
Whereas most light therapy lamps are shaped like tablets or boxes, this one looks like a classic floor lamp. Our tester loved that this lamp offered bright overhead light, thanks to its height and its floor lamp design. Of all the light therapy lamps we tested, the Lavish Home Floor Lamp was the best at diffusing light across the room. “While using the lamp, I was consistently sleeping throughout the night without waking up.” This pattern continued every night of the test, leading our tester to feel more well-rested and alert every morning, which is why he gave the lamp a score of 4.5 out of 5 for sleep quality. “ I often wake up during the night, even when I have no trouble falling asleep,” he said. After the first day of using the lamp, our tester reported a night of uninterrupted sleep-which was unusual for him. Though this lamp didn’t impact our tester’s mood, it did seem to dramatically improve his sleep quality. He noted that the table lamp is also easy to move around, thanks to its 3.25-pound weight and its long power cord. Unsurprisingly, our tester found this lamp “very easy to use.” “Simply plug it in, open the stand on the back, and push the big button on the front,” he said. Turn it on, and you’ll get 10,000 lux of light. The no-frills lamp has just one brightness setting. But its beginner-friendly design and accessible price point make it a great option for people who want to give light therapy lamps a try without commitment. The Carex Light Therapy Lamp isn’t made from durable materials or packed with fancy features. And while the lamp didn’t seem to impact our tester’s sleep quality, it did slightly boost her mood. Throughout our five-day test, this lamp made our tester feel more alert and energized, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its energy-boosting effect. She also loved that the lamp’s long power cord made it easy to use in different places. “I love that this light therapy lamp has a lever that lets you tilt it back or forward, so you can get the exact angle that you want when positioning the light,” our tester wrote. And its adjustable base makes it easy to angle. At 12.5 inches tall and 6.25 inches wide, it’s small enough to place on your table, desk, or nightstand. The lamp is also compact and easy to use. Our tester did exactly this: At the start of our test, she preferred the dimmer setting because she found the brighter one “a little too intense.” But by day four, she preferred the brighter setting and found it more effective. Thankfully, the lamp comes with two brightness settings, so it’s easy to start with the dimmer setting and work your way up to the brighter one.


That’s the recommended light intensity for a light therapy lamp, but it may seem harsh at first. The Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp was one of the most effective lamps we tested, boosting our tester’s energy level every time she used it.Īt its brightest, the lamp delivers 10,000 lux of light. And they also assessed the lamps for design, ease of use, and value.Īccording to our test, here are the best light therapy lamps on the market.

Every day, testers noted their mood, energy level, and sleep quality before and after using their lamp. Each tester assessed one lamp at a time, using that lamp for 30 minutes daily for five straight days. To find the best light therapy lamps, we tested 15 top-rated options at home, performing five-day tests to find the eight best lamps. A good light therapy lamp should suit your space, offer 10,000 lux of light exposure, and make it easy to adjust brightness when needed. And though it’s unclear how light therapy works, some suspect the bright light exposure may boost serotonin (the “happy chemical” that naturally occurs in our bodies) or reset our circadian rhythms. As you shop for light therapy lamps, consider size, style, light intensity, and brightness settings. Regular light therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of SAD, depression, and other mood disorders. Our Best Budget pick, the Carex Light Therapy Lamp, has a no-frills design and wallet-friendly price point. Our Best Overall pick, the Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp, is compact, user-friendly, and effective.
