The best red light therapy device is the one that matches where your problem is and how you want to use it. For most people that means a wearable belt or wrap for targeted pain, or a panel for full-body use. Whatever you choose, look for both 660nm and 850nm wavelengths, decent power, and a real trial and warranty. This guide walks you through exactly how to pick, and which EliteRelief device suits which need.
Key takeaways
- Match the device to the area: belts and wraps for targeted pain, panels for full body.
- Always look for both wavelengths: 660nm red for the surface and 850nm near-infrared for deep tissue.
- Cordless devices are easier to stay consistent with; panels give the most power and coverage.
- A money-back trial and a real warranty matter more than a low price.
- For most people starting out, a wearable belt is the best-value first device.
What should you look for in a red light therapy device?
Ignore the marketing noise and judge any device on five things:
- Wavelengths. You want both 660nm (red, for surface tissue and skin) and 850nm (near-infrared, for deep muscle and joints). A device with only one is doing half the job.
- Coverage. Match the treatment area to the device. A small torch will not cover a sore back; a large panel is overkill for a wrist.
- Power and design. Higher output means shorter sessions. Cordless, wearable devices make it far easier to stick to a routine.
- Safety and quality. Look for proper build quality and, for premium panels, medical-grade registration. In Australia that means TGA registration.
- Trial and warranty. A money-back trial lets you test it on your own body, and a solid warranty shows the brand stands behind it.
New to red light therapy altogether? Start with our complete beginner's guide to red light therapy at home, then come back here to choose your device.
The main types of red light therapy device
Here is how the main device types compare, and roughly what each costs in the EliteRelief range.
| Device type | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|
| Wearable belt | Back, stomach, hips, thighs and everyday pain | $169.95 |
| Joint wrap | Knees, elbows and shoulders | $169.95 |
| Mini wrap | Wrists, ankles and small joints | $129.90 |
| Large pad | Broad areas across the back or legs | $299.95 |
| Panel (Pro range) | Full-body sessions and the most power, TGA registered | $824.95 |
Which red light therapy device is right for you?
The simplest way to choose is by what you want to fix.
For back and larger areas
A flexible belt is the most versatile first device. It wraps the lower back, stomach, hips or thighs and treats hands-free, so it is easy to stay consistent. This is the one we recommend for most people starting out.
Flexible 660nm and 850nm belt for the back and larger areas. Great value, over 490 five-star reviews.
For knees and joints
A cordless joint wrap ($169.95) is shaped to hug a knee, elbow or shoulder and stays put hands-free. For smaller joints like wrists and ankles, the mini wrap ($129.90) is the compact option. See our guide to red light therapy for knee pain for how to use it.
For full body and the most power
If you want to treat large areas, multiple spots, or your whole body in one session, a freestanding panel is the step up. The EliteRelief Pro Panel range is TGA registered as a medical device and delivers a fuller 9-wavelength spectrum, with sizes from the compact Mini up to the full-height Elite.
Medical-grade freestanding panel with a fuller 9-wavelength spectrum for full-body use.
What about wavelengths and power?
Whatever device you choose, make sure it pairs both 660nm (red, for surface tissue and skin) and 850nm (near-infrared, for deep muscle and joints). A device with only one wavelength does half the job.
Power matters too. Higher-output devices need shorter sessions to deliver the same dose, which is part of what separates the Pro range from entry devices. You do not need the most powerful device to get results, but more power gives you flexibility and faster sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best red light therapy device?
There is no single best device, only the best one for your need. A wearable belt suits most people with everyday pain, a joint wrap suits knees, and a panel suits full-body use.
Corded or cordless: which is better?
Cordless devices are easier to use and help you stay consistent, since you can move around while treating. Panels are usually mains-powered because they are larger and more powerful.
Are cheap red light therapy devices worth it?
Some are, but check the basics first: does it use both 660nm and 850nm, does it have enough power, and does it come with a trial and warranty? A very cheap single-wavelength device may underdeliver.
What does TGA registered mean?
It means the device is registered with Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration as a medical device, which involves meeting set standards. In the EliteRelief range, the Pro Panels and the Red Light Therapy Belt PRO are TGA registered.
Do I need a panel, or is a belt enough?
For targeted pain, a belt or wrap is usually plenty. Choose a panel if you want full-body sessions, the most power, or to treat several areas at once.
Still not sure? Start here
The belt suits most people, the panel is the full-body upgrade. Both backed by a 60-day risk-free trial.
60-Day Risk-Free Trial + Free Delivery. Up to 4 Years Warranty and Lifetime Support.
Prices are correct at time of writing and may change. For how red light therapy works and how to use it, see our beginner's guide to red light therapy at home.