The 5 Best Red Light Therapy Pads, Wraps and Belts

red light therpy pads wraps reviews

Red light therapy wraps, belts, and pads are versatile devices that can be applied to any part of your body, even those with curves like knees, shoulders, and legs.

They deliver red light energy with exceptional efficiency, boosting the healing power of your body.

Red light therapy pads are lightweight, thin, and comfortable, but most importantly – allow for direct contact with the skin.

In this post, you’ll find the benefits of LED light therapy wraps, how to choose the best pads/wraps/belts, and our top 5 choices – reviewed and compared.

This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy Wraps & Pads

Red LED light therapy (LLLT) is being successfully used for decades for skin rejuvenation, skin healing and regeneration, (wound healing/Psoriasis & Eczema, etc.) pain relief (arthritis/muscle pain), muscle recovery, belly fat reduction, neuropathy, and more.

There are many types of red light therapy home devices: handheld, panels, massagers, and lamps.

So, what’s special about red light therapy wraps?

Red light therapy wraps are convenient to use, because they are lightweight, thin, and can be wrapped around any part of your body – even those hard-to-reach places such as the shoulders, or the knees.

Compared to infrared heating pads, LED light therapy pads produce less heat (different lightwaves) and can be used directly on the skin – compared to LED panels (that require at least a 12″ distance).

This direct contact with the skin requires less intensity (measured in milliwatts per centimeter squared) and LED bulbs – which lowers the cost of these devices.

(But still – LED panels are more powerful than LED wraps)

In a hurry? see our short comparison table, followed by our full reviews:

Red Light Therapy WrapReviewLEDsTreatment AreaPrice
DGYAO Red Light Therapy Belt
dgyao red light therapy belt
Best Value117 LEDs
Covers 11” x 5.5”Check Price on Amazon
1-year warranty
DNA Vibe Jazz Band
Most Versatile
With magnetic frequencies
With Vibration
4 settings
28 LEDs
Red & infrared
Magentic emitter
5" x 11"$279 at DNA Vibe
60-day trial
Free shipping
Exerscribe Red Light Therapy Wrap
High Intensity
Best for belly fat
120 LEDs
Covers 16″x 8″Check Price on Amazon
1-year warranty
LifePro AllevaRed
lifepro allevared
Largest Pad
Best for back pain
105 LEDsCovers 49.6” × 6.9”$171 with code FITNESS at LifePro
DPL Flex Pad
dpl flex pad review
Best Cordless
For smaller areas
60 LEDs
Covers 8” x 3.5”$159 at Revive Light Therapy
Free shipping
Comparing the best red light therapy pads according to best uses, number of LEDs, treatment time, and price.

Can Red Light Therapy Help with Pain and Inflammation?

We all know that Red light is a stop sign on the road, but science has proven that red light is also a stop sign for pain and inflammation in the body. Red light is a component of white light and can trigger a physiological response in living tissue through photobiomodulation.

red light therapy wraps for belly fat

Many studies have shown that red and near-infrared light therapy devices are highly effective for pain relief, weight loss, skin rejuvenation, and more.

Does Red Light Therapy Help With Weight Loss?

Some studies have suggested that red light therapy may help to reduce body fat and improve body composition by increasing the metabolism of fat cells. For example, one double-blind study of 67 people showed that those who received 6 red light therapy treatments for 2 weeks lost significantly more collective inches from their abdomen, hips, and thighs (3.5 inches) — than the control group.

However, other studies have failed to find significant benefits of red light therapy for weight loss. For belly fat reduction and calorie burning, we recommend using an Infrared Sauna for weight loss (see why inside the post).

How to Choose a Red Light Therapy Pad/Wrap/Belt

The most important factors when choosing a LED light therapy wrap are the number of LEDs, intensity (power), EMF radiation, size, weight, and pad material. Here’s what we mean:

1. Size & Treatment Area – the treatment area of the LED wrap is the area where the LED bulbs are, and you have to make sure it is large enough for your specific needs.

For example, for low back pain relief (or belly fat reduction), you’ll need a larger wrap, to cover the entire low back or entire belly. For shoulder pain or knee pain – a smaller wrap will suffice.

how to use a red LED wrap

2. Intensity – measured in mW/cm^2 (milliwatts per centimeter squared), intensity is determined by the number of LEDs and their energy delivery. The more LEDs, the more power, and the more effective your treatment will be.

3. Wavelength – most LED wraps deliver red light wavelengths ranging from 660 nm to 880 nm (near-infrared) – the most efficient wavelengths according to studies.

red light therapy wavelength in LED wraps

4. EMF Radiation – we all know that EMF radiation, emitted by all electric devices, can be harmful to our bodies. The best LED wraps include EMF shielding, to reduce it to a minimum. Here’s why it’s best to avoid EMF.

5. Price – the cost of red light therapy wraps depends on their brand reputation, number of LEDs and intensity, size, and quality. On this list, you’ll find wraps ranging from $149 to $169.

The 5 Best Red Light Therapy Pads, Wraps, and Belts

Here are our top 5 choices, reviewed:

1. DGYAO Red Light Therapy Belt – Best Value

red light therapy belt review
DGYAO Red Light Therapy Belt – view on Amazon
  • LEDs – 52 red lights (660 nm), and 65 invisible infrared lights (880 nm)
  • Intensity – 9-14 mW/cm^2
  • Warranty – 1 year for the device, lifetime replacement on the charger, controller, and connectors.

DGYAO is an experienced manufacturer of LED light therapy devices and specializes in flexible wraps and torches.

The DGYAO LED light therapy belt is larger than average (11” x 5.5” treatment area), and includes 117 LEDs (alternating between 660 nm and infrared at 880 nm).

The near-infrared LEDs emit deep penetrating light and are invisible to the human eyes, and reach all the way to inner tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

The large treatment area makes it useful for low back pain treatment, belly fat reduction, and any curvy area that requires wrapping – Neuropathy hand pain, foot pain, etc.

It comes with 2 Velcro straps to keep it in place.

DGYAO red light therapy wrap review

The intensity of their belt averages at about 10-14 mW/cm^2 (relatively low) which is sufficient since you can have direct contact with the skin, and it is the coolest LED pad on this list.

The 20-minute auto shut-off will prevent overuse and keep you safe if you fall asleep on it.

However, the EMF radiation from their 12v adapter is high. To prevent this, you can use this low-EMF 12v adapter instead – for almost zero EMF radiation.

Unfortunately, this will increase the price of your purchase.

Also, note that the LEDs can get pretty hot – remove the pad from your skin when it feels too hot!

DGYAO Pros

  • High user satisfaction and great results with pain from neuropathy, muscle pain, arthritis, injuries, and more
  • Heat feels deep-penetrating
  • 2 velcro straps allow use on any body part

Cons

  • Not a good fit for travel due to the power cords set (3 separate cords to make it run)

Available on Amazon ($140)

2. LifePro AllevaRed Belt – Largest Red Light Wrap

lifepro allevared light therapy wrap
Allevared – view at LifePro
  • LEDs – 105 red (660 nm) & infrared (850 nm)
  • Warranty – Lifetime warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee (free shipping on returns)

The AllevaRed comes from the reliable LifePro brand (we’ve reviewed their infrared massage gun here), and is so lightweight (1.2 lbs.) you can take it in your handbag.

It has the largest treatment area of all the ones on this list (49.6” L × 6.9” W), which makes it most suitable for lower back pain relief, hip pain, leg pain, and the stomach area.

red light therapy wrap reviews

Regardless of its size, the AllevaRed emits close to zero EMF radiation, and you can use the controller to choose the wavelength, and choose from 5 intensity settings.

Just like the previous devices, it includes two LED settings – red light at 660nm, and near-infrared LEDs at 850nm (the highest setting can reach up to 132 F!).

It works only by being plugged in, but you can charge at any power source since it comes with a USB cable and a power adapter.

Looking through the many consumer reviews, we found many people using the LifePro AllevaRed for workout recovery, muscle and joint pain relief, skin rejuvenation (including cellulite and stretch marks), and belly fat loss – with great results.

AllevaRed Pros

  • Consumers report great help with pain relief and stopping chiro treatments
  • Easy to use on different areas with different modes
  • Relaxing heat

Cons

  • The Velcro at the end of the belt catches on everything

Available at LifePro ($171 with coupon code FITNESS + lifetime warranty), and on Amazon ($189)

3. Exerscribe Red Light Therapy Wrap – Highest Intensity

high power red light therapy wrap
Exerscribe Red Light Therapy Wrap – view on Amazon
  • LEDs – 120 (660 nm / 880 nm)
  • Intensity – 150 Mw/cm²
  • Warranty – 2 years

The Exerscribe light therapy pad (660nm & 880nm) has a 16″x 8″ treatment area and includes 120 pcs 660nm/880nm chips, but you can choose to only use red/infrared mode.

It is the most powerful red light therapy pad on this list, with 150 Mw/cm² at direct contact (0 inches).

Along with its good size, this makes this pad ideal for long-lasting pain relief anywhere in your body.

The smart feature inside this one is definitely the dual-chip technology – each LED chip emits both red and infrared wavelengths – which makes treatment more efficient and holistic.

This pad does not emit any EMF and doesn’t flicker, and it automatically shuts off after 20 minutes. You can use it up to twice a day.

It is lightweight and convenient and can be plugged into a power source or connected to a power bank (which is not included).

Exerscribe Pros

  • Great results with arthritis pain, swelling reduction, muscle soreness, and more
  • Can be used with a battery pack (not included)
  • The lights are warm but not too warm

Cons

  • Some buyers complained that the wrap stopped working after a while, or that the IR lights do not work

Available on Amazon ($115)

4. dpl Flex Pad – Best Cordless

red light therapy wraps for knee elbow pain
dpl Flex Pad – view at Revive Light Therapy
  • LEDs – 60 LEDs (red at 660 nm+ near infrared at 880 nm)
  • Intensity – 15-25 mW/cm^2
  • Warranty – 1 year

The dpl flex pad (FDA-cleared Class II medical device) comes from the experienced and reputable Revive Light Therapy brand and is one of our most recommended red light therapy home devices.

While it is smaller than most pads (8” x 3.5” treatment area), the dpl flex pad makes up for the small treatment size with high power output (15-25 Joules per cm²), a built-in low EMF battery, and full portability.

dpl flex pad review

It takes 2-4 hours to charge this fully portable and lightweight pad, and then you can wrap it around your aching area and move around comfortably. This makes it the best choice for travel.

It includes 60 medical-grade infrared lights (880nm) – which penetrate deep into the tissues, boost blood circulation, and stimulate cell healing and regeneration. It alternates with red lights (660 nm) as well.

This size and power are best for small curvy areas such as the knees, elbows, ankles, feet, etc.

dpl flex pad reviews

Bottom line – the dpl flex pad is a powerful, targeted, portable, and easy-to-use LED light therapy wrap.

dpl Pros

  • Rechargeable and portable
  • Well-known and experienced brand, with good customer service
  • Users report great results with inflammation reduction and injury recovery

Cons

  • A relatively small treatment size and fewer LEDs – won’t be enough for large body parts
  • Not very flexible

Available at dpl Light Therapy ($159 with free shipping)

👉 dpl Light Therapy also makes a red light therapy joint wrap, which is featured on our best elbow heating pads guide!

5. DNA Vibe – With Vibration & Magnetic Frequencies

dn vibe jazz band review
DNA Vibe Jazz band – view at DNA Vibe
  • Size – 5″ x 11.25″
  • LEDs – 10 red/18 infrared
  • Intensity – 6 mW/cm^2
  • Warranty – 1-year

We are really excited about the DNA Vibe Red Light Therapy Pads for several reasons:

  • Their 3 models of red light therapy pads are the only ones with up to 4 settings of red light therapy (650-675 nm) combined with deep-penetrating infrared rays (825-850 nm), magnetic frequencies (6-10 Hz) and micro-vibration (225 HZ).
  • Their geometry design is computer-optimized to fit comfortably across the widest range of areas (back, neck, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, etc.)
  • They are the only ones made in the USA
  • They have 3 powering options that cover just about anything – a wall plug with a 10-foot cord for unlimited power, and a power kit (sold separately) that includes a car plug to use while driving, and a powerpack that turns it 100% portable!

The company calls it intelligent light therapy, and we agree. The Live and Vibe models have personalized controls and four soothing modes that work in perfect harmony using red light, near-infrared, magnetic signals, and micro-vibrations.

The result is reduced pain, accelerated recovery, and improved performance.

dna vibe review

Treatment time is 20-30 minutes daily for at least 12-14 days for best results.

I know many athletes that are already using it and are very happy with it, and we are truly impressed with this new technology.

The 3 models are:

1. The Jazz Band Light – with 2 modes – red & Infrared

2. The Jazz Band Live – with 4 modes – red, infrared, magnetic, and micro-vibration (best value)

3. The Jazz Band Vibe – with 4 modes and an integrated app

Jazz Band Live Pros

  • Includes all 4 therapies – red & infrared, magnetic, and vibration massage
  • Comes with short and long bands to fit everyone
  • Comes with a pouch for taking it with you
  • Portable and wearable
  • power output optimizes to minimum output (2 watts)

Cons

  • Car plug and powerpack sold separately
  • More expensive than average
  • Can break if bent too sharply

Available at DNA Vibe ($279)

Here’s how to apply the Jazz Band over different parts of your body:

FAQ

Can You Use a Red Light Therapy Wrap for Fat Loss?

Yes, red and infrared light therapy is scientifically proven to melt and eliminate white fat cells in the body, which is why many people use LED wraps over their stomachs, thighs, and other areas. It is often used for cellulite and stretch marks as well.

👉 See how to use red light therapy for cellulite – at home!

Is a Red Light Therapy Pad Safe?

Yes, red light therapy is safe and side-effect-free, as long as you follow instructions, do not overuse (more than 20 minutes twice a day), and remove it from your skin if it gets too hot to be comfortable.

👉 See more questions about red light therapy – answered

How Often Can You Use Red Light Therapy Wraps?

Generally, you can use red light therapy pads 2-3 times a day for 20 minutes each time. However, LED wraps differ in strength and intensity so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can Red Light Therapy Penetrate Through Clothes?

Yes, red light therapy can penetrate through clothes. However, it can be used directly on bare skin, and the closer it is to your skin the better the light penetration and treatment results.

Questions? or comments? we’re always here to answer – use the comment section or message us directly on our Facebook page 😊

To your health and happiness,

Meital

Studies

Roche GC, Shanks S, Jackson RF, Holsey LJ. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Reducing the Hip, Waist, and Upper Abdomen Circumference of Individuals with Obesity. Photomed Laser Surg. 2017 Mar;35(3):142-149.

Croghan IT, Hurt RT, Schroeder DR, Fokken SC, Jensen MD, Clark MM, Ebbert JO. Low-level laser therapy for weight reduction: a randomized pilot study. Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Apr;35(3):663-675. Epub 2019 Aug 31.

Ablon G. Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.

Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19.

Jackson RF, Dedo DD, Roche GC, Turok DI, Maloney RJ. Low-level laser therapy as a non-invasive approach for body contouring: a randomized, controlled study. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Dec;41(10):799-809. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20855. PMID: 20014253.

Meital James
Founder and CEO of 4 healthy living blogs, has a background in Naturopathic medicine, research, journalism, and nutrition. Her blogs are the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and experience and all the posts are verified by scientific findings.

5 thoughts on “The 5 Best Red Light Therapy Pads, Wraps and Belts”

  1. Thank you so much. I appreciate your prompt reply and all of the excellent information on your website.
    Bette Stockbauer

    Reply
  2. I have beginning peripheral neuropathy in the toes of both feet and am considering ordering the DNA Vibe Jazz band for therapy purposes for this. In your opinion, is this a good choice?
    Thank you,
    Bette

    Reply
  3. Hope you can answer this question.
    My adult niece has bronchitis and I am wondering if it is safe to place the red light therapy wrap directly on her chest area.
    Thanks very much

    Reply
    • Yes, it is safe. However, for Bronchitis, I would recommend the infrared wavelength and using an infrared heating pad. Also, I recommend rubbing some Eucalyptus oil (mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil) on the skin of the chest and then placing the heating pad for at least 30 minutes. My son just went through this and it was very helpful.

      Reply

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