Winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can be a real struggle for many people and often a lightbox also known as a therapy light is the first thing we try. The right light therapy lamp can make all the difference in managing symptoms and improving overall mood. But there are so many to choose from! No worries, after some extensive research I have summarised the best of the best therapy lamps on the market for you for the 2023/2024 SAD Season.
Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. Meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
Since I haven’t been in the blogosphere long enough to receive items to test for myself this post is based on research from news articles, my own experiences, and input from real users. Remember to work with your doctor and follow the instructions. You should never look directly at the light, it should always be at a slight angle to your eyes.
Before buying a lightbox there are some questions you should ask yourself and some things to confirm before handing over your credit card.
Think About Your Lifestyle.
- Is design important to you?
- Are you brand conscious?
- How much space do you have?
- Does it need to be portable, do you travel a lot?
- Where are you going to keep it? Keep it where you will USE it.
- Is your budget a consideration?
- How much time will you have in the morning to use it? As a rule the lower the lux or smaller the item, the longer you will have to be in front of it.
Questions to ask about the lamp.
- Is it UV free or have a UV filter?
- Does the company offer a money-back guarantee or warranty?
- Is it between 5000 and 10,000 lux?
Lux is a unit of measurement for the amount of light that falls on a surface. It helps to determine the brightness of a space or the intensity of artificial lighting - What is the color temperature of the lamp? Is it in the range of 5,000-6,500 Kelvin (K)?
Lower Kelvin temperatures give a warmer, more yellow light, and higher Kelvin temperatures are cooler or blue/white light. - Are there any additional settings on the lamp, such as dimming or a timer, that may be helpful for my needs?
- Does it come with instructions on how to use it safely, how far away to sit etc.
- What is the size and weight of the lamp?
- What is the LED lifespan and how easy is it to buy extra bulbs for it.
The Best Light therapy lamps for 2023
There are many types of light that it can be confusing to know which type is best for you. There are many brands now competing in the SAD light market, some are well known, others have just the one product.
So without further ado, let’s go.
Best Floor Lamp
Using a floor lamp can offer you the flexibility to position the light source exactly as you prefer, according to your individual preferences and needs. Floor lamps can create a more ambient and comfortable lighting experience compared to traditional light therapy boxes or lamps. This makes it much easier to seamlessly incorporate light therapy into your daily activities, whether you’re reading, working, or simply trying to relax.
There are 2 lamps that were rated highly in this section in most of the articles I read.
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Best Large Light
A large lamp is highly recommended for those dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as it offers a broader and more intense light source. The larger size of the lamp means that it can cover a wider area, providing more exposure to light therapy. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who require longer periods of light therapy. Overall, opting for a larger lamp can provide a more comprehensive and effective solution in alleviating the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. In short, the larger the surface, the more benefit you are going to get from your light. There were 3 lamps in this category.
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| BOXelite Desk Lamp | Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp | NorthStar 10,000 | |
| Screen size (h*w) | 12*15 inches | 16*13 inches | 12.5*22.5 inches |
| Range for 10,000 lux | 14 inches | 12-14 inches | 24 inches |
| Weight | 8 lb | 9.35 lb | 10 lb |
Best Wake Up type
These types of lights are very popular. Often doubling as alarm clocks they can be set to wake you up with light gradually increasing and often have a nighttime setting which gradually dims the light as you fall asleep. They are usually at a much lower lux and best used as an adjunction to your light therapy routine. From personal experience waking up to one of these is much nicer than waking up to a strident alarm clock!
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Best Portable Lamp
I spend a lot of time traveling so when I think portable I think of packing, so my criteria is, light, effective, and easy to set up, and take down.. As a general rule you may need to spend more time – up to an hour – to get the same benefit as 20 minutes with a larger display size lamp so personally I wouldn’t use any of these as my main therapy lamp but for when I am not at home but visiting or travelling.
There were 3 that met my needs.
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Special mention – designs
These are just a few of the many lamps that are out there, and a lot of it will come down to what you need, and your lifestyle choices but there were two that I have to give a special mention to simply for their stylish designs. These are both functional and decorative, so you would not feel embarrassed to have these on display when not in use.
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Kala Therapy Lamp For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (my pick)
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Best SAD Light Overall
As the SAD season approaches, it is important to be prepared with the best light therapy lamp for your needs. After thorough research and reviews, it is clear that the top brands for good quality light therapy lamps are:
While each brand offers a variety of options, the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus and Northern Light Technologies BOXelite Desk Lamp stood out as the best overall lights. With their high quality and effectiveness, these lamps are sure to help alleviate symptoms of SAD and improve overall well-being during the dark winter months.
For more reading about using your lamp.
Using Your Lightbox 101. This is not a substitute for the manufacturers instructions.
Optimizing Light Therapy for SAD: A Guide for First-Time Readers
