually use it
This sounds simple, but it's one of the most important considerations.
Where will your panel live?
If you want something you can keep on a bathroom vanity, bedside table or desk - or take with you when travelling - a compact panel is much easier to incorporate into everyday life.
If you have a dedicated wellness space, home gym or enough room for a larger setup, you may prefer the additional coverage of a larger panel.
The best red light therapy panel isn't necessarily the biggest one.
It's the one that fits into your routine well enough that you'll actually use it.
5. Consider red and near-infrared control
Check whether the device allows you to use red light and near-infrared light together or separately.
Having independent controls gives you more flexibility over how you use your panel.
It's also worth knowing that near-infrared light is largely invisible to the human eye.
So if you switch a panel to a near-infrared-only setting and some LEDs appear not to be illuminated, that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't working.
6. Look beyond the headline specifications
Specifications matter, but so does the overall experience of owning the device.
Consider things such as:
Ease of use
Included accessories
Panel positioning or stand options
Warranty
Shipping
Customer support
Clear usage instructions
These details may not look as exciting on a comparison chart, but they can make a significant difference once you actually own the panel.
7. Choose the right panel size
At RENOVO, we've designed the range around different levels of coverage rather than assuming everyone needs the same setup.
Parvus
Our compact option for targeted sessions, face and skin routines, desk or bedside use and portability.
Medium
A versatile option when you want more coverage while retaining a relatively compact setup.
Lata Medium
Designed for broader coverage and larger treatment areas.
Magnus
Our largest option for extensive full-body coverage.
If you're unsure where you sit, you can compare RENOVO's red light therapy panels and see all four sizes together.
So, which red light therapy panel should you choose?
Start with your routine rather than the specifications.
Consider the areas you want to use it on, how much coverage you want, where the panel will live and whether portability matters.
Then compare wavelengths, irradiance and functionality between the devices you're considering.
A panel that suits your space and routine will usually make far more sense than simply buying the largest or most powerful-looking option available.