More and more people are regularly using deep penetrating Infrared Light Therapy products to relieve pain naturally and fast – without any side effects.
Having your own infrared heat therapy home device is a cost-effective and quick way to relieve muscle pain, joint pain, Neuropathy pain, or any kind of pain, no matter the cause.
But:
So many models are out there: small ones, larger ones, hand-held ones, carbon fiber ones, and LED ones. How do you choose the right one for you?
This infrared light therapy comparison will help you choose the best one for you, and save you hours of tedious research.
👉Note: if you are looking for the best infrared heating pads – here’s my full comparison and my reviews.
Under the comparison table below, you’ll find what my infrared light therapy reviews – what I like and don’t like about each device.
👉See how to use an infrared lamp for pain relief and healing.
Ready?
Here we go.
Overview
Infrared Light Therapy Comparison
Below you’ll find a short comparison between our 2019 recommended infrared therapy machines for home use. Click on the link below each one to jump to the full review.
| Beurer IL50 | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Our Rating | 🥇 4.6 |
| Type | Ceramic infrared plate |
| Treatment Area | 11.8" x 15.7" |
| Treatment Time | 10-15 min. |
| Wavelength | Infrared 500 – 2500 nm |
| Timer | Yes |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
| Infrared Massager | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Our Rating | 4.5 |
| Type | Handheld infrared massager |
| Treatment Area | Unlimited |
| Treatment Time | Unlimited |
| Wavelength | Infrared |
| Timer | No |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
| DPL Flex Pad | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Our Rating | 4.5 |
| Type | LED belt pad |
| Treatment Area | 8" x 5" |
| Treatment Time | 20 min. per area |
| Wavelength | Infrared @ 880 nm red @ 660 nm 60 LEDs |
| Timer | No |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
| DPL II | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Our Rating | 4.4 |
| Type | LED Panels, removable |
| Treatment Area | 70 sq. inch each panel |
| Treatment Time | 17 min. per area |
| Wavelength | [email protected] nm [email protected] nm 174 LEDs |
| Timer | No |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
| Tendlite | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Our Rating | 4.4 |
| Type | Handheld |
| Treatment Area | 1" radius at 1 inch from optic |
| Treatment Time | 1 minute, 3 times a day |
| Wavelength | Red @ 660 nm |
| Timer | Yes |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
And now, check out my reviews and pros & cons of each infrared home device:
1. 🥇 Beurer IL50 Infrared Heat Lamp
Beurer IL50 infrared heat lamp treatment covers an 11.8-inch x 15.7-inch area, making it ideal for use on larger parts of the body.
This is the only infrared (halogen) heat lamp in our list that uses carbon fiber to deliver heat. This is why you have to keep it at a minimum distance of 12 – 24 inches between the lamp and your body.
The complete wavelength range (spectral output) of the IL 50 infrared heat lamp is (in nanometers) from 500nm to a peak of 2500nm.
* Shortwave range = IRA 800 to 1400nm
* Middle wave range = IRB 1400nm to 3000nm
Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp pros
- Sturdy, well-built
- Inexpensive
- High company reputation
- Large treatment area
- Auto shut-off timer
- Easy to use control buttons
- Adjustable tilt angle for 0 to 50 degrees
Cons
- Can be hard to position towards certain areas
- The screen gets hot
✅ Beurer Heat Lamp best price
The Beurer heat lamp has a fair price tag on it. When we check this page, we sometimes find a good sale price for it. If you find it for less than $60 – it’s a great deal.
2. Deep Tissue Infrared Percussion Massager
An infrared massager is one of the most effective and quickest ways to relieve muscle and nerve pain at home.
This one has everything you need to quickly relieve pain at home: it has variable massage settings (from low to deep tissue), infrared heat, acupressure massage attachment, and the design is comfortable an easy to use.
Infrared Massager Pros
- Infrared heat – reaches deep into your tissues to boost the massage benefits
- A detachable head that becomes a palm-held massager
- Highly adjustable – speed control and attachments
- Comes with a detachable velcro strap, if you want to use it without the handle
- 5-year warranty, good customer service
- 6.5 ft power cord
- Fair price tag – check today’s price
Cons
- Some users think it’s a bit too heavy
3. Tendlite
The Tendlite, specifically designed for your joints or spinal discs, contains 1 high-tech therapeutic medical grade LED bulb, and only requires 1-minute treatments.
However, this device uses the red light wavelength and not the infrared one. I’ve included it here because it is designed for small area pain relief, and is very popular for this purpose.
When you buy it here, you’ll get a 60-day risk-free trial, 5-year warranty for the LED bulb and a 1-year warranty for the whole device.
Tendlite pros
- Shortest treatment time in the market (1 minute)
- Rechargeable
- Compact design, lightweight, portable
- Different intensity settings
- Made with high-quality stainless steel
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Small treatment area
- Requires recharging
✅ Tendlite Best Price
Though Tendlite doesn’t exactly come cheap (list price is about $270) – you can find good sale prices HERE. If you find it for less than $180 – it’s a great deal.
4. DPL Flex Pad
The DPL red & infrared LED light therapy pad covers a relatively large treatment area (9.75″ x 5″) and contains 40 infrared (880 nm) and 20 red (660nm) LEDs. Treatment time is 14 minutes per area.
DPL Flex Pad pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible, can be wrapped around different areas
- Hands-free operation
- 2 Velcro straps, stays put
- Perfect for knees and elbows
- Automatic 40-minute shut-off
Cons
- Corded, limits movement
5. Revive DPL II Light Therapy Panel System
The DPL II red & infrared LED light therapy system covers the largest treatment area in this list and contains 96 infrared bulbs (880 nm), 32 dark red bulbs (660 nm), 32 red bulbs (630 nm) and 32 amber bulbs (530 nm).
DPL Panel System pros
- Large treatment area
- 2-panels – can be attached to any area with the Velcro strap
- Hands-free operation
- Timer and auto shut-off
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not a great fit for travel due to size
- May not feel comfortable directly on the skin
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this infrared light therapy comparison and reviews helpful.
Make sure to choose the right infrared therapy home product for you – according to your needs.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
P.S
Make sure to consider the full body infrared treatment – see the best infrared saunas in 2019 or the top PORTABLE infrared sauna on the market!
rozanna says
I would like to know which is better for therapy for injured tendons on my foot and possibly for other injurys what is the difference between infra red and led light therapy?
Meital James says
For injuries I would recommend infrared light therapy, no matter if it comes from low level laser or a high power LED. For foot injury I would recommend the Beurer heater you can see in the list above.
Janette says
Hi my name is Jan and I was wondering if you’re company sells infrared lower back belts ?
I await your reply.
Many thanks
Jan
Meital James says
Hi Jan:)
I do not sell any products, I only review them and refer you to where you can buy them. As for lumbar infrared belts, you can easily find them on Amazon. Hope this helps:)
Pam says
Do you have something that is specifically designed for bottoms of feet and hands for autoimmmune small fiber peripheral neuropathy?
Meital James says
Pam,
I’ve replied to you via email as well. See this post: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
Pam says
I have a infrared light therapy panel and it has done nothing for my SFPN in bottoms of feet. In fact, my feet have gotten worse and now it’s progressed to my hands. I used it regularly on bottom of my feet, kidney area (supposedly this helps with autoimmune system). My feet burn worse after using it whether it’s 2 minutes, 20 minutes. I thought it might be helping but don’t think it’s doing anything. I was also told if pain is worse my “merdian” points acupuncture jargon was blocked and hurting was a good sign until the pathways get cleared out for “healing”. I also noticed someone else who has commented that they saw no improvement using both the infrared therapy or the ReBuilder…. which I’ve also just purchased. I’m so tired of promises and missed expectations. Anyhow, is that true that increased pain means neuropathy is starting to heal… ??
Meital James says
Well, to my knowledge red light therapy should not cause an increase in pain. Also, this technology has been tested many times for safety and was found to cause no adverse effects, including elevated pain. Red light therapy wavelength is not how and is not supposed to burn in any way.
I think that for some reason this is not for you. I don’t think it has caused you any harm, but for some reason it hasn’t helped you.
Doug Gregory says
I have Parkinsons disease with my main issue being stiffness and numbness in my left arm and leg/foot … in your opinion would the DPL flex be helpful to help me be able to type and use my left arm and hand better? Thanks.
Meital James says
Yes, I think it can help. However, if you want to use it simultaneously on both your arms and legs, I would recommend the Anydone system, which comes with multiple strappable pads you can use anywhere on your body.
See it here: http://amzn.to/2iH4CdD
It’s very expensive but there’s a risk-free trial if you need to return it.
Boaz says
Hi Meital,
1st, chapeau for your informative an concise site.
A few questions:
(1) In principle, as the purpose is not heat but light, don’t you think that LED is preferable?
(2) Regarding the Tendlite: It’s specified as designed for spine. Alas it’s only 660 nm. From what I read for spine 830 is recommended. Ur take?
Thanks,
Meital James says
Boaz,
1. Infrared light is light which is experienced as heat. It doesn’t really matter if it’s via LED, carbon panels (like in infrared saunas) or jade stones (like in infrared heating pads) – as long as it’s the right wavelength.
2. Tendlite is actually designed for joint pain, that’s why it’s so small, and it’s red light therapy as you’ve said – not infrared – however, it’s designed for pain relief and that’s why I’ve included it here. Pain relief is usually treated with infrared, and red is more for wound healing and skin anti-aging.
I hope this helps:)
Susan Joubert says
I need treatment for bronchitis and asthma. Bought a Carribean Ray infrared heater but it does not heat body as promised. What will work please!
Meital James says
Susan,
I would recommend using a near infrared lamp sauna which you can either build on your own at home (instructions: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/build-your-own-infrared-sauna/) or buy ready-made here: https://saunaspace.com/#_l_6u)
Adam H says
Hello,
What would you recommend for rheumatoid arthritis in the hands, feet, and knees?
Thanks!
Meital James says
Adam,
Since you probably would like to treat all areas in one treatment, I would recommend either an infrared sauna, a portable infrared sauna or a large infrared heating pad.
Take a look at this portable infrared sauna, which allows you to keep your head out during treatment: http://amzn.to/2ka1GdS
debra says
Hi Have you found that what they suggested to use for Rhuematoid arthritis work if you did end up purchasing? Am looking to buy for the same reason ! Thanks
Sharon says
Hi both my girls have scoliosis we have tried several therapies over the years. Main one NLP osteopath. Today I found a infratech model no cs-702 hand held in opshop. There are no instructions and wonder if you know of this model ? howcto use it and it’s benefits please.
Meital James says
Sharon,
Unfortunately I haven’t heard about this device. I can recommend that if you want to treat scoliosis, you would be better off with a medium-size infrared heating pad, so that it covers your back area. A hand held device will not be very useful.
Sharon says
Thank you.
Bobbi Jo says
My father has had hip replacement and is not into walking or exersize. He walks with a limp because his hip flexors and hamstrings have tightened. He is very stiff, 80 years old and sits alot to read. What would you recommend for his pain and stiffness?
Thank you,
Bobbi Jo
Meital James says
If he likes to sit a lot to read, I would suggest a device that he can use while he’s sitting. The best thing for that would be an infrared vibrating massage cushion/mattress. Here’s an example: http://amzn.to/2BIBpah
If he doesn’t want a massage, he can use a medium-size infrared heating pad to cover his entire back from hips to neck, like this one: http://amzn.to/2BHnTnd
Good luck!
Bobbi Jo says
Thank You!
Liza Fio says
Hello. Really great article and choices. I am looking to improve my 56 year old facial skin – tighter and not so saggy and get rid of or diminish greatly the brown spots…also on my hands.
which machine is best for that.
i also have a little psoriases on elbows…could this help?
Thank you
Meital James says
Yes Liza, infrared heat will help with Psoriasis, especially for the redness and itching – less for the flaking. As for the best device – I would go for a handheld device, so you’ll be able to use on both your hands and your face. But you’re looking at the wrong place – you need red light therapy, not infrared. Here’s a post with the best ones: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/red-led-light-therapy-comparison/
Eric Brady says
Hi, I see examples of Lights being set up in a close cluster of four. If I use a closet or. You sauna, would it be better to spread the lights out, perhaps one on each wall? ( ensuring 12 in distance). Presumably I’d want the light covering all of my body rather than coming from one side of the room?
Thanks!
Meital James says
That sounds like a good idea to me. This way you won’t have to turn during treatment. But make sure you are close enough to the light. Good luck!
Mike says
I have achilles tendon issues which device would work for my problem?
Meital James says
Mike,
In your case I would recommend either a small infrared heating pad, or the Beurer infrared heat lamp. Good luck!
Gary says
Does the
Beurer IL 50 work in Canada where we have 110 – 140 V or do you need an extra transformer
Do you sell this device to CANADA and is it approved by FDA ?
Thank you
Gary
Meital James says
I think it’s supposed to work in Canada, but I’m waiting for a response from the seller. I do not sell anything, I just review products. As for FDA approval, this one specifically is not approved, however it is only a 300W infrared bulb behind ceramic glass. The general treatment of pain with infrared therapy is FDA approved.
Atiu Fantaya Billa says
My Dad needs the best infra red light therapy. An ex military personnel now on bed 24/7. What best advise?
Meital James says
It depends on what he needs to treat.
Gina says
Hi would this type of light be considered low light therapy or photon therapy. Will this work for cavitations?
Meital James says
Yes, this is low level laser therapy. As for cavitations, I have no experience in that area but you can try…
P says
I am directing a near infrared light (850 nm) at my perineum skin to heal inflammation and want to know:
1) Are there any dangerous of using the light very close to the skin (apart from thee danger of burning but I would feel that and stop anyway)?
2) Is there any danger of this light being directed at something nearby your ovaries?
3) Do I need to wear protective glasses for using near-infrared light or can I just cover my eyes with something?
4) What is the upper time limit for each session – is 20 minutes okay (as long as it’s not too hot)?
Thank you
Meital James says
Near infrared light is generally safe in all cases if used properly. If you look straight into the light I would recommend goggles, yes. If not – than no.
20 minute treatment time sounds fine as long as you listen to your body and if anything feels uncomfortable – stop.
Good luck!
P says
Thank you!
Ruth Langley says
I’m looking for help with a heel spur. Any suggestions? What is best for arthritis?
Meital James says
For the heel I would use the Beurer heat lamp. For arthritis, here’s my post about it: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-arthritis/
Candice Tobin says
Which light is best for Facial anti-aging?
Meital James says
Red light therapy. See this post: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/red-light-therapy-skin-benefits/
Pamela Wolff says
I am looking for the correct device to help with neuropathy in the feet and calf. What would you recommend?
Meital James says
Here’s my post about it: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
Una says
Hello, thanks for these articles. I have just purchased the Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp, where would I position this for weightless benefits and could this device also be used for the face and hair. I’m still unsure if the wavelengths in this lamp can be used for pain relief as well as weightloss and skin and hair rejuvenation. Thank you.
Meital James says
The Beurer will not be much help for weightloss. To use infrared therapy for weight loss you’ll need an infrared sauna, or a portable infrared sauna, because you have to sweat and detox to lose weight.
As for using it for face and hair – red light therapy (not infrared) is a better fit.
This is actually exactly for pain relief and works great for that purpose.
John Oligario says
Best for neuropathy especially the foot please.
Meital James says
John, here’s our post about nephropathy and the best devices: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
I would recommend a small jade infrared heating pad you can place both your feet on (even if only one of them hurts) for 30 minutes once to twice daily.
Here’s a good one: http://amzn.to/2Cp5NX5
Leesa says
looking for a device to help with my husbands and my shoulder issues; some arthritis, some tendonitis, bursitis. also to treat my fingers for RA. would the handheld red therapy help. I like it is only used for 1 minute (although that seems really quick).
Also does this work the same as ultrsound therapy?
Meital James says
I think the Tendlite won’t be much help for you, because it won’t cover all your shoulder area – it’s meant for small areas such as the knee or the elbow. I think you’ll both most benefit from an infrared heating pad. Here’s my post about the best ones: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heating-pads-comparison-reviews/
The Tendlite may be a better fit for your fingers.
Wendy Miller says
What is the best device for a person with chronic pain from EDS?
Meital James says
Wendy I’ve also replied to your email. I think I would go with a jade infrared heating pad – size should be picked according to the size of the pain areas.
Luisa says
I am just double checking. I have osteoarthritis and possibly tendonitis in both my knee They get swollen,, stiff and very painful. Which light therapy will help best? Does light therapy just help with pain or does it help at least somewhat to heal?
Meital James says
What you need is infrared light therapy, I would start with a near infrared heat lamp – see all the details here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
And yes, IR therapy does not only relieve pain naturally and effectively, it also speeds up healing. This is done via promoting local blood circulation in the injured area. See this post for full explanation: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-therapy-pain-relief/
James Brinton says
I have axonal polyneuropathy chiefly affecting my lower legs and feet. Main symptoms
include the usual numbness and tingling, along with muscle weakness (foot dorsi and
flexor weakness) along with difficulty in walking and worsening proprioception
and poor balance.
Have had complete immunologic work-up which is negative. Also no diabetes or
alcoholic history. Any expected help from these devices?
Meital James says
Here’s my post about it and why it can help: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
Joanne says
I am very fascinated by what I read from your website. I had a bad whiplash injury 11 years ago and suffer from neck pain initially. Over the years, more symptoms developed. I am now experiencing back pain, knee pain, bursitis of both shoulders, pins and needles, tingling in my hands and fingers as well as feet. Recently, I found out that I have scoliosis which was not present 5 years ago. I live with constant pain and have high blood pressure too. I am apprehensive about the i nfrared sauna as I would get a splitting headache when I get too hot and dehydrated from soaking in hot springs or stay in the sun outdoors for too long. What temperature should I set the sauna to in order to avoid such a side effect. Will heating up my body not cause my blood vessels to dilate and increase my blood pressure instead? I am hoping that infrared therapy is the natural way I have discovered which can help to
relieve all my chronic pain and health problems. Please advise on what equipment I should try and address my concerns. Thanks in advance.
Meital James says
Joanne,
To my knowledge, IR sauna was actually proven to reduce blood pressure, not elevate it. But, a sauna may no be the right thing for you – since you are sensitive to heat at the moment.
I would start with an infrared lamp, and shine it directly on the root cause of all your symptoms – the neck injury, the neck area. If you manage to heal your injury – most of your symptoms will disappear. And this way you won’t be too hot, since it will be a local treatment.
Here’s my post about using an infrared lamp for healing: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
You’ll be happy to discover that IR therapy was also proven to be effective for nerve damage, which is what’s causing your pain, pins and needles and tingling. See this post about it: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
I hope this helps, and also I would look into using magnets on the injured area for a few weeks – they seem to be very helpful in speeding up healing.
I hope you feel better soon!
Fred says
1. Can I get tanned or sunburnt from the infrared sauna?
2. Will the infrared lights be effective if I shine it at my body and limbs while I am exercising on an elliptical machine?
3. In order to cover my whole body from the neck to the feet, avoiding the head and eyes, can I use more than 4 bulbs or is the max 4?
4. Does this method work like a sauna if I close the room door where I exercise in?
Meital James says
Fred,
1. No, you definitely can’t be tanned from an infrared sauna, since it emits no UV radiation.
2. Yes, the infrard rays will be effective while you exercise, there was even research on the matter, proving that you’ll benefit more from exercise in this situation.
3. To cover your entire body I would recommend a home infrared sauna, or a portable infrared sauna (dome).
4. Yes, it will work – here’s my post about how to make your own IR sauna at home (for less than $100): https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/build-your-own-infrared-sauna/
Jesse says
Hello, I have tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is nerve pain that is on the inside and a bit on the bottom of one foot. On this same foot, I have a hyprocure titanium stent on the outside or lateral side of my foot. I am wondering what you might recommend for pain relief?
Thank you
henrietta says
Please note that TENDLITE is not infrared.
Meital James says
You are correct – it is red. However, it is designed to treat the same conditions infrared treats, that’s why I’ve included it here.
shzai says
hi,
I’m interested in Buerer lamp but since it has a wavelength over 1400 I am a bit concern if it causes any damage or side effects
Meital James says
The Beurer heat lamp wqavelngth ranges from (in nanometers)500nm to a peak of 2500nm. If you are concerned, just keep the lamp further away from you – until the heat feels pleasant and not too hot. Also use safety goggles for your eyes if you place it in front of you.
Jeanne says
Which device has the best delivery of “near infrared” light spectrum? Will near infrared therapy help improve leg circulation? Thank you
Meital James says
Yes, near infrared (and far infrared as well) are proven to improve blood circulation. The best near infrared device for your condition, in my opinion, would be a near infrared heat lamp – you can read about it here – https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
Tracy says
I have chronic (6 yrs now!)sesamoiditis. I believe it stems from tendinitis in those tendons. I wear orthotics daily, however I remain limited with respect to how much time I can be on my feet and I’m always in some level of pain. Do you think this could help with such a chronic condition? If so, which device would you recommend?
Meital James says
Yes, I think it may help – you need infrared light therapy. You can use a near infrared heat lamp daily (see post here – https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/)
Julie says
Can any of these products be used on the forehead to help with treatment of depression?
Meital James says
I don’t think they will be very effective for this purpose. I would try a near infrared heat lamp. See this post: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
Hetal merchant says
I have a myrphy infrared bulb that i ordered from amazon. It says its 250wt 250v. I have attached it to a lamp and i use it for 1 my back for back pain for 15 mits everyday
2 on my stomach for 15 mits everyday for general helth
3 on my face and head 5 mit every other day for hair fall and general skin vitality.
I need your advice on
1 is the murphy bulb a good product? What is its range in mn? Is it in the 800 range?
2 am i using the bulb correctly for the required time?
3 how long should i use it for to see results?
Many thanks for your help and advice
Meital James says
I couldn’t find the wavelength for this bulb because it’s not specified anywhere.
If I got you correctly that you use 3 different bulbs at the same time on your face? That’s too much in my opinion. One is enough for the face and keep it at least 24 inches away from your face. Also, do not look directly at it and use safety goggles. 5 minutes is enough, and use it for 5 times a week max to allow the skin to regenerate.
For back pain and on stomach 15 minutes once a day is enough. You have to listen to your body and stop if you feel in any way uncomfortable.
You will see and feel the results soon, it works differently for different people.
Stefanie says
I have heelbone spurs and achillies tendonitis. I also have issue on my neck with a couple of dics degeneration. It is a chronic condition. They hurt everytime I exercise. And about a month ago, I hurt my meniscus. I might have a hear on my meniscus. Which device would you recommend for all these issues? Thanks!
Meital James says
I would suggest a full body infrared heating mat that you can sleep on and that’ll heal your body while you sleep at night – for a few hours every night. It’s the only way, other than using an infrared sauna – to expose all injury areas in your body – in one treatment.
Stefanie says
What if I just want to treat my knee area? What device should I get? Thanks!
Meital James says
You can either use the Beurer shown in the post or an infrared knee wrap like the ones you can see in this post: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-knee-heating-pads/