13 Best Light Therapy Lamps for Dark Days

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A light therapy lamp can be a surprisingly effective tool for your emotional well-being, especially in the colder, darker months. Feelings of depression, fatigue, and disinterest in social activities that come around during the wintertime are typically caused by seasonal affective disorder (a.k.a. SAD, an apt acronym for the condition). It affects around 1 in 20 adults in the U.S., according to the American Psychiatric Association. While the exact cause of seasonal depression is still under investigation, it’s closely linked to a chemical change in the brain that happens when we aren’t exposed to enough sunlight, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

That’s where a light therapy lamp can help, though. Sometimes called SAD lamps, these devices emit light that’s similar to natural sunlight. Sitting in front of the light for 20 to 30 minutes every morning may help counteract that chemical change in the brain, boost your mood, and ease symptoms of SAD. In addition to getting some more movement into your days (like using a treadmill desk to get your steps in while you work), practicing mindfulness with a meditation app, and getting your thoughts down in a gratitude journal, a light therapy lamp is a low-risk way to fight the winter blues.

Here’s a look at how they work and where to find the best light therapy lamps this season.

The Best SAD Lamps:

• Best Overall: Verilux HappyLight Halo Cordless Light Therapy Lamp

• Best Budget: Verilux HappyLight Liberty Compact Light Therapy Energy Lamp

• Best for Remote Workers: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp

• Best Big Box Light: Northern Light Technologies Boxelite Bright Light Therapy Light Box

• Best Dual-Purpose Lamp: Verilux HappyLight Duo Light Therapy Desk Lamp

What Issues Can SAD Lamps Help Alleviate?

“SAD is a pattern of significant depressive symptoms that occur and then disappear with the changing of the seasons,” says Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author of Living With Depression. “It affects millions worldwide, primarily occurring in areas of higher latitudes from the equator, and it tends to be found more in females than males.”

Because winter days are so short, most people find themselves feeling affected by SAD due to a lack of exposure to natural sunlight. “Individuals with SAD often have an ultra-sensitive body clock, called circadian rhythm, which gets thrown off when exposed to less sunlight,” says Serani. “Though it can help to spend more time outdoors and use sunshine to your advantage, I always recommend patients to invest in light-therapy devices because they can better control the timing and dosage of artificial light.”

What to Consider

Size

Light therapy lamps can range from large, bulky lights that are the size of a desktop computer monitor to small, sleek, and even portable lamps you can take around the home.

In addition to wintertime use, frequent travelers may also find that packing and using a smaller SAD lamp can help lessen the impact of jet lag so that their circadian rhythm can better adapt to a new time zone.

Large SAD lamps and small SAD lamps each come with their own pros and cons. Figuring out which size light therapy lamp is best for you depends on where you plan to place it, how important portability is, and the quality of light you’re looking for (a lamp with a larger surface area tends to envelop you in a glow, which might be more comfortable than the spotlight-style lighting that can come from smaller lamps).

We've included the dimensions of each SAD lamp in this guide to help you get a sense of how big they are and if they would work for your space.

Light Power

With the few exceptions we've noted below, all of the SAD lamps in this guide are equipped with 10,000 lux light, which is the recommended standard for these products, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these models also include unique features like color temperature adjustment, different brightness levels, and timer functions, which may make them more comfortable and convenient for you to use.

Correct Use

To use a SAD lamp, you should place it about a foot away from you and face toward (without staring directly at) its light. When you do this on a morning schedule for up to 30 minutes a day, it has been shown to be an effective, low-side-effect supplement to one's morning routine. However, it's recommended that you consult with your doctor before using a light therapy device and not use it in place of regular medication or therapy.

How We Chose

To find the best light therapy lamps, we did a mix of hands-on testing and online research. We looked for lamps that were particularly popular with customers and (in most instances) had 10,000-lux intensity. We tested four light therapy lamps—two from Verilux, one from Northern Light Technologies, and one from Carex — to get a feel for the different qualities of light and different styles of devices. We also rounded out our review with other SAD lamps that have earned a following with customers online.

Here are the 13 best SAD lamps to help you find brighter days ahead.

HappyLight Halo Cordless Light Therapy Lamp

With its sleek cordless design, extremely adjustable positioning, multiple brightness and color temperature levels, a timer, and consistently comfortable glow, the Verilux HappyLight Halo Cordless Light Therapy Lamp beat out the competition as the best light therapy lamp. Its round light-emitting surface glows like a full moon, which feels downright pleasant on your face during 30-minute light therapy sessions. We want to use this lamp every day.

When we tried this lamp, we were particularly impressed by its magnetic base. It snaps right on the bottom of the lamp and stays firmly in place. You can move the base around to adjust the angle of the light however you need it. And since this lamp is powered by a rechargeable battery, you can carry it wherever you need it without tripping over cords or trying to find a free wall outlet. Its portability and pleasant light quality would make this lamp a great gift for the bookworm in your life.

Given the versatility of this device and the beautiful quality of its light, this is a lamp you’ll find yourself using for much more than light therapy. It would make an excellent reading lamp or even a handy spotlight for doing your make-up or lighting a dark corner of the kitchen as you’re cooking. At full charge, the lamp gives you up to 2 hours of continuous lighting. While we wish it had a little more battery power, it recharges quickly, so you won’t be in the darkness for long.

Says one reviewer, “This light is perfect for boosting my mood and happiness on those dreary days! It's easy to move around to whatever room I'm in! Love it!”

More: The Best Chunky Knit Blankets to Make Cold Days a Little Cozier

HappyLight Liberty Compact Light Therapy Energy Lamp

The Verilux HappyLight Liberty Compact Light Therapy Energy Lamp is a great starter SAD lamp for its small size and affordability. Just turn it on shortly after waking up and use it while getting ready (or even while you stretch or brush your teeth) to help reduce your cold-weather fatigue.

It has an on/off switch on the back with no timer or color-temperature functionalities, but it's incredibly lightweight and small enough to stow away easily. This is the SAD lamp model that we’ve used for the last few winters, and we love how simple and no-frills it is.

Customers say this light has been an incredible addition to rooms with little to no sunlight. Says one reviewer, “My room has one widow that does not receive sunlight. This happy light has helped me focus and increase my mood, mental health, and work ethic.”

BOXelite Light Therapy Lamp

An alternative to the other Northern Light Technologies light therapy lamp on our list, this SAD device uses glare-free fluorescent bulbs to provide optimal, comfortable light. It’s small, but powerful—a great light therapy lamp to put on your work desk or nightstand.

We love how simple it is to prop up on a surface and begin a light therapy session, although we also think it would be nice if you could adjust the brightness level. Still, given the power and durability of this lamp (plus its lengthy 7-year warranty), we think this is a compelling option to consider for those with a decent budget who want something effective and long-lasting.

Customers who’ve been using light therapy lamps for years say that this is the one to get. Says one reviewer, “I highly recommend this light and I have over 8 years experience using light boxes.”

Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp

The Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp is a fantastic device if you want to treat SAD while working at your desk. It actually resembles a computer monitor, so it won’t look out of place on your desk. It seems like it was tailor-made to be used during the workday.

We were able to adjust the height tall enough so the lamp was face-level while we worked on a laptop. We also loved it had a slight downward tilt in its default setting, so the angle of the light hit just right without the need to fuss over it. If it doesn’t work for you, you can easily change it by pressing down the adjustment button and manually tilting the lamp face.

Setting up the lamp was a piece of cake. All we had to do was screw the neck into the V-shaped base, plug it into a wall, and flick the switch to either the low or high brightness setting to begin our first light therapy session with the Carex lamp.

Reviewers who live in places with very little sunlight in the dark months say that this SAD lamp is a seasonal fixture in their homes. As one person says, “I started using this light every morning with wonderful results… The light also has two modes so that it can be used as a work light to do projects or crafts. It is large, but I wanted something bigger, so it was perfect for my needs.”

Boxelite Bright Light Therapy Light Box

Ever wondered what it might feel like to be a lizard basking in the sunshine? We felt just like a sunbathing reptile when we stood in front of the Northern Light Technologies BOXelite Bright Light Therapy Light Box for 30 minutes.

This lamp has one of the largest light panels — 15 x 12 inches — of all the lamps we tested. As a result, you can get a big dose of light therapy without standing too close to the light. You can also adjust the angle to exactly what you need, thanks to the five height settings and swivel stand. We found the setup to be fairly simple — just screw in the knobs to attach the metal stand to the light panel, and you’re in business! While we wish it had a few adjustable brightness settings, we appreciate the simplicity of the lamp’s single on/off switch. It’s a powerful, easy way to get effective light therapy first thing in the morning.

Customers also say this stage light-style lamp is a serious upgrade over the more portable light therapy devices they’ve tried. Says one reviewer, “This SAD lamp is really great — I've found it much more effective than the smaller (and much lower priced) units on the market. I only wish I had upgraded to this long ago.”

HappyLight Duo Light Therapy Desk Lamp

Verilux offers light therapy for your work-from-home set-up with this HappyLight Duo lamp. At first glance, we thought the gooseneck lamp looked like a simple, sleek desk lamp that Apple might have designed — perfect for a streamlined office. But this stylish device also packs a punch of 10,000-lux light that can improve your mood, boost your focus, ease eye strain, and increase your energy levels. Simply reposition the neck of the lamp to aim the light at your face, and voila—your everyday desk lamp is now a weapon against seasonal depression.

There are a lot of other features you’ll love about this light therapy desk lamp, too. It has three different color light temperatures and seven brightness settings you can control with the simple buttons at the base. Throughout our testing, we loved how responsive the flat buttons were to a gentle finger tap. It’s equipped with a USB charging port so you can juice up your phone during your light therapy sessions. Plus, it’s backed by a three-year warranty. We think this item would make a welcome addition to your home office or a great gift for a remote worker.

Customers say the Verilux HappyLight Duo Light Therapy Desk Lamp has been a game-changer for helping them feel their best while working remotely. Says one reviewer, “I genuinely think I feel better, lighter, [and] cheerier after I've been working by my HappyLight Duo for several hours.”

Light Therapy Lamp

As SAD lamps continue to grow in popularity, these products are starting to look less like medical devices and more like chic accent lights, as the MediAcous Light Therapy Lamp does. As one reviewer says, this SAD lamp “sets a very gentle mood in our home.” Its smooth, round shape even mimics the look of the sun in the sky.

This circular light-therapy lamp is the size of a small makeup mirror at just over 6 inches in diameter. You can toggle between four brightness levels, four color temperatures, and on/off functions with just two simple buttons on the back. The control panel also has a timer function that can turn the lamp off after 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Plus, it has a smart memory function that remembers the last setting you used on the lamp.

Light Therapy Lamp

If you travel often and you want to pack a little sunshine in your suitcase, check out the Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp. This small-but-mighty lightbox is just over 3 inches tall and sits on its own adjustable stand that you can raise easily into position. It’s powered by a USB cable, so you can take it pretty much anywhere.

This SAD lamp has a one-touch operation that turns the lamp on and toggles through three different brightness—the highest brightness level is 10,000 lux. We also like its white-and-orange color scheme, which stands out from the monochromatic pack.

While you might find it too small for everyday at-home use, this travel-friendly SAD lamp is the perfect option to take on the go. Says one reviewer, “The lights are well-focused. So glad I found this before an upcoming business trip.”

3 Light Therapy Glasses

If your mornings are more get-up-and-go, or you're a frequent jetsetter with little space to spare for packing a SAD lamp with you, the Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses are a portable and hassle-free solution. Wear them while brushing your teeth, cooking breakfast, or getting ready for the day. Or give them as gifts for the travelers in your life.

These fit over your ears but sit at eyebrow level, so you can keep your regular specs on. They send light to the photoreceptors in your eyes while keeping your vision unobstructed. It’s worth noting that these don’t provide the recommended 10,000 lux intensity for treating SAD, which would probably be way too intense, considering the proximity of the lamp to your eyes. But the brand says you’ll start noticing improvements in your wellbeing from wearing these glasses for just 30 minutes each morning for a week, though.

As one reviewer says of their effectiveness, “For me, it makes morning grogginess a thing of the past... It’s almost comparable to drinking a cup of coffee or two.”

HappyLight Touch Plus Light Therapy Lamp

The Verilux HappyLight Touch Plus Light Therapy Lamp is the winning combination of sleek-looking and easy to use. It weighs in at around 2.5 pounds and is as slim and lightweight as a Kindle e-book reader. It’s equipped with a barely-there stand that you can use to prop the lamp on a desk, nightstand, or any other convenient surface.

You can toggle between the SAD lamp’s three brightness levels and two color temperatures with the intuitive control buttons on the bottom of the panel. You can set a timer for your light therapy sessions right from this device in 10-minute increments, all the way up to an hour.

Customers love its small shape and very intuitive design that nearly anyone can figure out instantly. This also makes it easy to integrate into daily life—as one person notes, “It’s part of my morning office routine and is better than coffee. It barely takes up any space on my desk. The timer means I don't have to worry about leaving it on if I get called away."

While this lamp was designed for light therapy, we also think it could work well as a gift for a beauty lover who wants a make-up light for their vanity.

DayBright Light Therapy Lamp

If you don't want to hide your SAD lamp away in a drawer when you're not using it, opt for one that looks like an arty decor object. The Sunrise Sensations DayBright Light Therapy Lamp is an investment-worthy piece with an intriguing geometric frame that's made from FSC-certified wood. Its design alone would enhance a meditation corner or the mood of a bedroom, so consider giving it as a gift for a yogi or meditation lover.

This multifaceted light therapy lamp emits 5,000 to 10,000 lux light from its numerous panels, giving it a wider light range than flat-screened devices provide. It also comes with its own remote that allows you to adjust everything from the brightness to the color temperature in one convenient place. The controller can also be used for multiple lights, in case you're interested in putting a few around your home.

One reviewer touts this light therapy lamp by calling it “an attractive alternative to the rectangular standup lights. The remote is handy, and it brightens up the whole room!”

Light Therapy Lamp

At first glance, no one would ever guess that this sculptural table lamp is actually a SAD lamp. It looks more like a fancy piece of desk art for an executive than a therapeutic device (so it could make a great gift for your boss). Within three concentric circles, the ALBINA Light Therapy Lamp projects a sunlight-like glow at a comfortable height.

This lamp has four timer settings (10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes), multiple brightness levels, and three color temperatures, so you have more than enough flexibility with how you want to enjoy its bright light during the darker months. As one reviewer says, "I really liked that this light was decorative. I placed it in my kitchen window, and it has really helped lift my spirits."

Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock

If you’re not dealing with seasonal depression, but you find waking up to be a major challenge in the darker months, take a look at the JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock. While it doesn’t offer the 10,000-lux intensity used for treating SAD, it can mimic the sunrise and sunset to make wake-up calls and your bedtime wind-down routine feel much more natural.

This lamp features 20 brightness levels, seven different light colors, seven relaxing soundscapes, and an FM radio function. It can even be used as a night light or reading lamp. Kids will love picking a new sunrise color to wake up to every morning.

While this device is technically a sunrise alarm clock (it only emits around 200 lux), its gradual morning glow can help gently rouse you, even when the world outside is still dark.

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